Our Fellows

Current Fellows

Third Year Fellow

Lauren Palicki, D.O.

Lauren is originally from Buffalo, NY. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with a minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University at Buffalo. She attended medical school at LECOM in Erie, PA. Lauren completed her residency training in Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center and graduated with distinction in community health and advocacy. She then served as a Pediatric Chief Resident and clinical instructor in General Pediatrics prior to starting her fellowship in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, cooking, DIY home projects, exploring local restaurants and breweries, and checking out all of the festivals Rochester has to offer.

First Year Fellows

Sarah Pranaitis, D.O.

Sarah is originally from Connecticut. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a dual-major in Philosophy, from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. She then went on to medical school at Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN. Afterwards, Sarah completed her residency training in Pediatrics at the University at Buffalo prior to starting her fellowship in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, baking, and exploring new areas.

Rebekah Roll, M.D.

Rebekah Roll is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana where she earned her degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology. She graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2021 with a concentration in public health. Rebekah completed her Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency at the University of Rochester in 2025 with concentrations in leadership, medical education, and research. During her DBP fellowship, Rebekah intends to focus on transitional care for people with disabilities. Alongside her career, Bekah enjoys spending time with her partner, Brett, and their German Shepherd, Milly. She also hosts a local monthly book club where she reads things that have absolutely nothing to do with medicine!baking, and exploring new areas.

Recent Graduates

Caroline Kirby, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

Adriana Verwey, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

Emily J. Knight, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

Past Graduates

Jennifer T. Herrera, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Robert C. Nutt, M.D., M.P.H.
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Clinic for Special Needs Children, Wilmington, NC

Abigail Kroening, M.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

Stephanie Straka, D.O.
Attending, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA

Jara Johnson, D.O., M.P.H.
Faculty/Clinical Instructor
Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, NY

Kimberly Johnson, M.D.
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Mary Bridge Children’s, Tacoma, WA

Jessica Reiffer, M.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

Melissa Thingvoll, M.D., PLLC
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Asheville Behavioral Health, Asheville, NC