2026 BOD Bios
AAP-CA2 Chapter Board Of Directors - Bios
Chapter President
Mitchell Goldstein, MD, FAAP
I attended the University of Miami’s Honor Program in Medical Education as an Isaac Bashevis Singer Scholar and completed a pediatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. I’m board-certified in Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
I’m the Editor-in-Chief of Neonatology Today (NeonatologyToday.net), Chairman of Physicians Against Drugs Shortages (PADS), and Medical Director of the National Coalition for Infant Health (NCfIH). I was the past Chair of the AAP Multidisciplinary Action Group 2 Section Forum Management Committee and past president of the National Perinatal Association (NPA). I also serve as the National AAP-appointed liaison between the Section on Advances in Therapeutics and Technology and the Section on Neonatal Perinatal Medicine.
My most important trait is my tireless devotion to patient access issues. I have been a vocal advocate for “right-sizing” technology. When my hospital, along with many others nationwide, was unable to purchase medical devices vital to patient care, I wrote to senators and members of Congress. I also testified before a United States Senate Subcommittee of the Judiciary regarding the practices of Group Purchasing Organizations and the restriction of access to vital medical devices and pharmaceuticals. My vigilance in modifying these practices and improving patient access made the front page of the New York Times and was featured on 60 Minutes.
I also advocate that improving the relationship between physicians and industry is crucial to providing exceptional care. I support transparency, dialogue, and enhanced engagement with the industry and insurers to ensure the development and availability of the most advanced pharmaceuticals and medical devices for at-risk pediatric patients.
Chapter Vice President/President Elect
Kamaal A. Jones, MD, FAAP
I am honored to serve as Vice President of AAP California Chapter 2 (AAP-CA2). The AAP has long been my professional home—a place I hold incredibly dear and where my commitment to child health advocacy has flourished.
My journey with the Academy took root early in my residency training at Stanford Children’s Hospital, where I served as a residency AAP representative, a Section on Pediatric Trainees (SOPT) liaison to the Section on Epidemiology, Public Health, and Evidence (SOEPHE), and as an inaugural co-chair for our residency’s pediatric advocacy council.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, I had the privilege to serve as the AAP-CA2 Legislative Affairs and Policy Analyst. Through this role I worked closely with AAP-California State Government Affairs to ensure our voices were lifted in the policymaking process and I represented our chapter in conversations with legislators from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. For my work in this role, I was honored to receive a 2024 Special Achievement Award from AAP-CA2.
Clinically, I practice as a general pediatrician in Los Angeles County, and occasionally at a hospital in New York City. Beyond the clinic, I also bridge health and politics through media work, including as host of the podcast Kids Today and the YouTube show Age of Impact.
I am working to ensure AAP-CA2 continues to grow as a bright light for the most vulnerable children in our community and a safe haven for pediatricians, as we strive to expand our chapter membership, increase intentional community partnerships, and enhance our advocacy engagement.
Chapter Treasurer
Ozlem Equils, MD, FAAP
I am a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric infectious diseases specialist with over 20 years of experience spanning academic medicine, public health, clinical research, and healthcare leadership. I’m a former NIH-funded Associate Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/UCLA School of Medicine.
I have extensive leadership experience across academia, public health, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industry, including roles in clinical development, medical affairs, and outcomes research. She has worked on multi-stakeholder programs involving strategy, budget planning, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration.
In public health, I’ve contributed to outbreak response efforts with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health during the COVID-19 and mpox public health emergencies and has authored peer-reviewed publications. She currently serves as Founder and President of MiOra, a nonprofit organization focused on improving health literacy, expanding access to healthcare education, and mentoring future healthcare professionals, particularly students from underserved backgrounds.
As a longstanding advocate for child health and professional development, I’ve been a board member of the American Academy of Pediatrics – California Chapter 2 as Member – At – Large for the last two years. My experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and program sustainability will help as I serve as Treasurer and support the Chapter’s mission to advance the health and well-being of children and pediatricians across California.
Chapter Secretary
Gabrielle Pina, DO, FAAP
I am honored to be the Chapter Secretary of the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 2. As a pediatrician serving both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, I have seen firsthand the unique strengths, challenges, and needs of children and pediatricians in the Inland Empire.
I am committed to ensuring that the voices of pediatricians in the Inland Empire are heard, valued, and included in shaping the future of child health advocacy, education, and workforce development. Through my work in residency leadership, health equity initiatives, physician advocacy, and community pipeline programs, I have focused on building connections between healthcare systems, trainees, schools, and community organizations to create meaningful and lasting impact.
As Secretary, I hope to bring organization, collaboration, and strong communication while helping strengthen engagement across all parts of Chapter 2. I believe our chapter is strongest when every region, practice setting, and career stage feels represented and connected.
