Whitney Young Health Providers
Amanda Arcidiacono, Staff Pharmacist
Amanda Arcidiacono is a Staff Pharmacist at Whitney Young Health with extensive experience in community pharmacy and patient-centered care. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Albany College of Pharmacy in 2012 and began her career at Rite Aid Pharmacy, where she was promoted to Pharmacy Manager within a year of becoming licensed. She went on to serve as a pharmacist at College Parkside Pharmacy, focusing on dispensing, patient counseling, immunizations, and collaborating with medical providers for optimal treatment outcomes.
A licensed immunizing pharmacist in New York State, Arcidiacono is skilled in administering a wide range of vaccinations, managing pharmacy operations, and providing comprehensive medication consultations to ensure the best possible patient care.
Languages
English
Hala Awad, Staff Pharmacist
Hala Awad is a Staff Pharmacist at Whitney Young Health with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and over a decade of experience in community pharmacy. She has worked in high-volume retail settings, managed pharmacy operations, and led large-scale vaccination clinics, including COVID-19 immunization efforts. Skilled in patient counseling, medication therapy management, and vaccine administration, she is dedicated to improving health outcomes and providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Licensures and Certifications
Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED Trained (American Red Cross).
Certified Arabic School Interpreter (American Translators Association, Member #222735).
Certified NYS lmmunizer (American Pharmacist Association).
NYS Licensed Pharmacist (Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences).
Kenneth Baker, DO
Dr. Kenneth Baker is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. He has over 32 years of experience in comprehensive women’s health services, including both prenatal and gynecological care, labor and delivery, and gynecologic surgery.
Kenneth Baker completed his medical education at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo and went on to complete his residency training at St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. He practices at multiple convenient locations throughout Albany, including Whitney Young Health Center’s Swinburne location at 526 Central Avenue.
Virinchi Bala, Primary Care Physician, MD
Dr. Bala received his MD at Madras University in India, and went on to receive his MD in Pediatrics from the Royal College of Physicians in Glasgow, Scotland. Dr. Bala works at the Albany Health Center.
Licensures and Certifications
Board Certification in Internal Medicine – American College of Physicians NY State Medical License
Languages
English
Robert Crain, Pharmacy Manager
Robert Crain is the Pharmacist Manager at Whitney Young Health, bringing more than 30 years of experience in pharmacy management and operations. A graduate of Albany College of Pharmacy (B.S. in Pharmacy, 1989), he has managed pharmacies in both independent and retail settings, including Wynantskill Pharmacy, Target Pharmacy, and Rite Aid, and has served as Operations Manager for Fays MPS.
Deeply committed to community service, Robert has volunteered on the P&T Committee for CDPHP, coached high school wrestling and youth softball, and served as a volunteer firefighter.
Licensures and Certifications
Certified Immunizing Pharmacist
CPR/AED Certified
First Aid Certified
Languages
English
Erin Elkins, PT, DPT, Ed.D.
Erin Elkins is a Physical Therapist at Whitney Young Health, primarily serving patients at our Physical Therapy Clinic located in the Watervliet Health Center.
Dr. Erin is a Physical Therapist specializing in orthopedics, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and women’s health. She holds advanced degrees from Russell Sage College, including a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Erin leads a Trauma Collaborative focused on holistic, multidisciplinary care. Her research explores topics such as pelvic floor dysfunction, pain management, and mental health in healthcare professionals.
Licensures and Certifications
PT, DPT, Ed.D.
Languages
English
Verina Habib, Clinical Pharmacist
Dr. Habib is a Clinical Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, with a concentration in nephrology. She brings experience in clinical pharmacy, emergency medicine, ambulatory care, and transitions of care across hospital and community settings. Dr. Mansour is certified in immunization, medication therapy management, and BLS, and has a strong background in research, health education, and community outreach. Her professional interests include pain management, chronic disease, and health equity.
Licensures and Certifications
Clinical Pharmacist
Languages
English
“I wanted to serve a diverse population and be able to work in a family medicine setting where I get to see patients of all ages with varying backgrounds,” said Jarvis. “I hope to be able to learn new things from patients while also providing them care that may not have been as accessible to them before.”
Kelly Jarvis, Physician Assistant - Certified
Whitney Young Health (WYH) welcomed Kelly Jarvis, PA-C, Physician Assistant, in May 2024 as one of the organization’s newest providers.
Jarvis earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina Asheville in 2020 before earning her Master of Medical Science, Physician Assistant Studies from Methodist University in 2023.
Prior to her career as a Physician’s Assistant, Jarvis was an emergency medical technician, medical assistant, and sexual assault counselor; her journey of medical service dating back to high school.
Licensures and Certifications
Certified Physician Assistant
Languages
English
Kenneth Kroopnick, MD
Dr. Kroopnick is a board certified Pediatrician and Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics, who received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and completed his residency programs at Albany Medical Center. He brings extensive experience as a General Pediatrician in the Albany area, where he has practiced for several decades.
He has worked at Whitney Young Health since December 2020 at the Albany Health Center.
