Eric Berger M.D., FAAP - Pediatrician (Owner and Founder)

Even though he is a relative newcomer to Philadelphia, Dr. Eric Berger is proud to open the first new general pediatrics office in Center City in more than 15 years. In 1998 he came to Philly to train in Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with every intention of returning to jobs waiting for him in his hometown, Atlanta, Georgia. However, he became firmly planted here within 2 years after falling in love with Center City and his now wife, Melissa.

Experience

Prior to starting CCP in 2008, he worked as a full-time general pediatrician at a pediatric practice in NE Philadelphia and as a part-time pediatric hospitalist at Holy Redeemer Hospital. During that period, he taught University of Pennsylvania medical students, fulfilled his requirements for board certification in developmental pediatrics, and spearheaded the AAP Medical Home Project. Dr Berger also helped start a part-time developmental pediatrics specialty clinic at Special People in the Northeast which he hopes to one day to resume at CCP.

Philosophy

In starting Center City Pediatrics, Dr. Berger hopes to utilize technology and his experience to build a comprehensive, collaborative, family centered general pediatrics practice located 6 blocks from his home in Fitler Square.

Education

Dr. Berger attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he majored in History and earned the school's highest award for service and academic achievement. He then attended medical school at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine on a full academic scholarship. He completed his general pediatrics training in 1998 at Emory University School of Medicine, where he was recognized for earning the top score in his residency class on his general pediatrics board certification exam.

Personal

In addition to developmentally focused general pediatrics, he is interested in international travel. He has given medical lectures in China, run a pediatric ward in Zambia, Africa, and most recently, served as medical director on a trip to Israel for young adults with special needs.

Dr. Berger lives with his wife, Melissa, who is a pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and their son, Benjamin Harry.

Cynthia Warren M.D., FAAP - Pediatrician

Coincidence, or luck, if you prefer, has brought Dr. Cynthia Warren to Center City Pediatrics.  In the fall of 2007 her husband, Dr. Wilbert Warren, knew he had to move his thriving internal medicine practice.  While negotiating for adjacent medical office spaces on the 3rd Floor of 1740 South Street, he and Dr. Berger met.   Knowing that Dr. Warren’s wife was an outstanding pediatrician, Dr. Berger suggested that she and her husband should commute to work together.  Seven months later, this little tactic paid off—Dr. Warren has decided to join Center City Pediatrics located next to her husband’s office, and Center City Pediatrics is thrilled to have her with us.

EDUCATION

Dr. Warren graduated Cum Laude and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Howard University in 1988. She went on to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree (1992).  In 1995 she completed her pediatric residency training at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children where she was awarded the Henry W. Baird Award for excellence in teaching, spirit of inquiry, and compassion for patients and their families.

EXPERIENCE

After completing her residency, Dr. Warren accepted a position at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children’s outpatient clinic.  She has worked in this academic setting for 12 years, treating children and teaching medical students and residents.  For 6 years, she served as medical director for outpatient services.

PERSONAL

Dr. Warren is married to Wilbert Warren, MD, an internist and 3rd floor office neighbor.  They are the proud parents of two wonderful children.  In addition to her family, she is devoted to her church where she serves as co-leader of both the Preschool Ministry and the Health Team Ministry.  Dr. Warren looks forward to joining Center City Pediatrics and continuing her long-held passion for pediatric education and partnering with families to optimize the care of all children.

Sharon Somekh M.D., FAAP - Pediatrician

Dr. Sharon has wanted to be pediatrician since 12 yrs of age. In high school she worked tutoring kids. In college at SUNY Binghamton, she volunteered at the local hospital and helped run the school ambulance service. In medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University she was the focused student - knowing that she wanted to be a great pediatrician one day. She was so focused that her husband, who is now an ENT /laryngologist specialist, described her as the quiet "nerdy' student always asking questions in the front of the class.

This didn't stop them from falling in love in medical school. Nor did it stop Dr. Sharon from pursuing other interests. While finishing medical school and pediatric training in Syracuse NY, she worked as a substitute teacher for elementary children, developed a business making personalized stationary, and most importantly had 2 beautiful little girls, Lital and Gefen.

Although being the "book worm" in class, gave her a solid foundation in medicine, she claims that her role as a mother has been the most pivotal component of her development as a pediatrician. From experience she has become an expert on infant nutrition, colic, sleep, willful children, and reluctantly, princess culture.

