{"id":55,"date":"2017-05-04T09:44:39","date_gmt":"2017-05-04T13:44:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lab.research.sickkids.ca\/feldman\/?page_id=55"},"modified":"2026-04-02T11:37:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T15:37:08","slug":"team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lab.research.sickkids.ca\/feldman\/team\/","title":{"rendered":"Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dr. Brian Feldman, MD, M.Sc., FRCPC<\/span><\/h3>\n

Division Head,\u00a0Rheumatology,\u00a0The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)<\/a><\/p>\n

Senior Scientist, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute<\/a><\/p>\n

Professor, Department of Pediatrics<\/a> & Medicine, Health Policy Management & Evaluation, and Dalla Lana School of Public Health<\/a>,\u00a0University of Toronto<\/p>\n

Dr. Brian Feldman graduated from the University of Western Ontario (MD, 1985) and he did further graduate training in clinical epidemiology at the University of Toronto (M.Sc., 1994). He interned at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and went on to do a core paediatric residency at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Dr. Feldman returned to Toronto as the associate chief resident at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). There, he completed a fellowship in paediatric rheumatology.<\/p>\n

Dr. Feldman is a member of the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group, the Canadian Alliance of Pediatric Rheumatology Investigators, the International Myositis Assessment Criteria study group, and other collaborative organizations. He was one of the founding members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA), and was the head of the protocol evaluation subcommittee and chair of the Juvenile Dermatomyositis subcommittee.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_empty_space height=”75px”][vc_single_image image=”729″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_empty_space height=”75px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Research Staff<\/h2>\n

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Audrey Abad<\/h3>\n

Senior Project Manager<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

HBSc -\u202fKinesiology and Health Science & Psychology\u202f-\u202fYork University<\/em><\/p>\n

Audrey has worked at SickKids for over a decade.\u202fShe has been involved in the management and coordination of international multi-centre research initiatives focused on the development and testing of outcome measures in chronic illnesses and inherited bleeding disorders, preventative therapies for hemophilia, and capacity-building in resource constrained countries.\u202f\u202fHer passion is to contribute to innovative research and projects that focus on the overall improvement of health outcomes in chronic illnesses globally.<\/p>\n

In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, spending time with family, and a fun shopping trip.<\/p>\n

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Hayyah Clairman<\/h3>\n

Clinical Research Project Manager<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

HBSc – Cell and Molecular Biology & Human Biology (Anthropology minor) – University of Toronto
\n<\/em>MSc – Medical Science – University of Toronto<\/em><\/p>\n

Hayyah has been involved with SickKids since 2010 when she was a summer research student. Since then she has bee<\/span><\/span>n involved in several research projects across\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a number of<\/span><\/span> departments. Hayyah joined the Feldman team in 2017 where she manages several projects<\/span><\/span>. Her favorite thing about SickKids is the robust collaborative network among physicians and researchers. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She is also a chocolate lover, and likes difficult sudoku and jigsaw puzzles.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Amanda De Filippo<\/h3>\n

Registered Dietician<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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BA \u2013 Psychology (Italian Culture minor) \u2013 York University
\nBASc \u2013 Nutrition and Food \u2013 Toronto Metropolitan University
\nMSc \u2013 Human Development and Food Security \u2013 Roma Tre University
\nPMDip, Dietetics \u2013 Toronto Metropolitan University<\/em><\/p>\n

Amanda joined SickKids in November 2024 as a research dietitian for the DIGEST-JA study, where she supports participating families in adopting the Mediterranean Diet to explore its potential benefits for JIA. She completed her clinical nutrition training at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Having worked in global food security research since 2019, Amanda is passionate about improving access to healthy diets through sustainable food systems and food and nutrition policy. She recently began teaching Population Health Promotion in the Master\u2019s in Nutrition Communication program at Toronto Metropolitan University.<\/p>\n

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys nature walks with her dog, cooking, baking, travelling, and dancing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Ingrid Goh<\/h3>\n

Senior Research Associate (PM)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

