Cristina E Farrell, MD
Dr. Farrell joins Hackensack Meridian Children's Health after almost 20 years in pediatrics, having grown up, trained and practiced in the NY/NJ area. She was attracted to the field due to her love and appreciation for neurodivergence and a passion to support neurodivergent patients and their families. Dr. Farrell has had a lifelong interest in public health and earned a master's in public health early in her career. She hopes to apply her public health background to the development of innovative, population-based ways to improve access to developmental care.
Philosophy of Care
Parents are the experts on their children. It is critically important to take parents' concerns seriously, and involve them as partners in treatment planning in an individualized and non-judgmental way. I recognize that everyone's circumstances are unique and a child's well-being depends on the well-being of the family system and community. Parenting advice and treatment recommendations are only helpful when they are realistic.
Caring for children is a multidisciplinary affair, especially caring for children with developmental disabilities, neurodiversity, and medical complexity. It includes clinicians, social work, therapists, teachers, school nurses, and most importantly the patient and family. I love the multidisciplinary nature of my work and learn so much from my colleagues as well as patients and their families.
Titles
Division Chief, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
