Our Team

Dr. Vanessa Salinas is board certified in pediatric hematology-oncology and in general pediatrics. She completed her pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship at CHLA and also completed a Coagulation and Bleeding Disorders fellowship at CHLA. She specializes in all areas of hematology with special focus in hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders, and red cell disorders, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Dr. Salinas is interested in helping our hemophilia community and empowering our patients and families, through education and participation. She works closely with the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California, and was awarded as the Medical Professional of the Year in 2019. Dr. Salinas participates in clinical research studies as principal investigator as well as co-investigator. Dr. Salinas advocates for recycling, and she enjoys nature and outdoor sports.

Nina Hwang, M.D. specializes in all aspects of hematology with a special interest in thrombosis/clotting. Upon earning her medical degree from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Illinois, she completed both her general pediatric residency and pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at CHOC Children’s Hospital of Orange County. She is board certified in general pediatrics, and is board eligible in pediatric hematology/oncology. Dr. Hwang speaks conversational Mandarin Chinese.

Esteban Gomez, M.D. specializes in all aspects of hematology with a special focus in bleeding disorders and red cell disorders. Upon earning his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, he completed a combined residency program in internal medicine and general pediatrics. He then completed his pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Oakland. He is board certified in internal medicine, general pediatrics, and pediatric hematology/oncology.

Anton Petrenko, PhD has been working as a pediatric psychologist at the Center for Inherited Blood Disorders (CIBD) since 2022. His main role is to provide mental health support to children, families, and young adults as they continue along their medical journeys. Dr. Petrenko also sees patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and is available to support CIBD patients during CHOC hospital admissions. As part of his path to become a pediatric psychologist, Dr. Petrenko completed residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, TX.

Dr. Petrenko’s favorite activities include camping, coaching youth soccer, volunteering at the Painted Turtle summer camp, and doing long-distance runs on the weekends.

Shannon Ward is the Nurse Practitioner for the CIBD Infusion Center, where she is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-centered infusion care. She brings a strong clinical background shaped by her years in emergency medicine, having worked both as a registered nurse and as a nurse practitioner in fast-paced, high-acuity environments before joining CIBD.

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Sciences from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Coast University. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Charles Drew University, where she trained as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Outside of her professional role, Shannon is a proud mom to a daughter who competes in soccer and gymnastics. She enjoys retail therapy, staying active, and watching her daughter excel in sports.

Merilyn is a Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in pediatrics and primary care, dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered infusion care. She is passionate about patient education and creating a supportive, comfortable care experience for individuals and families. Merilyn studied at California State University, Long Beach and has worked in a variety of clinical settings. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new foods, going to the beach, watching movies, and listening to podcasts.

Krizia is a Physician Assistant with a background in public health, dedicated to providing holistic, patient-centered care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a dual master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and Public Health, allowing her to focus on both treatment and long-term wellness. Passionate about health equity, Krizia is committed to creating a respectful, supportive, and welcoming care environment for every patient. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures.

Grace Hernandez received her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Delaware. For more than 30 years, she has been the physical therapist for the Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) in Orange County, California, which is now located at The Center for Inherited Blood Disorders (CIBD).  Other work experience includes working 20+ years at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, as well as The Shea Center for therapeutic riding.  She is active regionally, nationally and internationally in the bleeding disorder physical therapy community. Over the past 10 years, she has been utilizing musculoskeletal ultrasound in the clinic to assist with bleed detection and general joint/muscle conditions. Being able to support the patients and families throughout their lives to be active and recover from injuries/bleeds is the foundation for physical therapy at CIBD. Grace enjoys spending her free time with family and friends exercising, travelling and being in nature along with a great appreciation for music, the arts, and the theater. Grace’s saying, “Physical therapy is not ‘No Pain No Gain’ but gaining in spite of the pain”.

Amanda is a Doctor of Physical Therapy dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals across the lifespan affected by bleeding and clotting disorders. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach and has been working with pediatric populations since 2021, with experience caring for individuals of all ages and with various hematological conditions in the inpatient and outpatient setting. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, pottery, and spending time with family and friends.