Lupus and APS Center of Excellence

Allyson Peysner, MHA

Allyson is the Manager of the Systemic Lupus and APS Center of Excellence in the Department of Rheumatology.

Jillian A. Rose-Smith, PhD, MPH, LCSW, is the Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement, Diversity and Research at Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Rose-Smith provides operational leadership for HSS’ Ambulatory Care Center and The Department of Social Work Programs. Dr. Rose leads the implementation of innovative community programs to enhance health, access to care and self-efficacy of traditionally underserved communities, in collaboration with other health care organizations and government agencies. Dr. Rose-Smith is an officer for the HSS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office. She participates in research and quality initiatives to identify and address health disparities to ensure the highest quality care for all patients. Dr. Rose-Smith provides ongoing leadership and support for the Hospital’s collection of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and preferred language data. In addition, Dr. Rose-Smith plays an integral role in the HSS Community Health Needs Assessment and Community Service Plan. Since August 2005, Dr. Rose-Smith has occupied a leadership position in managing Rheumatology programs at Hospital for Special Surgery.

Priscilla Calvache LCSW, is the Assistant Director for Lupus Programs & Community Engagement. She has operational oversight for LupusLine® and Charla de Lupus(Lupus Chat)® programs, national peer based support and education programs for people with lupus and their loved ones. She is responsible for the planning and operations of program initiatives, training and supervision of staff and volunteers, initial screening and psychosocial assessment and social work intervention with patients and their families. Mrs. Calvache also provides direct support and manages referrals from Rheumatology adult and pediatric providers, social workers, and other health team members regarding program services both at HSS and externally. Mrs. Calvache is integrally involved in the HSS Community Health Needs Assessment and Community Service Plan to enhance disease self-management and disparities. Additionally, she leads ongoing national trainings, especially focused on the peer health model and the unique national/international Lupus Support and Education Programs she oversees. Mrs. Calvache received a Master of Social Work degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work.

Giselle Rodriguez, LCSW is the Program Coordinator for the Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)® Program, a support and education program for people with lupus with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking communities. She coordinates all aspects of the program including the Teen, Young Adult and Parent Support Group, which takes place on a monthly basis. Ms. Rodriguez also provides support, education and resources to patients both in person at the HSS Pediatric and Rheumatology clinics and over the phone. Ms. Rodriguez received a Master of Social Work degree from Hunter Silberman School of Social Work. Ms. Rodriguez’s special interests include managing chronic illnesses, health care equality, patient-centered care and research.

Eliza Ngan-Dittgen, BA is the Senior Program Associate of LANtern® (Lupus Asian Network). LANtern® is the only national hospital-based bilingual support and education program dedicated to serving Asian Americans with lupus and their families. Eliza’s roles include providing direct patient support, developing community-based education programs for both patients and professionals, building collaboration capacity with community service providers, and conducting community outreach efforts. Eliza was a former Peer Health Educator of LANtern®.

Ursula Izquierdo-Cuya is a bilingual [Spanish] Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the VOICES 60+ Senior Advocacy Program. She provides concrete and emotional support to rheumatology patients, 60 years of age and older, in the Ambulatory Care Center and Private Practices. Ms. Izquierdo has experience in various areas of the social work field including comprehensive care management for patients with chronic conditions and as well in psychotherapy specializing in the treatment and management of mood and trauma-based disorders. Ms. Izquierdo received her graduate education at SUNY Stony Brook University where she was the recipient of the Dr. W. Burghardt Turner Fellowship.

Baptiste Nicolas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Adult Rheumatology Program. Baptiste assists patients ages 18-59 in all needs related to navigating the health care system, and he provides concrete and emotional support patients who are struggling with their diagnosis and whose lives are impacted by rheumatological disorders.

Baptiste received his Master of Social Work from Hunter Silberman School of Social Work. Baptiste’s special interests include advocating for patients, providing patients with mental health resources and a patient-centered care approach.