Our Team
Our Center brings together a team of talented individuals from clinical research, laboratory research, basic science and the community to propel our mission.
Center Faculty and Instructors
Michael J. Rosen, MD, MSCI
Stanford University Endowed Professor for Pediatric IBD and Celiac Disease; Director, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Center for IBD and Celiac Disease
Dr. Michael J. Rosen is a pediatric gastroenterologist and physician scientist, who has been devoted to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research since beginning medical training over 20 years ago. He serves as the Director of the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Center for IBD and Celiac Disease. Dr. Rosen has expertise crossing mucosal immunology and epithelial biology, formal training and experience in clinical and translational investigation with human biospecimens, and direct insight regarding the important clinical challenges caring for children with complicated IBD. His translational research program focuses on how the immune system regulates epithelial function in chronic intestinal inflammation as it relates to IBD. Dr. Rosen’s clinical research program has focused on optimization of anti-TNF therapy in pediatric IBD. His research laboratory has demonstrated a protective role for IL33, a cytokine that induces type 2 cytokines from T cells an innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), in acute oxazolone colitis through preservation of epithelial goblet cells and barrier function. In line with this finding, his research has also shown in a large prospective patient cohort that mucosal expression of type 2 and type 17 immune response genes distinguishes ulcerative colitis (UC) from colon-only Crohn’s disease, and that type 2 gene expression is associated with superior clinical outcome in pediatric UC. The Rosen laboratory has now developed an organoid-immune cell in vitro culture system to demonstrate the ILC2-dependent mechanism through which IL33 induces goblet cell differentiation in the intestinal epithelium. Dr. Rosen led the multicenter study Anti-TNF for Refractory Colitis in Hospitalized Children (ARCH) Study, and he currently Co-Chairs the Crohn's & Colitis Foundations Cohort for Pediatric Translational and Clinical Research in IBD (CAPTURE IBD) and PRO-KIIDS Pediatric IBD clinical research network.
Dorsey Bass, MD
Associate Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Dr. Dorsey Bass received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, then proceeded on to complete residency and fellowship training in the city of Boston at Boston City Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, respectively. His professional expertise is in the management and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in children, particularly inflammatory bowel disease. His research background includes more than 15 years in basic and clinical virology of diarrheal agents and more recently a strong interest in cost effective quality care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. His research experience and more than 25 years of practical clinical work inform his work to find a more appropriate therapy for acute and chronic C. difficile colitis.
Rachel Bensen, MD, MPH
Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Dr. Rachel Bensen is a Clinical Associate Professor with Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her clinical work currently focuses on care of children, teens and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease and transplant – including chronic GI diseases, requiring long term therapy, usually with immunosuppressive medications. She is currently a co-investigator on a project entitled “Bay Area Implementation of NICH (Novel Interventions in Children’s Healthcare)” that is funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust and aims to provide additional support to children and their families with complex and chronic conditions. The proposed project fits well with her interests in improvement science and clinical hepatology experience. The proposed project is an innovative approach to promote early diagnosis and early intervention in a structured, well studied fashion which has the potential to have a meaningful impact on children born with biliary atresia.
Alka Goyal, MD
Clinical Professor; Interim Associate Chief of Clinical Affairs; Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Dr. Alka Goyal is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine, and the Interim Associate Chief of Clinical Affairs for the Pediatric Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Dr. Goyal has extensive research experience in both clinical and translational research; she is the co-PI and co-I on several active research studies, such as prospective, retrospective, and observational studies. Dr. Goyal’s training under the mentorship of Dr. Deborah Rubin at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri laid a strong foundation for her in basic science research. It is here during her research fellowship that she studied the “Role of Epimorphin on Gut Morphogenesis.” Dr. Goyal then worked as a full-time clinical faculty at University of Pittsburgh. Here, she had the opportunity to serve as a site investigator or co-investigator in several multicenter clinical-translational studies. Dr. Goyal gained expertise in clinical translational research in children by active participation in several multicenter studies including Very Early Onset IBD (NEOPICS), RISK (Risk Stratification and Identification of Immunogenetic and Microbial Markers of Rapid Disease Progression in Children with Crohn’s Disease), PROTECT (Predicting Response to Standardized Pediatric Colitis Therapy) and autologous stem cell transplant in medically refractory Crohn’s disease. Dr. Goyal also conducted a single center study under an IND on the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota transplantation in inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Goyal was the site PI for the PRODUCE (Personalized Research on Diet in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease) study and NIH funded “Growth Study” until her move to Stanford University in January 2020. Dr. Goyal’s goal is to provide state of the art comprehensive care to our young patients suffering from IBD using the least immunosuppressive regimens.
