Pharmacy Residents and Faculty
Learn more about our current residents, preceptors and past residents.
What our residents say
“I was drawn to Lehigh Valley Health Network [LVHN] because of the variety of rotations offered, specifically those in pediatrics. The opportunity to complete a teaching certificate was also appealing to me. During the interview process, I immediately felt welcome and comfortable with the program director and the preceptors. Additionally, the current residents are very enthusiastic about the program, and they described a very supportive environment at LVHN. Ultimately, all of these aspects were what made me choose LVHN, and I am very excited to grow and develop in this residency program.” – Ashley Brown, PharmD, 2024-2025 PGY-1 resident
“I chose Lehigh Valley Health Network for my PGY-1 residency for a variety of reasons, with the main reason being the special place that LVHN holds in my heart. LVHN has been the main health provider for both myself and my family for as long as I can remember. Being presented with the opportunity to take part in providing exceptional care to patients, the same exceptional care in which I have received over the years, was an experience that I knew would be both fulfilling and rewarding to my life. The interactions I had on LVHN rotations and the residency interview further solidified my belief that LVHN is a family-oriented institution that would serve me well as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.” – Carissa Kern, PharmD, 2024-2025 PGY-1 resident
“I chose Lehigh Valley Health Network for my PGY-1 residency for the multitude of experiences offered, such as pediatrics and critical care. During my time here as an APPE student and during the interview process, the preceptors demonstrated their knowledge and enthusiasm in their clinical areas, and excitement toward the residency program and the residents within it. Lehigh Valley excels in preparing their residents to transcend into prestigious clinical pharmacists.” – Madeline Stauffer, PharmD, 2024-2025 PGY-1 resident
“I chose LVHN for several reasons. First and foremost, I had a very warm feeling in all my interactions with the selection committee. I immediately felt like LVHN was a supportive environment based on my interactions with Dr. Kristin Wheatley and the residents during my interview and at ASHP’s Midyear. One thing that really stood out to me was a comment one of the residents made during my interview: ‘I wish LVHN had a second year because I like it so much.’
“I learn best with support and patience. On match day, I almost felt relief that I had matched with LVHN. I felt that this program would support me the most as I navigate the very steep learning curve from student to resident pharmacist.” – Sophia Vitale, PharmD, 2024-2025 PGY-1 resident
“I chose Lehigh Valley Health Network for my PGY-1 residency for a few different reasons including staff and rotation opportunities offered. One of the main reasons I chose to apply to this program was because of the elective and required rotation options, specifically those in pediatrics. During the interview process, the way that the staff spoke with me and the other applicants made me feel welcomed, included and that they were interested in knowing about me as a whole including interests outside of pharmacy. Additionally, they made me feel as though making the transition from student to resident would be easier with them.” – Allexa Buckingham, PharmD, 2023-2024 PGY-1 resident
“Lehigh Valley originally caught my eye with the unique opportunities it offers its residents in terms of core, elective and longitudinal learning experiences, but it captured my heart with the people I met during the interview. The program director and preceptors were all so encouraging and made me feel at home right from the get-go. Additionally, it was clear from speaking to the current residents how much they loved the program, mentors, projects and learning opportunities as well as LVHN as a whole, and it made me fall in love with the program. The companionship and pride the residents felt for themselves and each other’s accomplishments shone throughout my time with them, and I knew overall this was something I wanted for my residency experience.” – Leah Castelnovo, PharmD, 2023-2024 PGY-1 resident
“I chose Lehigh Valley Health Network for my PGY-1 residency for a variety of reasons. The program offers many unique experiences that will allow me to further develop my knowledge and skills to become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. During my interview, I could tell the preceptors were not only welcoming and kind but dedicated to the program’s success and ensuring each resident is prepared for their career as a pharmacist.” – Stephen Ensor, PharmD, 2023-2024 PGY-1 resident
“I chose Lehigh Valley Health Network for my PGY-1 residency not only for the diverse clinical experiences and well-rounded program but also for the culture. Everyone has been so welcoming throughout my interview process, and it is evident how dedicated and passionate they are about the care of the patients they serve, as well as the success of the residency program. The opportunities offered at LVHN provide the clinical and longitudinal rotations to excel as a clinical pharmacist.” – Shannon Fitzpatrick, PharmD, 2023-2024 PGY-1 resident
“I chose Lehigh Valley Health Network for my PGY-1 residency for a variety of reasons. There are endless opportunities in multiple areas of pharmacy including longitudinal experiences, unique rotations and the opportunity to pursue a teaching certificate. The preceptors are all very welcoming and passionate about pharmacy and teaching the residents!” – Michelle Gronski, PharmD, 2022-2023 PGY-1 resident
“I chose Lehigh Valley Health Network for my PGY-1 residency because it provides residents with the opportunity to gain experience with a diverse range of patient populations, both adult and pediatric, through its selection of elective rotations. Upon speaking with the preceptors during my interview, it was evident that they were all dedicated not only to the success of the program overall but also to the success and development of each individual resident based on their interests and goals.” – Brianna Schafer, PharmD, 2022-2023 PGY-1 resident
“I chose LVHN because of the dedicated preceptors, progressive pharmacy practices and expansive clinical experiences. After my interview, I knew that LVHN was the best choice for me; the program offers a leading-edge and well-rounded experience that allows me to explore all areas of clinical pharmacy.” – Kimberly Sharpe, PharmD, 2022-2023 PGY-1 resident
“Lehigh Valley Health Network is an institution that will make me an adaptable, well-rounded clinician. I chose LVHN for my PGY-1 residency because they offer a variety of rotations that appeal to my interests of critical care and cardiology. Everyone I have met has a passion for health care and cares about the outcomes in their patients, and I am excited to be a part of this culture.” – Peter Yakoub, PharmD, 2022-2023 PGY-1 resident
Our current residents
Class of 2025
Ashley Brown, PharmD
Temple University School of Pharmacy – Philadelphia
Ashley Brown, PharmD, is originally from Schuylkill Haven, Pa. She graduated from Temple University School of Pharmacy and completed the advanced clinical practice track. Prior to and throughout her time in pharmacy school, she was a technician/intern with Penn State Health St. Joseph in Reading, Pa. Her current interests include pediatrics, infectious diseases, ambulatory care and critical care. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys cooking, crocheting, spending time with her dog and watching sports.
