Our Fellows

Current Fellows

Second 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.

First Year Fellow

Kayla Distin, D.O.

Kayla is originally from Fulton, NY. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a dual major in Child & Family Studies from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She attended medical school at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lillington, NC. She completed Pediatrics residency training at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters through Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA prior to starting her fellowship in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, taking her labrador (Louie) on adventures, and staying active outdoors. She hopes to enjoy Adirondack and Finger Lakes weekends in addition to exploring local Rochester culture.

Recent Graduates

Lauren K. Palicki, D.O.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

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

Past Graduates

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

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