Meet Our Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors

We're proud to be a leader in orthopedic services, specializing in sports injuries and general pediatric orthopedics and surgery. The pediatric orthopedic specialists at Nicklaus Children's also specialize in diagnosing scoliosis of the spine and performing scoliosis surgery. Our orthopedic experts are dedicated to supporting the treatment and prevention of injuries in children and adolescents.

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons

Craig J Spurdle, MD

Chief of Orthopedic Surgery
Director, Nicklaus Children's Ambulatory Surgery Center
Director, Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Specialists

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Offices: Miramar, West Kendall

Clinical Interests: Arthroscopic pediatric and adolescent sports medicine reconstruction, musculoskeletal trauma, along with other congenital and acquired anomalies of the skeletal system


Stephen G George, MD

Medical Director, Surgical Services
Medical Director, Pediatric Spinal Surgery

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Offices: Miramar, Palm Beach Gardens, West Kendall

Clinical Interests: Complex spinal deformities, kyphosis, scoliosis, kyphosis and spondolyolisthesis


Thomas J Errico, MD

Associate Director of Pediatric Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Spine

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Offices: Miramar, Palm Beach Gardens, West Kendall

Clinical Interests: Complex spinal disorders and scoliosis


Monica M Payares-Lizano, MD

Program Director, Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity Program

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: West Kendall

Clinical Interests: Cerebral palsy, musculoskeletal disorders, neuromuscular conditions, pediatric fractures and orthopedic trauma


Roger E Saldana, MD

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Physician Liaison, Community-Based Orthopedic Surgery Initiative

Primary Office: Pinecrest

Clinical Interests: Pediatric sports-related injuries, limb abnormalities, general pediatric orthopedic surgery, pediatric fractures and orthopedic trauma


Avi C Baitner, MD

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: Miramar

Clinical Interests: Pediatric hip and foot deformities including developmental hip dysplasia and clubfoot, congenital and acquired abnormalities of the skeletal system, limb deformity, pediatric fractures and orthopedic trauma


Kevin S Horowitz, MD

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Offices: Miramar, Pinecrest

Clinical Interests: Hip disorders, pediatric fractures and orthopedic trauma


Subaraman Ramchandran, MD

Pediatric Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Primary Office: Miami

Clinical Interests: Complex spinal deformities, spinal tumors and degenerative spinal pathologies


Daniel K Ruggles, DO

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Offices: Miramar, Pinecrest

Clinical Interests: Limb lengthening and alignment correction of congenital and acquired conditions, growth plate injuries, pediatric fractures and orthopedic trauma


Verena M Schreiber, MD

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Offices: Boynton Beach, Pinecrest

Clinical Interests: Cerebral palsy, musculoskeletal disorders, neuromuscular conditions, hip disorders, pediatric fractures and orthopedic trauma


Margaret L Wright, MD

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: Miramar

Clinical Interests: Pediatric sports-related injuries, pediatric fractures and orthopedic trauma as well as general pediatric orthopedics


See all pediatric orthopedic surgeons on the medical staff.

Orthopedic Advanced Practice Professionals


David E Figueroa, PA-C

Orthopedic PA

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: Pinecrest


Miguel Lopez, PA-C

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: Pinecrest


Patrice Elizabeth Neil, PA-C

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: Miramar



Sarah Noelle Toledo, PA-C

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: West Kendall


Alexandra Mary Lewis, APRN

Primary Office: Palm Beach Gardens

Additional Office: Boynton Beach

Clinical Interests: Pediatric fractures, trauma, and sports injuries


Center for Spinal Disorders Advanced Practice Providers


Yessenia U. Becraft, APRN

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: Miramar


Alejandra Margarita Patterson, APRN

Center for Spinal Disorders

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: Palm Beach Gardens

Clinical Interests: Scoliosis, spondylolysis spondylolisthesis, back pain, neck pain


Evelyn Silva, APRN

Primary Office: Miami

Additional Office: West Kendall


Orthopedic Nursing Team

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Stacie Arce, RN

Clinical Nurse Coordinator


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Jody Nobles, RN

Clinical Nurse Coordinator


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Nicole Orozco, BSN, RN, CPN

Patient Navigator, Center for Spinal Disorders

Nicole Orozco is a patient navigator with the Center for Spinal Disorders, part of the Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute.  Ms. Orozco obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Coast University.

As patient navigator, Ms. Orozco coordinates care for patients and families undergoing spinal surgery, offering support, timely information, and resources to achieve the best possible care outcomes. Her clinical interests are centered around providing exceptional care coordination for patients and their families.

To contact Nicole, call 786-624-4657.


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Lauren Zubizarreta, BSN, RN, CPHON

Patient Navigator, Center for Spinal Disorders

Lauren Zubizarreta is a patient navigator for the Center for Spinal Disorders, part of Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, and Spine Institute. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Miami. She is also a certified pediatric hematology oncology nurse (CPHON) provider.

As a patient navigator for the Center for Spinal Disorders, she serves as a primary point of contact for patients and families undergoing surgical spine care. Ms. Zubizarreta is passionate about providing coordinated care and guidance to patients and their families throughout their care journey.

To contact Lauren, please call 786-624-4557.


Administrative Staff

  • Dr. Baitner's Assistant: Raul Pino
  • Dr. Errico's Assistant: Lissette Tapanes
  • Dr. George's Assistant: Aurora Bonitto
  • Dr. Horowitz's Assistant: Ana Garcia
  • Dr. Payares-Lizano's Assistant: Gabriela Michinaux
  • Dr. Ramchandran's Assistant: Jessica Guerra
  • Dr. Ruggles Assistant: Maria (Gaby) Gaitan
  • Dr. Saldana's Assistant: Karen Melo
  • Dr. Schreiber's Assistant: Yanitza Jimenez
  • Dr. Spurdle's Assistant: Kristine Roiz
  • Dr. Wright's Assistant: Maritza Perez

 A clinician identified with a Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists logo is an affiliate of Nicklaus Children's Health System. All other clinicians listed on the website are in independent medical practices.