Meet our Team
We are dedicated to sharing a wealth of expertise in the field of asthma and allergy treatment. We take the time to listen and care for each patient’s needs, and many of our staff members are bilingual (fluent in Spanish and Portuguese).
We invite you to learn more about our team.
John Franklin Zwetchkenbaum, MD
Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum is the chief allergist and founder of AAPRI. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Brown University, earned his medical degree from Boston University and conducted his residency at George Washington University Hospital. He also completed a fellowship in allergy and clinical immunology at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine (now National Jewish Health).
Dr. Z has always worked to expand and share his expertise in allergy and asthma medicine. He published a book about the underlying causes of allergies, Allergy Free with Dr. Z. Inspired to think outside the box and take a more holistic approach to patient treatment, Dr. Z became certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine.
Dr. Z started the practice 28 years ago with 1 chart and 1 employee, fulfilling all the practice duties from doctor to receptionist. Today, he is proud to work with his dedicated staff to serve over patients all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with comprehensive allergy & asthma treatment at 3 locations.
I have lived with severe asthma, and I’ve seen how treatment and immunotherapy can improve symptoms and quality of life. I can personally understand the patients’ frustrations, and I enjoy working with them to help them feel better.
Deborah Katcher-Buckley, FNP-BC
Deborah Katcher Buckley is a Nurse Practitioner with AAPRI. She has ten years of experience and is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. With her background from the University of Hartford and Boston College, Deborah’s skills in immunology, laboratory medicine, and nursing are invaluable to patients.
I love being able to improve a patient’s quality of life, and help them reach their desired level of well being.
Amanda Matteson, PA-C
Amanda Matteson has been with AAPRI for thirteen years as a Physician Assistant. She is a graduate of Wheaton College and Chatham College. Amanda treats each patient like they are a member of her family. Her goal is to help patients understand the whole picture of their health.
I like getting to know each patient so I can be part of their journey to better health and quality of life.
Briana Lackman, PA-C
Active and energetic, Briana Lackman is a Physician Assistant with AAPRI. The Penn State and Johnson & Wales grad is an enthusiastic fitness devotée. She also relishes reviewing the latest research and treatment options. Briana works to find holistic solutions to patient health issues. She believes that although medications are important and at times necessary, the best treatment plans also include a variety of lifestyle and environmental modifications.
I go above and beyond to provide patient-focused treatment plans and a high standard of care.
Nancy Pirraglia, LPN
“Nurse Nancy” is a Licensed Practical Nurse who has been a constant with Dr. Z and AAPRI for the past 28 years. As our Nurse Manager, one of her major responsibilities is to manage, maintain, and prepare the allergy serum vial preparations for all office locations.
I’ve enjoyed being a part of our patients’ lives and meeting their families over the years.
Cheryl O’Neil, CCRC
Cheryl O’Neil is the Site Director for AAPRI Clinical Research. She has a wealth of knowledge including 28 years in research and 13 years with AAPRI. Cheryl enjoys being able to focus on specialized trials to maximize her ability to bring them to the next level.
I take pride in knowing that through research, we have a part in changing treatments for the future.
Nadine Pope
Our Clinical Supervisor, Nadine Pope, has over 20 years of experience in healthcare, 15 of them with us here at AAPRI. She is responsible for allergy drop treatment, specialty testing, and other clinical duties. Nadine is trained as a cardiac Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
In my time working here, I have seen many people’s lives improve because of what we do.