Prior to joining CCP, Dr. Sharon worked at a large practice in Liverpool, NY (outside of Syracuse). She worked with multiple seasoned pediatricians, from whom she learned a complement of "old time techniques" to combine with her up to date training. During this time she also precepted medical and physician assistant students.

She is now thrilled to be in Philadelphia and to have joined CCP, which shares her care philosophy and "community practice" feel.

Reza Madani M.D., FAAP - Pediatrician

For Dr. Reza Madani, joining Center City Pediatrics seems like his destiny. He has truly come "full circle." How else can we explain that the very first baby he saw with our practice was in the same room at Pennsylvania Hospital in which he was born!

If this isn't strange enough, unbeknownst to him, his mentor at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, where he trained, was Dr. Berger's close friend and colleague from Atlanta. Also, like Dr. Berger, Dr. Madani, has traveled the world (over 20 countries), been on medical brigades, and worked extensively with children with special needs.

Although he grew up on the Main Line in Philly, he is now committed to Center City, having lived in and around the city for 10 years. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Pennsylvania where he double majored in anthropology and biological basis of behavior. From there, he did not travel far - Drexel University School of Medicine - where he served as his medical school class president. After rotating at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, he knew he wanted to focus on pediatrics and train near home.

Now, he loves the Philly restaurant scene (and can even order in fluent Italian). You might also catch a fleeting glimpse of him running along the Schuylkill. If you see him, feel free to join him because he enjoys the company. However, be prepared to run far. He may be training for another half-marathon.

Needless to say, Dr. Madani is now thrilled to work with children in his community at Center City Pediatrics. He looks forward to combining this "village" approach with his up-to-date pediatric training that he brings to our practice.

Linda Derbyshire, IBCLC

GOT MILK??  If you do, Linda Derbyshire will surely help your baby find it.  For the past 10 years, she has been helping babies around Philadelphia, including her TWINS, find their liquid gold. Whether babies are too sleepy, too vigorous, too rough or just plain confused, Linda is an expert at teaching them to stay connected to their life-source without hurting their nurturing mother.

Linda is certified by her profession’s highest governing body, the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC).  Even more importantly, she has earned the trust and confidence of mothers around the city and her colleagues at Pennsylvania Hospital.  In fact, this “word of mouth” reputation is how Dr. Berger found her.  Center City Pediatrics is thrilled that he did.

She is such a special resource that we want to share her with all babies, not just the ones who receive all of their care at our office.  Their mothers can call Center City Pediatrics any time to schedule an appointment with her.

 

Brian Daly, Ph. D. - Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Mind over matter…….or at least on equal footing.  That’s the CCP approach and why we are thrilled to now have Dr. Brian Daly on staff at Center City Pediatrics. Dr. Daly is a home grown Philadelphian who returned to Center City with his wife after a near decade long stint in Boston and Chicago.  Clearly, he must have his head on straight, and he is devoted  to helping you and your child get  there, as well.  

Currently, Dr. Daly is a professor of psychology at the Drexel University School of Medicine. Prior to this position, for which he was recruited, he served as director of the Clinical Psychology Internship Program at Temple University where he has also been an Assistant Professor in Public Health for 4 years. His specific clinical interests include children with chronic illness, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychoeducational assessment, school-based mental health services, sleep loss in adolescents, prevention and resiliency, and evidence-based psychosocial interventions in youth.

Dr. Daly will be working with us two days a week, by appointment, to offer our patients and the Center City community psychotherapy services and psychoeducational testing. Appointments and introductory meetings can be scheduled with him like all other appointments at CCP.  He is also happy to provide references upon request.  

Erica Salvi, MBA

Baby Loves Disco. Center City Pediatrics loves Erica even more. Erica solidifies Center City Pediatrics' place as a community practice. She, her daughter Isabella, and her husband Tony have been stalwart members of the Center City Community for years. Erica has led numerous committees at The Philadelphia School, Little Friends of Rittenhouse Square and in her Fitler Square neighborhood. Most recently, she was the national coordinator for Baby Loves Disco, where she planned community dance parties in multiple cities.

Erica completed her BA in communications at University of Richmond and her MBA at St. Joseph University. In her previous life she was a corporate project management consultant. Now, she is committed to her family and working in places she loves.

We hope she will lend her professional touch to all of our business systems operations so that patient care is optimized. We also intend to give her the reigns at making Center City Pediatrics more than just a place for pediatric medicine, but also a community destination for childhood wellbeing.

