Anam Ali, MD

Anam Ali, MD, is a pediatrician who was born and raised in central Florida. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in nutritional sciences from the University of Florida and obtained her medical degree from Florida State University. She then completed her pediatrics residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine.

Dr. Ali loves advocating for children. "I find joy in playing a vital role in a child's life from infancy to adulthood," Dr. Ali says. She cares for children and their families with a focus on prevention and healthy lifestyles. Dr. Ali strives to provide high-quality, compassionate and nurturing care in all of her patient encounters.

When she's not working, Dr. Ali enjoys spending time with her family, baking and traveling.

Deborah Gonzales, MD

Deborah Gonzales, MD, is a pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics. She provides comprehensive care for patients from birth through adolescence, working with families to offer compassionate medical care.

Dr. Gonzales earned her undergraduate degree and her medical degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. She completed her residency training in pediatrics at the University of Arizona in Tucson. 

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in general pediatrics, Dr. Gonzales is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Arizona Chapter. 

Dr. Gonzales spends her free time with her husband, four children and the family’s German Shepard. She enjoys playing the piano, cooking, hiking and watching her son play baseball.

Malica Mantrala, MD, MPH

Pediatrician Malica Mantrala, MD, MPH, grew up in Pullman, Washington, and has traveled many times to India to visit family and do volunteer work. In India, she witnessed disturbing inequalities in access to healthcare. Wanting to change those disparities helped inspire her to become a doctor.

Dr. Mantrala completed her undergraduate education and medical school degree at the University of Washington. Between undergraduate and medical school, she received her master’s in public health from Drexel University in Philadelphia. She moved to Arizona to do her pediatric residency training at Phoenix Children’s. 

Dr. Mantrala provides family-centered care and considers the patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being using a holistic approach to care.

“I love being there for families in their most vulnerable moments, helping them through life’s health challenges, big or small,” Dr. Mantrala says.

Outside of work, Dr. Mantrala likes spending time with family and friends, going on outdoor adventures and traveling. 

Kristin Ann McCleland, MD

Primary care pediatrician Kristin Ann McCleland, MD, grew up in Wisconsin. Her parents were teachers, and she discovered that “kids are amazing!” Combining her love for children with a love of science and learning, she chose a medical career in pediatrics.

Dr. McCleland moved to North Carolina for her undergraduate degree in psychology from Davidson College. She taught in middle school before going to medical school at East Carolina University and completing her pediatric residency training at Phoenix Children’s. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

She feels at home at Phoenix Children’s. “I have so much respect for their providers, their goals and their continued pursuit of pediatric care excellence,” she says. “I’m happy to be part of the team.”

When not caring for patients, Dr. McCleland loves reading and spending time outdoors with her family. She also enjoys gardening, learning to cook and watching football.

Joseph Piacentine, MD

Joseph Piacentine, MD, was born and raised in Colorado. His father's illness and extended hospital stay when Dr. Piacentine was a child inspired him to become a doctor.

Dr. Piacentine attended undergraduate college at the University of San Francisco, where he majored in biochemistry and philosophy. He returned to Colorado for medical school at the University of Colorado and came to Arizona for his pediatric residency at Phoenix Children’s. He was chief resident in pediatrics during his final year, and he is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Dr. Piacentine says he is always learning from every patient and from the latest in medical developments. He focuses on connecting with his patients and their families and providing comprehensive, culturally aware care with compassion.

"I love helping families learn to care for their child and develop their parenting skills," Dr. Piacentine says.

Dr. Piacentine enjoys spending his free time with the things he loves most: his family, his dogs and golf.

Jennifer Gibler, PA-C

Physician assistant Jennifer Gibler, PA-C, was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has been practicing pediatrics since 1995.

Jennifer first received a Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Wellness Management from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. She went on to earn a second Bachelor of Science degree as a physician assistant from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

“I have always loved children and planned on working with children for as far back as I can remember. Being a physician assistant in pediatrics gives me the great joy of being able to come to work and ‘play’ with children of all ages every day,” says Jennifer.

In her free time, Jennifer loves sports, traveling and spending time with her family.

Elizabeth (Buffy) Patterson, PA-C

Elizabeth (Buffy) Patterson, PA-C, provides general pediatric adolescent care. As a physician assistant, she makes whole-person and family-focused care a priority.

Buffy received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and went on to earn her Master of Medical Science in Pediatrics and Family Practice from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.

She calls Phoenix Children’s “a great fit.” She appreciates the resources it offers patients and families.

Buffy always knew she wanted to work with children. “Conversations with children and adolescents bring joy to my life,” she says. “I truly enjoy watching children and families grow.”

When not caring for patients, Buffy enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, traveling and exploring new places. She also loves yoga and ballroom dancing.