Our Team

All our professionals maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Read on to learn more about our staff's experience and training.

Neethi R. Patel, DO, FAAP

I was born into a medical family and felt not only destined to be a physician, but a pediatrician. To me, there is no greater joy than connecting with children and their families and watching them grow up. As a graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathic medicine, I learned how to view the big picture to care for people and how to integrate this with my medical knowledge to come up with the best answer for each patient. I have been practicing pediatric medicine since 2007 and was lucky enough to practice alongside my father and mentor for 15 years at Shelby Pediatric Associates. And now I am excited to venture off on my own.

I am married and have two teenage children who have been amongst my greatest teachers. Through parenting, I quickly discovered that kids don’t always follow the “rules” I learned in my medical textbooks and I believe this helps me be a better pediatrician.

In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, reading a good book and spending time with my amazing friends and family.

Julie MacPherson, DO, FAAP

I am a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012, and of the Pediatric Residency Program at Children's Hospital of Michigan in 2015.

I am a Michigan native who grew up competitively figure skating, and still enjoy skating and competing to this day. I also am a former member of the US International Figure Skating team. I enjoy ballroom dancing and spending time with my husband John and our son Connor. Our family is complete with our two dogs, Luna and Champ. We especially enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and bike riding.

I have an extra interest in Osteopathic Manual Medicine and using it to help infants with colic, reflux, torticollis and sleep concerns. I also am especially enthusiastic about caring for our young athletes, since I have lots of personal experience to be able to relate to the physical, mental and emotional challenges that come along with being an athlete. I look forward to meeting you!

Zeena Al-Rufaie, MD, FAAP, ABOM

Hello everyone! I am so excited to be part of the Kidology team. I graduated medical school in 2007 from The University of Tennessee and started residency in Memphis, TN at Lebonheur Children's Hospital. During my second year of residency, I fell in love and moved to Michigan and luckily was able to transfer residency programs and complete my final year of training at The Children's Hospital of Michigan in 2010. I have been in private practice for nearly 15 years. I am new to the Kidology team but I've been a friend and colleague to the founding providers for many years.

I have a special interest in treating young patients with Obesity. I have additional certification from the Board of Obesity Medicine and am here to help families navigate the challenges that come with chronic disease. I have a family centered, patient oriented approach to treatment and am always mindful of how to discuss things with children and adolescents in a way that is tactful and not weight or body centered.

I am married and have 3 children who are entering the tween and teen years and we are a cat loving family with two cats named Cinnamon and Figgy. In my free time I love dancing, reading, and watching stand up comedy. I look forward to meeting you!

Patrick Finegan, DNP, RN, CPNP

I am a graduate of the University of Michigan, Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatrics. I have worked with children and their families as a pediatric nurse since 2017. I spent 3 years as a Pediatric ICU nurse and currently still work contingently at Royal Oak Beaumont on the Pediatric Unit. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life and career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with my mentor, and all the wonderful staff and patients at Kidology Pediatrics.

I married my high school sweetheart, Toni, in October of 2016. In February of 2022, we welcomed our first child; a beautiful little girl named Mackenzie. We have three crazy dogs and love to stay busy spending time with friends and family. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing all sports, especially basketball. I also love listening to and playing music; I currently play the drums and guitar.

Amanda Pelletier, PNP

I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in newborn care and early childhood development. I am passionate about supporting parents during the early stages of their child’s life, offering guidance on what to expect and helping them navigate important developmental milestones.

I live in Troy with my family and am excited to be part of the Kidology team. I look forward to building lasting relationships with our patients and their families for years to come.

Misty Garnand

I graduated with honors and at the top of my class from Dorsey in 2013 for certified medical assistant. I have worked in pediatrics now for over 7 years. Working with children is something that comes very natural to me because I have 3 children of my own. My eldest is attending U of M for her bachelors degree in midwifery. Go Blue! My 2 youngest like to keep me on my toes!

