Meet the Team

Roxana Aguirre Castaneda, MD, MHARoxana Aguirre Castaneda, MD, MHA,an Associate Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology, serves as the interim chief of the Pediatric Endocrinology Division. She is certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology. Her clinical focus encompasses Turner syndrome, puberty and growth disorders, adrenal disorders, and diabetes. Dr. Aguirre Castaneda has publications on topics including Obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and vitamin D. She is an active member of the Endocrine Society, Pediatric Endocrine Society, and European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology.


Claudia Boucher Berry, MDClaudia Boucher-Berry, MD,is an Associate Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology. She is also the Associate Head for Faculty Affairs for the Department of Pediatrics and the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Boucher-Berry has published articles on vitamin D deficiency, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. She is a member of the Pediatric Endocrine Society, Endocrine Society and the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP).


Debara Preston, APRN, PNP, CDCESDebara Preston, APRN, PNP, CDCES , is a Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Endocrinology at UI Health. She received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Northwestern University and her master's degree from the University of Illinois. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and diabetes care and education specialist. Before joining UI Health, she worked as a clinical manager in the private sector, teaching insulin pump therapy. Her diverse experience includes roles as a school nurse in the Barrington school district, pediatric inpatient care in hospital, home care, and private physician practice settings.


Marla C. Solomon, RD, LDN, CDCESMarla C. Solomon, RD, LDN, CDCES, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist for over 25 years, involved in the Northern Illinois American Diabetes Association with which UI Health's Pediatric Endocrinology partnered to develop a city-based pediatric diabetes camp. Leading the 6-month Family Lifestyle Intensive Program (FLIP) at UIH Child Youth Center, she addresses pediatric weight problems, including pediatric diabetes prevention. Her community outreach extends to the Illinois chapter of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.


Ruth Melgoza-Walker, RN, BSN, CDCESRuth Melgoza-Walker, RN, BSN, CDCES, has been a registered nurse for over 33 years. She has been a Certified Diabetes Education for over 11 years. Her role has evolved from a provider of diabetes information to facilitator, collaboratively working with children with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to empower them to manage their condition as well as a conjunction with patient’s medical providers. She has experience teaching adults and children using the latest diabetes technologies: continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps devices and advanced insulin pen devices.


An image of this provider is not available at this timeJessica Garcia, RN, BSN, has been a nurse at UI Health for 20 years. During her time at UI Health, she has provided care in the inpatient unit and most recently in the pediatric clinic. Her passion has always been providing care to patients with complex medical conditions. She loves working with our Endocrinology patients and assisting them with their healthcare needs. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.


An image of this provider is not available at this timeEvelyn Vazquez, Administrative Aide, has 17 years of invaluable experience as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) at UI Health. Proficient in both Spanish and English, she ensures effective communication and understanding, assisting patients with their healthcare needs. Beyond her professional role, Evelyn values family time during her leisure hours, demonstrating a commitment to both her career and personal life.