Our Residents

Rachel Adelsheim, MD grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. She studied the history of medicine through an interdisciplinary major at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University. After graduating, Rachel worked as a medical assistant and later as a crisis worker at The Trevor Project, a LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention hotline. She then moved to Vermont to attend the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. She is delighted to be staying with the UVM Children's Hospital for her residency training. She is interested in primary care, newborn medicine, and working with LGBTQ+ youth. Rachel enjoys painting, cooking, dancing, and reading fantasy novels. You can regularly find her at the dog park with her wife Emily and their dog Mimi.

Julie Ehrlich, MD was born on Long Island, New York. She first came to the great state of Vermont for undergrad at Middlebury College. She majored in Neuroscience with a minor in Global Health while conducting research on the effects of various chemicals on cow ovaries. She then moved to Boston where she worked as a teacher for young adults with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder. She attended medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. After being away for far too long, the lure of the Green Mountains brought her back to UVM Children's Hospital for residency. She is interested in Pediatric Emergency Medicine as well as serving rural communities. She has aspirations of having a pet cow and has a perfect pup named Bash (AKA Bubba). You can find her gallivanting in the mountains whether on a bike, skis or in a pair of disintegrating trail runners.

Bryan Harrison, DO grew up in Salamanca, NY. He attended SUNY Geneseo for his undergraduate studies where he majored in Biochemistry and minored in Anthropology with a focus in primatology. A career in medicine has been his lifelong dream and the pursuit of which took him to Kansas City, MO, where he completed a Masters in Biomedical Sciences at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He then attended medical school at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, MS. He found his passion for working in pediatrics while volunteering and working for local youth programs in his hometown. His pediatric interests include critical care and advocacy. Outside of the hospital, Bryan can most likely be found at a coffee shop, exploring the area through local restaurants, or binging a show/movie with his wife and two cats.

til kus, MD joins the UVM Pediatrics Residency after completing their undergraduate work in Medical Anthropology at Brown University followed by their graduate work in Biomedical Sciences at Tufts University School of Medicine and then their medical degree at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Marianna Paradise MD, grew up in North Andover, MA before heading south to the University of Maryland to complete her undergraduate studies in Biology. She spent two years working as a medical scribe in Washington, DC, before heading back to the northeast to attend medical school at the University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine. She led the UMass chapter of Medicine in Motion. When she’s not in the hospital, you can find her at the gym, on a run, at a thrift store, or baking up a storm!

Jill Phillips, MD grew up in the interior of Alaska. After graduating high school, she left her home state and attended Willamette University in Salem, OR where she majored in biochemistry. She spent the new several years in Seattle working at a cancer diagnostic laboratory as well as working with kids, both as a math tutor and a skateboard instructor. She attended medical school at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. She is beyond thrilled to continue her next chapter of training at the University of Vermont Children's Hospital as a pediatric resident. When she's not at the hospital or in clinic, you can find her trail running (away from ticks), skiing, and reading fantasy novels. 

Coral Walker, MD grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas. He studied Microbiology and Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. He knew his love for pediatrics while growing up involved in musical theatre, and his passion grew further while attending the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Within the specialty, Coral holds interests in hematology-oncology, general practice, and mental health. He is excited to continue learning at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. Outside of medicine, Coral enjoys creating and listening to music, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with family and friends.

Lindsay Caldarone, MD was born in Boston, but spent most of her youth in Toronto, Canada. She studied public health at Johns Hopkins University as an undergrad, spent three years researching lung transplantation back in Toronto, and finally returned to the mid-Atlantic region to attend Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia. She discovered her passion for working with children during her third-year pediatrics clerkship, and is thrilled to be able to pursue this here at UVM. In her free time, she can be found exploring all that Vermont has to offer with her partner and their dog, Max. Highlights so far include hiking, biking, and maple creemees.

Sehar Laljee, MD grew up in Long Island, New York. She attended Stony Brook University for her undergraduate studies and stayed to complete her master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on medical imaging. Despite her love for engineering, she wanted to be more directly involved in patient care and followed her childhood dream to attend medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn where she fostered her passion for pediatrics. In particular, she is interested in preventative medicine and advocacy. She is excited to be in Vermont and train at a program devoted to family orientated care and have access to the New American Population. Outside the hospital she loves to paint, play frisbee golf, eat ice cream, and spend time with her family and friends.

Brianna Leahy, MD grew up in Waterloo, Ontario and attended Princeton University for her undergraduate studies where she played varsity ice hockey and majored in the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs with certificate in Global Health. After graduating, she worked in IT for a year and a half before changing paths and pursuing a career in medicine. She attended St. George's University of London based in the UK. Being the second oldest of 7 kids, pediatrics was a natural fit. She is excited to be joining the pediatric residency program at UVM and has interests in emergency medicine and cardiology. Outside of medicine, she enjoys playing and coaching hockey, biking and running. She also enjoys playing guitar, violin and helping out on her family's apple farm. 

