Other key staff

Karen Erickson, OTR/L

Senior occupational therapist, juvenile dermatomyositis program
Certifications/Licenses: Registered and licensed occupational therapist in Illinois; Certified early intervention provider; Certified in neurodevelopmental techniques for pediatrics
Education: BS, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI
Professional memberships: NAPNAP WI
Clinical/research interests: More than seven years in pediatric therapy with focus on neurodevelopmental delays, sensory processing, and arthritis. Interested in research studies for JDM patients.

Ana M. Rubio, RN, BSN

Rheumatology nurse
Certifications/Licenses:Registered nurse in Illinois
Education:Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Chicago, IL.
Clinical/research interests: She has five years of pediatric experience at Children's Memorial in different specialty areas, including one year coordinating a research study. Her clinical skills include central line and P.I.C.C. line care and blood draws. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. She offers teaching and support to both parents and patients. She is actively involved with Camp Jam, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, for children 8 to 16 years of age.

Amy L Ryan, PT

Physical therapist
Certifications/Licenses: Licensed physical therapist; Early intervention certification
Education: MS in physical therapy, Midwestern University; BS in biology, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Clinical/research interests:Perform muscular-skeletal screening evaluations to identify strength, flexibility, postural and gait impairments related to immunological diagnoses. Educate patients and families in role of PT and exercise in rehabilitation and design and instruct families in home exercise programs. Serve as a liaison between patient and MD with regards to recommendations for continued evaluation/treatment or outpatient PT services. Also involved in research studies with JDM patients.

Joyce L. Sundberg, RN

Family care coordinator, rheumatology nurse
Certifications/Licenses:Registered nurse in Illinois
Education:Associate degree, Nursing, Harper College, IL.
Professional memberships: Arthritis Foundation, IL Chapter
Clinical/research interests: She has had over 30 years of pediatric experience at Children's Memorial in many different specialty areas, including 13 yrs in the emergency room. Her clinical skills include venaport, central line and P.I.C. line blood draws along with nailfold cappillaryoscopy. She offers teaching and support to both parents and patients. She is actively involved with Camp Jam, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, for children 8 to 16 years of age at Hastings YMCA in Lake Villa, IL.