Licensures and Certifications
New York State Physician’s License, Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Fellow at the American Academy of Pediatrics
Languages
English
Bharat Langer, MD
Dr. Langer practices at the Albany Health Center.
Ages Served: Adults
Licensures and Certifications
NYS Education Department/State Board of Medicine License to Practice Medicine
Languages
English
Linda Lombardi, Staff Pharmacist
Linda Lombardi is a Staff Pharmacist at Whitney Young Health with over 20 years of experience in the pharmacy industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and is a licensed New York State Pharmacist, Certified Immunizing Pharmacist, and Medication Therapy Management specialist. Throughout her career, she has managed pharmacy operations, provided patient counseling, administered immunizations, and built strong relationships with patients, providers, and the community. Known for her dedication to accuracy, efficiency, and compassionate care, Lombardi ensures that each patient receives the highest quality service and support.
Licensures and Certifications
Immunizing Pharmacist
Medication Therapy Management specialist
Languages
English
“Taking care of people as they pass through different stages of life is meaningful for me. I enjoy having the opportunity to give back.”
Padmaja Madala, MD
Dr. Madala has worked at WYH since 2008. She received her Doctorate of Medicine in Anesthesiology and her MBBS in India and completed her Family Practice Residency Program at St. Clare’s Hospital (now Ellis Hospital). She enjoys spending time with her family.
Dr. Madala works at Whitney Young Health’s Albany Health Center and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Treatment Center.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS Licensed American Board of Family Medicine Board Certified
Languages
English
Maritza Martinez, MD
Dr. Martinez is a board-certified Pediatrician with experience caring for children and adolescents across a variety of clinical settings. She received her undergraduate education at Skidmore College and earned her doctorate of Medicine from Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric training at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Queens, NY.
Dr. Martinez is dedicated to providing compassionate care and values building strong relationships with patients and families. She has practiced pediatrics in the Capital Region since 2017 and is committed to supporting the health and well-being of children, through thoughtful, family-centered care.
In her personal time, Dr. Martinez enjoys spending time in nature, practicing yoga, being with friends and family and spending time with her dog.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS Licensed in Medicine and Surgery
American Board of Pediatrics, Diplomat
Basic Life Support Certified
Languages
Matthew Mesiti, Physician Assistant - Certified
Licensures and Certifications
Matthew Mesiti, PA-C, is a graduate of Stonehill College with a BA in Health Science and Spanish. He also received a MA in Learning and Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at the Universidad de Alcala, and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Marist College.
He joined Whitney Young Health in November 2024
Languages
English
Spanish
Gurkirpal Nijjar, MD
Dr. Nijjar has worked at WYH since 2010. He received his MBBS from the Armed Forces Medical College in India and completed several internships and a fellowship in India, Pennsylvania, and Missouri. He is married and has 2 children.
Dr. Nijjar works at Whitney Young Health’s Albany Health Center.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS License
Languages
English
Patricia N. Nwaefuna, DNP-PMHNP, APN
Dr. Patricia Nwaefuna is a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry, DNP-PMHNP, APN
She practices at the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Treatment Center, home of Whitney Young Health’s Addiction Treatment Services.
She has worked at WYH since January 2023.
Licensures and Certifications
- New York State Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry
- New York State Advanced Practice Nurse
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) waiver certificate
- Basic Life Support Certificate
- Narcan Certification
- Infection Control Certification
Languages
English
Paul Pagnotta, RPh, Staff Pharmacist
Paul Pagnotta, RPh, joined Whitney Young Health Rx Pharmacy in October 2025.
A graduate of Albany College of Pharmacy, Mr. Pagnotta is a seasoned pharmacist and pharmacy executive with more than 30 years of experience in community pharmacy operations, clinical services, and academic instruction.
He previously served as Pharmacy Operations and Clinical Services Manager and Jurisprudence Instructor at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and formerly co-owned and led Four Corners Pharmacy in Delmar, New York.
Mr. Pagnotta has also held senior governance roles, including President of the Board of Rochester Drug Cooperative, bringing deep expertise in regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and patient-centered care.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS Pharmacist’s License with immunizing credentials, APhA Immunization certification, CPR certification, Community Pharmacy Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Preceptor training
Languages
English
Elizabeth Pradhan, OD
Dr. Pradhan has worked at WYH since 2010. She received her Doctor of Optometry and Vision Therapy Residency Certificates from the State University of New York State College of Optometry and was pre-med at Hunter College. Dr. Pradhan has also received a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at the Manhattan School of Music.
Dr. Pradhan works at Whitney Young Health’s Albany Health Center.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS License
Languages
English
Daniela Puorto, PNP
Daniela Puorto graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute of Health Professionals with a Master of Science in Nursing – Pediatric Primary Care
She is Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) who practices at the Swinburne Health Center and at our School-Based Health Center locations.
She has worked at Whitney Young Health since January 2023.
