Staff Biographies
Dr. Gruenwald | Dr. Comandatore
Dr. Sterio | Dr. Miller | Dr. Alexander | Dr. Detweiler | Dr. Thompson

We believe in providing comprehensive care, and stress the emotional and behavioral aspects of childhood in addition to the physical components of illness. We also believe that children should receive all recommended childhood vaccines. We believe immunizing children is one of the most important roles as pediatricians. While respecting those who choose not to immunize, our practice does not accept patients who refuse to vaccinate. In the event you change your mind and accept vaccines for your child in the future, we will welcome your child as a patient. We will be partners with you in addressing your concerns, and we hope you will soon realize that we share your goals. We consider it a privilege that you have entrusted us with your child’s health.

We provide trained personnel in pediatric medicine which includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified medical assistants all of whom can assist you with your medical calls.  Our staff has been trained to triage and recognize calls of an urgent nature versus a general concern.  Each doctor has a dedicated nurse or assistant who works with him/her.  We also have a cheerful front desk staff ready to assist you in registering and scheduling appointments. 

The office also provides an administrative staff, a billing department and a referral coordinator to assist you with your specific needs.

Larry Gruenwald, M.D., F.A.A.P. ( back to top )

Dr. Gruenwald received his B.A. degree in psychology from Brandeis University in 1967 and graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School in 1975.  He completed a three year pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.  He has been in pediatric practice since 1978.  For four years prior to medical school, Dr. Gruenwald was a teacher of emotionally disturbed children.  Dr. Gruenwald is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, A Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMDNJ-NJMS and a past Clinical Chief of Pediatrics at SBMC.  In 1996, 2001 and 2006 Dr. Gruenwald was selected by New Jersey Monthly Magazine as one of the best pediatricians in New Jersey and in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2006 New York Magazine recognized him as one of the best pediatricians in the New York Metropolitan area.The Castle Connolly Guide named Dr. Gruenwald as one of the top doctors in the New York Metropolitan area from 2001 to 2010. Dr. Gruenwald lives in South Orange with his wife Renee, a retired teacher.  They have two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Ann Marie Comandatore, M.D., F.A.A.P. ( back to top )

Dr. Comandatore is a graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School.  She subsequently completed her residency at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, UMDNJ in Newark where she was honored with the Outstanding Resident Award for her continuity clinic for three years.  Dr. Comandatore is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the New Jersey Medical Women’s Association.  She has served on the Executive Council of the NJ Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She has invaluable firsthand motherhood experience to share ranging from breastfeeding and colic to nutrition and good health habits.  Dr. Comandatore lives with her husband and three children in Berkeley Heights.

Mara Sterio, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.P. ( back to top )

Dr. Sterio graduated from The Medical School in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia.  After finishing a residency program in pediatrics and a fellowship in pediatric neurology, she practiced for 12 years in Novi Sad as a pediatric neurologist.  She also earned her Masters degree and Ph.D. and was an Associate Professor at the Medical School in Novi Sad.   After moving to the United States, Dr. Sterio completed a three year Pediatric Residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ and is board certified in pediatrics.  Dr. Sterio is married, and her husband is an M.D., Ph.D. She has two daughters and three grandchildren. Dr. Sterio is fluent in the Serbian, French, Hungarian and German languages.

Yael Miller, M.D., F.A.A.P. ( back to top )

Dr. Miller graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a B.A. in biology, and received her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  She completed her pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in The Bronx and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Dr. Miller lives in South Orange with her husband and three young children.

Andrea Alexander, M.D., F.A.A.P. ( back to top )

Dr. Alexander received her B.A. in psychology and minor in art history from Brandeis University.  Prior to medical school, she performed neuropsychological testing and research on children with learning disabilities.  She graduated from the New York State American Program at Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel, and completed a pediatric residency at North Shore University Hospital/Schneider Children’s Hospital on Long Island.  She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Dr. Alexander grew up in Millburn and has returned to the area, living in South Orange with her husband and two young children.

Jacqueline Detweiler, D.O., F.A.A.P. ( back to top )

Dr. Detweiler graduated with honors from Albright College with a B.S. in Biology.  She then received a medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Prior to graduation she volunteered in health clinics across Haiti.  Following medical school, she completed a one year internship at University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ and went on to complete a three year pediatric residency at Al Dupont Hospital for Children in Delaware and Thomas Jefferson University Medical Center in Philadelphia.  She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the American Osteopathic Association.  Dr. Detweiler has been in private pediatric practice since 1999.  She lives with her husband and two young children in Maplewood, NJ.

Stacy Thompson, D. O., F.A.A.P. ( back to top )

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Stacy Thompson has joined our practice on a part-time basis. Dr. Thompson graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Biology. She then received her medical degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a three-year pediatric residency, followed by one year as Chief Resident at the Robert Wood Johnson Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Hospital. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Thompson lives in Millburn with her husband, young son and daughter.

Bharati Mullick, M.D., F.A.A.P ( back to top )

We feel it is important not to send our patients to a covering physician outside of our office. Dr. Bharati Mullick will be covering our patients from time to time in our office. Dr. Mullick is a Fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics since 1974 and has maintained a private practice in Springfield for over 20 years. She is well known amongst her colleagues and has a close professional relationship with doctors Gruenwald and Comandatore. Dr. Mullick is the Medical Director for the Union Board of Education and is affiliated with Saint Barnabas Medical Center.