Kenneth Backman, MD, FAAAAI, FAAACI, is the founder of Allergy and Asthma Care. He is board certified in Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, received his bachelor of science in Biology with honors from Yale University, and his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. He completed his residency training at the University of Chicago Hospitals, and his fellowship training in Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Backman has published numerous scientific articles in the field of allergy, and has served on the Editorial Board of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.  Dr. Backman is currently Chief of the Section of Allergy at Bridgeport Hospital. Dr. Backman enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his wife and two adult children. He has lived with nut allergies since childhood, and knows firsthand how this affects patients and families.

Katherine Bloom, MD, is a board certified adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist with expertise in the full range of allergic disorders, and particular interest in food allergy and immunodeficiency. Dr. Bloom received her undergraduate degree in Biology with distinction from Boston University, where she graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where she was elected Alpha Omega Alpha, and completed her residency training at New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Bloom completed her Allergy and Immunology fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, where she also participated in clinical and laboratory research in food allergy and immunology. In 2008, she received the Jaffe Food Allergy Research Award from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, which supported her research investigating immunologic mechanisms of food allergy. Dr. Bloom enjoys reading and traveling, but most of all, spending time with her husband and four children.

Sara Dever, MD, is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy and immunology. She graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in psychology. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Connecticut and trained in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center. After completing her fellowship training in allergy and immunology at the University of Michigan, Dr. Dever published her research in food allergies. Following fellowship, Dr. Dever joined Advanced Specialty Care in Danbury CT where she worked for six years and was well regarded by patients and staff. After taking some time off to be with her young children,  Dr. Dever was thrilled to join Allergy & Asthma Care.  She believes that clear and open communication are essential for optimal care of her adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Dever will work steadfastly with you to develop an action plan that encompasses all of your health needs while minimizing the use of medication through education and avoidance measures. When not busy chasing after her two young and beloved boys, Dr. Dever enjoys traveling, running with her husband and reading about history. 

Jillian Ross, APRN, is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing treating patients across the lifespan for the past 10 years.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fairfield University and subsequently both a Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Nursing from Regis College in Weston, MA with a concentration in acute care/emergency medicine.  Most recently, she also completed a post-master’s certificate program in Clinical Nutrition from Tuft’s University which has been instrumental in helping manage patients and families with food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities. Prior to working at Allergy and Asthma Care, Jill worked in a variety of roles including both inpatient and outpatient acute and urgent care settings as well as in home care.   In her spare time, Jill enjoys all forms of exercise, cooking/baking, shopping, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two young children. 

Danielle Khorsandi, APRN, is board certified through ANCC as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Quinnipiac University. After working as a medical surgical nurse at Griffin Hospital, she continued on to receive her Masters of Science in Nursing also at Quinnipiac University. Prior to starting at Allergy and Asthma Care, Danielle worked as an APRN primarily in pediatrics but also in college and school health. She is excited to join the Allergy and Asthma Care practice. When not working she loves to spend time with her husband and two kids, traveling and anything Disney.