Kathie Contello, NP, MSN has been working at University Hospital as an HIV specialist since 1992. Kathie received her MSN from SUNY Health Science Center, Brooklyn in 1990 and her NP certificate from Syracuse University in 1995. Since being at University Hospital, Kathie has been involved in many aspects of our patients’ health care. In addition to direct patient care, prevention of perinatal (mother to child) transmission of HIV, involvement in clinical trials and focus on treatment adherence, Kathie is also invested in community education and outreach. Kathie is a member of the Child Coalition and is committed to educating the community about HIV/AIDS through regular speaking engagements. Kathie is a member of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) and was awarded the ANAC Pediatric AIDS Nursing Excellence Award in 2003.

Wendy Holz, MS, PNP has been working with the Pediatric Designated AIDS Center at University Hospital as an HIV specialist since 2001. A 1998 graduate of Syracuse University, Wendy is committed to serving the pediatric population of Central New York. Wendy works directly with our patients, offering patient care services including medical evaluation and treatment, perinatal transmission prevention, treatment adherence counseling and transition assistance for our older teens. Wendy is our CAB (Community Advisory Board) coordinator and she also works with the Quality Assurance team to ensure excellent patient care in the Clinic. Wendy is also involved in community education and community outreach programs such as the Teen AIDS Task Force (TATF), a program dedicated to education and communication about HIV/AIDS with local teens. Wendy is a member of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) and the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN).

Tracey Gilgallon, LCSW has been the Pediatric Designated AIDS Center social worker since 1997. A graduate of Syracuse University with a master’s degree in social work, Tracey provides a number of services for our patients. After assessing the psychosocial needs of our patients, Tracey recommends appropriate interventions such as referrals to community agencies, adherence counseling, transportation and financial support and crisis management. Tracey also assists with the Center’s transition program, helping patients and their families to transition from adolescent care to adult care services.

Nuala Wheat, MA, LMFT has been a practicing family therapist in the Central New York community for many years. A 1987 graduate of Syracuse University with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, Nuala joined the Pediatric Designated AIDS Center in 2004 to provide mental health assessments and services to our patients and their families, including ongoing individual counseling, family counseling and adherence counseling. Nuala has a special interest in assisting patients in the transition from adolescent to adult services.

Beatriz Kovar, BS, CCRP has been working with the Pediatric Designated AIDS Center at University Hospital since 2004. A 1993 graduate of University of Maryland, Betty works as the data manager for the Center of Excellence, managing demographic and clinical data that is required by the New York State Department of Health. Betty also manages data for research trials in the clinic.

Joy M. Tompkins RN, MS, PNP has been involved in pediatric healthcare for over 25 years. Joy graduated from the University of Rochester in 1986 with a Master’s degree in Pediatric Nursing and received her Post Master’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Syracuse University in 1995. Joy joined the Pediatric Designated AIDS Center in 2004 as the project administrator for the Center of Excellence designation awarded by the New York State Department of Health. Joy has extensive experience in program development and evaluation and a special interest in transitioning adolescent patients to adult care. tompkinj@upstate.edu

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