CARRA - The Mentors Who Made Us

Every physician can trace their practice, their confidence, and their values back to someone who took the time to teach, guide, and believe in them. CARRA Mentors Who Made Us celebrates 50 years of pediatric rheumatology through physician-led tributes to honor those individuals while ensuring the next generation of physicians receives the same encouragement, wisdom, and opportunity.

Step 1: Click Honor Your Mentor and make a gift to the future of pediatric rheumatology through CARRA.
Step 2: Tell us the name of your mentor and share how they inspired and taught you.
Step 3: CARRA will share your tribute and donation with your Mentor(s) Who Made You via personal email, at CARRA's 2026 meetings, and in the Mentors Who Made Us: 50 Years of Pediatric Rheumatology printed publication produced at the end of the year!

Give today to honor your mentor(s) and ensure that the collaborative work of CARRA continues for the next generation.

Mentor tributes can be made posthumously with tributes shared with their families, and mentors do not need to be pediatric rheumatologists, as long as they helped in your pediatric rheumatology journey.

If giving by DAF, or if you have further questions, please contact Erin Hareng, ehareng@carragroup.org.

Tributes to our Mentors

Stacy Ardoin, MD
“I feel very lucky to consider Dr. Ardoin a mentor. Her tenacity, intelligence, and kindness is inspiring. Beyond being a great human, she is so dedicated to research, helping patients, and CARRAs mission.” - Ivana Stojkic, MD

Richard Silver, MD
“Richard Silver recruited me to come to MUSC and start a pediatric rheumatology program when I was 15 years old. He has become a father figure to me. I would not be where I am today without him.” - Natasha Ruth, MD, MS

Murray Passo, MD
“Dr. Murray Passo is truly one of the all-time greatest pediatric rheumatology clinicians and diagnosticians. He trained me, then joined me at MUSC, and has been instrumental in my own teaching and the teaching of all of our fellows over the years. He continues to teach our fellows even in retirement. I would not be where I am today without him.” - Natasha Ruth, MD, MS

Laura Schanberg, MD
“Dr. Schanberg is an astute clinician and accomplished researcher. She engaged me in research during fellowship, and was a role model in demonstrating how to be focused, tenacious and driven in accomplishing research goals. As a founder, former president and investigator, she has been a champion for CARRA since its inception.” - Stacy Ardoin, MD

Deborah Kredich, MD
“Dr. Kredich was an excellent clinician and leader in pediatric rheumatology. She made me feel valued as a trainee and was a woman who modeled well balancing work and family life.” - Stacy Ardoin, MD

Norman Ilowite, MD
“Norm Ilowite truly changed my life. He is the reason that I chose to be a pediatric rheumatologist and the reason that my career is what it is today. I will never forget his jokes and countless teaching moments. Norm was a true legacy in our field and there are so many of his teaching pearls that will most certainly be passed on for generations of pediatric rheumatologists to follow. I am forever grateful for his guidance and mentorship.” - Dawn Wahezi, MD, MS

Christy Sandborg, MD
“Christy inspires everyone with her compassion, wisdom, and dedication to the care of childhood onset rheumatic diseases. I have strived to be as passionate in my work and hope I have as much impact on the field as she has had.” - Peter Chiraseveenuprapund, MD, MS

Emily Von Scheven, MD, MAS
“I wouldn't be a pediatric rheumatologist if I hadn't had the good fortune of meeting Emily as a pediatric intern at UCSF while taking care of a hospitalized patient with Lupus. I knew very little about pediatric rheumatology and was inspired by Emily's passion for the field and for caring for pediatric patients with rheumatic disease. Thank you Emily!” - Aimee Hersh, MD

Michael Henrickson, MD, MPH, RhMSUS
“Dr. Henrickson has inspired me to be inquisitive and to learn deeply about our craft. He has been a huge source of support during my fellowship. We all miss him deeply, but his legacy will forever remain.” – Dr. Najla Aljaberi

Dr. Karen Onel, MD
“Quite simply, I am a peds rheum because of Dr. Karen Onel. As a resident at Cornell, she was my inpatient attending and I was immediately struck by her brilliance, diagnostic skill, and remarkable warmth with patients and families. Rotating in rheumatology with her sealed my path. She guided my early research, helped shape my academic career, and modeled how a fulfilling career in medicine could coexist with family life. For 25 years, she has remained a generous mentor, sponsor, and trusted advisor.” - Barbara Edelheit, MD

