Top pain relief experts for children

We're home to leaders in pediatric pain management who are experts at comforting children before, during and after procedures. Their approach focuses on compassion and personalization to give kids the care they deserve. Meet our team:

Diana Bottari, DO

• Division Head, Pediatric Sedation - Advocate Children's Hospital
• Medical Director, Pediatric Pain - Advocate Children's Hospital South Campus (Oak Lawn)

Medical school: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency Advocate Children's Hospital South Campus (Oak Lawn)
Additional info: Dr. Bottari spent three years in a pediatric intensive care unit focusing on sedation and pain control

→ Learn more about Dr. Bottari

Nagendra Polavarapu, MD

• Physician, Pediatric Pain and Sedation - Advocate Children's Hospital South Campus (Oak Lawn)

Residency: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Fellowship: Pediatric Critical Care, University of Louisville, Ky.
Additional info: Dr. Polavarapu became interested in pediatric pain management and sedation during his fellowship

→ Learn more about Dr. Polavarapu

Stephanie Tolentino, DO

• Physician, Pediatric Pain and Sedation - Advocate Children's Hospital North Campus (Park Ridge)

Medical school: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Advocate Children's Hospital North Campus (Park Ridge)
Fellowship: Pediatric Critical Care, Advocate Children's Hospital North Campus (Park Ridge)
Additional info: Dr. Tolentino found an interest in sedation during her fellowship and has authored a paper on the topic

Kimberly Wittmayer, MS, APN, PCNS-BC, AP-PMN

• Advance Practice Nurse, Pediatric Pain and Sedation - Advocate Children's Hospital South Campus (Oak Lawn)

Graduate school: University of Illinois in Chicago
Board certifications: American Nurses Credentialing Center - Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and Pain Management Nurse
Additional info: APN Wittmayer holds a recognition that only five other pediatric APN's possess nationally (American Society for Pain Management Nursing - Advance Practice Pain Management Nurse)

Kristi Waddell, PPCNP-BC, APN

• Advance Practice Nurse, Pediatric Pain and Sedation - Advocate Children's Hospital South Campus (Oak Lawn)

Graduate school: Rush University in Chicago
Certifications: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Additional info: APN Waddell spent 17 years treating pediatric patients with cancer, and during that time she developed a passion for treating kids' pain