Jonathan Moses, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition; Endowed IBD Medical Director, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Center for IBD and Celiac Disease
Dr. Jonathan Moses is a clinical associate professor of pediatric gastroenterology and the Inaugural Medical Director of the IBD Program at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. He completed his medical education at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2005, followed by a residency in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio in 2008. Dr. Moses further honed his expertise through a fellowship at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Children's Pediatric Gastroenterology Department in 2012. With his extensive training and experience, Dr. Moses is well-equipped to provide expert care and specialized treatment to young patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
Ana Vanessa Wren, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Dr. Anava Wren is a Clinical Associate Professor in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Stanford University School of Medicine. She serves as a core faculty member in the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Center for IBD and Celiac Disease. Dr. Wren’s clinical and research work focuses on developing IBD psychosocial programs and improving the lives of youth with IBD. Dr. Wren has built an IBD psychology service that provides psychological assessment and treatment to youth with IBD. Her research has focused on the systematic collection of psychological and pain-related patient reported outcomes in Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Center for IBD and Celiac Disease, piloting pain and stress management interventions for youth with IBD, and examining psychological, pain, and other key IBD outcomes among pediatric IBD populations in large datasets. Dr. Wren’s overarching research to date has focused on: 1) exploring the relationship between psychological, physical, and medical outcomes among chronic illness and chronic pain populations; and 2) the application of novel psychosocial interventions for patients experiencing persistent pain, chronic illnesses, and psychiatric concerns across the lifespan (i.e., children, adolescents, adults). This research has resulted in over 30 peer-reviewed publications.
Ann Ming Yeh, MD
Clinical Professor, Pediatrics- Gastroenterology
Dr. Ann Ming Yeh is a Clinical Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Stanford University. Her research focuses on diet therapies, nutrition, and integrative medicine in pediatric gastroenterology. She has presented her work on various topics at national meetings and completed a two-year fellowship in integrative medicine. Dr. Yeh takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to patient care and is a board-certified medical acupuncturist. She currently serves as the program director for the Pediatric Integrative Medicine fellowship at Stanford.
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Center Staff
Esveidy Flores-Avila
Medical Assistant specializing in IBD and celiac disease
Esveidy Flores-Avila is a highly skilled Certify Medical Assistant (CMA) who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. With a passion for patient care, Esveidy plays a crucial role in assisting healthcare providers and ensuring smooth operations in medical settings. She is well-versed in performing various clinical tasks, including taking vital signs, coordinating visits with all our team members and assisting with admin tasks. Esveidy's friendly demeanor and excellent communication skills create a welcoming environment for patients, putting them at ease during their visits. Her attention to detail and strong organizational abilities contribute to efficient workflow and patient satisfaction. Esveidy Flores-Avila's dedication and proficiency make her an invaluable asset in the field of medical assisting.
Alexandra Ixta-Gutierrez, ASW
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Alexandra Ixta-Gutierrez is a dedicated social work professional with a Master of Social Work from California State University, Stanislaus and over six years of experience supporting children, families, and vulnerable populations. Alexandra served as a San Joaquin County Child Protective Services social worker for over four years, managing complex caseloads in the Permanent Placement Program, performing critical safety and risk assessments, developing case plans, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to secure long-term well-being for her clients.
Alexandra brings a strong foundation in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices, honed through roles in county and nonprofit settings, including Pacific Homecare Services and the Parent Resource Center. Her internship with a child welfare law office further expanded her skills in advocacy and legal collaboration.
As an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), Alexandra is fluent in Spanish and passionate about fostering resilience, supporting foster youth, and advancing toward her License Clinical Social Work (LCSW) with a focus on medical or clinical social work.
Lisa Henegar, RN
Registered nurse specializing in IBD and celiac disease
Lisa Henegar is a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with over 10 years of nursing experience. With a strong educational background and dedication to patient care, Lisa has made a significant impact in her role as an RN. She has a deep understanding of various medical conditions and is adept at providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Lisa's commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that she stays abreast of the latest advancements in healthcare practices, delivering evidence-based care. With her expertise and empathetic nature, Lisa Henegar is a trusted and valued member of the nursing profession.
