Who We Are
Comprehensive Developmental Team for Children After the NICU
At the Pediatric Developmental Health Institute, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for newborns who have faced health challenges at birth. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting families with compassion and expertise. We specialize in neonatal follow-up, offering personalized support for babies and their families as they navigate the complexities of early health.
Beyond neonatal care, we provide a range of services to support each child’s ongoing growth and development. Our institute offers specialized speech therapy, physical therapy, and medical developmental care—all tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. With a commitment to excellence and a family-centered approach, we help every child reach their fullest potential from the very start.
Our Mission: To provide early, equitable developmental follow-up and therapy for NICU graduates in South Florida so every high-risk infant reaches their full potential—medically, developmentally, and socially—through age 5.
Our Vision: To build a model pediatric developmental institute that ensures every NICU graduate in South Florida—regardless of insurance or background—receives integrated, expert follow-up care from birth through age 5.
Services
Developmental Monitoring
Specialized Therapies
Growth & Nutritional Support
Family-Centered Care
What We Offer
We are a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, volunteers, and advocates, driven by a shared belief that every child deserves access to the highest quality medical care, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Volunteer Leadership Team
At PDHI, we are guided by non-compensated volunteer professionals who generously offer their time and expertise.
Gaston Ofman, MD
Founder; Executive Director; Director of Clinical & Translational Research
Daphna Yasova Barbeau, MD
Senior Advisor for Neurodevelopment & Strategic Partnerships
Monica Wojcik, MS, CCC-SLP
Director of Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology
Theresa “Terri” Klein, PT
Director of Pediatric Physical Therapy
Rune Toms, MD –
Medical Advisor, Neonatology & Pediatric Cardiology
Raye-Ann deRegnier, MD –
Senior Clinical Advisor; Professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Northwestern University
Testimonial
Patient's Experiences
Jorge's Mom
Jorge was born at 27 weeks and spent many days fighting in the NICU. After his discharge, we started coming here, and the team has been incredibly dedicated. Everything has been wonderful with the PDHI team — we've been coming for his checkups, and he has been making great progress.
Levi's story
My little miracle baby is miraculous in every way. Levi was born at 32 weeks, weighing 3lbs 9oz, and to see and hold him now is a dream. The team at the PDHI has been nothing but amazing. The continuous encouragement and support after the NICU is amazing. There's something so special about discussing your child's development with people who have been there from the very beginning and truly know their story."
Makaia's Mom.
"From the day I had this baby, I've been so grateful for her. The PDHI team has been such a huge help for Makaia. I didn't know anything about caring for a premature baby, but with your guidance and support, we've come such a long way — it's truly amazing."
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
A multidisciplinary team evaluates your baby's growth, development, motor skills, feeding, vision, hearing, and behavior. Recommendations for therapies or further evaluations may be provided.
Your baby may be seen by a team that includes developmental pediatricians and physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
No. Our program is specifically for babies who were discharged from the NICU and referred by the hospital. We do not evaluate children who were not in the NICU, even if they show signs of developmental delay.
Schedule
1st Visit – within 1 month post-discharge
2nd – 3 months (corrected)
3rd – 6 months (corrected)
4th – 12 months (corrected)
5th – 18 months (corrected)
6th – 24 months (corrected)
7th – 3 years (corrected)
8th – 5 years (chronological)
"Corrected age" is based on due date rather than birth date.