Paley Institute Staff
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Dror Paley, MD, FRCSC, Medical Director
Dror Paley is founder and director of the Paley Advanced Limb Lengthening Institute at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Internationally recognized as the most experienced limb lengthening surgeon in the world, Dr. Paley was appointed as Adjunct Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Toronto and Hospital for Sick Children in 2010, in Toronto, Canada, and Staff Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Hospital for Sick Children Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was formerly Chief of Pediatric Orthopedics and Professor of Orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine until 2001 and Director of the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore until May 2009. He was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and grew up in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Paley graduated from the University of Toronto medical school and completed his orthopedic internship and fellowships at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Toronto. He then trained under the guidance of Professor Ilizarov of Russia (Ilizarov method) and Professor Debastiani of Italy (Orthofix method). In 1986 he introduced the Ilizarov surgical method of limb lengthening and deformity correction to North America, where it was previously unknown. His landmark 800-page text, Principles of Deformity Correction, published by Springer in August 2001, is considered a classic in orthopedics. He has developed over one-hundred surgical procedures for bone and soft-tissue reconstruction of congenital, developmental, and post-traumatic limb disorders. Prior to these methods, the only available treatment for congenitally short and deformed limbs was amputation and prosthetic fitting. Dr. Paley treats patients from all 50 states and more than 50 countries around the world, and is fluent and lectures in six languages. Dr. Paley enjoys fitness training, cycling, skiing, rock climbing, scuba diving, nature photography, and studying history. He has three children: Benjamin, Jonathan, and Aviva.
Dr. Paley's scientific contributions to ResearchGate are rated higher than 95% of other members. ResearchGate is an independent, International forum for scientists and medical researchers. “ResearchGate was built for scientists, by scientists, with the idea that science can do more when it's driven by collaboration”
Short Curriculum Vitae PDF, 22 pages
Full Curriculum Vitae PDF, 119 pages
Listing of Scientific and Medical Publications, “PubMed”
The U.S. National Library of Medicine
Daniel Prince MD, MPH
Dr. Prince practices highly specialized orthopaedic surgery as a member of the Paley Advanced Limb Lengthening Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. As a fellowship-trained orthopaedic oncologist his practice focuses on limb-saving surgeries for cancers of the extremities. As a fellowship-trained limb lengthening surgeon he focuses on joint preservation, deformity correction, and limb-reconstruction in congenital and post-traumatic disorders. Dr. Prince performs these complex surgeries on both adults and children utilizing the newest surgical methods and technological advances. The Paley Institute performs research and publishes on many surgical techniques, scientific advancements, and rare diseases.
Dr. Prince is originally from New York City, graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelors degree in biology. He obtained a combined medical degree and masters degree in public health from Yale University School of Medicine and Public Health in New Haven, Connecticut. He completed his internship and orthopaedic residency at Columbia University's New York Presbyterian Hospital. He then completed two additional years of specialty training. His first fellowship in limb lengthening and deformity correction was completed at the International Center for Limb Lengthening in Baltimore, Maryland. His second year of fellowship training in orthopaedic oncology was completed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, New York.
John Robb, PA-C
One of two full-time Physician Assistants, John performs surgical 
first assisting as well as pre-and post-operative patient evaluations. Raised in Chautauqua, New York and residing in Stuart, Florida, John brings 25 years of health-care experience to the Paley Advanced Limb Lengthening Institute. He received his Master’s degree from Drexel/MCP, and trained in neurosurgery and neuro-oncology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in affiliation with the University of South Florida. John’s publications include radiographical reviews in peer-reviewed journals, and he co-authored a study involving Gliadel Wafer implantation into cavities of recently-resected malignant brain tumors. John practiced in private and community hospital-based neurosurgery before joining the Paley Institute.
Servando Guitierrez, PA-C
Servando is one of two full-time Physicians Assistants, and performs surgical first assisting and pre- and post-operative patient evaluations. Servando graduated from the Physician Assistant Program at Barry University. Before joining the team at the Paley Institute, he practiced neurosurgery for three years. Servando served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. He spent three years in the ICU at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, and was also stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (2FSSG 2 Supply, Battalion Medical Logistics Company) as the supply manager for Medical and Surgical equipment for the East Coast.
