WELCOME ADVOCARE ARDMORE CHESTNUT PEDIATRICS AND ADOLESCENT MEDICINE PATIENTS!

Welcome to Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics!

We are a community-based Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine practice established in Philadelphia in 2009 and in Montgomery County in 2023. Our goal is to provide excellent, accessible, comprehensive medical care to infants, children and teens in our community, from all types of families. We care for young people from birth through their 21st year.  


Our philosophy is threefold: 

  1. Excellent medical care is our top priority. We maintain thorough and up-to-date standards of care in all that we do. 
  2. Communication is paramount. We strive to keep open, clear lines of communication with parents and with children in our practice. 
  3. Parents matter. In all that we do, we seek to support our patients’ parents, providing you with the services you need to care for your child. 

Our pediatricians offer same day sick visits, an open access schedule so that you can always get an appointment within 2 weeks for a well visit, telehealth appointments for behavior discussions, and on-site physical therapy, speech therapy and behavior therapy. Vaccinations are encouraged and parent's choice is respected.


The program at Fairmount Pediatrics and Fairmount Pediatrics Montgomery County includes a unique offering: the Affiliate Program, in which a variety of providers care for patients on-site, within each office. These providers include a physical therapist, a speech therapist, a behavioral therapist, a psychologist, a lactation counselor, and a nutritionist. These offerings do not replace high quality pediatric care, but rather add to it, offering a truly holistic approach to health.
Alexis Lieberman, MD

Alexis Lieberman, MD

Dr. Lieberman has been a pediatrician since 1996, caring for babies, children and teens. She opened Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics as an independent practice late in 2009, and joined Advocare in 2020. A former Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, she brings an educator’s high standards, attention to detail, and in-depth inquiry to her practice. She loves the communication aspect of pediatrics, spending time with families and connecting with children.

Heather Ann Ruddock, MD

After graduating from Columbia University, she earned a medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

Susan Ramirez-Chung, MD

“Dr. Susan” has been a certified pediatrician since 2019. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She takes care of children of all ages, from birth until college. After completing her Pediatric Residency at Jefferson University Hospital/Nemours AI DuPont Hospital for Children, she began her career in private practice in the Philadelphia suburbs. She joined Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021.

Sheila Aseto-Rhoden, DO

Dr. Sheila Aseto-Rhoden has been practicing medicine for more than 10 years. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her pediatric internship and residency at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. She is double board certified in Pediatrics and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Aseto-Rhoden chose to specialize in pediatrics because she has a huge heart for children, and her goal is to care for each child as if he or she were her own. She believes that being a child advocate and a collaborative partner with parents is an important part of her calling as a pediatrician. Dr. Aseto-Rhoden has a special interest in helping children and families adopt healthy habits that support lifelong wellbeing. In her spare time, Dr. Aseto-Rhoden loves reading a good book and enjoying the outdoors with her awesome husband and two wonderful daughters!

Kerby Zeisloft, DO, CLC

Dr. Kerby attended medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, then went on to complete her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. She has an interest in breastfeeding medicine and is a certified lactation counselor (CLC). She is a Philadelphia native and is looking forward to continue taking care of children of all ages in the area. Her free time is spent with her two young daughters. Dr. Kerby is excited for the opportunity to be your family’s pediatrician!

Kristen Smith, PA-C, IBCLC

Kristen obtained a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Drexel University. She began her career working in Abington Hospital’s Emergency Department for three years and then transitioned fully to outpatient pediatrics in an underserved area of Philadelphia for another three years, before joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2019. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has attended conferences on the local and national levels.

Faye Coscia, CRNP

Faye Coscia, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), joins the Advocare Fairmount Pediatric team mostly working in the new Ardmore office, but you also in the Philly and East Norriton locations. She has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for over 20 years working in many different settings and locations - primary care in Washington, DC, newborn nursery in Dallas, TX, and most recently in-patient specialized care in Baltimore, MD. Faye began her career in nursing and pediatrics at the University of MN, where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree and worked as a pediatric bedside nurse. She then continued with her education and training with a Master's of Science in Nursing with a focus on pediatric primary care from the University of Maryland. She is excited serve the communities of Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics and looks forward to working with you and your family soon!

