The CPN team consists of pediatric neuropsychologists, psychologists, school psychologists, and professional counselors with extensive experience in treating children and adolescents of all ages.
Our team
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Christy Emmons
Dr. Christy Emmons is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Licensed Psychologist and is the owner/founder of CPN. Dr. Emmons obtained her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where her doctoral dissertation focused on executive functioning in children with ADHD. She completed an APA-approved internship program at Allegheny General Hospital followed by a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at The Watson Institute, where she was also the Director of Internship Training. From 2007-2013, Dr. Emmons was a member of the Medical and Professional Staff of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC serving as both a pediatric neuropsychologist and as a psychologist in the Child Development Unit. Dr. Emmons specializes in the evaluation of children with complex medical illnesses including traumatic brain injuries, seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, movement disorders, brain tumors, genetic disorders, and childhood cancer. She also enjoys evaluating young children for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Erika Buchanan
Dr. Erika Buchanan obtained her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Duquesne University and is a Licensed Psychologist and PA and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She completed a predoctoral internship at The Watson Institute, a postdoctoral fellowship at CPN, and has worked in multiple settings including public and private schools, outpatient clinics, a residential treatment facility, and in-home wraparound services. Dr. Buchanan is an expert in state and federal law regarding special education and gifted education. She has also been recognized as an expert witness in multiple Due Process hearings. She specializes in the assessment of children with complex psychiatric disorders and learning disabilities and is the Director of Educational Services at CPN.
EAST OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Shannon Cribbs
Dr. Shannon Cribbs is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Licensed Psychologist specializing in the neuropsychological assessment of children with complex medical disorders, psychiatric disorders, and learning disabilities. Dr. Cribbs also conducts early childhood evaluations for children presenting with concerns for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Cribbs obtained her Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University. She completed a predoctoral internship in neuropsychology at the Wisconsin Internship Consortium in Professional Psychology and a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at CPN. Dr. Cribbs also offers outpatient therapy services for children and families with a variety of needs, including coping with chronic medical conditions. She is the Director of Outpatient Therapy at CPN, providing consultation to our therapists working with children with complex needs.
EAST OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Karen Morine
Dr. Karen Morine obtained her Ph.D. in School Psychology from Duquesne University. She is a PA Licensed Psychologist and PA and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at The Watson Institute and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Dr. Morine has worked in a variety of settings including public and private schools, outpatient clinics, early intervention/preschool programs, and community-based programs. Dr. Morine specializes in the assessment and diagnosis of children and adolescents with complex psychiatric presentations, neurodevelopmental disorders, and learning disabilities. She has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Jamie Arthurs
Dr. Jamie Arthurs is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Licensed Psychologist who obtained her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She completed a predoctoral internship at Children’s Hospital of Michigan specializing in neuropsychological assessment, pediatric psychology, and assessment of autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Arthurs completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology under the supervision of Dr. Emmons at CPN. She specializes in the neuropsychological assessment of children with complex medical histories, including premature birth, seizure disorders, brain tumors, childhood cancers, cardiac disorders, movement disorders, and genetic conditions. Dr. Arthurs also has extensive training in evaluating children with neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and learning disorders..
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Corrine Nichol
Dr. Corrine Nichol is a Licensed Psychologist who obtained her Psy.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at The Haymount Institute for Psychological Services in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her clinical experience has been heavily focused on completing psychological assessments with children and adolescents with a wide variety of clinical diagnoses including ADHD, Autism, anxiety, specific learning disorders, and anxiety and mood-related disorders.
EAST OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Iva Kumar
Dr. Iva Kumar is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Licensed psychologist who obtained her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Widener University. She completed her predoctoral internship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology. Dr. Kumar specializes in the neuropsychological assessment of children with complex medical histories and children with neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and learning disorders.
EAST OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Adriana Perdue
Dr. Adriana Perdue is a Licensed Psychologist and PA Certified School Psychologist who obtained her Psy.D. in School Psychology from Duquesne University. She completed a predoctoral internship at Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, followed by supervised postdoctoral training at Pittsburgh Public Schools. Dr. Perdue specializes in the assessment of children and adolescents with complex psychiatric presentations and specific learning disorders.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Tabitha Brown
Dr. Tabitha Brown is a Licensed Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist who obtained her Psy.D. from Duquesne University. Dr. Brown completed her predoctoral and postdoctoral training at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Throughout her career, Dr. Brown has worked in a variety of settings including public schools, outpatient clinics, therapeutic preschools, and community-based programs. Dr. Brown specializes in the assessment of children and adolescents with complex psychiatric presentations and learning disabilities. She has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
EAST OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Christina Kirsch
Dr. Christina Kirsch is a Licensed Psychologist who obtained her Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University. She completed a predoctoral internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, and a postdoctoral fellowship at CPN. Dr. Kirsch specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with complex psychiatric presentations and learning disabilities. She offers outpatient therapy services for children and families with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral concerns, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma/PTSD, and grief/loss.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Madeline Nassida
Dr. Madeline Nassida is a Licensed Psychologist who obtained her Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University. She completed a predoctoral internship at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and a postdoctoral fellowship at CPN. Dr. Nassida specializes in the assessment of children and adolescents with complex psychiatric presentations and learning disabilities. She offers outpatient therapy services for children and adolescents coping with chronic medical conditions, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma/PTSD.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Zachary Friedman
Dr. Zachary Friedman is a postdoctoral fellow in pediatric neuropsychology at CPN under the supervision of Dr. Arthurs and Dr. Buchanan. Dr. Friedman obtained his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Duquesne University in December 2022 after completing his predoctoral internship at the Pittsburgh Psychology Internship Consortium and his dissertation on assessing the accuracy of labeling facial expressions in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Friedman has gained experience in a variety of settings, including public schools, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. Dr. Friedman specializes in evaluating children and adolescents with complex medical presentations, neurodevelopmental disorders, and learning disabilities.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Maggie Donoghue, LPC
Maggie Donoghue, LPC, obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. She has nearly a decade’s worth of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in both outpatient and school-based settings. She is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder, with specialized training in complex trauma and other trauma-related disorders. Maggie utilizes empirically supported interventions and individualizes therapy based on client and family needs. While Maggie facilitates both individual and family counseling, she encourages parental/guardian involvement to assist in meeting treatment goals.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Leah Northrop
Leah Northrop MS, LPC, RYT, obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She has over twenty years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in both outpatient and school settings, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. Leah's interest lies in supporting young athletes and their families as they navigate the ever-intensifying world of youth sports. Leah utilizes a variety of empirically supported approaches to tailor each session to an individual's needs.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Lauren Kennedy
Dr. Lauren Kennedy is a Postdoctoral Fellow in pediatric psychology at CPN. She earned her M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh and her Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She completed her predoctoral internship within the Department of Psychiatry at the University at Buffalo SUNY, where she gained experience in assessing and treating serious mental illness across the lifespan. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of clinical contexts, including specialized outpatient clinics and inpatient psychiatric settings. At CPN, Dr. Kennedy offers outpatient therapy services for children and adolescents with mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. She utilizes an array of empirically supported interventions to address the unique needs of her clients. Dr. Kennedy also provides assessment services for individuals with complex psychiatric presentations and neurodevelopmental disorders.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Krista Pugliesi
Krista Pugliesi is a PA licensed psychologist and PA certified school psychologist. She obtained her PsyD in School Psychology from Duquesne University and completed her pre- and post-doctoral training at Cognitive Behavior Institute where she gained experience in psychological evaluation, consultation, and therapy with children, adolescents, and adults. Prior to joining CPN, Krista had worked as a school psychologist in the public school setting. Experience and interest lies in neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety-related disorders (including OCD), and trauma disorders. In all facets of her work, Krista believes it is paramount to identify individual factors that may differentiate the level of therapeutic benefit to best align a child's and family's needs with evidence-based practice.
SOUTH OFFICE PROVIDER
Dr. Cathryn Lehman
Dr. Cathryn Lehman is a PA Licensed Psychologist specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children with complex psychiatric presentations. Dr. Lehman completed her predoctoral internship at The Watson Institute, with major rotations in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pediatric Neuropsychology; and a postdoctoral fellowship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Dr. Lehman worked as a psychologist at the UPMC Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders for 13 years before joining CPN. Her clinical interests include Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Autistic children with complex presentations such as co-occurring intellectual disability, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder.