Prestigious Level 4 reaccreditation ensures families have access to the most advanced epilepsy treatments for the best possible outcomes
VALHALLA, N.Y. (June 25, 2025) – Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital has reaffirmed its place among the nation’s elite pediatric epilepsy centers with its reaccreditation as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). This prestigious designation – the highest awarded – recognizes the Hudson Valley’s only comprehensive children’s hospital’s expertise in the most complex epilepsy care and ensures families across the region continue to have access to life-changing, cutting-edge research and compassionate support close to home.
The Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital pediatric epilepsy program is led by Steven Wolf, MD, one of the nation’s foremost authorities in epilepsy and effective therapies. Now the Section Chief of Neurology at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Dr. Wolf is renowned for his research and partners with clinical specialist Patty McGoldrick, PNP on the care of patients.
Dr. Wolf and McGoldrick also work very closely with Carrie Muh, MD, Section Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery, as surgical solutions have become highly effective in minimizing epilepsy symptoms.
“When a child has epilepsy, every seizure is a disruption to their development, learning, and quality of life,” Dr. Wolf said. “Our program is designed to stop seizures, not just manage them—and that’s what this Level 4 reaccreditation affirms. With advanced diagnostics, surgical innovations, and a deeply collaborative team, we’re helping kids take back their lives and giving families real hope.”
David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth said, “When families are facing the uncertainty of a child’s epilepsy diagnosis, they deserve absolute confidence in their care team—and this reaccreditation makes that confidence well earned. Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital continues to lead the region and the nation in pediatric epilepsy care, offering the most advanced diagnostics, surgical options, and therapeutic innovations available anywhere. This is what it means to deliver world-class pediatric neurology care right here in the Hudson Valley.’’
The comprehensive diagnostic and surgical epilepsy program at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of specialists including neurologists specializing in pediatric epilepsy (epileptologists), pediatric neurosurgeons, a neuropsychologist, neuroradiologists, and other subspecialists that personalize treatment courses for each child.
Key Elements of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s Epilepsy Program:
- Advanced Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) featuring comprehensive video EEG monitoring
- State-of-the-art surgical stereo EEG monitoring with robotic electrode placement for improved speed and accuracy
- Complete evaluation system for epilepsy surgery, including intracranial electrodes
- Wide range of surgical procedures customized to each child’s specific needs
- Membership in the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC), a national collaboration of more than 77 pediatric epilepsy programs
- Access to the latest treatment options, including new medications through clinical trials
- Advanced surgical treatments including laser ablation, neuromodulation, and resection
- The only TSC Alliance-recognized multidisciplinary clinic for Tuberous Sclerosis in the Hudson Valley region.
To make an appointment for a consultation on pediatric epilepsy and seizure treatment solutions offered by Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, patient families and referring physicians should call 914.358.0188, and visit our website for more information, including a list of care providers. Families should go to the nearest emergency department immediately if their child is experiencing a seizure or other emergency related to epilepsy.