Our mission is to provide our patients with excellent, high-value care from birth until 21 years of age. We accomplish this standard of excellence through respectful collaboration between our staff, fostering a supportive work environment within our multidisciplinary teams, and building relationships of trust with our patients and their families. Our practice is dedicated to scholarly achievements, clinical excellence, mentorship, community outreach, professional development, education and lifelong learning. Our physicians and advanced practice nurses are recognized for experience, mentorship, knowledge and a commitment to the education of others.
Faculty and Staff
Aline Tanios, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Professor of Pediatrics
Division Chief, Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Associate Program Director, Pediatric Residency Program
Aline Tanios, M.D., FAAP, is a pediatric hospitalist and my passion has always been caring for hospitalized children, especially the vulnerable population. She is an avid teacher and a strong advocate for all types of learners, mainly residents supporting them to reach their full potential. She believes in getting challenged in order to grow, and this is reflected in her daily roles, allowing learners to be curious and get out of their comfort zones. Mentoring in academia has helped her find purpose and fulfillment by collaborating and sharing life and career experiences to help shape us into the professionals we aspire to be.
Marta King, M.D., M.Ed.
Professor, Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Marta King, M.D., M.Ed., is passionate about advancing medical education through innovation, program development, process improvement, mentoring, and scholarship. A nationally recognized leader in medical education, King is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Educators in Pediatrics, the Pediatrics in Review editorial board, and faculty in the Academic Pediatric Association Educational Scholars Program. Two of her first-author manuscripts have been recognized among the top ten publications of the year in medical education and pediatric hospital medicine. A firm believer in lifelong learning and continuous personal and professional growth, Dr. King completed her medical degree, pediatric residency, masters in medical education, and quality improvement science training at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Andrew Ellis, M.D.
Andrew Ellis M.D., originally from Arvada, Colorado, is a graduate of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, after which he completed his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in pediatric hospital medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. His clinical and academic interests include value-based care, diagnostic reasoning, quality improvement, clinical efficiency, and patient communication. In his free time, he is an avid golfer, Denver Broncos/St. Louis Cardinals/Colorado Buffaloes fan, and enjoys all the local activities St. Louis has to offer with his wife and two young children.
Kayla Heller, M.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Kayla Heller, M.D., provides inpatient pediatric care for infants and children (birth to age 21), treating various illnesses and medical needs including infections, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, asthma, and influenza, as well as offering general pediatric and post-surgical care. She sees patients in many hospital areas — the pediatric ward, newborn nursery, emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit, and pediatric intensive care unit.
Heller’s clinical interests include medical education, simulation, and inpatient behavioral health. She provides exceptional medical care to her patients while keeping their families fully informed and supported throughout their child’s hospitalization. She is a reliable resource for them when they are at their most vulnerable. When a patient is discharged, Heller gives their pediatrician a report along with detailed instructions for additional care.
Allison Palisch, M.S.N., APRN, CPNP PC/AC
Allison Palisch, M.S.N., APRN, CPNP PC/AC, is a dually certified primary and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner who belongs to the St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Along with her nursing degrees, she has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and holds both Certified Exercise Physiologist and Exercise is Medicine credentials through the American College of Sports Medicine. She loves to travel, and, in her free time, enjoys working out, rock climbing, mountain biking, pickleball, brewing her own beer, and spending time with family and friends.
Madeline Smith, CPNP-PC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Madeline Smith, M.S.N., APRN, C-PNP, is a dual-certified primary and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner actively involved in the St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. In addition to her nursing credentials, she holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and carries certifications as a Certified Exercise Physiologist and in Exercise is Medicine from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Smith's professional expertise extends to her personal interests. A fervent traveler, she dedicates her free time to diverse activities, including working out, rock climbing, mountain biking, and pickleball. Beyond her active pursuits, Madeline has a passion for brewing her own beer and values quality moments spent with family and friends.
Millicent Palacios, DNP, A.P.R.N., C.P.N.P.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Millicent Palacios, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP, is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2010 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2019.