Carissa Kern, PharmD
Wilkes University – Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Carissa Kern, PharmD, grew up in Northampton, Pa., and attended pharmacy school at the Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Throughout her time at Wilkes, she elected to focus on didactic learning along with involvement in pharmacy organizations, making sure to take advantage of all of the opportunities that presented themselves. She served as fundraising chair for Lambda Kappa Sigma and president of Rho Chi and was selected to take part in the Rho Chi Student Executive Council Task Force. Her current areas of interest include cardiology, critical care and infectious disease with hopes of pursuing a career in a hospital setting post-residency year. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys reading, going to wineries, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Madeline Stauffer, PharmD
Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia College of Pharmacy – Philadelphia
Madeline Stauffer, PharmD, is from Bedminster, Pa., and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. Throughout pharmacy school she worked at Doylestown Hospital in the IV compounding lab. During school she participated in research focusing on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for heart failure and doxorubicin for triple negative breast cancer. Her areas of interest include pediatrics, critical care and cardiology. After completion of her PGY-1 residency she hopes to pursue a PGY-2 in her area of interest or work as a clinical staff pharmacist. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, baking and doing puzzles.
Sophia Vitale, PharmD
University of Utah, College of Pharmacy – Salt Lake City
Sophia Vitale, PharmD, graduated from the University of Utah, College of Pharmacy. She is the daughter of two physicians and is a triplet. She has interests in neurology, critical care and rare-disease drug development (investigational drugs). In her free time, she rides horses. She feels that riding allows her to take a break from her busy life and be very present in the saddle.
Preceptors
Pharmacy administrators
Janine Barnaby, RPh, BS, BCOP
Director, Pharmacy Cancer Institute and Infusion Services
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science – Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Anthony Gabriel, PharmD, BCPS
Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services – Lehigh Valley Hospital
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science – Doctor of Pharmacy
ChristianaCare – PGY-1 residency
Clinical pharmacists
Brooke Broczkowski, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Antimicrobial Stewardship
St. John’s University – Doctor of Pharmacy
St. Luke’s University Health Network – PGY-1 residency
Baystate Medical Center – PGY-2 Infectious Diseases Residency
Michelle Gronski, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – PICU/Children’s ED
Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy
Lehigh Valley Health Network – PGY-1 residency
Cone Health – PGY-2 Pediatric Pharmacotherapy
Matthew Fair, BS, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Internal Medicine
West Virginia University – Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Duquesne University – Doctor of Pharmacy
Lauren Geerlof, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM
Clinical Pharmacist – Integrated Care Coordination
Rutgers University, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy
Lehigh Valley Health Network – PGY-1 residency
Laura Hayn, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – NICU
Moravian College – Bachelor of Science in Biology, Psychology
Temple University – Doctor of Pharmacy
University of North Carolina – PGY-1 residency
University of North Carolina – PGY-2 Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Residency
Katarzyna (Katrina) Jabbour, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist – Family Medicine
Northeastern University – Doctor of Pharmacy
Coastal Medical Inc./University of Rhode Island – Primary Care Pharmacy Residency
Jarrod Kile, RPh, BCPS, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Infectious Disease
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science – Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Katelin Kimler, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Pediatrics and Maternal Health
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University – Doctor of Pharmacy
Lehigh Valley Health Network – PGY-1 residency
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University – PGY-2 Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Residency
Jason Laskosky, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Critical Care
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science – Doctor of Pharmacy
Arun Mancheril, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Investigational Drugs/Inpatient Oncology
University of Kansas School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy
Long Island University, Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy – Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Katie Nesbitt, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Cardiology and Anticoagulation
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy
Reading Health Network – PGY-1 residency
Alexis Nicholson, PharmD, BCACP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Population Health
Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy
Lehigh Valley Health Network – PGY-1 residency
Milisha Shah, PharmD, BCPS, BCTX
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Solid Organ Transplant
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University – Doctor of Pharmacy
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – PGY-1 residency
Bona Shin, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Solid Organ Transplant
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy
Reading Hospital – PGY-1 residency
The Johns Hopkins Hospital – PGY-2 Solid Organ Transplant
Megan Taylor, PharmD, MSCR
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Adult Emergency Medicine
Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Doctor of Pharmacy
Lehigh Valley Health Network – PGY-1 residency
UNC Health Rex – PGY-2 Critical Care Residency
Kristin Held Wheatley, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Pediatric Oncology and Infectious Diseases
Program Director, PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy
Lehigh Valley Health Network – PGY-1 residency
Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics – PGY-2 Pediatric Oncology Residency
Past residents
2023-2024
Allexa Buckingham, PharmD
Education: High Point University, High Point, N.C.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency – Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.