Lia Kapelke, RN
Registered nurse specializing in IBD and celiac disease
Lia Kapelke is a highly skilled Registered Nurse (RN) that started working at Lucile Packard in 2020 on the inpatient side and currently, in the IBD/Clinic in 2021 . With a BS from UC Davis and a Bachelor of Nursing from George Washington University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Amelia is dedicated to providing personalized care to her patients and building trust with them and their families. She is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in medical science, ensuring that she delivers evidence-based care. Amelia Kapelke's professionalism and commitment make her a valued member of the nursing profession.
Alison Borrman, MSN, RN, C-PN
Nurse Practitioner specializing in IBD and Celiac Disease
Alison Borrman is a pediatric nurse practitioner in the IBD and Celiac Disease Center at Stanford Children's Health. She received her MSN from the University of California - San Francisco in 2018 and is board certified through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. She serves as the legislative co-chair of the Bay Area chapter of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners. She has been dedicated to the care of Children with IBD and celiac disease since 2020.
Farah Mardini, RD
Registered dietician specializing in IBD and celiac disease
Farah Mardini is a Clinical Dietitian at Stanford Children's Health, specializing in pediatric celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Farah received her B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology from UC Berkeley, then completed a clinical dietetic internship at UC Davis Medical Center. With her education, as well as past and current roles, she advises people on the matters of food and nutrition and how they both greatly impact an individual’s health.
Kristina Wetterich, RD
Clinical dietician specializing in pediatric celiac disease
Kristina Wetterich is a Clinical Dietitian at Stanford Children's Health, specializing in pediatric celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and eating disorders. Kristina received her B.S. in Health and Nutrition Sciences from Brooklyn College and completed a clinically focused dietetic internship at New York-Presbyterian. Kristina provides evidenced-based nutrition care that is both approachable and empowering for children and families navigating complex health conditions.
Kaylie Nguyen, RN, MS, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with special interest in integrative approaches to health
Kaylie Kim Chi Nguyen is a skilled specialist in Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and Hepatology, with an educational background including an MS from UCSF in 2004, an RN degree from UCSF in 2001, and a BS from UCSD in 1996. They are board-certified by the PNCB and have made significant contributions to the field through publications on IBD Nutrition and the comparative effectiveness of diets in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Kaylie Nguyen, dedicated to improving patient care, is recognized with the Rose Award in 2010, reflecting their commitment to gastroenterology research and better outcomes for patients.
Martina Rigmaiden, PharmD, BCPPS
Advanced Clincial Pharmacist
Martina Rigmaiden is a highly accomplished Advanced Clinical Pharmacist with a wealth of experience in Pediatric Clinical Pharmacy. She has been a part of the Stanford Children’s organization in the Pharmacy department for over 20 years, involved in various Pharmacy roles. Martina earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of the Pacific in 2016. She completed a Pediatric Pharmacy Residency at Stanford Children’s Hospital in 2017 and is a Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist. With a strong educational background and expertise in pharmacotherapy, Martina plays a crucial role in optimizing medication therapy and thus patient care. She works closely with healthcare teams to develop medication guidelines, protocols, and implement individualized medication regimens, ensuring the best outcomes for patients. Martina's deep understanding of the evolving IBD medication landscape, drug interactions, dosing, adherence, side effects, complications, insurance coverage challenges, and treatment protocols enables her to provide evidence-based recommendations and ensure medication safety. Her excellent communication skills allow her to effectively educate patients and healthcare professionals on complete medication management. Martina’s commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and her expertise in advanced pediatric pharmacotherapy make her an invaluable asset in the field of clinical pharmacy.
Kristen Wiley
Clinical Coordinator
Kristen Wiley is a highly skilled Clinical Coordinator known for her exceptional organizational abilities and commitment to excellence. With a strong background in healthcare administration, Kristen plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of clinical departments. Her attention to detail and strategic planning skills contribute to efficient patient scheduling and resource allocation. Kristen's effective communication and interpersonal skills allow her to collaborate seamlessly with healthcare professionals and staff, facilitating optimal patient care. Her dedication to maintaining regulatory compliance and implementing quality improvement initiatives makes her a valuable asset in overseeing clinical operations. Kristen Wiley's expertise and leadership qualities make her a trusted Clinical Coordinator in the healthcare industry.