Gilda A. Johnson, CRNP

Ms. Johnson attained her MSN degree from University of Pennsylvania (as well as her pediatric nurse practitioner certification), her BSN from Georgetown University, and has been employed as a CRNP at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Board certified and well experienced, she has practiced pediatrics and adolescent medicine for 35 years. She is married and resides in Philadelphia.

Karen S. Wosiski, CRNP

Hello, my name is Karen Wosiski. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner, or CRNP. I first became a registered nurse after graduating from Abington Hospital School of Nursing. I worked for 12 years as a staff nurse and then went on to earn my BSN from Jefferson University College of Allied Health Sciences. I made the decision to specialize in pediatrics and received my MSN in the Nursing of children from The University of Pennsylvania. Since then, I have taught nursing and served as Renal transplant coordinator for St. Christopher's Hospital for children. I went back to The University of Pennsylvania for my Nurse Practitioners license and then spent 3 years in a post-master's program at The Family Institute of Philadelphia, earning a certificate as a family therapist. During my time as a transplant coordinator, I became aware of the need for psychological support for families dealing with childhood illness. I also discovered my love for working with families over time, developing trusting relationships, and watching children grow. Pediatric primary care has been a perfect fit for me. I have been fortunate enough, in my work as a pediatric nurse practitioner, to get to know families from the birth of their infant to their child graduating from College. It has been an honor to help them remain healthy, assist in health crises, and help manage ongoing chronic illnesses. In my last position, I worked in primary care at Laurel Pediatrics for 17 years. Because of my mental health skill set, I was able to do behavioral evaluations, manage ADHD, depression, and anxiety, in addition to the daily sick and well children that I met and cared for each day. I am excited to be part of Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics. It is a dynamic team with three locations. Their impressive facilities include a lab, lactation consultant, psychologist, and nutritionist, as well as experienced and caring providers and accessible staff. I love going to work each day, meeting new children, managing their care, teaching where necessary, and forming bonds with families. It's a joy to be a trusted part of the team that cares for your children. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Liv Lee, RD

Liv earned her Master's in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College at Columbia University and completed her dietetic internship at numerous clinical and community settings around New York and New Jersey. As a registered dietitian, Liv (pronounced “Leave”) brings a blend of nutrition science (“what to eat”) and behavior science (“how to eat”) that places her in a unique and vital role within the healthcare system. Upon joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021, she has worked with children and their families on a variety nutrition related concerns including starting solids, picky eating, low iron and food allergies. She believes you can be healthy at any size and encourages people to eat with joy and neutrality.

Bridget Ryan Lazar, RDN - Saturday Dietitian

My name is Bridget and I am a Registered Dietitian with a passion for supporting children and families in building healthy relationships with food. I earned my undergraduate and master's degree from West Chester University and completed my dietetic internship with Sodexo, gaining diverse clinical experience across healthcare settings throughout the Philadelphia suburbs and Lehigh Valley. My approach to nutrition is rooted in intuitive eating and the principles of health at every size. I believe that all children deserve compassionate, individualized care that prioritizes overall well-being over weight. I have experience supporting a wide range of pediatric conditions, and I strive to create a warm and positive environment where both children and caregivers feel empowered and heard. I help children and families shift away from restrictive views of food toward a more balanced approach where food can be enjoyed and support healthy growth and development.

Meet Our Providers

Bridget Ryan Lazar, RDN - Saturday Dietitian

My name is Bridget and I am a Registered Dietitian with a passion for supporting children and families in building healthy relationships with food. I earned my undergraduate and master's degree from West Chester University and completed my dietetic internship with Sodexo, gaining diverse clinical experience across healthcare settings throughout the Philadelphia suburbs and Lehigh Valley. My approach to nutrition is rooted in intuitive eating and the principles of health at every size. I believe that all children deserve compassionate, individualized care that prioritizes overall well-being over weight. I have experience supporting a wide range of pediatric conditions, and I strive to create a warm and positive environment where both children and caregivers feel empowered and heard. I help children and families shift away from restrictive views of food toward a more balanced approach where food can be enjoyed and support healthy growth and development.
Alexis Lieberman, MD

Alexis Lieberman, MD

Dr. Lieberman has been a pediatrician since 1996, caring for babies, children and teens. She opened Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics as an independent practice late in 2009, and joined Advocare in 2020. A former Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, she brings an educator’s high standards, attention to detail, and in-depth inquiry to her practice. She loves the communication aspect of pediatrics, spending time with families and connecting with children.