Leah Castelnovo, PharmD
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency – AdventHealth for Children, Orlando, Fla.
Stephen Ensor, PharmD
Education: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Ky.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Oncology Residency – Norton Children’s Hospital, Louisville, Ky.
Shannon Fitzpatrick, PharmD
Education: Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton, N.Y.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Solid Organ Transplant Residency, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami
2022-2023
Michelle Gronski, PharmD
Education: Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency at Cone Health, Greensboro, N.C.
Brianna Schafer, PharmD
Education: University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, R.I.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y.
Kimberly Sharpe, PharmD
Education: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Unit-based clinical pharmacist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Peter Yakoub, PharmD
Education: Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
2021-2022
Sara Frey, PharmD
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency, University of Chicago Medicine, Comer Children’s Hospital, Chicago
Megan Taylor, PharmD, MSCR
Education: Campbell University, Buies Creek, N.C.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Critical Care Residency, University of North Carolina REX Healthcare, Raleigh, N.C.
2020-2021
Alexis Nicholson, PharmD
Education: Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical pharmacist, integrated care coordination, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
Alex Walter, PharmD
Education: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Philadelphia
2019-2020
Rachael Gerstein, PharmD
Education: Duquesne University, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Oncology Residency, Yale New Haven Health, New Haven, Conn.
Clarence Kyle Walker, PharmD
Education: Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
2018-2019
José Román, PharmD
Education: Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical pharmacist at Tower Health, Reading, Pa.
Jasica Truong, PharmD
Education: Temple University, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
2017-2018
Kyle O’Brien, PharmD
Education: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Unit-based clinical pharmacist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Elizabeth Shober, PharmD
Education: Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
2016-2017
Aubrey Goertel, PharmD
Education: Duquesne University, Mylan School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Residency, Kaiser Permanente, Denver
Breana Goscicki, PharmD
Education: Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, Boston
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Oncology Residency, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
2015-2016
Marissa Csovelak, PharmD
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical pharmacist, Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, Pa.
Samantha Spishock, PharmD
Education: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency, Rutgers University, Piscataway Township, N.J.
2014-2015
Lindsay Fakete, PharmD
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Morgan Myers, PharmD
Education: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical pharmacist, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.
2013-2014
Jessica Degiacomo, PharmD
Education: University of Rhode Island, Kingston, R.I.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas
Christine Lam, PharmD
Education: Temple University, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Residency, Medication Management Clinic at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, Ohio
2012-2013
Katelin Van Leer, PharmD
Education: Rutgers University, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway Township, N.J.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Residency, Rutgers University, Piscataway Township, N.J.
Rebecca Sumner, PharmD
Education: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 HIV/ID Residency, University of Buffalo/Erie County Medical Center Immunodeficiency Services Clinic, Buffalo, N.Y.
2011-2012
Kenneth Lupi, PharmD
Education: University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical pharmacist, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.
Lauren Maurer, PharmD
Education: Rutgers University, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway Township, N.J.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
2010-2011
Jennie Mathew, PharmD
Education: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
Lindsay Pokallus, PharmD
Education: University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyo.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
2009-2010
Meredith Dempsey, PharmD
Education: Temple University, Philadelphia
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pa.
2008-2009
Christina Foley, PharmD
Education: Texas Tech University, School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical pharmacist, Medication Therapy Management Services, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa.
Shannon Lenner, PharmD
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Clinical staff pharmacist, West Penn Allegheny Health System, Forbes Regional Campus, Pittsburgh
2007-2008
Kristin Held, PharmD
Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh
Plans following PGY-1 residency: PGY-2 Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Residency, Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics, Kansas City, Mo.
2006-2007
Peter Hlavinka, PharmD
Education: Wilkes University, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and Nursing, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Plans following PGY-1 residency: Critical care pharmacist, St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem, Pa.