Team

Eric Frehm, MD

Neonatologist

Board Certifications

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2005

Fellowship

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Neonatology, 2005

Residency

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pediatrics, 2000

Medical Education

Yale University School of Medicine, MD, 1997

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2007

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

Being a neonatologist has been one of the great privileges of my life. I decided to become a baby doctor more than two decades ago and I remain grateful every day, both for the work itself and for the wonderful colleagues, babies, and families with whom I get to spend my time. If you are reading this webpage, it might be because your child was just admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Although some parents have advanced warning about a NICU stay, more often than not a NICU admission comes as a complete and distressing shock — definitely not part of the original birth plan. Please know that our team is here to help and that your newest, tiniest family member is in very good hands. You might just be surprised how much strength and determination even the littlest babies possess. I know they still amaze me.

Emily Anderson, NNP-BC

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Education

Indiana University School of Nursing - BSN

The University of Indianapolis - MSN

Affiliations

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2022

Bio

I often say I have the coolest job and I really feel that way. Getting to meet newborns on their birthday and help parents through a very vulnerable time is a great privilege. I enjoy being in the unique position to relate to families as a mother who was once in their shoes while guiding them as a clinician who has had rich and varied experiences in my career. Caring for newborns can be mysterious and challenging at times and they keep you on your toes which is what I love so much about the field of Neonatology. I learn every day. 

I'm originally from the Midwest, having lived in Ohio, Chicago, and most recently Indianapolis and feel lucky to have found myself in Maine. My husband and two daughters are often, if not always, by my side. When not at work you can find me testing out a new-to-me hiking trail or recipe, cozying up with a book or a jigsaw puzzle, or battling it out at trivia at a local brewery. 

Alison Faulkingham, MD

Neonatal Hospitalist

Board Certifications

Pediatrics, 2002

Residency

Georgetown University Hospital, 2002

Medical Education

University of Vermont College of Medicine, MD, 1999

Affiliations

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2023

Bio

As a Neonatal Hospitalist for over fifteen years, it has been my pleasure to support families with their newborn infants. I recognize the importance of meeting and touching one's child for the first time. Whether the child is healthy or unwell, the first moments of life are an experience that forms the foundation for the future. It is my purpose to provide the family, not only with the healthiest infant at discharge, but to ensure they are a cohesive part of their child's care during their hospital stay. Prior to becoming a Neonatal Hospitalist, I was a Primary Care Pediatrician in my hometown of Rockport, Maine. Caring for families and children as they grew gave me a breadth of insight that I now share with our parents to help guide and anticipate the future needs of their newborns. It is my honor to be an integral part in the lives of the families I serve.

My husband and I are both born and raised in Maine. When I am not working, I enjoy writing, reading, walking, salsa dancing, and vacations on a family island in Maine with my two daughters, my sisters and my nieces. 

Kaitlyn Lightbody, NNP-BC

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer James, MD

Neonatologist

Board Certifications

Pediatrics, 2012
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2018

Fellowship

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Neonatology, 2016

Residency

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pediatrics, 2012

Medical Education

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2009

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2020

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

The NICU can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs for a family who is facing the reality of having a sick or premature infant. As a neonatologist, I love that I can provide support and comfort to families during their scariest moments and also celebrate their joys and triumphs. It is a privilege to bear witness to this journey and I am continuously humbled by the resilience of my smallest patients, the strength of their families, and the dedication of the multidisciplinary team that cares for them. I have a special interest in communication with families and one of my passions is teaching this skill to trainees.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two daughters and exploring Maine’s beautiful outdoors. We are not from Maine originally, but it has already captured our hearts and I feel so lucky to be raising my family here.

Andrea Loeffler, MD

Neonatal Hospitalist + Associate Medical Director, Newborn Nursery, The Birthplace at Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Board Certifications

Pediatrics, 1999

Residency

NYU-Bellevue Hospital, Pediatrics, 1999

Medical Education

Hahnemann University School of Medicine, MD, 1996

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2021

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

As a neonatal hospitalist, I serve families as they welcome their new baby (or babies!) into the world. I am honored to support every parent in their unique journey - be it a firstborn child or simply the newest addition to the family. I endeavor to uplift families as they cope with the uncertainty a sick or premature baby can bring. As a primary care pediatrician for the past 22 years, I was fortunate to have experienced the joys and challenges both new and experienced parents faced as they brought their new baby home. This experience prepared me to help parents navigate everything from the practical, day-to-day needs of new babies to the coordination of care required by infants with numerous health complications. It brings me great joy to celebrate this journey with families.

When I am not at work, I love to read, knit, run, and spend time on the beach with my family.

Amy McBee, MD

Neonatologist + Medical Director, Newborn Nursery, The Birthplace at Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Board Certifications

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2008

Fellowship

St. Louis Children's Hospital, Neonatology, 2007

Residency

Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Pediatrics, 2004

Medical Education

Washington University School of Medicine, MD, 2001

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2011

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

I value the ability to work closely with families in order to provide comprehensive care when their newborns are critically ill. I try to help provide support, reassurance, and aid parents in being active participants in the care of their children during their time in the NICU. Sending babies home with excited, prepared families is the best part of my job!

My hobbies include travel, reading, and time outdoors with my family. Having grown up in Maine, I consider myself lucky to be able to practice medicine and raise my own children here.

Peter Marro, MD

Neonatologist + Past President of MNA

Board Certifications

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 1993

Fellowship

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Neonatology, 1993

Residency

Maine Medical Center, Pediatrics, 1990

Medical Education

Dartmouth Medical School, MD, 1987

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 1993

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

Providing specialized care for newborns is a uniquely fulfilling challenge which requires a dedicated team of health care professionals. Working together with families on the individual needs of their baby in order to provide a healthy transition to home is both rewarding and a privilege.