Heather Ann Ruddock, MD

After graduating from Columbia University, she earned a medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

Susan Ramirez-Chung, MD

“Dr. Susan” has been a certified pediatrician since 2019. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She takes care of children of all ages, from birth until college. After completing her Pediatric Residency at Jefferson University Hospital/Nemours AI DuPont Hospital for Children, she began her career in private practice in the Philadelphia suburbs. She joined Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021.

Sheila Aseto-Rhoden, DO

Dr. Sheila Aseto-Rhoden has been practicing medicine for more than 10 years. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her pediatric internship and residency at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. She is double board certified in Pediatrics and Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Aseto-Rhoden chose to specialize in pediatrics because she has a huge heart for children, and her goal is to care for each child as if he or she were her own. She believes that being a child advocate and a collaborative partner with parents is an important part of her calling as a pediatrician. Dr. Aseto-Rhoden has a special interest in helping children and families adopt healthy habits that support lifelong wellbeing. In her spare time, Dr. Aseto-Rhoden loves reading a good book and enjoying the outdoors with her awesome husband and two wonderful daughters!

Kerby Zeisloft, DO, CLC

Dr. Kerby attended medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, then went on to complete her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. She has an interest in breastfeeding medicine and is a certified lactation counselor (CLC). She is a Philadelphia native and is looking forward to continue taking care of children of all ages in the area. Her free time is spent with her two young daughters. Dr. Kerby is excited for the opportunity to be your family’s pediatrician!

Kristen Smith, PA-C, IBCLC

Kristen obtained a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Drexel University. She began her career working in Abington Hospital’s Emergency Department for three years and then transitioned fully to outpatient pediatrics in an underserved area of Philadelphia for another three years, before joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2019. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has attended conferences on the local and national levels.

Faye Coscia, CRNP

Faye Coscia, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), joins the Advocare Fairmount Pediatric team mostly working in the new Ardmore office, but you also in the Philly and East Norriton locations. She has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for over 20 years working in many different settings and locations - primary care in Washington, DC, newborn nursery in Dallas, TX, and most recently in-patient specialized care in Baltimore, MD. Faye began her career in nursing and pediatrics at the University of MN, where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree and worked as a pediatric bedside nurse. She then continued with her education and training with a Master's of Science in Nursing with a focus on pediatric primary care from the University of Maryland. She is excited serve the communities of Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics and looks forward to working with you and your family soon!

Gilda A. Johnson, CRNP

Ms. Johnson attained her MSN degree from University of Pennsylvania (as well as her pediatric nurse practitioner certification), her BSN from Georgetown University, and has been employed as a CRNP at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Board certified and well experienced, she has practiced pediatrics and adolescent medicine for 35 years. She is married and resides in Philadelphia.

Karen S. Wosiski, CRNP

Hello, my name is Karen Wosiski. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner, or CRNP. I first became a registered nurse after graduating from Abington Hospital School of Nursing. I worked for 12 years as a staff nurse and then went on to earn my BSN from Jefferson University College of Allied Health Sciences. I made the decision to specialize in pediatrics and received my MSN in the Nursing of children from The University of Pennsylvania. Since then, I have taught nursing and served as Renal transplant coordinator for St. Christopher's Hospital for children. I went back to The University of Pennsylvania for my Nurse Practitioners license and then spent 3 years in a post-master's program at The Family Institute of Philadelphia, earning a certificate as a family therapist. During my time as a transplant coordinator, I became aware of the need for psychological support for families dealing with childhood illness. I also discovered my love for working with families over time, developing trusting relationships, and watching children grow. Pediatric primary care has been a perfect fit for me. I have been fortunate enough, in my work as a pediatric nurse practitioner, to get to know families from the birth of their infant to their child graduating from College. It has been an honor to help them remain healthy, assist in health crises, and help manage ongoing chronic illnesses. In my last position, I worked in primary care at Laurel Pediatrics for 17 years. Because of my mental health skill set, I was able to do behavioral evaluations, manage ADHD, depression, and anxiety, in addition to the daily sick and well children that I met and cared for each day. I am excited to be part of Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics. It is a dynamic team with three locations. Their impressive facilities include a lab, lactation consultant, psychologist, and nutritionist, as well as experienced and caring providers and accessible staff. I love going to work each day, meeting new children, managing their care, teaching where necessary, and forming bonds with families. It's a joy to be a trusted part of the team that cares for your children. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Liv Lee, RD