Robert P. Sundel, MD
“Rob was a master clinician who was entirely committed to his patients and to educating the next generation of pediatric rheumatologists. I often think of him when I talk with families, and I try to exhibit the same level of empathy and curiosity.” - Mary Beth Son, MD

Suzanne Li, MD, PhD
“Suzanne, I want to thank you for your support, guidance, and encouragement over the past 21 years. I couldn't have asked for a better officemate, mentor, and friend. I'm fortunate to have learned from you! XO.” - Jennifer Weiss, MD

Egla Rabinovich, MD, MPH
“A master clinician who taught me both the fundamentals of the finer points of clinical care -- and a warm and caring teacher and mentor who helped me love what it means to be a pediatric rheumatologist.” - Rebecca Sadun, MD, PhD

Laura Schanberg, MD
“She is a giant in the field who simultaneously shaped pediatric rheumatology and trained a generation of younger researchers to keep nudging our field in the right direction. Beyond that, I also credit her with teaching me the finer points of careful observation in physical exam, and I am ever grateful for her tireless advocacy in support of her many mentees.” -Rebecca Sadun, MD, PhD

Jeffrey Dvergsten, MD
“Beloved by every patient, by each trainee, and by all colleagues -- he's the person and physician we all aspire to be.” - Rebecca Sadun, MD, PhD

Heather Van Mater, MD, MS
“She's the heart and soul of Duke Pediatric Rheumatology and the person most influential in the clinician I am today. Both a master clinician and a masterful teacher, she is the reason many residents choose to go into rheumatology and the inspiration we draw from each day that we work to practice at the pinnacle of our field.” - Rebecca Sadun, MD, PhD

Dr. Lisa Imundo, MD
“While I was a naive 2nd year resident, Dr. Imundo opened my eyes to the possibilities in pediatric rheumatology, which helped lead me down this glorious path. Forever grateful.” - Susan Kim, MD, OTR

Emily Von Scheven, MD, MAS
“Anyone who knows Dr. Von Scheven has seen firsthand her passion, dedication, and genuine care for her patients and their families. She has a way of sharing her clinical insight and research experience that makes you want to learn more and do better. Just as importantly, she shows by example what it means to be a thoughtful teacher, a steady leader, and a truly extraordinary person.” - Susan Kim, MD, OTR

Robert P. Sundel, MD
“Dr. Sundel set the bar for what it means to teach in pediatric rheumatology, with a true dedication to the field, and helped shape a generation of pediatric rheumatologists along the way. I still find myself wishing I could replay, word for word, the many conversations we had with patients and families in clinic and on the wards—and all the teaching moments I was lucky enough to be part of. If I end up even halfway to the kind of clinician he was, I’ll consider that a true success.” - Susan Kim, MD, OTR

Dr. Lisa Rider, MD
“What can I really say about Dr. Rider and the impact she has had on my career? Even as a fellow, she welcomed me in and never dismissed my naïve questions—she met curiosity with generosity and openness. She has truly changed the course of the field in dermatomyositis, and her influence runs through generations of patients, families, trainees, and clinicians. I feel truly honored to be able to call her a colleague and a friend.” - Susan Kim, MD, OTR

Helen Emery, MD
“I am deeply grateful to Helen for her mentorship in clinical medicine. Every day she exemplified an unwavering commitment to her patients and their families. Each encounter an opportunity to learn—subtle physical findings, clinical pearls drawn from years of experience, and thoughtful approaches for helping children and their families navigate their medical journey. Helen’s dedication, clinical expertise, and compassion have left a lasting imprint on how I practice pediatric rheumatology today.” - Emily Von Scheven, MD, MAS

Kathleen Sullivan, MD, PhD
“When I first started my lab at CHOP, I didn't have all my equipment necessary. Kate generously shared her lab in Abramson so that I could run gel shift assays while I was waiting to get up and running. Her collegiality and generosity have stuck with me, and I try to share it forward.” - Randy Cron, MD, PhD

Kathryn Torok, MD
“Cassie is the reason that I entire became a scleroderma clinician and researcher. Her limitless dedication to improving patient care and drive to explore the basic and translational aspects of scleroderma are unparalleled. She sets the example for generous mentorship and sponsorship. I am honored to trace my career back to her infectious enthusiasm.” - Daniel Glaser, MD, MPH