Jennifer Pinsky, PA-C
Jennifer grew up in South Florida and attended undergraduate school in New Orleans. After graduating from PA school, Jennifer worked in Manhattan in plastic surgery. Upon returning home to South Florida, she worked for a top local plastic surgeon for nine years. Jennifer specializes in closures and scar management—both very important components of orthopedic surgery. Jennifer resides in West Palm Beach with her four-year-old son, Daelan.
Kim Bachman, PA-C
A native of West Palm Beach, Kim enjoys all that South Florida has to offer, including fishing, scuba diving, and surfing with her six-year-old son. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Kim received her PA degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She worked in orthopedic surgery for ten years, including spinal trauma at St. Mary’s. For the past four years she has worked with a local plastic surgery group, where she continues to work part-time.
Tony Ritmiller, Registered Orthopedic Technologist
Tony has over 28 years of experience in both general medical 
and orthopedic practice, and is currently a member of the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals. Tony served over 25 years in the United States Army, in both medical and nonmedical capacities. He specializes in the management of external fixators and other orthopedic applications, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the orthopedic cast and adjustment room.
Mark Smith, Registered Orthopedic Technologist
Mark has 24 years of experience as an ASOP Registered Orthopedic Technologist, and is an AAPC board-certified medical coder. He served in the United States Army as a member of the sports medicine team at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He has also had the pleasure of working with the University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the Rubin Institute of Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.
David F. Bullard Director of Operation
David's experience is in healthcare management. He is responsible for providing strategic and tactical leadership for the Institute by working closely with the Executive Management Team, physicians and staff. He has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University and a Master in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina.
Caroline Eaton, Program Coordinator
Caroline brings a special knowledge and experience to her position, having undergone multiple surgeries for limb lengthening and deformity correction by Dr. Paley. She now serves as Dr. Paley’s liaison with his patients and their families in all aspects of their pre-surgical and post-surgical care. Caroline communicates closely with new patients, helps guide all patients with their travel and living arrangements, monitors inpatient care and outpatient rehabilitation, and advises on various ongoing educational alternatives for young patients during their treatment period. She also directs the Paley Save-the-Limb™ Foundation, organizing its outreach, educational, and fundraising efforts, and coordinates the St. Mary’s Fellowship program, bringing surgeons from around the world to St. Mary’s for continuing professional development. Prior to joining Dr. Paley, Caroline taught Fourth Grade at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was Lead Teacher and Chairman of the Mathematics Committee. She is a graduate of the College of Wooster (B.A.) and Ursuline College (M.A.), has studied at the Universidad de Cordoba in Spain, and has been a Klingenstein Fellow at Columbia University in New York.
Sarah Ziegler, Marketing Manager
Currently the Institute’s website manager and conference coordinator, Sarah has been a world-renowned advocate for rare and neglected bone diseases. She is co-founder and vice president of the MHE Research Foundation, which is internationally recognized for bringing together the world’s foremost experts in a variety of scientific and orthopedic fields to cultivate innovative research into the etiology of Multiple Hereditary Exostoses and the potential discovery of a cure. She has collaborated in multiple published research studies, co-organized international research conferences, and presented on the relationship between advocacy and research at international conferences. Sarah served as a delegate during the Bone and Joint Decade World Network Conference and Patient Advocacy Seminar, and was recently elected as co-chair of the USBJD Rare Bone Disease Patient Network. As a result of her tireless efforts, she has been honored by the U.S. House of Representatives with a Certificate of Recognition, by the New York State Assembly with a Certificate of Merit, and by a Legislative Resolution of the New York State Senate.
Fran Guardo, Director
Fran Guardo has worked in a myriad of settings, including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, home health, school-based therapy, aquatic rehab, pediatric obesity management, and geriatric rehabilitation. Prior to becoming a Physical Therapist, she worked in the field of Exercise Science/Wellness. In 1986, Ms. Guardo earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Colorado State University, and in 1996 completed a Master of Education in Exercise Science/Wellness from Florida Atlantic University. She also earned a masters in PT from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 1999 and is currently working on DPT at NSU. She then worked in cardiac rehabilitation and county wellness, later opening her own consulting firm. Her 20 years of experience in the field of Exercise Science has deepened her love for and understanding of movement science. During her undergraduate years, she spent a semester studying in Mexico and began a life-long journey into Latin culture and the Spanish language. Ms. Guardo is fluent in Spanish and is married to Mariano, a Venezuelan (originally from Spain) with whom she has three children.
