Our COVID-19 Guidance Experts
Dr. Leron Finger was named Chief Quality Officer in 2018. In this capacity,
Dr. Finger oversees the organization’s patient and team member safety
& quality efforts and leads a team of infection prevention specialists
at Children’s Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the LSU
School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his pediatrics internship
and pediatric critical care fellowship at Rainbow Babies and Children's
Hospital. Dr. Finger serves as the co-physician lead in the Children’s
Hospital COVID19 Incident Command framework.
In 2009, Dr. Schieffelin joined the Tulane University School of Medicine
faculty in the Departments of Medicine & Pediatrics as an Assistant
Professor. He has a broad background in both adult and pediatric clinical
infectious disease, immunology and virology, capacity building, and international
clinical research. Dr. Schieffelin serves as the co-physician lead in
the Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Incident Command framework.
Vice President, Ambulatory Services
Dr. Jackson joined Children’s Hospital in 2019 and oversees clinical
operations at our growing number of pediatrics locations across the Greater
New Orleans Area as well as our Virtual Care Program. Prior to her work
at Children’s Hospital, she practiced pediatrics for 14 years. She
also previously worked in a clinical operations role as Associate Chief
Medical Informatics Officer at Ochsner Health System. A New Orleans native,
Dr. Jackson earned her medical degree from LSU Health New Orleans and
completed her pediatric residency training at Thomas Jefferson University
in Philadelphia where she served as Chief Resident.
Natasha Richardson’s extensive hospital experience includes oversight
for hospital operations functions including laboratory testing, research,
and emergency preparedness. Ms. Richardson, a native New Orleanian, holds
a Bachelor of Science of Business Administration from the University of
Southwestern Louisiana and a Masters of Business Administration from the
University of Phoenix.
Service Line Chief, Adolescent Medicine
Dr. Pasternak brings over 15 years of experience serving the youth of our
communities. He completed his fellowship training at Johns Hopkins School
of Medicine and is Board certified in both Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics.
Dr. Pasternak serves as the medical director for LSU Health New Orleans
school-based health centers.
Medical Director, School Based Wellness Initiative
Service Line Chief, Orthopedics
Dr. Gonzales specializes in Pediatric Orthopedics at Children’s Hospital
and serves as the physician lead for the organizations school-based wellness
initiative. Dr. Gonzales also partners closely with the LCMC Health sports
trainers who serve over 25 schools in Southeastern Louisiana.