Liv earned her Master's in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College at Columbia University and completed her dietetic internship at numerous clinical and community settings around New York and New Jersey. As a registered dietitian, Liv (pronounced “Leave”) brings a blend of nutrition science (“what to eat”) and behavior science (“how to eat”) that places her in a unique and vital role within the healthcare system. Upon joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021, she has worked with children and their families on a variety nutrition related concerns including starting solids, picky eating, low iron and food allergies. She believes you can be healthy at any size and encourages people to eat with joy and neutrality.

Bridget Ryan Lazar, RDN - Saturday Dietitian

My name is Bridget and I am a Registered Dietitian with a passion for supporting children and families in building healthy relationships with food. I earned my undergraduate and master's degree from West Chester University and completed my dietetic internship with Sodexo, gaining diverse clinical experience across healthcare settings throughout the Philadelphia suburbs and Lehigh Valley. My approach to nutrition is rooted in intuitive eating and the principles of health at every size. I believe that all children deserve compassionate, individualized care that prioritizes overall well-being over weight. I have experience supporting a wide range of pediatric conditions, and I strive to create a warm and positive environment where both children and caregivers feel empowered and heard. I help children and families shift away from restrictive views of food toward a more balanced approach where food can be enjoyed and support healthy growth and development.

Alexis Lieberman, MD

Dr. Lieberman has been a pediatrician since 1996, caring for babies, children and teens. She opened Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics as an independent practice late in 2009, and joined Advocare in 2020. A former Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, she brings an educator’s high standards, attention to detail, and in-depth inquiry to her practice. She loves the communication aspect of pediatrics, spending time with families and connecting with children.