It’s an honor to serve our chapter and advocate for the pediatricians and families of the Inland Empire while continuing to support the mission of improving the health and well-being of all children.
Chapter Immediate Past-President
Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, FAAP
Originally from Southern California, I spent time on the East Coast and Midwest for training. After coming to my senses and escaping the snow, I returned to California and gained experience in various practice models and in residency education during my time in the Southern California Community Pediatric Fellowship. With eight years as a primary care pediatrician for medically-complex children in Ventura, I now serve as the Associate Program Director at Cottage Pediatric Residency and direct the ambulatory rotation at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics – Goleta site. I’m also actively involved with the AAP, serving on the board of directors for AAP California Chapter 2 for the past eight years. Outside of medicine, I enjoy surfing with my oldest son, watching my middle son play baseball, giggling with my youngest, and starting the day with a 5 a.m. gym session with my husband (because sleep is overrated).
Members - At - Large 2024 - 2026
Cindy Baker, MD, FAAP
I am a general pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente LA where I have spent my career. I have cared for many patients and grand patients and have taught numerous residents and medical students. I have served as APD, departmental CME chair, on our Symposium committee, and our multidisciplinary Vascular Birthmark Clinic team which just celebrated 34 years.
Born in Philadelphia, I attended the University of Pennsylvania for college/medical school, came to CHLA for my residency/Chief residency, then joined Kaiser Permanente.
I joined AAP as a resident but was not involved until I ran for MAL, now in my 7th term. I served 6 years on the national COPAM Committee, which was hard work and transformational. I learned about National AAP and participated in multiple publications. AAP has been another home for me.
I have much institutional memory for our Chapter, serving on the Membership, CME and Climate Change committees. Our Chapter has accomplished so much, and I’m excited to be part of its future in pediatric care, education, and support of our colleagues. I value our dedicated team and enjoy working with them.
Melissa A. Bent, MD, FAAP
As one of approximately 40 non-operative pediatric orthopedic medicine specialists in the country, I bring a rare and bridge-building perspective to the AAP. My national service includes six years on the AAP Pediatric Editorial Board, faculty membership for Practical Pediatrics CME, and serving as DEI Chair for the AAP Section on Orthopedics — experience that has sharpened my understanding of what general pediatricians need from their subspecialty colleagues.
Locally, I am committed to strengthening the Chapter’s presence across Southern California’s diverse and expansive pediatric community. As Member at Large, I would serve as an active liaison between our membership and the Board, welcome new pediatricians to the region, amplify Board communications through existing networks, and contribute meaningfully to the membership and additional committees.
My goal is to increase local engagement and ensure Southern California pediatricians — especially those in underserved and community settings — feel seen, supported, and connected to the Chapter.
Emma Burdekin, MD, FAAP
I am passionate about strengthening the connection between pediatricians in our community and the chapter by increasing membership, fostering member engagement, and making advocacy opportunities more accessible. In my previous roles as medical student and resident representative for the chapter, I was fortunate to help expand trainee involvement with the chapter. This experience reinforced the value of building strong professional communities and networks.
As Member At Large, I’m excited to build on this work by supporting pediatricians across all career stages and practice settings in developing lasting, meaningful connections with the chapter and with one another. As a native Angeleno, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to focus these efforts on the community where I was raised and hope to practice throughout my career.
Lingie Chiu, MD, MBA, FAAP, DipABLM
It has been an honor serving as Member At Large for AAP California Chapter 2, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving during the 2026–2028 term. Having worked with pediatric communities from Mendocino down to the California Central Coast, I deeply value the collaboration, advocacy, and sense of community that make Chapter 2 so special.
As a former AAP Chapter 2 Suicide Prevention Ambassador, I remain committed to pediatric mental health, physician wellness, and supporting our pediatric community through thoughtful and collaborative leadership.
Laura Farach, MD, FAAP
I have practiced pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente for over 30 years and will soon be retiring, allowing more time to dedicate to work with the AAP. I am bilingual and bicultural, having immigrated from Argentina after a fascist military regime attacked scientific institutions, including the University of Buenos Aires, where my father was a physicist. That history shaped my lifelong commitment to science, democracy, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Throughout my career, I have cared for children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I’m especially committed to protecting the rights and well-being of immigrant children and LGBTQ children, and to ensuring that all children receive compassionate, evidence-informed, and equitable care.
Shaina Lodhi, MD, FAAP
I am honored to be a Member-at-Large for California Chapter 2 of the American Academy of Pediatrics. I work as a neonatologist at Loma Linda University and serve as Associate Program Director for the Neonatology Fellowship. I am passionate about advancing pediatric and neonatal care through education and advocacy.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with trainees and families across diverse communities. These experiences have shown me the importance of strong physician leadership and meaningful advocacy. They have also strengthened my commitment to building supportive and inclusive professional environments for both providers and patients. As a Member-at-Large, I bring energy, collaboration, and a commitment to service.
