Papantonakis Appointed As New Southern Colorado Faculty Executive Associate Director

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Christina Papantonakis, MD, (associate professor of clinical practice, Section of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine) as the new Southern Colorado Faculty Executive Associate Director, effective October 1, 2025. She will succeed and collaborate with recently appointed Southern Colorado Faculty Executive Director Michael Wittkamp, MD, FAAP.

Papantonakis earned her BS in molecular biology from the University of Denver and her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in pediatrics at Palmetto Health Richland and a fellowship in pediatric pulmonary medicine at Vanderbilt University. Following fellowship, she joined the University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty in 2017 as an assistant professor and was named an associate professor of clinical practice in 2024.

Currently serving as the Outpatient Medical Director for the Breathing Institute in Southern Colorado since 2019 and Co-Director of the Steppingstones Faculty Development Program since 2023, Papantonakis has led numerous initiatives to improve pediatric care delivery. She has developed and implemented clinical pathways for asthma, pneumonia and dysphagia management, and has played a key role in faculty recruitment and education strategy.

As Southern Colorado Faculty Executive Associate Director, Papantonakis will serve as a key liaison between Colorado Springs faculty and Department of Pediatrics leadership. She will support the development and execution of strategic initiatives that enhance clinical performance, faculty engagement and programmatic alignment with the department’s mission and the goals of Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Papantonakis brings a unique outpatient-focused perspective that complements existing leadership and enhances our ability to support the diverse needs of faculty across Southern Colorado. Her formal leadership training through the Provider Leadership Development Program and forthcoming Peer Support Training further prepare her in fostering a collaborative, equitable and supportive environment for our faculty.

Please join us in congratulating Christina Papantonakis on this well-deserved appointment. Her leadership will be instrumental in the continued excellence of Department of Pediatrics faculty in Southern Colorado.