Jennifer Jaschinski, Physical Therapist
Jennifer has vast experience as a pediatric physical therapist, and has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, educational institutions, and aquatics. Jennifer graduated from NOVA Southeastern University with a Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2001. She is also experienced in using horses to assist in therapy (hippotherapy). Jennifer is a native of South Florida.
Don Lynch, Physical Therapy Assistant
Don has been a healthcare provider for over 25 years. He gravitated toward a career in physical therapy because it allows him to work directly with patients for extended periods of time. A veteran of the United States Army, Don attended and graduated from various specialty schools, including Field Medical Service and Orthopedic and Operating Room Technology. He gained considerable experience at two of the largest and busiest naval hospitals in the world. Upon discharge, Don attended Palm Beach Community College and South University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Prior to joining the Institute in 2009, Don had been employed at Palms West Hospital Physical Therapy and Aquatic Center since 1990.
Marisol Rivera, Office Coordinator
Marisol brings 18 years of experience as an office coordinator to her role at the Paley Institute. She oversees all operations of the department, coordinates physical and aquatic therapy appointments, and works with patients verifying their physical therapy insurance benefits. Marisol is actively involved with youth and missions in her church, and has resided in the Village of Royal Palm Beach for 25 years.
Cristina Khan, Physical Therapist
Cristina is a native Floridian, having grown up in Miami, FL. She is a graduate of the University of Miami, obtaining her Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2003 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2006. She has worked in pediatric and outpatient orthopedic settings prior to joining the Paley institute. Cristina is fluent in both English and Spanish. Her interests include running, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two dogs.
Carolina Montoya, Physical Therapist
Carolina received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Hunter College in 2002 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in 2006. She began her career at The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains NY, where she became a senior physical therapist and specialized in treating patients with a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions including spinal cord injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury. She developed most of her pediatric experience while working at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center and at the John A Coleman School. At these centers she provided physical therapy services, including hydrotherapy to children with a variety of disabilities. Her professional experience includes patient treatment for the pediatric and geriatric populations in a variety of settings including rehabilitation facilities, acute care hospitals and schools. Carolina is a native of Colombia, and fluent in Spanish.
Mary Pengelley, Physical Therapist
(With over 28 years of experience as a pediatric physical therapist,) Mary began her career after graduating from Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse NY in 1983, in the US Peace Corps, working for 4 years in rural Jamaica with a mobile pediatric diagnostic and treatment team, and at a school for children with hearing impairments. After returning from the Peace Corps, Mary worked for 2 years at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla NY , gaining valuable experience in post-operative rehabilitation, splinting, adaptive seating and equipment, and neurodevelopmental treatment. In 1989, Mary moved to West Palm Beach and worked for Easter Seals for 2 years, before joining the therapy department at the Arc of Palm Beach County. Mary continued to work for the Arc for over 20 years, and was instrumental in helping to develop Potentials Charter School , an innovative, therapy-intensive school for children who are non-ambulatory and non-verbal. Her experience with the school and their outpatient department included therapeutic horseback riding, adaptive aquatic sports, adaptive gymnastics, aquatic therapy (including advocating for and designing a specialized therapeutic pool on-site), becoming an assistive technology practitioner, hosting nationally attended pediatric continuing education courses on NDT therapy, and initiating research on prolonged passive stretching for children with spasticity. Mary has also worked at the University of St. Augustine as an adjunct professor, teaching their weekend pediatrics labs to DPT-flex students since 2009.
Yvette Deinla, Physical Therapist
Yvette graduated cum laude from the Cebu Doctors College, Philippines in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She has worked in the US since 1990 in different settings including acute care, industrial, inpatient, outpatient, sports and orthopedic rehabilitation. Aside from jogging and fitness training she enjoys traveling and has participated in medical missions to Guatemala and Ecuador.
Thomas Beck, Rehab Aide
Tom is a resident of West Palm Beach and recently graduated from Amherst College , double majoring in Biology and English. He is in the process of applying to Medical School and is interested in studying Orthopaedics. Tom enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, and watching movies.
