Our Team

Robert Thompson-Stone, M.D.
Center Director

• Dr. Thompson-Stone is a pediatric neurologist who specializes in the treatment of children with acquired and inherited white matter (demyelinating) disorders such as inherited leukodystrophies, pediatric multiple sclerosis and related disorders. He is a graduate of New York University School of Medicine, and did residency training in adult and child neurology at the University of Rochester. He works closely with the Leukodystrophy Care Network and Hunter’s Hope Foundation to provide high-quality, personalized, and attentive care based on general consensus guidelines for best practice to children and families struggling with these conditions.

Alexander R. Paciorkowski, M.D.
Associate Director

Dr. Paciorkowski is a pediatric neurologist who specializes in children with genetic disorders that effect the brain. He attended University of Connecticut for his pediatrics and genetics training, and Washington University in St. Louis for child neurology training. He has significant expertise in genetic testing and interpretation in children with undiagnosed white matter disorders.

Nicole J Walsh, RN, CPNP-PC
Clinical Care Coordination Provider

Nikki has been a practicing nurse since 2012 and has been with our Child Neurology department since 2015, primarily serving our Pediatric Epilepsy Program. She completed her training as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the University of Rochester School of Nursing in 2021. She is also a LEND fellow (Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) through the University of Rochester which is additional training in caring for and supporting individuals with special healthcare needs. Prior to her career in nursing, Nikki was a research coordinator here in Child Neurology with a focus in Tourette Syndrome and Batten Disease.

Kathy Wright, R.N.
Registered Nurse

Emmanuelle Smith, L.M.S.W.
Social Worker

Emmanuelle obtained her master’s degree in social work through the former GRC (Brockport & Nazareth Colleges) Social Work Program in 2012. Prior to joining the Child Neurology Department, Emmanuelle was a social worker on the Child and Adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit at Strong Memorial Hospital for 5 years.