NSGR - Phoenix Children's Cerebral Palsy Program: Current Capabilities and Referral Pathways

Led By

Michael C. Kruer, MD, Monica Payares-Lizano, MD, Jennifer Ronecker, MD, Ray Stanford, DO, Lindsay Moore, PT, DPT, PCS, Tara Pratt, PT, DPT, PCS, Crystal Gates, RN

At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:

Describe the multidisciplinary Cerebral Palsy Program at Phoenix Children’s, including both overlapping and distinct provider roles.
Discuss the specialty clinics and services currently offered, with a focus on multidisciplinary services.
Review best practices and optimal referral pathways.

About the presenters:

Michael C. Kruer, MD
Director, Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Genetics | Phoenix Children's

Michael C. Kruer, MD, is a pediatric neurologist and developmental pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s, where he serves as director of the Cerebral Palsy & Pediatric Movement Disorders Program. He is associate professor of Child Health, Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Genetics and Neurology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix. Dr. Kruer’s clinical and research work focuses on improving the health and quality of life of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Monica Payares-Lizano, MD
Director of Neuromuscular Orthopedics | Phoenix Children's

Monica Payares-Lizano, MD, is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and Director of Neuromuscular Orthopedics at Phoenix Children’s, where she leads development of the comprehensive neuromuscular and cerebral palsy program. She joined Phoenix Children’s after a decade at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she served as Surgical Director of the Cerebral Palsy Center of Excellence. Board certified in orthopedic surgery, her clinical expertise includes cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorders, gait analysis, hip surveillance and neuromotor surgery. Dr. Payares-Lizano is nationally recognized for advancing multidisciplinary care for children with neuromuscular conditions.

Jennifer Ronecker, MD
Pediatric Neurosurgeon
Associate Program Director, Neurosurgery | Phoenix Children's

Jennifer Ronecker, MD, is a pediatric neurosurgeon with experience in treating patients with congenital disorders, tethered spinal cord, Chiari malformation, brain tumors, hydrocephalus and head injuries. She has a special interest in pediatric spine and epilepsy and provides care for adult patients transitioning out of pediatric neurosurgery. Dr. Ronecker also serves as a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Ray Stanford, DO
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | Phoenix Children's

Ray Stanford, DO, specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation for children. As a parent himself, Dr. Stanford expects a high level of care from his children's medical providers. "I know my patients and their families expect the same from me. So it pushes me to provide the best care possible," he says. Dr. Stanford saw that a medical career combined two of his passions: a fascination with the human body and a desire to help ill and injured people. He values the high standards of Phoenix Children's and its essential role in providing care to Arizona children and families.

Lindsay Moore, PT, DPT, PCS
Pediatric Physical Therapist | Phoenix Children's

Lindsay Moore, PT, DPT, PCS, is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy at Phoenix Children’s and pediatric lecturer at Creighton University’s Phoenix campus. With over a decade of outpatient pediatric experience, she developed a multidisciplinary high-risk infant follow-up program focused on early detection, care coordination and family-centered outcomes. Dr. Moore leads the Arizona Cerebral Palsy Surveillance Task Force, advancing statewide collaboration in early detection and intervention. Her clinical interests include neurodevelopmental diagnosis, early cerebral palsy identification, seating and mobility prescription and implementation of evidence-based practices for children with complex needs.

Tara Pratt, PT, DPT, PCS
Pediatric Physical Therapist | Phoenix Children's

Tara Pratt, PT, DPT, PCS, is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy at Phoenix Children’s and adjunct faculty at Creighton University’s Phoenix campus. She provides care across pediatric inpatient and outpatient settings, with expertise in high-risk infant follow-up and early neurodevelopmental assessment. Dr. Pratt leads physical therapy evaluation in the Early Motor Assessment Clinic, implementing Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy Guidelines and specialized assessments including the General Movement Assessment (GMA) and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE). Her clinical interests include early cerebral palsy detection and care for high-risk infants.

Crystal Gates, RN
Nurse Program Coordinator | Phoenix Children's

Crystal Gates, RN, is the Nurse Program Coordinator for Phoenix Children’s multidisciplinary Cerebral Palsy Program, where she supports coordinated, family-centered care for children with cerebral palsy and complex neuromotor conditions. In her role, Crystal facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration, care coordination and patient navigation to improve access to comprehensive services and optimize outcomes across the continuum of care. She is dedicated to advancing high-quality, integrated care models that support children with cerebral palsy and their families through early intervention, specialty care and ongoing clinical management.