Fructuoso ("June") Barcenas, Jr. RT (R)
June oversees the diagnostic Paley Radiology Department, bringing over fifteen years of experience to the Paley Institute. He began his career in 1995 at Florida Medical Center South as a Radiology Tech. He later worked at Memorial Hospital West, specializing in trauma, orthopedics and general radiography. He most recently worked for HCA (JFK Medical Center and Palms West Hospital) before joining the Paley Institute in February 2010.
Candice Earl, Patient Advocate
As Dr. Paley’s Patient Advocate Candice is responsible for navigating patients and their families through the hospital pre surgery and day-of-surgery. Serving as a liaison between doctor and family, surgery room and waiting room. Additionally, as a native Floridian, Candice is a wonderful resource for all things in the community -everything from Art Museums to Zoos and housing too! Prior to joining the Paley Team, Candice received her bachelor’s degree in psychology, specializing in child development. In her free time Candice enjoys anything ocean related and staying active in the community though volunteering for The Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Junior League of the Palm Beaches and The Paley Kids Network!
Keisha Bourne, Medical Assistant
Keisha was born in Barbados, but have spent most of my life in West Palm Beach, Florida. I graduated from Keiser University with a degree as a Registered Medical Assistant. I interact with the patients and their families answering and informing them to the best of my knowledge. Also I take of all of the medical request and documents needed to be filled out for your employers.
Jessica Sousa, Office Coordinator
Jessica has been involved in the health care industry for over 10 years administratively speaking and keeps the process moving as much as possible. She moved to Florida from New York for various reasons and has found a love for the unique beauty that this state offers. The one thing about Jessica is she’s always exploring – be it a garden, the Keys, or different country. She’s always out somewhere learning something new.
Jayna Horan, Office Coordinator
Jayna works as an office coordinator at the Paley Institute. Her duties include scheduling appointments, registering patients, while helping to ensure that all patient office needs are met. Before joining the Paley Institute, Jayna worked at St Mary’s Medical Center Emergency Room/Trauma Center in the admitting department. She is continuing her education to finish a Physician Assistant program. She is a Florida native and enjoys every moment outside in the sun with her 3 year-old daughter.
Rebeca Mones, Surgical Coordinator
Risebeca is the surgical scheduler for Dr. Paley. She was born and raised in West Palm Beach, FL and her family's origins are from Uruguay in South America. Valeria is currently pursuing her BSN to become an RN.
Delca Massey, Financial Analyst
Delca relocated from Jacksonville, Florida to join the Paley Institute, she brings over 15 years experience in the Health Care industry. Her areas of experience consist of credentialing, contracting, billing, practice management consulting and revenue cycle management. Her role at the Paley Institute is oversea billing and collections processes, offer financial counseling to patients, reconcile patient accounts and analyze financial data. Before coming to the Paley Institute Delca served as a Billing Consultant for various physiciangroups including Pain Management, Gynecology, Plastic Surgery, Family Practice and Chiropractic. Delca is married with three children and resides in West Palm Beach with her family.
Daleth Buckley, Insurance Verification Specialist
Daleth is in charge of verifying insurance prior to surgery as well as assisting patients in navigating and understanding their benefits. Daleth is from Rockland County, New York and has worked in the medical field for 15 years. Daleth resides in Delray Beach with her husband and two young children.
Marcia Haines, ARNP, Program Manager-Advanced Orthopedic Institute
Marcia grew up outside of Boston and attended college in South Florida; she attended Barry University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner. Marcia has 17 years of nursing experience and private physician practice experience including; dermatology and cosmetics surgery, primary care, allergy and immunotherapy and adult and pediatric emergency care. She has held various leadership roles with Baptist Health System in Miami Fl. Marcia Joined St. Mary’s Medical Center after she and her family relocated to Jupiter Florida in 2010.
Emily Ward, RN, CRRN, Case Manager-Advanced Orthopedic Institute
Emily is a native of West Palm Beach, Emily has been involved in various areas of Case Management for over 20 years as a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse. Her experience includes working in various hospital settings as well as in the insurance arena. Emily enjoys assisting patients and families through the health care delivery system while working with a multidisciplinary team that aims to provide the best possible outcomes.