Adessa Morano, MD grew up in the Upper Valley of VT/NH and attended Sarah Lawrence College for her B.A. in psychology and M.A. in Child Development. After graduating, she taught 1st/2nd grade special education for children with psychiatric disabilities through Teach For America while earning her M.Ed. in Elementary Special Education. As a teacher at a therapeutic school, she realized her true calling was working with children clinically. She then became a Developmental Specialist for Early Intervention, working with Spanish-speaking families in Boston. Adessa completed her requirements for medical school through the post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at UVM, during which time she completed research on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. While applying to medical school, Adessa found her passion for teaching comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education while working as a Medical Case Manager for people living with HIV/AIDS. She attended the Larner College of Medicine at UVM, and is thrilled to continue her training in pediatrics at UVM. She chose pediatrics because of her love for working with children and families, her enjoyment of pediatric medicine, and the ability to incorporate preventative medicine and social determinants of health into pediatric care. Her interests in pediatrics include primary care, advocacy, sexual health, mental health, children with disabilities, breastfeeding, and working with New American families. Outside of medicine, she enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time with her daughter and family. She is beyond excited to stay in Vermont as part of the UVM pediatrics family!

Megan Prue, MD grew up in Northeastern Vermont. She attended the University of New England and received undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Applied Mathematics. She then returned to Vermont to attend the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. She is thrilled to be staying with the UVM Children’s Hospital for residency. She is interested in primary care, especially rural underserved populations. Outside of medicine, Megan enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, baking and spending time with her husband and their daughter.

Abigail Watson, MD grew up in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Philadelphia to study chemistry at Drexel University and compete in collegiate triathlons. She stayed at Drexel to complete an MPH in epidemiology where she worked with the Philadelphia Public Health Department and the local children's hospitals: CHOP and St. Christopher's. While she loved public health, she realized she wanted to know the people behind her data and applied to medical school. She graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine. She unexpectedly fell in love with pediatrics when she began working with incredibly resilient children and exceptionally compassionate pediatricians. She is excited to continue learning in Vermont! Outside of medicine, she enjoys going on adventures with her two dogs and spouse, devouring books at an unnatural pace, and being on the water. 

Alexander Zajack, MD grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He went to high school in New Hampshire, but left the east coast for undergrad in Portland, Oregon. There he studied chemistry and played goalkeeper for the soccer team. He then returned to Las Vegas for medical school. It was there he discovered his passion for pediatrics. As a kid at heart, there was no other patient population he’d rather work with. Now he’s come full circle around the country, back in the Northeast for his residency training. This time he is bringing his wife (Connie) and dog (Finn) to join him on this journey. You’ll probably find them all enjoying some outdoor adventures this winter on the slopes or PC gaming at home in the warmth (Alex only.)

Kelly Blanchet, MD grew up on Long Island and attended MIT for her undergraduate studies where she played varsity lacrosse and majored in economics. After graduating, she worked as a bond trader on Wall Street for 5 years. Over time, she came to realize it was not her calling, and with encouragement from her family, she decided to pursue a career in medicine. She attended the Bryn Mawr post-baccalaureate program outside of Philadelphia and then returned to New York to attend Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She chose pediatrics because of her love of children, the beautiful medicine, and the opportunity to develop relationships with families in her community. Kelly enjoys spending time outside with her husband, son, and husky, especially skiing and hiking, as well as cooking, home brewing, and reading novels. She is so happy to be in Vermont and part of the UVM Children’s Hospital family!

Sarah French, MD is from Burlington, Vermont. She attended Tufts University, where she majored in Biology with a minor in Child Development. She returned to Vermont to attend medical school at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. She discovered her love for working with children early while working at Camp Billings, a sleep away camp in Fairlee, Vermont, and her interest grew in college, while organizing an after-school program in the local elementary schools. Her interests in pediatrics include primary care, preventative medicine, advocacy, and wellness. Working with the refugee community in Burlington was a particularly meaningful part of her medical school experience, and she is thrilled to be able to continue serving that community. Outside of medicine, she enjoys the outdoors, and can be found running, hiking, biking, and skiing in the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. She also enjoys growing her own vegetables and making ice cream. 

Alec Girten, MD grew up in the mountains of Colorado.  He then attended the University of Rochester where he majored in Microbiology and minored in Philosophy.  He stayed in Rochester for medical school at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.  He is excited to be in the Green Mountain State and work with this special patient population.  Outside of work, you can find Alec biking, skiing, running and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family with good beer and food to follow.

Kristen Keene, MD grew up in central Vermont.  After high school, she attended Ithaca College in New York.  She majored in biochemistry and earned a minor in nutrition.  Following her undergraduate education, she attended medical school at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.  In medical school, she developed a love for working with children through her pediatric rotations and as a volunteer basketball coach for K-2 children.  She is excited to continue her training at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital as a pediatric resident.  In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, swimming, and sewing clothing. 

Benjamin Kim, MD grew up in the quiet suburbs of Newton, Massachusetts. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he majored in Biochemistry and minored in Sociology. In college, he continued his short-lived fencing career for 2 years and rekindled his long-term relationship with the piano. He went straight through to medical school at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. In medical school, he volunteered to teach at local high schools and juvenile detention centers with his fellow medical students. He is incredibly excited to be back in New England and is even more excited to join the team at the UVM Children’s Hospital. He has strong interests in LGBTQ+ health and improving health equity among underserved populations. Outside of medicine Benjamin enjoys trying and cooking new foods, practicing the piano, reading edgy fantasy novels, and engaging in overly competitive game nights with friends.

Trina Thornburgh, MD grew up in New York City as the middle of three girls. She attended Middlebury College where she majored in English and fell in love with the state of Vermont. After stints in Washington D.C. working in harm reduction and skiing in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she returned to Vermont to attend the Larner College of Medicine. She enjoys the outdoors, especially lake swimming, mountain biking with her husband, and hiking with her dog Doc (who was the first doctor in the family). Inside you can find her making ice cream and reading.