OUR SERVICES

VACATION WITH YOUR BABY OR TODDLER

By Alexis Lieberman • May 16, 2026
Traveling with a Baby or Toddler: Safety Tips for Flying, Sun Protection, Swimming, and International Travel Planning a vacation with a baby or toddler can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, family travel can be safe, enjoyable, and memorable. Whether you are flying with an infant, heading to the beach, or traveling internationally, understanding child travel safety is essential. This guide covers important tips for sun safety, airplane travel, water safety, and travel vaccines for babies and young children. Sun Safety for Babies and Toddlers Protecting babies and toddlers from the sun is especially important because young children have sensitive skin that burns easily. Choosing a Safe Sunscreen for Babies Sunscreen can be used at any age, including babies under 6 months old, as long as you choose a mineral or barrier sunscreen that primarily contains zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. When selecting sunscreen for children: Choose products with mostly zinc oxide Avoid oxybenzone, which may disrupt hormones Avoid retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that may increase sun sensitivity Avoid spray sunscreens to prevent inhalation Parents can research sunscreen ingredients and safety ratings through resources such as EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and look for products with a hazard score under 4. Safe Sun Exposure for Infants Even with sunscreen, babies should not spend long periods in direct midday sunlight. Safer sun habits include: Keeping babies and toddlers out of direct midday sun Allowing limited early morning or late afternoon sun exposure Using hats, rash guards, and shade whenever possible Short periods of sun exposure very early or very late in the day may be reasonable without sunscreen, but prolonged exposure should always be avoided. Flying with a Baby or Toddler Air travel with children requires planning, especially when it comes to safety and comfort. The Safest Way for Babies to Fly Although airlines allow children under age 2 to sit on a parent’s lap, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants travel in an FAA-approved car seat. Many car seats are approved for both motor vehicles and aircraft. Check: The sticker on the side of the car seat Your car seat manual Your airline’s measurement and seating requirements Older children may be able to use the CARES harness system on airplanes. Traveling with Car Seats If you are bringing a car seat to your destination: Ask your airline whether car seats count toward baggage limits Many airlines check car seats for free Car seats used on the plane with a purchased seat usually do not count as carry-on luggage Helping Babies with Ear Pressure on Airplanes Changes in cabin pressure can cause ear discomfort during takeoff and landing. To help reduce ear pain: Nurse, bottle-feed, or offer a pacifier during ascent and descent Older children can suck on lollipops If your child recently had diagnosed middle ear fluid or an ear infection, you can give ibuprofen about 30 min before take off. If more than 6 hours has passed, you can give a second dose 30 min before landing. Preventing Illness While Flying Airplane travel itself is generally safe for babies, but crowded public spaces can spread germs. Helpful travel hygiene tips include: Wash or sanitize your hands frequently Clean your hands before touching your baby Wipe down commonly touched surfaces if desired Can Benadryl Help Kids Sleep on Flights? Some parents consider using Benadryl during flights. However, children can occasionally have the opposite reaction and become hyperactive or irritable. If you want to try it: Test it at home first during nap time Be aware that effects may last about 6 hours Avoid routine use Entertainment Tips for Long Flights with Toddlers Older babies and toddlers can quickly become bored during travel. Helpful ideas include: Bring a bag of small toys your child has never seen before Borrow toys from friends specifically for travel Introduce a new activity or toy every 15 to 30 minutes And remember: if your child cries or fusses on the plane, most passengers understand. Many are parents themselves. Water Safety for Babies and Toddlers Pools, lakes, oceans, and bathtubs all require constant supervision around young children. Never Leave Children Alone Near Water Children can drown quickly and silently, even in small amounts of water. Important safety rules include: Never leave a child alone near pools, lakes, oceans, bathtubs, or buckets of water An adult who can swim should always remain within arm’s reach of infants and toddlers Supervision from a distance is not enough Water Safety and Alcohol Adults supervising children around water should avoid alcohol or other substances that impair judgment or slow reaction time. If it's a party, please arrange for a LIFEGUARD! Ocean Safety for Young Children If visiting the beach with babies or toddlers: Watch tide conditions carefully Stay alert for strong waves Learn how to recognize rip currents Keep young children at arm's length closeness to an adult at all times in the water Travel Vaccines and Medications for International Travel Families traveling internationally may need additional vaccines or medications depending on the destination. Please write on the portal to check in before international travel. Early Measles vaccine If your child is 6 months to 11 months, it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to get a measles vaccine prior to international travel. There is no specific recommendation for an early measles shot for travel within the US, but if you know you are going to a "measles hot spot," we DO recommend an early MMR. The measles vaccine given UNDER one year old does NOT count for the one year old vaccine, and it will need to be repeated. If your child already had their 1 year old measles vaccine, but has not yet had their 4 year old measles vaccine, you can get an early second MMR-V. This WILL count as the 4 year old vaccine and does NOT need to be repeated. Book a medical assistant visit to get this vaccine! Oral Typhoid Vaccine (Vivotif) Vivotif is approved for children ages 6 and older. Look at the CDC travel site for your destination to see if you need it. If you do, please book an appointment. If you have a recent weight, we can do that as a televist. Typical dosing instructions include: Take 1 capsule by mouth on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 Take capsules 1 hour before meals with a cold or lukewarm drink Complete the series at least one week before exposure Malaria Prevention with Malarone Malarone may be prescribed for travel to malaria-endemic regions. Look on the CDC travel site for your destination to see if you need it. Typical dosing recommendations: Start 1 to 2 days before entering the area Continue daily during travel Continue for 7 days after returning home Weight-based dosing: 11 to 20 kg: 1 pediatric tablet daily 21 to 30 kg: 2 pediatric tablets daily 31 to 40 kg: 3 pediatric tablets daily Over 40 kg: 1 adult tablet daily Book an appointment to get this prescribed. If you have a recent weight, we can do it as a telehealth visit. Travel Vaccine Clinics in Philadelphia Families in the Philadelphia area may consider the following travel medicine resources. General pediatricians cannot give Yellow Fever vaccine or injected Typhoid vaccine. Pennsylvania Hospital Travel Medicine Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Travel Medicine Passport Health Final Thoughts on Traveling with Young Children Traveling with babies and toddlers requires preparation, flexibility, and patience. Prioritizing sun protection, car seat safety, water supervision, and proper travel health precautions can help make your family vacation safer and less stressful. With thoughtful planning, traveling with young children can create wonderful family memories while keeping everyone healthy and safe.