HBSc – University of Toronto
\n<\/em>MScQIPS – University of Toronto
\n<\/em>PhD – University of Toronto<\/em><\/p>\n

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Ingrid has been involved with SickKids in various capacities, including as a student, volunteer, and employee. She oversees a portfolio of studies within the Division of Rheumatology. Her interests lie in patient engagement, quality improvement, digital technology, and knowledge translation research.<\/p>\n

In her free time, Ingrid dedicates herself to volunteering with numerous organizations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Natasha Naraidoo<\/h3>\n

Clinical Research Project Coordinator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

HBSc \u2013 Psychology – York University<\/em><\/p>\n

Natasha has been working at SickKids since 2016, and has been part of the Feldman team since 2018. She is currently coordinating and assisting with projects in rheumatology and haematology. Prior to this, she worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).<\/p>\n

She has always held a special interest in paediatric mental health, working as an instructional therapist helping children with developmental disabilities and behavioural difficulties. She is also a member of the Peer Support and Trauma Response Team at SickKids. In her free time, Natasha loves to spend time with her family which generally involves lots of food!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Claire Peneycad<\/h3>\n

Clinical Research Project Assistant
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BHSc (Hons) – Biomedical Sciences – Carleton University<\/em>
\nMSc – Biology – Carleton University<\/em><\/p>\n

Claire joined SickKids in October 2025 in her current role with the Feldman team. Throughout her academic studies she worked on various research projects including both community-based research during her undergrad and molecular genetics-focused research while completing her MSc thesis. Claire was previously involved in research activities at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where she developed a keen interest in hospital-based research for children. In her current position, Claire assists with research operations involving various registries for children with rheumatic conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In her spare time, Claire enjoys reading, spending time with her friends and family, and playing the daily New York Times puzzle games (her favourites are The Mini and Connections).<\/p>\n

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Samantha Stephens<\/h3>\n

Research Associate<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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PhD – University of Toronto<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Graduate Students<\/h2>\n

(If you are interested in a master’s, PhD or volunteer position with the Feldman Lab, please visit\u00a0Get Involved<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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Zainab Imam<\/h3>\n
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MD \u2013 University College Hospital
\n<\/em>MSc \u2013 Tropical Paediatrics \u2013 Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine<\/em><\/p>\n

Zainab is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto. She earned her medical degree and completed her residency in Paediatrics at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Additionally, she holds an MSc with Merit in Tropical Paediatrics from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK. Currently, she serves as a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Her research focuses on improving access to exclusive human breastmilk feeding for hospitalized small and vulnerable newborns (SVNs) in Nigeria.<\/p>\n

In her leisure time, Zainab enjoys watching movies, recreational reading, and gardening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Yvonne Lee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

MSc –\u00a0<\/em>
\nMScPT –\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Yvonne is a PhD student in the Institute of Medical Science program at the University of Toronto. As a physiotherapist, she is interested in studying exercise interventions and is currently studying this in the context of pediatric rheumatic diseases. Her research interests include clinical trial designs, applications, and outcome measurement.<\/p>\n

Yvonne likes travelling and visiting cafes around the city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Rebecca Quilty<\/h3>\n

\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Katherine Sawicka<\/h3>\n

MD \u2013 University of Saskatchewan<\/em><\/p>\n

Katherine is a PhD student in Clinical Epidemiology at the Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto. She has been working on her PhD at SickKids since July 2020. She completed her MD at the University of Saskatchewan and is also currently in postgraduate neurology training at the University of Toronto. Her research interests are: self-management in adolescents and young adults with multiple sclerosis, long term outcomes of people with paediatric onset multiple sclerosis in adulthood, and transition from pediatric to adult care. Katherine is a member of the Neurology Pediatric-Adult Transition Working Group<\/em> (University of Toronto), and the Health Hub inTransition<\/em> (Children\u2019s Healthcare Canada).<\/p>\n