We enjoy the outdoors, especially when it comes to water. Pools, lakes, and rivers are where my 2 youngest want to be at all times. They are part fish!

Kayla Dungan

I graduated from Carnegie Institute in 2016 to become a medical assistant and have been in pediatrics since I started! One of my favorite things about being in pediatrics is seeing the kids grow up and being able to bring some joy to the families each time they come in. I have lived many places in my life while growing up, and my family is spread out across the United States. I enjoy spending time with my children, family and friends. We love to cook, play board games, snuggle up with a good movie and some snacks, and find a good park to let off some energy. I recently got married in November, 2022!

MariJo (MJ) Oesterle

I trained to be a medical assistant through Utica School District and I have been working as an MA since 2016. I enjoy working with children because they make me laugh and smile. I am the mother of a teenage boy, and because of that I can relate to all of our parents working through the "teen years". I am a huge animal lover, and currently have 3 dogs and 2 cats who keep me sane while I am at home. I love to camp, and do various crafting activities, and also spend time with my very large family. I have 9 nieces and nephews who are always active and enjoyable to be around.

Linda Malak

I am a mom of three grown children and two grandchildren. After having been a stay-at-home mom, I decided to go back to school to take some courses in the medical field. I found a job in physical therapy and worked in the field for fifteen years. After many years, I decided I was ready for a change and wanted to go where my heart always led me and that is with children. So here I am at Kidology and love my job greeting, caring and helping parents with their most prized possessions.

In my spare time, besides working on decorating projects around the house, I love watching my two beautiful grandsons, spending time with my husband of 39 years, my children and our two dogs and cat Maci, Abby and Bella.

Kara Hannaford

More info coming soon!

Joly Makram

I'm currently a senior at Oakland University, working towards my dream of becoming a Physician's Assistant. I am a Medical Assistant here at Kidology Pediatrics. As I navigate through my undergrad of college, my love for healthcare and patient care has grown stronger every single day. I believe it's not just about the job, it's about the environment. Here at Kidology, I am blessed to work alongside incredible providers who truly care for every patient who walks through our doors. Seeing their compassion gives me a new perspective on medicine.

My passion for working with kids started when I was very young, even if it was simply putting bandages on my little brothers when they got hurt, volunteering at summer camps, and helping with Sunday School. Something I love most about this job is being able to watch our amazing patients grow, encouraging them, and hearing their unique perspectives on life. Growing up, unfortunately I didn't have the privilege of such caring providers and medical assistants. This is why it is so important for me to give that same kindness back to others.

I'm proud to be Egyptian, and a part of a family of seven, I have two older sisters and two younger brothers. In my free time, I really enjoy walking, reading, baking, reflecting on personal growth, and spending quality time with my family and friends. Joining the Kidology family has truly been one of my greatest blessings, and I am so grateful to be a part of a team that makes such a meaningful difference in children’s lives everyday.

Emily Sharak

With a desire to fulfill what I believe is to be my purpose, becoming a pediatrician, I am currently occupied with school, work, and activities I enjoy to keep myself on my own track. To begin my pre-medical journey, I am an undergraduate student at Wayne State University entering my sophomore year in 2025. I am majoring in neuroscience and minoring in business in efforts to attend medical school. The summer before I started school at Wayne State University, I was in search of a medical assistant position in a pediatric facility, and one day I stumbled inside of Kidology Pediatrics and I gave my resume to the lady who was at the front desk, who is now my coworker, and little did I know that my time at Kidology had begun at that point. Throughout my first year at Wayne State and Kidology, I have expanded my knowledge beyond my high school expectations for myself, and with that I am thankful to continue my journey in school and with the best team at Kidology Pediatrics!

Another major value within my personal life is spending time with my family and friends. I cherish the deep connections that I have built, however, I also love to meet new people and expand my network, therefore, I spend time volunteering within hospitals, at my Chaldean Church, or other places that I find intriguing! Other fun facts about myself is that I enjoy solving puzzles, journaling, making matcha lattes, and I love gold.