Specialist Panel
Amy Francis, DO, FAAP
Amy Francis, DO, FAAP, specializes in the comprehensive care of children with neurodevelopmental differences. Her primary clinical activities involve evaluation and care of children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disability, speech and language disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, and behavior concerns. She has a special interest in early identification and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in toddlers. Dr. Francis is the Medical Director for the Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital and serves on the faculty for the Pediatric Residency of Idaho.
Amy Francis, DO, FAAP
Medical Director for the Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Residency of Idaho Faculty.
Travis Haase, LCPC
Travis Haase, LCPC, received his Master’s degree in Mental Health from Walden University. Over the last 15 years, he has worked with a variety of mental health agencies across the Treasure Valley to serve children on the autism spectrum and their families. He currently works at the St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, supporting families, parents, siblings and children with complex neurodiversity. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, boating in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.
Travis Haase, LCPC
Clinical Manager, St. Luke's Children's Hospital, Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Boise
Elena Harlan Drewel, PhD
Elena Harlan Drewel is a pediatric neuropsychologist at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Meridian. Prior to moving to Idaho, she was a clinical assistant professor at an autism center in Missouri. She completed her doctoral degree in clinical child psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia and her fellowship training in pediatric neuropsychology at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. She routinely evaluates children and adolescents for autism spectrum disorders and assists with their treatment planning.
Elena Harlan Drewel, PhD
Pediatric Neuropsychologist, St. Luke's Children's Hospital, Meridian
Tom Patterson, MD, FAAP, FABP
Dr. Patterson grew up in Arizona and attended the University of Arizona for Undergraduate, Medical School and Pediatric Residency. After his residency, he spent 18 years at what is now Saltzer Medical Group. He has taught at the University of Washington School of Medicine and currently enjoys teaching and seeing patients at Full Circle Health. Dr. Patterson has served both the local and national chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics, where he has held several leadership roles throughout his tenure. He enjoys weight training/fitness, hiking, swimming and the outdoors. He is happiest when he is spending time with his wife and three boys.
Tom Patterson, MD, FAAP, FABP
Pediatrician, Full Circle Health, Boise
Jami Pifer, M.S., CCC-SLP
Jami Pifer, M.S., CCC-SLP obtained her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Idaho State University. After working in both outpatient hospital and private clinic settings, Jami developed an interest and passion for pediatric assessment of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In 2010 Jami helped found Northwest Neurobehavioral Health and is currently the Co-director of the Autism Diagnostic Clinic at NNH. As part of this multidisciplinary clinic, she works with a wide range of specialists to provide comprehensive assessment to children across the state of Idaho and Eastern Oregon. In her free time, Jami enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling.
Jami Pifer, M.S., CCC-SLP
Co-director of Northwest Neurobehavioral Health's Autism Diagnostic Clinic
Julie Wittman, MEd, PhD, BCBA
Julie Wittman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working in an independent practice providing Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy to children with autism. She is also a parent to two children, a daughter on the autism spectrum, and a son who is neuro-typical. Upon her daughter’s diagnosis, she sought and received a Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Idaho followed by the Board Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. Julie obtained her ABA training at University of Washington. Outside of work, she enjoys riding 4-wheelers with her family, canning and baking.
Julie Wittman, MEd, PhD, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Parent Advocate, Lewiston