As a lifelong New Englander, I have lived and worked in Maine for over 25 years and have made it my family’s home. We love Maine’s beautiful natural resources, which are enhanced by its tradition, culture, and growing diversity. We especially enjoy hiking the mountains, flying kites on the beach, biking Acadia trails, exploring local food, and of course, the ever-changing seasons. 

Misty Melendi, MD

Neonatologist + President of MNA + Member, Board of Directors of MNA + Division Director, Neonatology, The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

Board Certifications

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2014
Pediatrics, 2010

Fellowship

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Neonatology, 2013

Residency

Yale University School of Medicine, Pediatrics, 2010

Medical Education

Rutgers Medical School

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2013

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

As their baby’s first doctor, we partner with families from admission to transitioning home to help provide collaborative, family-centered care. Being a part of a family's journey to home is the most rewarding part of my job. I am grateful for the opportunity to take care of infants and their families and embrace the challenge of caring for sick infants. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature with my husband and two children hiking, fishing, swimming, and skiing. 

Kim Owen, MD

Neonatal Hospitalist

Board Certifications

Pediatrics, 2005

Residency

Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Pediatrics, 2005

Medical Education

Loma Linda University School of Medicine, MD, 2002

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2014

Bio

Once infants have stabilized, my role as a neonatal hospitalist is to direct medical care while they acquire the skills to thrive at home. This is an exciting time of growth and development. It can also be overwhelming for families since each baby reaches the goal of going home at a different pace.  I enjoy guiding our team of nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, therapists, dietitians and social workers to support and safely build a family’s independence and confidence in caring for their baby. My clinical interests include family centered newborn care, substance exposed infants, feeding difficulties and Quality Improvement.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family skiing, boating, running, and cheering on my four kids at their sporting events.

Alan Picarillo, MD

Neonatologist + Treasurer of MNA + Member, Board of Directors of MNA + Medical Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

Board Certifications

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2005

Fellowship

University of Massachusetts Medical School, 2004

Residency

University of Massachusetts Medical School, Pediatrics, 2001

Medical Education

University of Massachusetts Medical School, MD, 1998

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2017

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

I have always been amazed by the healing powers of newborn infants, and that is what drew me initially to pediatrics, and then to specialty training in neonatology. During that training and subsequent career, I realized that the multidisciplinary teamwork of the staff in the newborn intensive care unit and the powerful relationships formed with the families of these infants is what sustains me each and every day. I feel very blessed to be practicing at MNA in such a high quality NICU where family centered care is not just a slogan, but truly embedded in the culture.

Relocating back to my native New England in 2017, has afforded my family true four-season living, and the also opportunity to see my beloved Red Sox in person a few times a year.

Maria Schoen, MD

Neonatal Hospitalist

Board Certifications

Pediatrics, 1995

Residency

University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Pediatrics, 1993

Medical Education

University of Vermont College of Medicine, MD, 1990

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2016

Bio

Caring for infants as a neonatal hospitalist, I feel privileged to work with families as they and their infants transition from a more critical time in the neonatal intensive care unit to a more stable time in preparation for home. From my experience as a general pediatrician working in the primary care setting, I have some insight into what life after the NICU is like. It is only through listening to our patients and their families that an individualized and unique treatment plan can be formulated for each patient. However, in order to provide the best care for our tiniest patients, it requires the help of a multidisciplinary team and their parents/guardians. I am very excited to be part of this team and honored by the trust that families bestow on me. 

When not working, I love to spend time with my family and our chocolate Labrador in the outdoors both here in Maine and in Massachusetts.

Gina Trachimowicz, MD

Neonatologist + Vice President of MNA + Member, Board of Directors of MNA + Medical Director, Newborn Nursery, Southern Maine Health Care

Board Certifications

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2014
Pediatrics, 2009

Fellowship

Umass Memorial Hospital- Memorial Campus, 2012

Residency

University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Pediatrics, 2008

Medical Education

University of Vermont College of Medicine, MD, 2005

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2016

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

As a neonatologist, I recognize that it is a privilege to care for the most vulnerable infants and their families. I am committed to ensuring the highest quality of care in order to achieve optimal outcomes for our sickest infants. My special interests include quality improvement, antibiotic stewardship, and medical education. I have experience and expertise in the development and implementation of a variety of quality improvement initiatives within the NICU setting, as well as developing evidence-based guidelines to improve clinical care. I currently oversee the NICU rotations for medical student and residents and focus on curriculum development and optimization of the NICU educational experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at home with my family where we love being active and spending time outdoors.

Michael Vozzelli, MD

Neonatologist

Board Certifications

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2003

Fellowship

Duke University Medical Center, Neonatology

Residency

Duke University Medical Center, Pediatrics, 1999

Internship

Duke University Medical Center, 1997

Medical Education

Temple University School of Medicine, MD, 1996

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2002

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Allison Zanno, MD

Neonatologist

Board Certifications

Pediatrics, 2013
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, 2018

Fellowship

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Neonatology, 2016

Residency

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pediatrics, 2013

Medical Education

University of Connecticut, MD, 2010

Affiliations

Maine Medical Center since 2017

Northern Light Mercy Hospital since 2021

Bio

Newborns provide a unique set of challenges as they navigate the transition from fetal to extrauterine life. As a neonatologist, it is a privilege and an honor to be able to provide care to newborns and their families during such a critical and stressful time. I am committed to family-centered care, and strongly believe a multidisciplinary team and family involvement is an integral part to patient care.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time exploring the beautiful state of Maine with my family.