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

Diaper Rash: What Actually Works for Severe, Raw, and Yeast Diaper Rashes

By Alexis Lieberman • May 28, 2026
Many years ago, I had a patient with a terrible diaper rash — open, raw skin that looked painful enough to make everyone cringe at diaper changes. The family had used every cream known to man. Fancy creams, prescription creams, zinc creams, all the creams. Nothing was working. Finally, desperate, I sent the baby to dermatology. The dermatologist took one look and said: “Stop everything. Just use Vaseline.” Ever since then, Vaseline has been my go-to treatment for most diaper rashes. The other big lesson I learned is this: when the skin is really irritated, stop wiping. Even “gentle” sensitive wipes will wipe away the new skin cells trying to grow and heal the rash. Instead, use water. You can use a spray bottle, hold the baby under a faucet, or use a handheld showerhead. (Just be careful with flailing little arms and legs — nobody wants an accidental hot-water burn while cleaning baby!) For many babies, severe diaper rash improves with three simple things: * Gentle cleaning with water only * Thick barrier protection * Avoiding friction from wipes The one diaper rash that usually will not improve with just Vaseline is a yeast diaper rash. What Causes Diaper Rash? Diaper rash happens when the skin becomes irritated from moisture, urine, stool, friction, yeast, or bacteria. Some diaper rashes are mild and red, while others become raw, painful, or peely. Different diaper rashes need different treatments. Types of Diaper Rash 1. Smooth Red Diaper Rash (Irritant Diaper Rash) - This is the most common diaper rash. It happens because urine and stool irritate and essentially “burn” the skin. Symptoms include: * Smooth red skin * Tenderness * Irritation in areas touching the diaper Best Treatment for Irritant Diaper Rash Treatment options include: * Vaseline * Desitin * Butt Paste * Zinc oxide diaper creams * Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream * Prescription hydrocortisone if needed If using hydrocortisone: * Use twice daily for 5 days * Then once daily for another week if needed For many babies, a VERY thick layer of Vaseline works surprisingly well and is all that is needed. 2. Yeast Diaper Rash A yeast diaper rash looks different from a standard diaper rash. It is often: * Dotty * Peely * Bright red * Surrounded by small “satellite” spots Yeast thrives in warm, wet environments, and a diaper is essentially a warm, damp plastic bag — the perfect setup for fungus to grow. Best Treatment for Yeast Diaper Rash Yeast diaper rashes need antifungal treatment, such as: * Lotrimin * Lamisil * Prescription Nystatin These should be applied 3–4 times daily and continued for one full week after the rash appears gone. Many pediatricians feel that if a diaper rash has lasted longer than 3 days, yeast may be contributing and an antifungal cream should be added. 3. Severe Raw Diaper Rash (Erosive Diaper Dermatitis) This is the diaper rash parents dread. The skin becomes: * Raw * Open * Eroded This happens when urine, stool, moisture, and digestive enzymes break down the skin barrier over time. These severe diaper rashes can take several weeks to fully heal. They look terribly painful, but most young babies act normal while they have the rash. Best Treatment for Severe Raw Diaper Rash The goal is to create a barrier so urine and stool cannot touch the damaged skin. This is where Vaseline often works best. And the key is using a VERY thick layer. Other barrier treatments include: * Corona ointment * Xeroform * Phytoplex Z-Guard paste * Cavilon spray * Coloplast barrier cream * Ilex barrier cream * Stomahesive powder mixed with diaper rash ointment Home Remedies for Diaper Rash Some families also find these soothing treatments helpful: * Baking soda baths * Domeboro soaks * Freshly pumped breast milk applied to the skin * Liquid Maalox dabbed on the rash and allowed to dry * Gentian Violet for raw, weepy rashes Gentian Violet can help dry the skin and may help with both yeast and mild bacterial infection. Fair warning: it stains everything purple. Stop Using Baby Wipes on Raw Skin One of the most important diaper rash tips is this: When the skin is raw, stop rubbing it. Even sensitive baby wipes can worsen severe diaper rash. Instead: * Use plain water * Use a spray bottle or rinse the baby under running water * Dab gently instead of wiping * Allow diaper-free time whenever possible Reducing friction is often one of the fastest ways to help the skin heal. When to See a Doctor for Diaper Rash Parents should contact their pediatrician if: * The diaper rash is worsening * The rash is not improving within a few days * The child develops a fever * The rash becomes blistered, crusted, or rapidly spreading A diaper rash with fever may indicate a bacterial infection and should be evaluated promptly. Final Thoughts on Treating Diaper Rash Parents are often surprised that the best diaper rash treatment is sometimes the simplest one. For many babies, the combination of: * Water instead of wipes * Thick Vaseline * Time out of diapers works better than a cabinet full of medicated creams. And if the rash looks dotty and peely instead of smooth and red, think yeast.