Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute is staffed by board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric and adult endocrinologists, diabetes nurse practitioners, certified diabetes educators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists, exercise physiologists and more, all focused on caring for children and adults with diabetes and their families.
Dr. Kupper A. Wintergerst
“With amazing support from the community, we’ve been able to stay on the cutting edge to provide advanced care for the patients and families we serve. That includes comprehensive endocrinology care for children through Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute — and expanding our services for adult patients to build the largest overall diabetes program in Kentucky.”
Dr. Wintergerst, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Director — Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute
Heather Rush, APRN, CDCES New Patient and Family Program Lead
Each year, approximately 150 children in our community are diagnosed with diabetes. The New Patient and Family Program provides support to children and their families after a diagnosis with diabetes. Each patient receives a comprehensive treatment plan, a communication plan with 24-hour support, a diabetes education manual and access to nutrition classes.
Sara E. Watson, M.D.Pediatric Endocrinologist Type 2 Diabetes Program Lead
Genetics play a role in Type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle is very important, too. A combination of these factors can cause insulin resistance, the most common reason for developing Type 2 diabetes. We work to expand access and services to improve outcomes for families impacted Type 2 diabetes.
Jaime Walker, MSN, R.N., MLDE, CDE, CPN School Outreach Program Lead
Working directly with local school systems, the School Outreach Program supports teachers, counselors and families so children with diabetes can safely adjust to the school and sports environments. Educating children about diabetes is critical in managing this disease, particularly with the influence of lifestyle on Type 2 diabetes. The program stresses the importance of exercise, healthy snacks and meals to help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Helping others understand what students with diabetes are facing helps create a more understanding, supportive environment.
Aurelia Wood, M.D. General Diabetes Adherence Resource Team (DART) Program Lead
Children with uncontrolled Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at high risk for short-term and long-term health complications, including a shortened lifespan or even death. The DART consists of a diabetes educator, dietitian, endocrinologist, nurse practitioner, social worker and psychologist who work with patients and their families to minimize and prevent diabetes complications by providing needed resources to stay on track in managing blood sugar levels.
Norton Children’s Endocrinology Team
Kupper Wintergerst, M.D. Pediatric Endocrinology Wendy L. Novak Endowed Chair of Pediatric Diabetes Care and Clinical Research
Suzanne E. Kingery, M.D. Medical Director, Pediatric Endocrinology
Lisal J. Folsom, M.D. Endocrinology Medical Director, Adult Endocrinology Division of Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, Director, Transition in Care programs and Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation Sandlin Transition in Care Endowed Chair
Bradly J. Thrasher, D.O. Pediatric Endocrinology Medical Director, Pediatric Division of Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute and Director, Christensen Family Sports & Activity Program
Sara E. Watson, M.D. Pediatric Endocrinology, Jack Henderson Endowed Chair of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
Aurelia Wood, M.D., Program Lead, DART and Health Equity and School Health Program
Kristine Lain, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Medical Director, Perinatal Diabetes Program
Norton Community Medical Associates – Endocrinology
Stephen F. Cavanah, M.D. Endocrinology
Ramana V. Chennubhotla, M.D. Endocrinology
Swapna A. Dharashivkar, M.D. Endocrinology
Lisal J. Folsom, M.D. Endocrinology Medical Director, Adult Endocrinology Division of Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, Director, Transition in Care programs and Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation Sandlin Transition in Care Endowed Chair
Manikya Kuriti M.D. Endocrinology
Mehdi Poorkay, M.D. Endocrinology
Varun Samji, M.D. Endocrinology
Jonathan S. Sagum, M.D. Endocrinology
Carol L. Touma, M.D. Endocrinology
Katelynn S. O’Daniel, APRN Endocrinology
Kara A. Wedding, APRN Endocrinology
Alison E. Hewett, APRN Endocrinology
Michelle R. Campbell, APRN Endocrinology
Stacy L. Koch, APRN Endocrinology, Diabetes
Whitney D. Spear, APRN Endocrinology
Sheila L. Throneberry, APRN Endocrinology, Diabetes
Bailey R. West, APRN Endocrinology
Alaina C. Sewell, APRN, FNP Endocrinology
Research Team
Bala Appakalai, Ph.D., Director, Islet Cell Research and Transplant Program
Lu Cai, MD, PhD Professor and Director, Division Chief, Pediatric Research Institute; Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair for Pediatric Research
Yi Tan, PhD Associate Professor; Carol B. McFerran Chair of Pediatric Diabetes Research
Gwen Pierce, MSN, RN, CCRC Clinical Trials Research Manager
Shannon Hall, RN Clinical Trials Research Coordinator
Taylor Hendryx, R.N., Clinical Trials Research Coordinator
Amy Sketch, MS Certified Exercise Physiologist
Administrative Leadership Team
Mikyla Peres, RDN, CDCES, LMDE Director, Diabetes Education and Programming
Candace Zuege, MSBC Program Director, Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute
