Team

Physicians

Andrew Skalsky, M.D., Division Chief; Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UC San Diego

Jeffrey Algra, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UC San Diego

Susan Biffl, M.D. Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UC San Diego

Mackenzie Brown, D.O., Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UC San Diego

Pritha Dalal, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UC San Diego

Joan Le, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery,  UC San Diego

Mai Ngo, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, UC San Diego

John Luce, D.O., Assitant Clinical Professor, UC San Diego

Kyle Ryan, M.D. Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UC San Diego

Phoebe Scott-Wyard, D.O., Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, UC San Diego

Advanced Practice Providers and Nurses

Alexandra Beattie, PNP-PC joined the Rehabilitation Medicine team in 2022 after gaining experience as a pediatric nurse in the emergency room and as a pediatric home care nurse. She is now board-certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Point Loma Nazarene University and her doctorate (DNP) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She currently works in both the hospital setting for the rehab department and outpatient rehab clinic. When she is not working, she enjoys volunteering with her church and spending time outdoors. She also has a background in collegiate athletics as an athlete and coach, and still greatly enjoys running, hiking, and being active.

Allison Dickinson, MHS., PA-C. joined Children’s Specialists as part of the Pediatric Orthopedic and Scoliosis Institute in 2003. She is a board-certified physician assistant and works closely with Dr. Henry Chambers, specializing in both sports medicine and cerebral palsy. Allison graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S., Ed. in exercise and sport science and earned her master’s degree in health sciences from the University of South Alabama in 2003. She has an extensive background in athletics, as both an athlete and coach at the youth and intercollegiate levels. She maintains a special interest in facilitating an active lifestyle for people with cerebral palsy.

Skyler Hand, PA-C joined the rehabilitation medicine team in 2024. She is a board-certified Physician Assistant who completed her graduate training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. After spending time in pediatric rehabilitation medicine at Texas Children’s Hospital, she felt passionate about working in this field. Skyler works in both the inpatient setting and outpatient rehab clinic. She has a background in athletics, teaching PE, and serving as a summer camp counselor. She loves hiking, surfing, and playing volleyball in her free time.

Colleen Kelly, MSN., RN, PNP. joined the Rehabilitation Medicine team in May of 2016 after working as a nurse on Rady Children’s Ortho/Rehab floor for 10 years. She works in both the inpatient and outpatient clinics. Colleen earned her pediatric nurse practitioner and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from Saint Louis University in Missouri and her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago. When she’s not working, Colleen volunteers often through her church and runs the volunteer services for Samaritan’s Purse ministries. She also loves to run and participate in Spartan races.

Erin O’Brien, BSN, RN, CPN:  a native of San Diego, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Marymount University in Arlington, VA in 2011. She gained valuable experience in pediatric homecare, and working at Children’s Hospital Colorado before joining the rehab clinic at Rady Children’s Hospital in 2015. Erin’s diverse background and passion for helping others make her a dedicated and compassionate nurse. In her spare time she enjoys riding horses, traveling, baking, and spending time outdoors with her kids and dogs.

Rachel Viavattene, BSN, RN  is an experienced nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from SUNY Brockport. She has extensive experience as a cardiothoracic and GI/endoscopy RN, providing exceptional care to her patients. Rachel relocated from New York State to San Diego to continue her love of pediatric nursing in the rehab clinic at Rady Children’s. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, traveling, cooking, and staying active. She cherishes moments with family and friends, making the most of her time both at work and in her personal life.

Olivia Volman, BSN, RN is a dedicated nurse who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from James Madison University, where she minored in chronic illness. She began her career working in the NICU in Virginia, gaining invaluable experience in neonatal care. In 2021, Olivia expanded her horizons as a travel nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. In February 2024, she joined the rehab clinic, bringing her expertise and compassionate care to a new setting. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, and going for runs.

Kim Yerdon, BSN, RN, CPN is originally from Chicago, IL, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Marquette University in 2013. With a passion for outdoor activities, like hiking, camping, skiing, running, skiing, and enjoying walks on the beach with her dog and husband, Kim brings a vibrant and active lifestyle to her nursing career. She moved to San Diego as a travel nurse in 2016, gaining valuable experience in the inpatient surgical and rehabilitation unit. In October 2022, Kim joined the rehab clinic, where she continues to provide dedicated and compassionate care to her patients.