Our Staff

Physicians (Hematologists)

• Margaret V. Ragni, M.D., M.P.H.
  Medical Director
• Enrico Novelli, M.D.
  Associate Medical Director
• Franklin A. Bontempo, M.D.
• A. Kim Ritchey, M.D.
• James Cooper, M.D.

Clinical and Research Nurses

• Kristen Jaworski, R.N., B.S.N.
  Clinical and Research RN Supervisor
• Kathy M. Betts, BS, ASCP
  Clinical Research Coordinator
• Holly Chapman, R.N.
  Research RNII
• Kim Goldby-Reffner, R.N.
  Regulatory Coordinator
• Anita Karra, R.N.
  Research RNII

Mental Health Professionals

• Diane Standish, L.S.W.
  Mental Health Professional II
• Carol Stauffer, L.S.W., A.C.S.W.
  Mental Health Professional I

Physical Therapist

• Debbie Voss, P.T.
  

Factor Distribution Program

• Pam Betz, CPA
  Finance Director and Factor Program Manager
• Chris Osman
  Factor Program Team Leader
• Lori Lugaila
  Factor Program specialist

Support Staff

• Karen Saban
  Office Manager
• Jessica Janoff
  EHR Applications Administrator
• Stacy Dixon
  Administrative Assistant I
• Janet Kountz
  Insurance and Billing Specialist
  
• Carolyn Kilonsky
  Medical Assistant

Select Staff Profiles

Margaret V. Ragni, M.D., M.P.H. Dr. Ragni is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She directs the nationally recognized Hemophilia Center of Western PA (HCWP), a chronic disease care model which provides comprehensive care for individuals with congenital bleeding and clotting disorders. She currently serves on the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board of the National Hemophilia Foundation. She has clinical expertise in the diagnosis and management of clotting problems and has an active clinical research program, including clinical trials, prospective studies, and patient-oriented research, with funding from NIH-NHLBI. She is actively involved in training fellows, residents and students, and gives lectures to physicians in the community and at national meetings. There is a strong clinical emphasis on the importance and interrelatedness of clinical research to advances that will benefit patients and advance knowledge of thrombosis and hemostasis.

Franklin Bontempo, M.D. Dr. Bontempo is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Coagulation Laboratory of the Institute for Transfusion Medicine. He is affiliated with UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, UPMC Cancer Centers and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Oakland. He received his M.D. from The Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia. His medical residencies were at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia. Dr. Bontempo was awarded a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

A. Kim Ritchey, M.D. Dr. Ritchey is Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and an active physician member at the HCWP. His interest in caring for children with hemophilia started over 25 years ago when he started the Comprehensive Hemophilia Clinic at Yale/New Haven Hospital. Dr. Ritchey and his staff at Children's Hospital provide an important connection between the hospital and the HCWP when a child or adolescent with hemophilia needs to be hospitalized.

Enrico M. Novelli, M.D. Dr. Novelli is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hematology/Oncology fellowship program. He currently serves as Associate Director of the Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania where he provides patient care during his weekly Thursday clinic. Dr. Novelli is also committed to clinical research in hemophilia and other hematological diseases.

Kim Goldby-Reffner, R.N., B.S. Kim Goldby-Reffner is the regulatory coordinator at the Hemophilia Center of Western PA. She started at the center in January 2007. Her background includes work in the areas of pharmaceutical kinetics, reproductive endocrinology, rheumatology, cardio-pulmonary care and hem/oncology. She studied nursing at Community College of Allegheny County and has a Bachelor's degree in biology from Carlow University. She is pursuing a Master's degree in research.

Kristen Jaworski, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.R.C. Kristen Jaworski is a seasoned hemophilia nurse, working at the center since 1998. She is supervisor of the Clinical and Research Nursing staff. Her education extends beyond her RN and includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Clinical Research Coordinator Certification. Kristen is involved in nursing activities within the national hemophilia network.

Holly Chapman, R.N. Holly L. Chapman is a Registered Nurse in the state of Pennsylvania. Her background is in Clinical Research, first in the area of transplantation , where she worked with Dr. Ragni on a large clinical trial. She has experience in databases, clinical case report form design and clinical aspects of research. She currently has 2 Associate Degrees and is enrolled in the Bachelors/Masters nursing degree program at the University of Pittsburgh.

Diane Standish, L.S.W. Diane S. Standish, LSW, has been with the HCWP for over 15 years. She has a Master's degree in Social Work and a post-Master's certificate in Family Therapy, both from the University of Pittsburgh. She provides psychosocial services to HCWP patients and families, and also has some administrative responsibilities.

Carol Stauffer, L.S.W., A.C.S.W Carol Stauffer, L.S.W., A.C.S.W., is a member of the HCWP psycho-social services department. She received her master’s degree in social work in 1978 and bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work in 1975 from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a certified group psychotherapist.

Debbie Voss, P.T. Debbie Voss, P.T. , joined the center in October 2006. In addition to being a licensed physical therapist, she is also a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She has earned Bachelor of Science degrees in athletic training and physical training from Marietta College and East Carolina University. Debbie has worked in outpatient physical therapy since 1994.

Kathy M. Betts, BS, ASCP Kathy began her career as a laboratory technician after completing her Associate Degree at Penn State in 1985. Working mainly in Research and Development she spent sixteen years at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and completed her Bachelors in Health Science at Carlow College. She expanded her skills over the past couple years as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She is experienced in conducting various aspects of Clinical Trials, and is devoted to furthering Medical Science through continued Research.