Lauren Bouton | MD, FAAP

I am extremely excited and honored to be joining the team at East Bay Pediatrics!  I grew up in Lafayette and moved back home this summer with my husband, two kids, two dogs, and a new kitten to be closer to family and raise our children in the beautiful Bay Area.

From the moment I decided to pursue medicine, I knew I wanted to specialize in pediatrics. Caring for children and adolescents is a privilege that I cherish deeply. Their resilience, creativity, and courage inspire me daily.  I believe that each child’s unique personality plays a vital role in their physical and emotional well-being. The best care arises when patients, parents, and pediatricians collaborate to understand concerns and develop personalized plans that evolve as the child grows.

While my roots are in the East Bay, my journey took me to the Midwest for college at Carleton College in Minnesota. I then attended Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, where I met my husband who is now a pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon. I completed my residency at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, OH, and stayed on as a Chief Resident.  I am board certified in both general pediatrics and pediatric hospital medicine.
I started my career in pediatric hospital medicine.  After eight fulfilling years in hospital medicine, I reflected on my journey and felt it was time to return to my original passion: pediatric primary care.  My interests are newborn care, asthma management and mental health.
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Now, as I begin this exciting new chapter in the Bay Area, I am eager to build lasting relationships with the patients and families at East Bay Pediatrics.  Outside of work, I love traveling, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the outdoors with my family.  You can find me co-leading my daughter’s Girl Scout troop and hiking the hills.

Bethany Hodges | MD, FAAP

Prior to medicine, I had a career in music singing opera and choral music in New York City while working in various administrative positions at The Juilliard School. When I started medical school at Cornell, I initially thought I wanted to be a surgeon and was a General Surgery resident at Harvard in Boston before I happily made the switch to Pediatrics.

I completed my pediatrics residency at UCSF and subsequently joined a faculty practice at UCSF Primary Care. Our family relocated to Pennsylvania where I served on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh. When we returned to the
Bay Area, I worked at Golden Gate Pediatrics in San Francisco and Marin. I then had an opportunity to join the general academic pediatrics faculty at the University of Chicago where I enjoyed teaching medical students and residents
and caring for patients of diverse cultures from all over the world.

I was very fortunate to join East Bay Pediatrics in 2023 to continue doing what I love, getting to know families and participate in their child’s health care. In my spare time I enjoy traipsing around the trails with my family, exploring nature with my two daughters, playing and listening to all kinds of music.

Ted A. Handler | MD, MBA, MPH

I am honored to join the team of pediatricians at East Bay Pediatrics. I began working with the practice part-time in 2019 and fell in love with the patients I met, the warm community among the staff, and the collegial relationships between the providers. It is refreshing to practice in an environment devoted to supporting child health with empathy as well as high quality, evidence-based medical care. 

I love pediatrics because I am able to journey alongside parents through scary and exhilarating experiences, all while discussing the latest research in medicine and bringing levity to the office. I take special care to ensure that parents understand the medicine and science behind my clinical decision making. I’m also aware that navigating the health care system can feel daunting and many parents do not feel well equipped to do so. I enjoy being present to help parents in understanding the process so that they can focus on the joys of parenthood. My clinical passions include neurodiversity, stemming from two years of research in the neuroradiological findings of autism in infants, and gender-expansive medical care, from my research in residency with patients at the Kaiser Permanente Multispecialty Transitions Clinic. I have been a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2016.

I am initially from the East Coast. I grew up in Montclair, NJ just outside of New York City. I studied Philosophy and Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis and attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine, where I also received an MBA from the Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy and Management. I’ve always had a strong interest in healthcare systems and delivery, so I completed my pediatrics residency training at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Oakland, California. I spent one final year collecting degrees (I know, it’s a lot) by obtaining a Master of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. 

I live with my partner in Montclair, and our French Bulldog, “Ham.” In my free time, I enjoy skiing, hiking, cooking, and waxing poetically about the maligned incentives of the health care reimbursement structures in the US.

