Julie Kanter-Washko, MD
Director, Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana

Dr. Kanter is a New Orleans native.  She graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in 2003.  She completed her residency in general pediatrics at the University of Colorado in 2006 and her fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis in 2009.  She happily returned home to join the faculty at Tulane University in Pediatrics with a clinical research focus on sickle cell disease. 

She has many research interests including the improvement in the treatment and approach to acute pain in sickle cell disease and studying new disease modulating therapies for sickle cell disease.  In addition, she hopes to increase disease education and community awareness on a local and  regional level. 

Rebecca Kruse-Jarres, MD/MPH
Associate Director, Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana

Dr. Kruse-Jarres graduated from Tulane University, School of Medicine in 1999. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Tulane University where she became faculty in the Section of Hematology/Oncology in 2005.

She has a particular interest in management of sickle cell disease and the prevention of disease complications. She opened the Sickle Cell Day Hospital in 2007 to provide easier access for adult patients.

One of her main focuses is to improve care for patients with sickle cell disease in Louisiana by adapting a patient centered medical home approach.

Jeanne Johnson, MPH
Administrative Director, Sickle Cell Center of
Southern Louisiana

Ernest de Jean, MSW
Social Service Coordinator, Sickle Cell Center of 
Southern Louisiana

Ernest is a native of New Orleans. He received an undergraduate degree from Xavier University of New Orleans and a graduate degree from Southern University of New Orleans.

One of his main focus is to ensure that individuals with sickle cell disease in Louisiana receive adequate, appropriate, and timely medical and social services. Ernest is proud to have played a role in bringing about sickle cell awareness in southeast Louisiana.

Chanel Holt, RN
Nurse Coordinator, Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana

Mrs. Holt is a native of New Orleans. She graduated from TouroInfirmary School of Nursing in 1979. Attended UNO and Loyola Universities. She has been employed at Tulane University Hospital and Clinic since 1992 and has worked with patients with sickle cell disease for 15 years.

It is her goal to continue to care for and advocate for improved care and treatment of patients with sickle cell disease.

Luann Wenthold, NP
Clinical Director, Sickle Cell Day Hospital

Ms. Wenthold is an Iowa native, graduated from  the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Wisconsin, majoring in nursing,  She graduated from Tulane University's nurse practitioner program and obtained a Master's of Public Health in 1981. Since then she has worked as a nurse practitioner in allergy and immunology, internal medicine, adolescent medicine and HIV care. 

She has functioned as the Clinical Director of the Sickle Cell Day Hospital since its inception in November of 2007.  Her goal is to ensure that patients in the unit receive quality nursing care in a  welcoming, comfortable environment and consider the unit a home for when they are in crises.

Sherri Green, RN
Nurse Coordinator, Sickle Cell Day Hospital  

Sheri is a graduate of LSU School of Nursing.  She has a nursing background in pediatric emergency and oncology. 

Sheri is a new addition to the staff and is excited about the opportunities the SCDH is providing to their patients.