Penn State Health Children’s Hospital Approach to Pediatric Endocrinology
Many endocrine disorders – or hormone disorders – are caused by hormone imbalances that can affect nearly every part of the body down to the cellular level. Your child’s growth and development, mood, sleep quality, and much more can be affected. Most endocrine disorders are also chronic diseases that require lifelong management.
The pediatric endocrinologists at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital know that learning your child has an endocrine disorder can be overwhelming, and we’re here to help. We provide advanced, multidisciplinary treatment for all hormone disorders, including diabetes.
Well-Rounded Care for Diabetes and Other Hormone Disorders
Our team is made up of many different endocrinology specialists, which ensures we provide well-rounded care that meets all of your child’s health needs. Members of our team include:
Pediatric endocrinologists (doctors who have special training in treating children and adolescents with hormone disorders)
Diabetes nurse educators (nurses who specialize in caring for patients with diabetes)
Endocrinology nurses (nurses who specialize in caring for patients with all types of endocrine conditions)
Dietitians (experts in human nutrition and diet who help treat patients with diabetes and other hormone disorders that affect weight and nutrition)
From your child’s first appointment until it’s time to transition to adult care, we work closely with your family to make sure you have the resources and support you need to suitably manage your child’s condition so he or she can live a full life.
Matches Found
Our Experts in Pediatric Endocrinology Care
Find expert care for kids who have diabetes or other hormone disorders.
Pediatric Endocrinology Staff
Pamela J. Castilow, BSN, RN, CDE - Diabetes Educator
Jennifer Cinqmars, BSN, RN - Diabetes Educator
Carolyn Foerster, RN, BSN, CCRN - Nurse
Jennifer Hall, LPN - Diabetes Educator
Jaclyn Kirkessner, LCSW - Social Worker
Rae L. Klein, BSN, RN - Diabetes Educator
Macy R. Reall, MS, RD, LDN, CDE - Dietitian
MaryEllen Schultze, BSN, RN - Diabetes Educator
Michelle Whitman, LPN - Diabetes Educator
Why Choose Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for Care
Experienced Care at Several Locations Throughout Pennsylvania
We’re committed to providing experienced, advanced diabetes and endocrine disorder treatment to children and adolescents all throughout Pennsylvania. Access to care is important for the proper management of hormone disorders and your child’s health and quality of life. All of our convenient locations throughout the state are staffed by a full team of endocrinology specialists so your child can get the right care close to home.
Robust Pediatric Diabetes Resources and Support
Our department includes a robust, dedicated Diabetes Program for children and adolescents with diabetes. Managed by a team of doctors, nurse educators, dietitians and social workers who specialize in pediatric diabetes, the program’s services include insulin pump education and training and school nurse training.
The Diabetes Program also works with the American Diabetes Association to offer educational and social events for youth with diabetes, including special summer camps.
Guidance for Transitioning to Adult Endocrinology Care
Many endocrine disorders are lifelong conditions that require regular doctor visits and self-care. As your child nears adulthood, it’s important for them to learn how to manage their health on their own and transition from our care to the care of an adult endocrinology specialist. When it’s time for your child to make the transition, we’re here to help make the process easy and stress-free with resources and a plan.
Advancing Endocrinology and Diabetes Care Through Research and Clinical Trials
Penn State Health includes Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. In partnership with colleagues at Penn State College of Medicine, members of Pediatric Endocrinology at the Children’s Hospital stay on the leading edge of treatment for diabetes and hormone disorders in children by taking part in research and clinical trials. Through these studies, we hope to improve our understanding of endocrine disorders and the methods used to treat them, which, in turn, will improve the lives of those living with these conditions.
ADA Imagine Camp brings all the magic and excitement of camp right to you and your family. Campers will make new friends with others who understand the experience and learn new diabetes management skills that build confidence. This free, at-home summer camp experience is designed to keep our community connected no matter what! Disclaimer: The experiences and suggestions recounted in these videos are not intended as medical advice, and they are not necessarily the "typical" experiences of families with a child who has type 1 diabetes. These situations are unique to the families depicted. Families should check with their healthcare professionals regarding the treatment of type 1 diabetes and the frequency of blood glucose monitoring.
We have an active clinical science research program and frequently seek volunteers to participate in clinical trials. These studies help our scientists improve diagnostic techniques, develop better treatments, and collaborate with other researchers.