Lilia R. Oceguera | MD, FAAP

I was born and raised in the East Bay and am excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community. I completed my undergraduate studies at Stanford University and graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. I completed my pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital and Research Center, Oakland. I have over 20 years experience working in primary care and my heart and passion has always been serving children and connecting with families. I am committed to supporting you and helping your children thrive. I have a special interest in integrative medicine and natural healing. 

I live in San Leandro with my husband Fernando Padilla. My daughter Alina loves softball and drama. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, singing, yoga, and meditation. I am honored to be a part of East Bay Pediatrics and your pediatric journey. 

Courtney Pickering | MD, FAAP

I began working at East Bay Pediatrics in January 2015, but this was not my first introduction to the practice. East Bay Pediatrics was my pediatric office as a child – from birth until college-- and Dr. Oken was my pediatrician. I now bring my children here and have come full circle to be a member of this incredible team. I couldn’t be happier. I love being a pediatrician and having the opportunity to connect with families during pivotal times in their lives. It is so rewarding to watch my patients grow and assist them in the different stages of their development, from infancy through adolescence.  
I grew up in Pleasant Hill, where my parents still live. I then headed east for college, studying English at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. I attended medical school at the University of Southern California, where my first introduction to medicine occurred at the LA County Hospital. I am grateful every day for the foundation that wonderful teaching hospital provided to me. After four years in Los Angeles however, I was ready to head home to Northern California. I completed my pediatric residency training at UCSF, followed by six years living and working in San Francisco. I now live in Moraga with my husband and two young sons. I love living in this beautiful town and in the same community in which I work. I’m sure I’ll be seeing many of you at the park or Trader Joe’s!

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing in the yard with my boys, hiking, running, travelling, and reading.

Jennifer Miller | MD, FAAP

I am a Southern California native that relocated to the Bay area in 2000 for my residency. I fell in love with the Bay and this community and decided to make it my home. I was introduced to East Bay Pediatrics by my mentor Dr. Myles Abbott, who was a founding physician in the practice. I initially came to cover a maternity leave, but when a permanent position opened, I was lucky enough to stay on. I am thrilled to be part of an independently run private practice, and I am so thankful to have families that partner with me in the care of their children. I love people and get to meet so many different families with amazing stories. I am married to Mario Reyes and our daughter Mari keeps me busy with all of her activities. 

I am from Los Angeles and attended Spelman College for my undergraduate studies. I received my medical degree from Charles Drew/UCLA School of Medicine and did my residency and Chief residency at Children’s Hospital Oakland (now known as UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland). I am actively involved in the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Girls Inc of Alameda County. I am passionate about medical education and mentoring, especially underrepresented minorities and students of color. In my free time, I enjoy being with my family and friends, traveling when I am able, seeing a good movie and reading excellent books.

Christina S.L. Vo | MD, FAAP

I first came to East Bay Pediatrics as a parent. Every visit with my new baby, I asked whether there was an opening for a new pediatrician here because I could tell that this practice had everything I wanted: great physicians, skilled staff, and stability. I love being able to see children grow and develop while helping parents go through both the trials and tribulations of parenthood. I want to see my patients grow up then have children of their own. Now, as the managing partner, I hope to see this practice continue to grow and thrive for many years to come.

I grew up in Menlo Park, where my family still resides. In order to learn more about my heritage and about Traditional Chinese Medicine, I majored in East Asian Studies during my undergraduate education at Princeton University. After completing medical school at University of California, San Diego, I came back to the Bay Area to complete my pediatric residency training at Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland. I considered pursuing an endocrinology or rheumatology fellowship but realized that my heart is in primary care where I can take care of all aspects of a child's life.

I am an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, with recent leadership roles in the Section on Young Physicians and the Committee on Membership. My daughter Eleanor and my son Jordan attend the Piedmont schools where I head the student community service program. I swim early in the mornings with the Oakland Barracudas. My husband Tan and I are finally getting better at home gardening, but mostly love playing with the keiki (children, in Hawaiian).

