Best Children's Hospital Tempe Near Me

4worldlovers: All professionals at Phoenix Children's Pediatrics maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Read on to learn more about our staff's experience and training.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

4worldlovers:
East Valley Children’s Center (EVCC) takes the health of your child and of your family very seriously.


During this unprecedented national emergency of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, EVCC would like to reassure and assure you that every care is being taken to make sure your experience at EVCC is a safe one!


Our experts in the front office will be asking a few additional questions when scheduling your child’s appointment over the phone. This intentional step is designed to ensure the safety of all patients, both those coming for their well visits and those with current illness.

We are in constant contact with American Academy of Pediatrics, Maricopa County Health Department and our local pediatric hospitals, in an effort to keep our families

4worldlovers:
Welcome to Banner Children’s at Desert, formerly known as Cardon Children’s Medical Center. From the moment you enter our facility, you will feel welcomed and cared for. Our main entrance is shared with our women’s services patients and offers plenty of space to relax before or after an appointment or patient visit. Everything we do here is to welcome your family and make you feel comfortable. We provide family-centered, comprehensive pediatric care for children. We work together as a team – with our physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff each playing a specific role in each patient’s care plan.


All visitors and guests are welcome to dine in our Banner Bistro.


The hospital houses two automatic teller machines located near the cashier’s office and the cafeteria.


Hospital School at Banner Children's at Desert brings the classroom to the hospital.


Visitation hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Learn about the other restrictions currently in place.

4worldlovers:
Notice: Our vendor Nuance Communications, Inc. was impacted by the Progress Software security incident, which affected certain individuals' personal information. Learn More


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Your gift makes a difference. Whether you’re making a financial donation or offering a gift-in-kind, know that you are helping to make a child’s stay at Phoenix Children's more comfortable. Learn More >


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Preparing for your arrival at Phoenix Children's Hospital often takes time and planning. Learn what you can do to be ready.