Caroline Kapka - Office Manager

Caroline considers a pediatric office her second home. She has been living in one for the past 25 years. She had brief journey into the business world in order to remind her where she is meant to be. Before helping build Center City Pediatrics from the ground up, she helped run another Center City office and brightened the world of Northeast Philly pediatrics for a few years. She is in charge of maintaining all organizational systems, purchasing, payroll, and keeping the staff and families smiling.

Caroline stays busy in her spare time keeping up with her 2 young adults and her puppy.

Amanda Vitelli, CMA – Billing and Credentialing Coordinator

Amanda walks to the "beat of her own drummer" After years of managing an F.Y.E music store, she decided that a career in medicine was where she really belonged. An ad in The South Philly Review brought her to us in 2008 and she quickly earned little Benjamin's vote of approval. Although her scrubs are fun and flashy, she's quick to get down to business to make sure that parents don't have to wait too long and children leave smiling. She also takes care of business as our biller, ready to interpret those statements and EOBs for any patient needing her help.

Incredibly savvy with technology and wonderfully detail oriented, Amanda has been on the "fast track" at CCP---moving from junior MA, to technology instructor, to Biller. We hope she will continue to grow with us into the distant future.

Brittany Kissling, CMA

Don't be fooled by Brittany's young, bubbly appearance. She's an experienced pediatric office provider. Besides raising her own 2 boys, she has been handling other's children for over half her life. An MA since 2005, Brittany worked in Northeast Philly before joining the team at CCP, where she manages to keep kids smiling even while sticking needles into their arms. She is also in charge of making sure our doctors don't forget their stethoscopes (or heads!)

When not working, Brittany keeps the men in her life (Big O, Little O and Lucas) in line with her charm, sharp tongue, and if necessary, her "Wonder Woman" superpowers.

Ashley Stott, MA

Ashley's Philly roots run deep. She is a product of Central High School and a die-hard fan of the Phillies, Eagles and especially the Flyers. Her desire to become a pediatric RN and her cheery, friendly disposition stand strangely in contrast with her love for a hard slap-shot, or fierce body check. However, her mom, with whom she is dearly close, will tell you that this is just a reflection of the intensity she promises to bring to all she does. We are really happy she's on our team!!

Ashley's Philly roots run deep. She is a product of Central High School and a die-hard fan of the Phillies, Eagles and especially the Flyers. Her desire to become a pediatric RN and her cheery, friendly disposition stand strangely in contrast with her love for a hard slap-shot, or fierce body check. However, her mom, with whom she is dearly close, will tell you that this is just a reflection of the intensity she promises to bring to all she does. We are really happy she's on our team!!

Lakisha Newsome, MA

Lakisha says that she has a "dark" past--- She was mean and tough growing up in West Philly. We don't believe her. Now her warm smile and loving nature has earned her the name " Mommy" among the office staff. Perhaps, she transformed into the person we know during her 10 years of working in a daycare setting or during her 7 years working as a nursing assistant. Perhaps, it was her 3 children - Ayanna, Chris, or Elijah-who changed her. We will never know, but don't really care. All we know is that we are happy to have her with us. She loves to help others, work hard, and reportedly sing and dance --- we're still waiting for this. See if your kids can entice her.

Danielle Labuski

We took a chance with Danielle. When we realized that we needed another friendly, knowledgeable person to help Caroline with reception and administrative tasks, Job Corps approached us. Most of us had never heard of this organization which trains young adults to work in fields of their choice. "Why not give it a try," we thought.-."It was only a 1 month internship." And then Danielle arrived! After 1 week we knew we had a keeper.. That was, if she was willing to keep us. After all, Danielle travels close to an hour to work at CCP.

Since graduating high school, she has wanted to work in ways that help people. The kids are "icing on the cake". This attitude clearly shines through in the extra attention she puts forth to make sure each child has just the right sticker before they leave!

Alonna Pressley

Persistence led Alonna to us. Or, should we say "quiet persistence." After all, Alonna has always been quiet, as long as she can remember. After graduating from the Thompson Institute for Medical Office Assistants in March 2010, she worked multiple other jobs until she found us. She was waiting for the right environment which would appreciate her soft spoken manner. We love it because it gives balance to all the loud talkers in the offices. Make sure you listen carefully-she actually does have a lot to say. You might even catch her singing!

Benjamin Harry Berger

Although he now spends much of his time consulting in other locations, Benjamin is still a regular at Center City Pediatrics.  He checks in weekly to make sure that the staff is maintaining good humor, adequate patience, and attentiveness to safety.   Any slip up-- he is bound to find and complain vociferously. We’ve learned that we don’t want to test him too much at this stage.