Tayo Adjapon-Yamoah, PNP

Undergraduate: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Graduate School: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Additional Languages: Spanish

Q & A with Tayo Adjapon-Yamoah

How did you get into pediatrics?
Many years ago, my sick nephew was screaming on the floor of my cousin’s home in Ghana. He had malaria and was refusing to take his medicine. I was visiting from college. That night I was able to calm him and get him to take it.

My cousin, a doctor, looked at me and told me I needed to get into Pediatrics: “I mean it”. My work experience with Jumpstart, daycares, summer camps, and my unusual interest in Healthcare suddenly came together. For me, it has always made sense.

Where did you grow up?
Accra, Ghana.

Where do you live?
Flatbush, Brooklyn.

What are you looking forward to in your neighborhood office?
I enjoy connecting with families and creating those partnerships.

What keeps you motivated?
So much keeps me motivated and striving for excellence: The love in my life from my loved ones, my passion for justice, and simple things like laughing and connecting with others.

What do you do for fun?
Rock climbing, hiking, traveling, dancing, watching old movies, and reading.

Amanda Ball, MD

Undergraduate Degree: Wheaton College, Norton, MA
Medical school: American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
Residency: Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Morristown, NJ
Second Language: Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Amanda Ball

How did you get into pediatrics?
I was inspired to go into pediatrics by my pediatrician growing up. He was my doctor throughout my childhood and I always loved the idea of being able to follow my patients as they grow.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn and during the summers spent time with my family in Peru and California.

Where do you live?
Brooklyn, NY.

What do you enjoy most about working in Bushwick?
Working in this diverse community and building relationships with my patients and their families.

What keeps you motivated?
Providing my patients with good quality care based on evidence based recommendations.

What do you do for fun?
I like to read, spend time with family and travel.

Rosemarie Barker, MD

Undergraduate: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Residency: Westchester Medical Center, Hawthorne, NY
Second Language: Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Rosemarie Barker

How did you get into pediatrics?
Becoming a pediatrician has always been my dream because I love working with children. It is also the perfect combination of my interests in science, preventive health, and education. Children are both resilient and fun-loving so there is never a dull moment in the world of pediatrics and I truly enjoy what I do!

Where did you grow up?
Westchester County, NY.

What do you enjoy most about working in Harlem?
I am looking forward to working with a diverse group of children and families and watching my patients grow up!

What keeps you motivated?
The positive impact that I can have on the lives of patients and their families keeps me invested. Every child if given the right tools has the potential for greatness!

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy learning about different cultures through traveling, eating scrumptious foods from around the world, and dancing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Christine Barros Veguilla, MD

Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, PR
Medical School:  University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR
Residency: Valley Children’s Healthcare, Madera, CA
Additional languages:  Spanish

Q&A with Dr. Veguilla

How did you get into pediatrics?
I’ve always enjoyed interacting with kids and having the best conversations with them. During medical school, my Pediatrics rotation was the rotation I most enjoyed and I completely fell in love with primary care and the preventative medicine aspect of it.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Where do you live now?
I live in Manhattan in New York.

What do you look forward to most about working in your neighborhood office?
I’m most looking forward to getting know the patients in the neighborhood and what their needs are so I can serve them to the best of my abilities.

What keeps you motivated?
Seeing my patients do well is what motivates me most.

What do you do for fun?
I love to watch movies, listen to podcasts, and play with my dog.

James Brief, MD

Undergraduate: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados
Residency: Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Second Language: Spanish, Hebrew

Q & A with Dr. James Brief

How did you get into pediatrics?
As a child, I was taken care of by a wonderful pediatrician. Now as a doctor myself, I have dedicated my career to the health of children.

Where did you grow up?
West Nyack, New York.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I did my pediatric residency in Brooklyn and it’s exciting to return to the borough to build relationships with the members of the community.

What keeps you motivated?
As a Mets, Jets, and Knicks fan, I’ve learned that while success doesn’t always come easily every day presents an opportunity to learn something new. We can always do something a little bit better, improve our techniques and learn from those with experience.

