Testimonials

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have Theresa as my preceptor during my NICU elective rotation in my clinical year of Physician Assistant school. Neonatology is not an area that is heavily covered in physician assistant education, making Theresa’s mentorship especially impactful. From the very beginning, she created a supportive and welcoming learning environment where questions were always encouraged and education was a priority.

Theresa consistently pushed me to grow while ensuring I had the tools and support to become the best physician assistant possible. She developed a structured learning plan, including a detailed spreadsheet outlining key topics to be covered during our time together. She dedicated her own time to creating lectures, case studies, and providing learning materials to ensure I gained a strong foundation. Each day, she challenged me to think critically, focus on core concepts, and understand the underlying physiology behind clinical decisions.

Throughout my rotation, Theresa demonstrated exceptional clinical knowledge, professionalism, and compassion. She took the time to explain complex concepts clearly and patiently, and she consistently led by example when working with the interdisciplinary healthcare team and families. Her calm, thoughtful approach in the NICU showed me what it truly means to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

As a mentor, Theresa made a lasting impact on my confidence and motivation. I truly would not be where I am today without her guidance. I am currently pursuing a career in neonatology, and without the strong foundation she provided, I would not have been prepared to enter this field. Theresa supported me throughout my journey and was always available for guidance, reassurance, and encouragement. My goal is to one day be the kind of provider and mentor that Theresa has been to me. She inspired my passion for neonatal critical care medicine and helped shape me into a more confident and capable future healthcare professional.

I am extremely thankful for Theresa’s mentorship and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated Physician Assistant who pushes learners to reach their full potential and supports them every step of the way.

Theresa, 

I wanted to start off by thanking you for all you do for the NICU world. Your commitment to education is extraordinary. You offer so many approaches to educating your students, which allows us to figure out how we learn best. From case studies, videos, podcasts, presentations, and simple conversation, the time and effort you put toward my education is something I cannot thank you for enough. 

Thank you for challenging me to think harder each day and to learn the “why” behind each decision we make. By challenging me in my education, you allowed me to grow and gain confidence in myself as a NICU PA. Additionally, as an educator, you not only invest your time in your students’ education, but you also invest your continued time and growth in your own education. So often we see people who climb their way up in their field and stop working so hard. You prove the opposite, continuously challenging yourself to learn and grow. You strive for greatness and have inspired me to always do the same.

I have gone through many challenges in life-both educational and personal-and I have learned how important the circle you build becomes. As my mentor, I feel so lucky that this Fellowship program put you in my circle.You inspire me to be a better person, coworker and educated individual. Thank you for  the guidance you have already provided me, and for the future guidance I know you will. I am forever grateful, and hope to pay it forward to the next generation of NICU PAs and individuals I work with. 

All the best,

Bridget Westerman 

Theresa has been an incredible mentor and friend throughout many stages of my career. She was an enthusiastic teacher when I first shadowed her in college, sparking my passion for neonatology and encouraging me to pursue a career both as a PA and in the NICU. She has been an invaluable guide during my PA school application process and job searches, always offering wisdom, support, and encouragement. Over the years, she has consistently shown genuine joy in my growth—as well as in the growth of countless other students and young professionals through her preceptor and fellowship programs.

And I mean every word, Theresa.

You’ve been amazing!

“In addition to her many years of experience,

Theresa brought her passion for knowledge, willingness to contribute, and a natural inclination to teach. Her dedication to our patients and our team is in her everyday care, the projects, and responsibilities she has assumed since her arrival at NYU five years ago.

Theresa is always a resource to her colleagues, our residents, and our Fellows. She shares her knowledge freely and does not shy away from learning something new. Her flexibility shows in her willingness to take on the toughest patients and situations and to jump in whenever a team member needs help. “

Pradeep Mally, MD. FAAP

Chief, Division of Neonatology

Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone