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About Us

University of Miami Lifespan Sickle Cell Program

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Our program is proudly housed within the University of Miami Department of Pediatrics, where leading specialists drive innovation in care, research, and education.
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Welcome to the Sickle Cell Lifetime Program. At the heart of our work is the belief that every child, teen, and adult living with sickle cell disease deserves consistent, compassionate care - through every age and stage of life.
Ofelia Alvarez, M.D.

Our Sickle Cell Lifetime Program is a bridge:

  • From newborn diagnosis to thriving adulthood.
  • From uncertainty to empowerment.
  • From pediatric care to adult independence - with guidance every step of the way.

Both the Pediatric and the Adult Program are members of the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC).

Our Team

Meet the multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, and advocates committed to supporting individuals with sickle cell disease at every stage of life.
Ofelia A Alvarez, M.D.

Ofelia A Alvarez, M.D.

Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Clinical Profile | Publications
Biography: Dr. Ofelia Alvarez is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Miami and the Director of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Program. During childhood, Dr. Alvarez discovered her calling to medicine. She completed a bachelor's degree in Biology and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan. After training in pediatrics, Dr. Alvarez did...
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Alyssa DeSanti

Alyssa DeSanti, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Biography: Alyssa has been working with sickle cell patients and their families for over 15 years. Her career has led her through various institutions and roles, each deepening her passion and commitment to this community. She serves as the liaison for the Florida Newborn Screening Program - assuring that newborns with sickle cell disease and their families receive the support and care they need from the very beginning. She is also the Program Coordinator for the UM Jackson Sickle Cell Center of Excellence Project, a collaborative effort to elevate the standard of care for patients across the lifespan. 

Maya Bloomberg

Maya Bloomberg, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner, Adult Hematology
Biography: Maya Bloomberg is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Classical Hematology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Since 2014, she has specialized in sickle cell disease and congenital bleeding disorders, bringing to light the health and racial disparities existing in modern medicine. She is passionate about advancing equitable, holistic care models that integrate both medical and supportive therapy. This inspired the creation of @theHemeNP, a social media platform offering accessible, evidence-based information to empower patients and address disparities in healthcare. Furthering her mission, Maya founded the HEM (Health Equity Matters) Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to fostering meaningful change through a holistic lens and a more equitable future for individuals affected by sickle cell disease and other rare hematologic conditions.

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Vicki Angulo-Vazquez, APRN

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Katie McMullen, APRN

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Ida Rodriguez, LCSW

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Jennifer Coto, Ph.D.

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Priscilla Haakenson

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Alejandro Treto

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Naomie Pigatt