In her spare time she plays tennis and makes pasta by hand.<\/p>\n

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Lizabeth Teshler<\/h3>\n

BArtsSc \u2013 McMaster University<\/em><\/p>\n

Lizabeth is a PhD student in the Institute of Medical Science program at the University of Toronto. She completed her undergraduate studies in the Honours Arts and Science program at McMaster University where she received a broad-based science and humanities education. Lizabeth has actively engaged in various research opportunities at Mount Sinai Hospital and at the McMaster Rehabilitation Science department since 2019. Lizabeth\u2019s research interests and passions include improving child health outcomes, quality of life and hematology research. Most recently, she has worked at Bayer Pharmaceuticals Canada in their medical research department collaborating and contributing to study management in various therapeutic areas.<\/p>\n

Lizabeth loves road biking, spending time outdoors and volunteering for various community initiatives.<\/p>\n

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Research Fellows<\/h2>\n

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Giovanni Filocamo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Childhood Myositis Clinical Research Fellow<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD \u2013 University of Bologna
\n<\/em>PhD \u2013 University of Genoa<\/em><\/p>\n

Dr. Filocamo is a Pediatric Rheumatologist. He graduated in Medicine and completed his residency in Pediatrics at the University of Bologna, Italy. He then earned a PhD in Clinical Genetics and Immunology of Autoimmune Diseases from the University of Genoa.<\/p>\n

Since 2014, he has been practicing at the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano.<\/p>\n

Currently, he is enrolled in a clinical and research fellowship in Pediatric Rheumatology at the University of Toronto, focusing on pediatric idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.<\/p>\n

He is a member of the Italian Pediatric Rheumatology Society (ReumaPed) and the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES).<\/p>\n

In his free time, he enjoys biking, skiing, and windsurfing, and is also a keen photographer.<\/p>\n

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Hamada Natour<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Childhood Myositis Clinical Research Fellow<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dr. Natour is a pediatric rheumatologist who graduated from Hadassah Hebrew University of Jerusalem Medical School. He complete both his general pediatrics residency and pediatric rheumatology fellowship in Israel. Currently, he is enrolled in a\u00a0postgraduate advanced training program in pediatric rheumatology at the University of Toronto, focusing on enhancing his skills in treating childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and inflammatory myositis diseases.<\/p>\n

He is a member of the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA), the American College of Rheumatology( ACR), and the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PRES).<\/p>\n

In addition to his medical career, Dr. Natour enjoys traveling and is a passionate fan of tennis and soccer, both playing and following these sports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Former Graduate Students and Trainees<\/h2>\n

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Dr. Luisine Abrahamyan, PhD
\nDr. Anwar Alkandari, MB BCh BAO
\nDr. Laura Avila, PhD
\nDr. Susanne Benseler, MSc
\nDr. Hermine Brunner, MSc
\nDr. Manuel Carcao, MSc
\nAubrey Chiu, MSc
\nDr. Peter Church, MSc
\nDr. Ivan Diamond, PhD
\nDr. Andrea Doria, MSc
\nDr. Grace Gong, Post-doctoral
\nRachel Goren, MSc
\nDr. Marissa Hang, MSc
\nDr. Diane Hebert, MSc
\nDr. Adam Huber, MSc
\nDr. Sindhu Johnson, PhD
\nDr. Jennifer Lee, MSc
\nDr. Lily Siok Hoon Lim, PhD
\nDr. Jayne MacMahon, MB Bch BAO
\nDr. Tomo Nozawa, Post-Doc
\nDr. Irena Nulman, PhD
\nDr. Moaath Saggaf, PhD
\nDr. Samantha Stephens, PhD
\nDr. Elizabeth Stringer, MSc
\nDr. Lillian Sung, PhD
\nDr. Andrea Taddio, Post-doc
\nDr. Simon Tian, PhD
\nBen Traubici, BSc
\nDr. Pamela Valentino, MSc
\nDr. Andr\u00e9anne Zizzo (Benidir), MSc<\/p>\n

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Team Picture Gallery<\/h2><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]