What do you do for fun?
For exercise, I like to run alongside the East River. Weather permitting, I also enjoy playing on my softball team. On clear evenings, I love to take out my telescope and look at Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, and other objects above.

Ruben Cerri, MD

Undergraduate: Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
Medical School: Luis Razetti School of Medicine, Caracas, Venezuela
Residency: Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Additional Languages: Spanish, Italian

Q & A with Dr. Ruben Cerri

How did you get into pediatrics?
Even before entering Medical School, I wanted to be a Pediatrician.

Where did you grow up?
La Plata, Argentina/Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela.

Where do you live?
Douglaston, Queens.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
The diversity, vibrant community, and learning something almost every day.

What keeps you motivated?
My family, and the wellbeing of my patients and their families.

What do you do for fun?
Outdoor sports, running, biking, triathlon training, and dining out.

Stephen DiMauro, DNP

Undergraduate: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Graduate School: Columbia University, New York, NY
Additional languages: Spanish

Q&A with Stephen DiMauro

How did you get into pediatrics?
The compassion, thoughtfulness, and thoroughness of my own pediatrician as a kid inspired me to work in the field of pediatrics. Various volunteer positions with children further solidified my interest in pursuing this career. I have always been inspired by the curiosity of children and find caring for children the most fun and rewarding job!

Where did you grow up?
Suburbs of Boston

Where do you live?
Upper West Side, Manhattan

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I love getting to know the families and being a part of the community!

What keeps you motivated?
Caring for the unique needs of each child and family keeps me motivated to be the best medical provider that I can be!

What do you do for fun?
Traveling, cooking, playing sports, taking walks in the park, and spending time with family and friends.

Gabriela Echenique Subervi, MD

Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Residency: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY
Languages: Spanish

Q & A with Gabriela Echenique Subervi, MD

How did you get into pediatrics?
I knew I wanted to work in Pediatrics since I started my clinical rotations as a medical student. Working with children always brought me particular enjoyment. Children are pure-hearted, honest, loving, and funny. I could never picture myself working with a different population!

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Where do you live?aI live in Long Island City, Queens.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
Getting to know the neighborhoods’ uniquely diverse communities, and becoming closer to the families I serve.

What keeps you motivated?
Being able to contribute to the happiness and well-being of children.

What do you do for fun?
Spending time with my family and friends, and visiting new restaurants in the city are some of my favorite things to do.

Martina Eguiguren, MD

Medical School: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
Residency: St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center – New York Medical College, Patterson, NJ
Second Languages: Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Martina Eguiguren

How did you get into pediatrics?
I belong to a family with many generations of doctors, so I was introduced to the medical world early in life. As a teenager I would join my father in pediatric rounds and deliveries, and that is how my interest in the field continued to grow. Later, in college, I worked with children who suffer from chronic illness. It was a difficult experience that reinforced my passion for pediatrics. I enjoy watching children grow, evolve, and become more complex as time goes by.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Florida and lived in the US until I was 5 years old. Then moved back to Ecuador, where I grew up.

Where do you live?
Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Lower East Side?
Engaging with the local community and caring for the children of such a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood.

What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that I am contributing to society by providing guidance and wellbeing to children who are the future of humanity.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy traveling, going to music concerts, walking in nature, riding my bike.

Stephanie Espejo, MD

Undergraduate: Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
Medical School: UNIBE Universided Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, DR
Residency: Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Additional Languages: Spanish

How did you get into pediatrics?
My passion for pediatrics grew from a deep desire to make children feel seen, heard, and safe. During medical school and residency, I volunteered in various underserved communities across the U.S., Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. These experiences helped me understand that every child has unique needs and challenges—and that truly personalized care can make a lasting impact. Pediatrics allows me to create supportive, trusting relationships with families and to help children grow into confident, independent individuals.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in New York City, and I was raised in Yonkers, NY!

What do you look forward to most about working in your neighborhood office?
As a Dominican American and daughter of immigrants, I’m proud to serve diverse communities with inclusive and thoughtful care. I look forward to creating a welcoming environment where families feel heard and respected, and where honest, open communication is encouraged.