Edward Giannini, DrPH
“I was first exposed to Edward during the first week of my pediatric rheumatology fellowship. I was very much a rookie and had never been around people doing research. Edward was a full-time clinical research faculty member and took the time to describe what he was doing and why it mattered. I was enthralled and hooked. I am Ed's longest mentee as we worked together on a daily basis for over 30 years and he taught me every day!” - Daniel Lovell, MD, MPH      

Robert A. Colbert, MD, PhD
“I have immense gratitude for what Bob has done for me. He has shaped my career in pediatric rheumatology. For someone who came with very little research experience, he guided me patiently through the process. I forever am in debt of him for providing opportunities, challenging me to think critically and nurturing at the same time. I owe so much of my academic accomplishments to Bob. I would not be where I am without his mentorship.” - Hemalatha Srinivasalu, MD            

Edward Giannini, DrPH
“Ed has moved the field of JIA forward with his seminal clinical trials and the development of outcome measures needed. As a mentor, Ed taught me to go slow, that it is always necessary to re-recheck one's work and that keeping deadlines and preparedness are key for true progress to occur. Thank you Ed !!” - Hermine Brunner, MD, MSc, MBA

Hermine Brunner, M.D., MSc, MBA
“I want to honor Dr. Brunner, who mentored me through pediatric rheumatology fellowship and into junior faculty. She guided and supported my research development, encouraged my growth, and fostered pursuit of my research interests. Dr. Brunner has also mentored dozens of pediatric rheumatologists and advanced the field, including landmark clinical trials that expanded medication access for children. I am inspired by her ability to excel as a clinician, researcher, mentor, and leader.” - Jackeline Rodriguez-Smith, MD, MSc, RhMSUS

Hermine Brunner, M.D., MSc, MBA
“Dr. Hermine Brunner has been an inspiring research role model and mentor in my life. She generously shares her time and expertise to support and uplift women researchers, including me. She continually challenged me to reach my fullest potential and believed in me when I doubted myself. My growth and research achievements are a direct result of her extraordinary mentorship. Her mentees have become leaders in pediatric rheumatology!” - Sheila Angeles-Han, MD, MSc

Karen Onel, MD
“Dr. Onel has been hugely impactful in my career as a pediatric rheumatologist. She embodies what it means to love what you do and she had endless compassion for her patients. She knows the literature inside and out and is able to provide and teach evidenced based care with the wisdom of experience. She has trained and continues to train so many of us in the growing pediatric rheumatology workforce and in this way and so many ways will leave an everlasting mark on this wonderful field.”- Lauren Robinson, MD

Daniel Lovell, MD, MPH
“Dan Lovell has been and continues to be a sounding board for my research and career choices. His mentorship and experiences as clinical trialist in pediatric rheumatology helped me avoid many mistakes when conducting studies myself. He is simply the best!” - Hermine Brunner, MD, MSc, MBA

Carol Wallace, MD
“Carol taught me the importance of aggressive treatment, and most of all, of collaboration to advance research. Her work in the field and with CARRA has been INSPIRATIONAL!” - Dr. Lisa Rider, MD

Laura Schanberg, M.D.
“Dr. Schanberg has dedicated her career to advancing the care of children with rheumatic diseases through her substantial research and extraordinary mentorship. She has profoundly shaped the field, improving the lives of countless patients and families while inspiring generations of future pediatric rheumatologists. Her commitment to scientific discovery and mentorship has left a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen the pediatric rheumatology community. Thank you!” - Laura Cannon, MD

T. Brent Graham, MD, MS
“Dr. Graham became a mentor to me long before I'm sure he was aware - always to be found at the heart of the most interesting wards cases. He can often be a man of few words - but those he had to share were pearls. Exam skills, history taking, caring for patients as people - he is a role model beyond measure and I will never be able to thank him enough for allowing me to tag along to see patients, long after my rheum elective was finished. TBG, you're the best.” - Julie Chase, MD, PhD

T. Brent Graham, MD, MS
“Dr. Graham was instrumental in my decision to become a Med/Peds rheumatologist and has remained critical throughout my career. Dr. Graham has been pivotal in shaping the next several generations of pediatric rheumatology care in our region.” - Tyler Reese, MD