The Malignant Hematology Program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for children, adolescents, and young adults with leukemia, lymphoma, and related hematologic malignancies. As part of CHAM’s Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Cellular Therapy, the program integrates advanced diagnostics, novel treatment modalities, and extensive psychosocial and supportive care — all within a single, patient-centered environment. Patients benefit from the close collaboration among hematology, oncology, cellular therapy, and bone marrow transplantation specialists, ensuring seamless and compassionate care at every stage of treatment. Deeply embedded in the Bronx and serving a regional population, the program is committed to advancing health equity and ensuring access to high-quality, cutting-edge care for every child in our community.
Beyond clinical excellence, the program is actively engaged in translational and clinical research aimed at improving outcomes and reducing treatment-related toxicities. Faculty participate in national and international collaborations, including the Children’s Oncology Group and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Consortium, enabling patients to access innovative therapies and clinical trials. As part of an academic partnership with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the program contributes to the education and mentorship of future pediatric hematologist-oncologists while fostering research that addresses both the scientific and societal challenges of childhood cancer.
Our Team
We bring together a team of experts in each type of leukemia and lymphoma, and each treatment option to develop a comprehensive care plan together with our patients' families that ensures the best possible outcome.
Lisa M. Gennarini, MD, is the Director of the Hematologic Malignancy (Leukemia and Lymphoma) Program. She has expertise in treating children with leukemia, lymphoma, and vascular malformations. Dr. Gennarini is actively involved in the design and conduct of clinical trials for pediatric patients with leukemia and lymphoma through her leadership and advisory roles in several national cooperative groups, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Consortium and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).
Adit L. Tal, MD, is a member of the leukemia/lymphoma service and joined the division after her Pediatric Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein. Dr. Tal’s clinical focus is in the treatment of pediatric leukemia and lymphoma, histiocytic disorders, and the supportive care of children with cancer. As the fellowship director, former chair of the ASPHO Well-being Special Interest Group, current chair of the ASPHO Professional Development Committee, and v-SYMPHONY steering member, she is also interested in medical education within the pediatric hematology/oncology and general pediatrics community.
Moriah Rabin, MD, is a member of the leukemia/lymphoma service and also directs the Reassessment and Evaluation After Cancer Treatment (REACT) survivorship clinic at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein. Her clinical focus includes the care of children with leukemia, lymphoma, and childhood cancer survivors. Her research centers on improving long-term medical, cognitive, and reproductive outcomes for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors. Dr. Rabin is actively involved in medical education, serving as associate program director for the pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship program and as a former member of the American Society of Hematology’s Medical Educators Institute.
Megan Duggan, CPNP, is the Nurse Practitioner for the Malignant Hematology Program. She has been at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein for 15 years and is active in our consortium with the Children's Oncology Group and Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the execution of their studies here at Montefiore. In addition to clinical care, Megan's main focus is the day-to-day impact on children and families, and her aim is to alleviate the stress and disruption to normalcy that cancer can bring to both the children, and everyone involved in their care.
Rigoberto Tomala, LMSW, has been a bilingual (English/ Spanish) oncology social worker at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein since 2004. As an oncology social worker, he recognizes the emotional, financial and psychosocial burden placed on the patient and their family upon diagnosis. A multimodal approach is considered in assisting the patient and family in addressing barriers in their care. His extensive experience in behavioral health allows him the ability to utilize cognitive behavioral interventions and meaning centered psychotherapy to the patient and their families which provides them the support at every stage in their treatment.
Denise Velazquez, LCSW, has been a senior social worker at Montefiore Einstein since 2007. Her multi-focal role within the medical team is to assist families navigate the various ways our patients' medical needs and their lives are mutually impacted during the various phases of care. As an active member of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers she continues to build her skills/knowledge base to provide relevant/flexible interventions (grounded in mindfulness) including supportive and crisis counseling, advocacy, resource linkage, successful discharge planning and stress reduction. She developed and co-leads the Support for Education Team (SET), a multidisciplinary group whose focus is to help our patients maximize their educational experience during and after treatment. Providing consultation to patients, parents, staff and school teams regarding specific classroom interventions and accommodations needed due to physical and/or neurocognitive sequelae from disease or disease related treatment.