What keeps you motivated?
Helping children recognize and harness their unique strengths keeps me inspired every day. I want each child I work with to leave feeling empowered, supported, and valued.

Flavia Fioretti, MD

Medical School: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Residency: Woodhull Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Additional Training: Pediatric Residency at Hospital dos Servidores do estado do Rio de Janeiro
Additional Languages: Portuguese, Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Flavia Fioretti

How did you get into pediatrics?
I feel it has been my path since childhood. I am fascinated about being able to care for families, and help their children’s journey into adulthood. There is nothing better than seeing their happy faces and supporting their health and growth. It is very rewarding and fun!

Where did you grow up?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Where do you live?
New York City.

What are you looking forward to in your neighborhood office?
Building relationship with families and watch children grow!

What keeps you motivated?
Being around kids all day.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy having quality time with my family and friends, and a good walk/run around New York City Parks. I love visiting new places and music.

Alyssa Franzblau, MD

Undergraduate: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medical School, New York, NY
Residency: New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
Additional languages: Spanish

Q&A with Dr. Alyssa Franzblau

How did you get into pediatrics?
My whole life, I’ve always had younger children around to care for. I had a sibling with medical issues that inspired me to pursue medicine. However, I didn’t go into medical school thinking I would be a pediatrician. Once I did my rotation in pediatrics I fell in love with the fun and challenge of caring for children and their families from all walks of life.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rockland County, NY.

Where do you live?
I live in NYC.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
Hastings and the surrounding towns are really nice communities. I enjoy walking into the small town, how close knit the communities are, and waving to families as they walk to school.

What keeps you motivated?
The opportunity to provide the best care for all of my families, no matter who they are and where they come from is one of my biggest motivators. I love being a pediatrician and seeing my patients grow into healthy adults!

What do you do for fun?
I love to knit and create beautiful things.

Shane Goda, MD

Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
Second Languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole

Q&A with Dr. Shane Goda

How did you get into pediatrics?
I’ve always been passionate about working with children, and I feel primary care is where I could be most impactful.

Where did you grow up?
Newark, NJ

What are you looking forward to in your neighborhood office?
I’m looking forward to meeting the kids, their families, and being a part of such a vibrant community!

What keeps you motivated?
I’m motivated by being able to teach both my patients and their parents, because so much of Pediatrics is education; then, seeing those lessons in practice.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy live music, traveling, sports, and eating all the foods.

Brianna Johnson, DO

Undergraduate: Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA
Residency: Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Additional Languages: Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Brianna Johnson

How did you get into pediatrics?
I come from a family of educators; my dad was a school counselor and my mom a school psychologist. My brother followed in their footsteps, but I was more interested in medicine. However, primary care is where my heart is. I love working not only with children themselves, but also with their parents to help guide them through the obstacles that come with growing up. Connecting with patients and their families is one of the aspects of medicine that I most enjoy.

Where did you grow up?
Hastings, Minnesota.

Where do you live?
Midtown Manhattan.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
The best part of pediatrics is watching the kids grow! It’s so rewarding and fun to see patients month to month and year to year.

What keeps you motivated?
Being a pediatrician ties together both my ability to build relationships and my affinity for problem-solving. I am very motivated by the help I feel I can provide to patients, whether that is by answering a simple newborn question or digging deep to help solve a complex medical problem.

What do you do for fun?
I love to explore the city and enjoy discovering new places to eat or shop. When I’m feeling like an adventure, I like to hike, and when I’m feeling lazier, I like to bake. I also enjoy trips back to Minnesota whenever I can to spend time with family and friends!

Dana Kessler, DO

Undergraduate: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown, NY
Residency: Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
Additional Languages: Spanish

Q&A with Dr. Dana Kessler

How did you get into pediatrics?
When I started medical school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to specialize in. I had always worked with children, as a camp counselor and in volunteer organizations during college, but I was not sure what field I wanted to pursue. During my first year of medical school I joined the Pediatrics Interest Group and went on a field trip to an elementary school. I felt so much joy being around the children, teaching them about germs, and watching them play. As soon as we left the classroom, I knew that I would be a pediatrician.