Juliana Damon | MD, FAAP

I have enjoyed working at East Bay Pediatrics since 2002. I see medicine as a way to learn to live a healthier happier life no matter what your circumstances. I grew up outside of Boston and my family always challenged me to think outside the box. I am an international adoptee, sister to a wonderful person with mental health struggles and autism, and a patient who has always relied on holistic and traditional medicine. Seeing my patients grow into the people they are meant to be is one of the greatest joys of my work.

I attended Harvard College studying English, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons for medical school, and the University of Massachusetts for residency. My special interests are adoption, developmental issues, and integrative medicine.

I live in Moraga with my husband Paul Espinas who is a pediatrician at Kaiser Hayward. My two girls Clementine and Mia love exploring nature, swimming and gymnastics, and all animals. I get to see my patients everywhere like the gym, swim meets, the grocery store, and the school garden - it's so fun!

Tracy Evans-Ramsey | MD, FAAP

Practicing pediatric medicine has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. My most cherished moments of being a pediatrician involve knowing that I have helped my patients on their journey of maintaining good health while supporting their growth and development as they mature from newborn babies to young adults.  


Over the course of my pediatric career, what I admire most about our practice is our commitment to providing compassionate pediatric focused medical care for our patients. 


When I joined the practice in 2001, I was extremely proud and humbled at the opportunity to return to my roots and contribute to the community in which I grew up. As a native Californian, born and raised in the Bay Area, I knew East Bay Pediatrics was where I wanted to share my passion for improving the health and well-being of children. 


Prior to joining the practice, I completed my undergraduate education at the University of California at Berkeley and graduated medical school at the University of Illinois in Chicago. After a strong desire to return home, I completed my pediatrics residency training at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Oakland, California. 


Since joining East Bay Pediatrics, I have been honored to serve on several national committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics where I have developed professional experience in planning and moderating many national and local continuing medical education conferences for pediatricians across the country.


I currently reside in Orinda with my husband Okorie Ramsey and my two children, Alex and Avery.  My son is a student at Loyola Marymount University and my daughter is a student at Miramonte High School. In addition to practicing medicine, my interests include travel, discovering new foods and exercise.

Sarah Cahn Handelsman | MD, FAAP

I started working at East Bay Pediatrics in November 2000. Since that time I have developed wonderful relationships with my patients. I love talking to my young patients and hearing everything they have to say - from the hilarious to the profound. I always write down the funny things they say so I can laugh about it with them when they are older. I also treasure the relationships I develop with their parents and enjoy guiding them through the challenging journey of parenthood, starting with that first incredible moment of meeting the newborn in the hospital.

I attended Harvard University for college, and went to medical school at the University of California, San Francisco. I completed my residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. From 2007-2008 I was the chair of the Pediatrics department at Alta Bates Hospital. My clinical interests are newborn care, behavioral issues, and chronic illnesses.

I was born at Alta Bates Hospital and was raised in Walnut Creek. My husband Mike and I live in Piedmont with our daughters, Mina and Evie. I enjoy reading, cooking, and running.

Richard L. Oken | MD, FAAP

I was born on the East Coast and attended college in Boston, MA. I married my wife, Judith, prior to starting medical school at UCSF. After graduation, I entered a training program in pediatrics at H.C. Moffitt Hospital and completed that training as chief resident at SF General Hospital.

I had decided to become a primary care pediatrician because of an interest in preventative medicine, the opportunity to develop long term relationships and the satisfaction of teaching families how to grow well. I started a partnerships with another pediatrician and shortly thereafter, we merged to form the current East Bay Pediatric Medical Group. This practice has grown from three male pediatricians to its current composition of two men and eight women in two locations.

As a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, I have had many opportunities for growth and leadership - including teaching at 3 campuses of the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital as a clinical professor and President of the Medical Staff and Chairman of the Board at Alta Bates Herrick Hospital.

I come to work because it still is an enjoyable challenge. At East Bay Pediatrics, I have counsel with nine other superb pediatricians and a talented staff who are committed to service and communication. My current interests are learning how to be a better grandparent, cycling, reading, and traveling with my wife. We have two happy and successful children, Erik and Kelly. I am very fortunate and still enjoy learning.