Chiari Malformation Care Team

Dr. Maher is the Botha Chan Endowed Professor at Stanford University's School of Medicine and he is the chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery. He is board certified in Pediatric Neurosurgery.

Areas of expertise:Chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, spasticity, spina bifida, spine trauma, spinal dysraphism, tethered cord syndrome

Dr. Mahaney is interested in advancing neuro-endoscopic techniques.

Areas of expertise:Chiari malformation, endoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus and craniofacial anomalies (CFA)

Dr. Phillips is a pediatric neurosurgeon. He is an assistant professor of Neurosurgery at the Stanford University Medical Center. 

Areas of expertise:Pediatric epilepsy surgery, robotic-assisted stereotactic neurosurgery, neuromodulation, laser ablation, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, Chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, spasticity, spina bifida, spine trauma, spinal dysraphism, tethered cord syndrome, vascular anomalies

Dr. Prolo is an assistant professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her research and clinical focus are on pediatric brain tumors and on improving outcomes and quality in pediatric neurosurgery. She is board certified in Pediatric Neurosurgery.

Areas of expertise:Craniosynostosis, brain tumors, and congenital disorders

Melissa Ballard is a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) specializing in the care of hospitalized children, with an emphasis in the acute care setting. She is also a member of NAPNAP.

May Casazza is a certified pediatric neurosurgery nurse practitioner with extensive experience working with pediatric intensive care patients.

Stephanie Choi is a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) specializing in the care of children with special health care needs with an emphasis in adolescent health care. Her previous experience includes working as a neurosurgery PNP at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, California.

Diana Poon is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) with extensive experience working with pediatric intensive care patients. She is also a certified critical care nurse and a member of NAPNAP.

Camly Slawson is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP). She is part of our neurosurgery outreach team and sees patients at John Muir Health.

Sarah Tanquary is a Physician Assistant, certified by the National Commission of Certification of PAs.