Where did you grow up?
Great Neck, New York (Long Island)

Where do you live?
Queens, NY

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I love that I get to live and work in Queens – such a diverse, bustling, and unique city. This is where I am raising my own family, so I feel especially invested in the health of the children and community.

What keeps you motivated?
I have always been so motivated by my patients! Children are so joyful and resilient. I am fortunate to spend my days in their company.

What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my family, reading, baking, and traveling!

Joseph Louie, MD

Undergraduate: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY.
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
Residency: Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY
Additional languages: Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Joseph Louie

How did you get into pediatrics?
When I was six, my younger sister was born, and I’ve loved kids ever since (especially babies). Watching her grow up and working with kids at church solidified my choice. By the time I started medical school, I knew I was going for pediatrics and there wasn’t even a close second! Children keep me humble and make me belly-laugh.

Where did you grow up?
Westchester County.

Where do you live?
Manhattan.

What keeps you motivated?
I love working with children of all ages, building long-term relationships with families, and learning more along the way. Having great colleagues, wise mentors, and a loving community are all essential as well!

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy bouldering, singing, and playing video games.

Arianny Martinez-Beltran, MD

Undergraduate: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Medical School: New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
Residency: NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, New York, NY
Additional Languages: Spanish

How did you get into pediatrics?
Before becoming a doctor, I worked as an emergency room nurse, where I had the chance to care for patients of all ages. One day, I was assigned to the pediatric bay—and I instantly fell in love! I also come from a big family and am the oldest of six siblings, so caring for little ones has always been a natural part of my life. It felt like a full-circle moment when I realized that pediatrics was where I truly belonged.

Where did you grow up?
Orlando, FL

Where do you live?
New York City

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I’m so excited to be working in Sunnyside! I love how vibrant and diverse the community is—it’s one of those rare neighborhoods where people from all walks of life come together and really look out for one another. There’s a strong sense of connection here, and I feel lucky to be part of it. I’m looking forward to building relationships with families and growing alongside the community.

What keeps you motivated?
The children and families I care for are my biggest source of motivation. Watching kids grow, hit milestones, and thrive—especially when I’ve been part of their journey—is incredibly rewarding.

What do you do for fun?
I love walking around and discovering all the hidden gems New York City has to offer—especially its parks and restaurants! There’s always something new to explore. I’m also a big reader, so when I’m not out and about, you can usually find me tucked away with a good book.

Karen Moalem, MD

Undergraduate: Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Residency: The University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
Second Language: Hebrew, Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Karen Moalem

How did you get into pediatrics?
From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with children. From frequent babysitting to summer jobs as camp counselor and swim instructor, most jobs consistently revolved around children. The interest in medicine arose secondarily from working as a Mother’s Helper to a family with a disabled daughter, and solidified by working as a volunteer EMT at my university.

Where did you grow up?
Jerusalem, Israel.

Where do you live?
Bay Ridge!

What do you enjoy most about working in Bay Ridge?
Living and working in my own community is a blessing and a joy. I truly feel that I am among friends and neighbors in this diverse and grounded neighborhood. I also have the best commute imaginable!

What keeps you motivated?
The smiles on children’s faces, and the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of the families we serve.

What do you do for fun?
I cherish time with friends and family, and in my spare time enjoy traveling, dancing, and swimming.

Yuliana Noah, MD

Undergraduate: Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ
Medical School: Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
Residency: Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY

Q & A with Dr. Yuliana Noah

How did you get into pediatrics?
My journey to finding pediatrics was a slow one, which probably started with my own pediatrician as a child who I remember always had a gentle manner and a toy on his stethoscope (thanks Dr. Gooberman!). Eventually I was drawn to the field as I believe it is perhaps one of the few medical specialties that emphasizes holistic preventative care, in particular of young people and their families.

