Meet Our Staff
Regina Palazzo, MD
Regina M. Palazzo, MD graduated from Temple University Medical School. Her internship in pediatrics was at Case Western Reserve’s program at the Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland Ohio. From there she traveled to Seattle, Washington to complete a pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center (University of Washington).
After residency Dr. Palazzo practiced pediatrics on the Blackfeet Indian reserve in Browning, Montana (a great cultural experience, not to mention great hiking and mountain climbing). From the mountains Dr. Palazzo traveled to the land of the thousand lakes to complete her pediatric pulmonary fellowship at the University of Minnesota. After fellowship Dr. Palazzo was recruited to the pediatric program at the Children’s Hospital in Boston where she served as the medical director of the pediatric lung transplant program and served as an attending in pediatric pulmonology for 5 years. Yale University’s School of Medicine enticed her to leave Boston and return to her native state of Connecticut (yes, born and bred in New London!) where she served for 10 years as the Cystic Fibrosis Center director, Pulmonary Function Lab director and director of the bronchoscopy program.
Nutmeg pediatric pulmonary services was born out of all of those experiences in August 2004. Dr. Palazzo includes in her practice the pediatric consulting responsibilities at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Connecticut.
When she is not attending to those responsibilities she is the proud mother of 2 young adults and raises Wheaten Terriers in Madison, Connecticut.
Katarzyna M. Saar DO
Kasia was born and raised in eastern Connecticut after her parents immigrated to the United States from central Poland.
She attended Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA and received a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and French and later received her osteopathic medical degree at the New York Institute of Technology School of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY. Kasia was able to return to Hartford, Connecticut to complete her Pediatric Residency at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and later had the opportunity to stay at CCMC to complete her Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship and graduated in September 2022. During her time at CCMC, she was involved with the Asthma Center working on clinical and community research projects as well as translational research working on the mask microbiome of school-aged children with and without asthma. She was able to present her work at the American Thoracic Society meetings in 2020 and 2022 and currently is finalizing publications.
Kasia has a passion for advocating for climate change and its effects on children’s growth and development as well as respiratory health. She has been a Connecticut representative of the American Academy of Pediatrics Climate Change Advocacy Committee since 2021.
Kasia enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two young children outdoors including skiing, biking, playing tennis and swimming as well as traveling back to see her family in Poland. She is fluent in Polish and English, and conversational in French.
Kasia joined Nutmeg Pediatric Pulmonary Services, LLC in January of 2023 and has been an incredibly valuable asset ever since!
Gail Flynn, RT
Gail is a Respiratory Therapist and has been with Nutmeg Pediatric Pulmonary Services, LLC for over 10 years. She brings with her extensive experience in the acute and diagnostic fields of respiratory therapy.
In addition to her Respiratory license and pulmonary function credentials, Gail has a degree and experience in hospice and grief counseling.
In her spare time she trains and competes with her dog and sells vintage jewelry.
Monica Kukielka, M.S., RRT
Monica has over 14 years of clinical experience as a Registered Respiratory Practitioner. She earned her Master of Science from the Ohio State University and worked in cardiovascular research. In 2010, she earned her degree in Respiratory Care from the University of Hartford.
She has experience providing care for neonates, pediatrics and adults in hospitals and long-term care. Monica has served in several leadership roles for the state respiratory care society and clinical instruction for Norwalk Community College.
Outside of work, her most precious time is spent with her husband and son.
Jami Klubek, Practice Manager
Jami joined Nutmeg Pediatric Pulmonary Services, LLC in early 2021. She has an extensive background in office management and has previously managed a multi-location physical therapy practice based in Fairfield County.
Jami attended Goodwin College where she pursued her degree in Information Technology. She consistently made the Dean’s list and maintained a 4.0 GPA while working full time as the Operations Manager for a marketing company.
Jami is an avid sports fan, enjoys trips to Newport and spending time with friends. But her most favorite thing is laying on the beach where she can soak up the summer sun!
Mary Palazzo, Administrative Assistant
Mary joined Nutmeg Pediatric Pulmonary Services, LLC in 2019. Mary works the front desk and is an Administrative Assistant to the Practice Manager.
Mary is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University where she recently obtained her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. She is currently working towards her Bachelors Degree in Forensic Psychology.
In her spare time, Mary is an outdoor enthusiast! She enjoys traveling, taking her 2 dogs hiking and exploring new culinary adventures.
