Joel M. Snyder, M.D.

Dr. Snyder is a board certified pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He received his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in zoology from the University of Maryland. Then he received his medical degree from the University of Maryland, School of Medicine. His pediatric training was done at Children’s Hospital/University of Colorado in Denver Colorado. He also spent a year there as chief resident in pediatrics. Dr. Snyder then went on to do a two-year fellowship in child development at Children’s Hospital Medical Center/Harvard in Boston Massachusetts. He then moved his wife and three children to San Diego to take a position as Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

In 1983 he began in the private practice of pediatrics which he continues today. In the intervening years, in addition to an active clinical practice, Dr. Snyder has been Chief of Pediatrics at Grossmont Hospital, Chief of Staff of Pediatrics at Alvarado Hospital and chairman of the bioethics committee at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego. Dr. Snyder is currently senior staff at Rady Children’s Hospital, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital, and Sharp Grossmont Hospital.

“My job is to be your consultant, to try to keep you as informed as possible about your child’s health, illnesses, and development. Each age, from infancy to the young adult, is unique, filled with amazing behaviors and challenges for the children as well as their families. My joy is to be a partner with you in this process. There is no such thing as a silly question. Any question you have is important.”

Karen A. McGowan, M.D.

Dr. McGowan is a board certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She received her medical undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at University of California, San Diego. She received her medical degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine where she graduated with honors. She then completed her internship and residency training at University of California, San Diego Medical Center. Dr. McGowan is on the Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Children with Disabilities.

“I enjoy working with both my patients and their parents. I strive to treat my patients and parents as I would like to have my daughters and myself treated- with respect, intelligence, and a bit of humor.”

Dr. Hafid Mantilla

Dr. Mantilla is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of pediatrics. He received his undergraduate degree with a major in neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his medical degree from University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at AdventHealth in Orlando, Florida.

“Through residency and as a practicing pediatrician, he has enjoyed teaching (medical students, nurse practitioner students, physician assistant students). He is also a bilingual provider, providing care in English and Spanish.”

Kaitlin Phelan, CPNP

Kaitlin is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of San Diego. She began her career in Boston, MA, working with children with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs, where she learned first hand from incredible families, children and experts on the importance of family centered care. Kaitlin is passionate about approaching each child and family with an individualized approach to ensure they receive high quality, evidence based care that meets all of their unique needs. Kaitlin has a broad range of experience in community and public health, mental health, palliative care, and pediatrics, and is particularly passionate about promoting resilience in children. In her free time, Kaitlin enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places with friends and family, and doing yoga.

Danielle Patterson, CPNP

I have been practicing Pediatrics in San Diego for 20+ years, both at Rady’s Children’s Hospital and outpatient. I enjoy seeing my little patients grow into young adults and helping in the process. As a mother of 3 girls, I love to combine my Medical, Nursing and Mother’s experience to help my patients and parents achieve their goals as healthy families. I strive for parents to leave each visit well informed, empowered, and with the resources to better care for their kids. I love kids and feel so blessed to be a part of their lives.

Lauren McMichael, CPNP

Lauren is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She earned her graduate degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with her undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Miami, and another undergraduate degree in health education from the University of Florida. She has been practicing pediatrics for over 10 years in a variety of settings. When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids exploring all the things San Diego has to offer.