Where did you grow up?
New Jersey.

Where do you live?
Manhattan.

What keeps you motivated?
Generally, I stay motivated by developing strong relationships with my colleagues and working as a team, as well as balancing caring for children with caring for my mind and body.

What do you do for fun?
Fun and play take many forms for me! I enjoy cooking, ceramics, running/tennis/yoga, reading and writing, meditation, and learning new skills or hobbies (right now dabbling in learning a golf swing, knitting, and chess). I would also like to start learning a new language and maybe picking up an instrument!

Luis Quinones, MD

Undergraduate: Jersey City State College, Jersey City, NJ
Medical School: Universidad Central Del Este, San Pedro De Macoris, DR
Residency: Lincoln Medical Center, Bronx, NY
Additional Languages: Spanish and Portugese

How did you get into pediatrics?
My journey into pediatrics was shaped by over 24 years in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care Medicine, along with a year as a pediatric hospitalist in northwest New Jersey. The transition to primary care is driven by my most important role—being a dad—and my desire for better hours to be present for my family.

Where did you grow up?
I’ve been a Jersey City resident since 1990, having gone to college here. Before that, I lived in the area long enough to begin volunteering in emergency services in the late 1980s. I started with the Union City Volunteer Ambulance Corps., obtaining my EMT certification in 1988.

What do you look forward to most about working in your neighborhood office?
I’m excited to practice in a city I love. My background includes working EMS for the Jersey City Medical Center and providing care as a first responder in the 1990s. Being able to now serve the community in a primary care setting feels like coming full circle.

What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that I can make a difference for children and their families while staying connected to my community keeps me motivated. Practicing in the same city where I have deep personal and professional roots is both an honor and a source of daily inspiration.

Denisse Reyes, MD

Undergraduate: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Medical School: Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
Residency: Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Stony Brook, NY
Additional Languages: Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Denisse Reyes

How did you get into pediatrics?
I’ve always enjoyed spending time with children so once I decided to go into medicine, the choice of speciality was simple

Where did you grow up?
New Jersey.

What keeps you motivated?
Getting to know my patient’s family and working together to help their child grow and thrive.

What do you do for fun?
Travel, eat delicious food, watch sports, spend time with friends and family.

Nicole Rivera-Rodriguez, FNP

Undergraduate: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Graduate School: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Additional Languages: Spanish

Q&A with Nicole Rivera-Rodriguez

How did you get into pediatrics?
During my education, I found myself most energized during pediatric rotations. Working with children and their families showed me how powerful education and reassurance can be in shaping a child’s health and well-being. Helping families feel confident and watching children thrive is what I’m most excited to carry into my career.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Connecticut.

Where do you live?
I now live in Jersey City, NJ.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I am motivated by the people who support me most—my family and friends—and by my enduring commitment to ensuring others feel welcomed, safe, and valued.

What keeps you motivated?
Seeing my patients healthy and happy!

What do you do for fun?
I love finding new restaurant or brunch spots in my area, and running.

Jeffrey Salemi, MD

Undergraduate: UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA
Medical School: UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA
Residency: Mass General for Children, Boston, MA
Additional languages: Spanish

Q&A with Dr. Jeffrey Salemi

How did you get into pediatrics?
I always found working with kids enriching. In my adolescence and college years, I volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a camp counselor. As a medical student, that sense of enrichment grew even stronger during my clinical rotations in Pediatrics. I love the relationships I build with parents and their children.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Where do you live?
I live in Park Slope in Brooklyn, NY

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I love seeing my patients both in and outside of the office. It makes the big city feel like a much smaller and close knit community.

What keeps you motivated?
Being able to help families navigate child rearing and watching along with them as their kids grow from newborn to school age and adolescence, gives me a sense of purpose and motivation.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy weight-lifting, running, and playing recreational soccer. I am an avid foodie and love checking out new restaurants in the neighborhood. I am also a member of the Brooklyn Museum and frequent their “First Saturdays”, as often as allows.