Nirupama Madduri, MD, FAAP
The great Nelson Mandela once said, “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.” I am grateful for the opportunity to expand how I can serve children and their families in Southern California. I also have loved working with the amazing pediatricians in our chapter for the past six years.
I decided when I was 4 years old that I wanted to be a pediatrician. As I continued through my education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, I realized what I really wanted to do is educate and inspire children to be healthy adults. When I would get to my pediatrics rotations in school and subsequently residency, I was in awe of how resilient children are. During my residency, one of my favorite moments is when a girl, for whom I cared in the PICU for 2 weeks, returned to visit 1 month later, ran up and hugged me. I loved the kids who showed differences in how they learned, communicated, and conducted themselves. I did a fellowship in developmental behavioral pediatrics to help these kids achieve their highest potential. Kids are very receptive to information and influence the health trajectories of their family members and the population.
Six years ago, I wrote a CATCH grant, and got the opportunity to meet Melissa Ruiz, who invited me to a Board Meeting. I joined the newsletter committee and became the chair 3 years ago. I have enjoyed learning about our chapter members through the Member Spotlight and sharing a space to help everyone keep their cups filled in their busy lives.
Varsha Mona Puri, DO, FAAP
I am honored to be in the Member-at-Large position because I value connection, collaboration, and service within our pediatric community. As the child of immigrants, I have dedicated my career to empowering immigrant families through compassionate, community-centered pediatric care. Working in clinic reinforces how pediatricians can influence not only a child’s health, but also their long-term opportunities and well-being.
Two areas especially shape my work. First is education. I encourage early childhood education to help children and families thrive. Meaningful change often begins with simple, consistent interventions like Reach Out and Read. I believe in building upon strong existing foundations and hope to continue supporting collaboration among Reach Out and Read pediatricians throughout the Los Angeles area.
Second is trauma-informed care (TIC). Trauma is often intergenerational and presents in many forms within our communities. As an AAP TIC medical champion, I strive to provide clinicians and families with practical tools, education, and support to recognize and respond to trauma.
Additionally, I aim to represent San Gabriel Valley communities, which I have had the privilege of serving since 2017. I have witnessed how families in Altadena and Pasadena continue to struggle in the aftermath of the Eaton fires, and I hope to be part of supporting their resilience and recovery.
Kenneth Saul, MD, FAAP
I have been in practice for over 40 years, and I’m the founder and practice lead for Rolling Oaks Pediatrics in Thousand Oaks, California. I am board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. I completed undergraduate studies at Northwestern University and obtained a medical degree from Ohio State Medical School in 1979. Specializing in Pediatrics, and I did an internship and a residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Immediately following this program, I was appointed Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the USC College of Medicine. Dr. Saul is also the Chief of Pediatrics at Los Robles Hospital. I’m often requested as a speaker for medical lectures around the country and for local parent groups on various medical topics.
I have served on the Board of Directors for the local chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics for over 20 years, and serves on the Pediatric Practice Committee and as the Ventura County Liaison for the Children’s Hospital Network. I have also run the quarterly Town Hall meetings for local Pediatricians for over 10 years, to promote independent practice with networking and sharing both medical and business knowledge.
Danielle Shaw, MD, MS, FAAP
I am a pediatrician who practiced general pediatrics for almost two decades before deciding to train in child and adolescent psychiatry. There was a lack of mental healthcare access, so I decided to apply for a Post Pediatrics Portal Program to train in child and adolescent psychiatry. I have returned to Ventura County where I support my pediatric colleagues through a Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative, which I created to bring together pediatricians and local mental health professionals.
I love to teach and bring people together. I am currently teaching psychiatry, family medicine and pediatric residents in an outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry clinic. I am also very involved in advocacy. This is my burnout buster. I can make a difference! I am currently serving on committees for psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. Given the current milieu, I am working on bringing together my colleagues in pediatrics, psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry to improve access to quality mental health care for our pediatric patients.
As a Member-at-Large, I hope to share mental health resources with our chapter and facilitate engagement with the psychiatric community.
Shanna Treanor, MD, MPH, FAAP
I am deeply passionate about child health, pediatric advocacy, and expanding access to pediatric education. As a proud native of Bakersfield, I completed both my pediatric residency and pediatric dermatology fellowship at UCSF Fresno. My training in the Central Valley reinforced my commitment to serving children and families in our community and to addressing the ongoing need for pediatric physicians and training opportunities in underserved areas.
Currently, I am the Program Director for the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Pediatric Residency. We are actively pursuing ACGME accreditation in early 2027. Our objective is to enhance pediatric training opportunities and improve access to pediatric care throughout the Central Valley. I firmly believe that investing in physician education and advocacy is crucial to improving outcomes for children and families in underserved communities.
