Child Psychiatry Physician, Psychologist Faculty and Fellows
Physician and Psychologist Faculty
Shayne Tomisato, M.D. Director of Child Fellowship
ABPN Certified in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at University of North Carolina
Psychiatric Residency: Duke University
Interests: treatment of anxiety and depression, psychotherapy and parent-child relationships
Erum Ali, M.D.
Associate Director of Child Fellowship
ABPN Certified in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at Maricopa Medical Center
Psychiatric Residency: Maricopa Medical Center
Interests: parent-child relationships and treatment of externalizing disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, and regulatory disorders.
Lisa Cobourn, M.D.
Associate Director of Child Fellowship
ABPN Certified in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at University of Michigan
Psychiatric Residency: University of Michigan
Interests: ethics, cross-cultural psychiatry, psychotherapy, and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Jennifer Weller, Ph.D.
Associate Research Director of Child
Arizona State University - Clinical Psychology
Internship - University of New Mexico Children's Psychiatric Hospital
Postdoctoral Fellowship - Medical Professional Associates of Arizona
Interests: psychological testing and treatment of internalizing disorders
Anne Marie Cardinal, MSW
Arizona State University
Interests: research, particularly in the area of school intervention programs and cultural issues
Mary Cost, Psy.D.
Argosy University / Arizona School of Professional Psychology
Internship - Medical Professional Associates of Arizona
Postdoctoral Fellowship - Medical Professional Associates of Arizona parent and family work and treatment of pervasive developmental disorders
Robert Klaehn, M.D.
ABPN Certified in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at University of Wisconsin
Psychiatric Residency: University of Wisconsin
Interests: systems of care and treatment of young children and individuals with developmental disabilities
Joanna Kowalik, M.D.
ABPN Certified in Psychiatry
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at Maricopa Medical Center
Psychiatric Residency: Maricopa Medical Center
Interests: research and treatment of bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD
Jacob Venter, M.D.
Associate Director of Child Fellowship
Research Director of Child Psychiatry
ABPN Certified in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at Harvard Medical School
Psychiatric Residency: Maricopa Medical Center
Interests: psychopharmacology and treatment of pervasive developmental disorders, metabolic/genetic disorders and head injuries
Wendy Watson, M.D., MPH
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at Maricopa Medical Center
Psychiatric Residency: Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
Interests: treating underserved individuals, children and families in the public health arena
Sheila Wong, M.D.
ABPN Certified in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry
Child Psychiatrist - Fellowship at Maricopa Medical Center
Psychiatric Residency: Maricopa Medical Center
Interests: psychopharmacology and treatment of ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders
David Fife, D.O.
second Year Fellow
Medical School – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Psychiatric Residency: Maricopa Medical Center
“I enjoy basketball, skiing, and outdoor activities. I hope to work with both children and adults in underserved areas after I graduate.”
Paul Valbuena, M.D.
second Year Fellow
Medical School – Fatima University, Philippines
Psychiatric Residency: Michigan State University
“My interests are college football, basketball and cycling. My future plans include settling down in Phoenix with my wife and 3 kids. I am looking to go into private practice and work with both kids and adults.”
Yaniv Simon, M.D.
Second Year Fellow
Medical School – St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine
Psychiatric Residency: Medical College of Georgia
“I enjoy film and spending time with family. I plan to work with children, adolescents and families. Practicing medicine in this field is a privilege.”
Monica Benavidez,D. O.
First Year Fellow
Medical School – New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Psychiatric Residency: Banner Good Samaritan Hospital
“ I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My interest include hiking, soccer, and working out. In the future I plan to stay and work in Arizona with children, adolescents, and adults in the community.”
Aida Hadziahmetovic, M.D.
First Year Fellow Medical School – Univerzitet u Banja Luci, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Psychiatric Residency: Maricopa Medical Center
“I enjoy music, movies, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I would like to provide psychiatric services to children, adolescents and adults in an inpatient and/or outpatient setting.”
Travis Stiegler, D.O.
First Year Fellow
Medical School – University of the East, Philippines
Psychiatric Residency: Maricopa Medical Center
“I enjoy scuba diving, hiking, photography, movies, reading suspense novels, and playing and watching sports (esp. AZ Cardinals Football)! I plan on staying in the Phoenix area and I will most likely be looking for an inpatient position in either child and/or adult.”
Applications are accepted as early as 12 months prior to the onset of training. Residents may start their Child Psychiatry Training after completing their third year of an ACGME-accredited General Psychiatry Residency. Residents later in their careers are also accepted. Residents must be eligible for a full Arizona license. The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program.
Resident benefits and contracts are described here.
Download Common Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Application and mail to:
Daunese Suniga
Program Coordinator
570 W. Brown Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85201
Or e-mail to: daunese_suniga@dmgaz.org.