Michele Scantlebury, MD

Undergraduate: Baruch College, New York, NY
Medical School: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Residency: United Children’s/UMDNJ Medical Center, New Brunswick, NJ

Q & A with Dr. Michele Scantlebury

How did you get into pediatrics?
A desire to treat infants, children, and adolescents.

Where did you grow up?
Brooklyn, NY.

Where do you live?
Brooklyn, NY.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I enjoy helping children, knowing the joy and happiness they bring to their parents. Helping to ensure the child is healthy and able to tackle future challenges.

What keeps you motivated?
Continuing to provide excellent medical care.

What do you do for fun?
Horseback riding, biking, walking, swimming, playing the piano.

Natalie Vega, MD

Medical School: SINU Unversity, Córdoba, Colombia
Residency: Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
Additional languages: Spanish

Q&A with Dr. Natalie Vega

How did you get into pediatrics?
I got into pediatrics after an internship at a pediatric hospital that truly changed my perspective. I was amazed by the strength and resilience of children, and inspired by the unique way they view the world—with honesty, hope, and curiosity. That experience made me realize how much joy children bring to my life. I feel incredibly lucky to be in a field where I can sing, play, and genuinely connect with them, all while supporting their health and well-being.

What I love most about pediatrics is not only caring for children, but also becoming a part of their families’ lives—helping them navigate both challenges and milestones together. That sense of connection is what inspired me to move to Brooklyn, where I could be closer to my patients and their families, and truly be part of the community I serve.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in what I like to call the “Colombian Miami” — Cartagena. It’s a vibrant, coastal city where it feels like summer all year round. The energy, the colors, the music, and the warmth of the people shaped who I am today.

Where do you live?
Brooklyn, NY.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
What I enjoy most is being close to my patients and their families—not just during visits, but as part of the community. I love that I get to see familiar faces every day and build real, lasting relationships. Plus, I walk to work every morning, which is a dream come true! I’ve always disliked commuting, so being able to live and work in the same neighborhood brings me so much joy and balance. It makes my work feel even more personal and meaningful.

What do you do for fun?
Running, watching movies, and playing sports

Gabrielle Young, MD

Undergraduate: Rice University, Houston, TX
Medical School: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Residency: Columbia University, New York Presbyterian, New York, NY
Additional languages: Spanish

Q&A with Dr. Gabrielle Young

How did you get into pediatrics?
I grew up in a large family with many younger cousins. As I progressed in my education, I resonated with providing medical care to children. I admire their unique resilience and positive outlook. I love taking care of a child from birth to adulthood and watching them flourish, while supporting their medical needs.

Where did you grow up?
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Where do you live?
Upper West Side, NYC

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
I love supporting the diverse and vibrant communities of the East Village and LES. It is very fulfilling to be part of such a great team at Tribeca.

What keeps you motivated?
Providing the best possible care to the next generation.

What do you do for fun?
I love traveling, trying new restaurants, Broadway, NYC Ballet, the Met, and checking out new art/exhibits around the city.

Adam Zaentz, MD

Undergraduate: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, St. Maarten
Residency: Maimonides Infants and Children’s Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
Second Language: Spanish

Q & A with Dr. Adam Zaentz

How did you get into pediatrics?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. Having a brother who is ten years younger than I, and coaching kids soccer and tennis camps as a high school and college student, made me realize that pediatrics was my calling.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Where do you live?
I live in Brooklyn Heights.

What do you enjoy most about working in your neighborhood office?
As a member of the community, I love having the opportunity to watch my patients and families grow and thrive.

What keeps you motivated?
Having the chance to provide anticipatory guidance to my patients and families is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job. So many adults are impacted by preventable diseases, and it is incredibly fulfilling to be able to guide my patients and their families to form healthy habits that will keep them healthy and happy throughout their lives.

What do you do for fun?
Keeping up with my children, Chloe and Ben, enjoying neighborhood parks and restaurants. I also love watching and playing sports, especially participating in a competitive soccer league, playing tennis with my wife, and rooting for USC football and my Bay Area sports teams.