Languages
English
Natalia Romanoff, PA
Natalia Romanoff is a highly experienced Physician Assistant with a background in family medicine, urgent care, emergency medicine, wound care, and hospital-based care. She holds a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and is board-certified, with current licenses in Nebraska and Iowa. With strong diagnostic skills and a patient-centered approach, she provides comprehensive care to both adults and children. Her clinical expertise includes managing acute and chronic conditions, minor procedures, and patient education.
Licensures and Certifications
Current PA licenses in Nebraska and Iowa
CPR Certified, ACLS Certified, PALS
National Board Certification as a Physician Assistant (2021-2023)
Languages
English
“The work and mission of federally qualified health centers and their commitment to providing access to all patients is important. I’ve known about Whitney Young Health for a while and I am just excited to work here and serve our patients,” said Rosenbaum.
Elena Rosenbaum, MD
Whitney Young Health (WYH) welcomed Elena Rosenbaum, MD, in May 2024 as one of the organization’s newest providers.
Rosenbaum earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychobiology from Swarthmore College in 1998. She then earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2004. Rosenbaum is also trained in integrative medicine. She is licensed in acupuncture and osteopathy.
Rosenbaum completed training, residency, and fellowship training at a federally qualified health center in Massachusetts, so she was familiar with the mission and philosophy of organizations like WYH. This is what drew her to pursue a career at WYH.
Licensures and Certifications
Doctor of Medicine
Languages
English
Kathryn Rothas, DDS
Dr. Rothas has been serving as the Dental Director and a staff dentist at Whitney Young Health (WYH) since August 2021. In addition to providing direct patient care services, she is responsible for establishing the clinical standards of care and quality metrics for the dental department. She has also been involved in medical-dental integration projects at the health center, she oversees the health center’s collaboration with Healthy Capital District to provide dental screenings, cleanings & sealant placement for 70+ school and headstart sites in the Capital District, and she has assisted with establishing WYH as a teaching health center, including the development of a dental residency program, the establishment of WYH as a training-site partner for Hudson Valley Community College’s dental hygiene and dental assistant program, and the expansion of volunteer/intern opportunities through the UAlbany CPSP program and local pre-dental clubs. Most notably, Dr. Rothas played a pivotal role as an oral health champion for the city of Albany’s water fluoridation legislative initiative, “Law K,” which was signed into law by Mayor Kathy Sheehan in 2024 and is in the implementation phase at the city’s water reclamation plant. In alignment with Whitney Young Health’s dental residency mission, residents will not just advance their clinical skills and treat patient smiles, but they will be trained to serve as oral health champions and advocates in their communities.
Licensures and Certifications
New York Medical College (MPH), Class of 2021
NYU College of Dentistry (DDS), Class of 2019
New York State Dental Association, New Dentist Trustee
Third District Dental Society, Member
American Association of Public Health Dentistry, Council on Policy & Advocacy, Chair
National Network for Oral Health Access, Ambassador
Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Technical Assistance Center, Dental Consultant
International College of Dentists, 2024 Inductee
Pierre Fauchard Academy, 2025 Inductee
Languages
English, Spanish
Sarah Salvatore, PT, DPT, Ed.D.
Sarah Salvatore is a Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at Whitney Young Health, primarily serving patients at our Physical Therapy Clinic located in the Watervliet Health Center.
She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Russell Sage College. Sarah specializes in orthopedics, sports medicine, and outpatient care, with a focus on adolescent athletes and runners. She also serves as an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Russell Sage College.
Licensures and Certifications
PT, DPT, Ed.D.
Languages
English
I enjoy empowering women to achieve their desired health goals throughout all phases of life: adolescent, childbearing age, perimenopausal and menopausal. I feel especially privileged to be able to support pregnant women through all the joys and challenges of pregnancy, and of course seeing the babies at the postpartum visits!
Kelly Schoch, DNP, WHNP-BC
Kelly A. Schoch is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, skilled in gynecological care in diverse patient populations.
Kelly Schoch completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She specializes in Women’s Health with a subspecialty in HIV Care.
Kelly Schoch joined Whitney Young Health Center in January 2022 upon moving to New York with her family. She sees patients at our Swinburne Health Center.
Before moving to New York, she worked as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at a Federally Qualified Health Center in New Jersey for almost four years.
Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she received her Registered Nurse license from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and worked as nurse for six years in high-risk obstetrical care and pulmonary step-down care.
Licensures and Certifications
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Women’s Health, Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Registered Professional Nurse (RN), Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS), Drug Enforcement Administration Licensed in Controlled Substances
Languages
English, Proficient in Spanish
Alex Simao, MD
Dr. Alexander Simao Jr, MD, is a family medicine specialist located at our Albany (920 Lark Drive) Health Center. He graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016.
Languages
English
David Skory, MD
Dr. Skory is our Associate Medical Director for Women’s Health and Clinical Quality and has worked at WYH since 2016, after working over 40 years in various aspects of the medical industry. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia and also his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Skory works at Whitney Young Health’s Albany Health Center.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS Licensed, American Board of OB/GYN, American Board of Internal Medicine
Languages
English
“My favorite part of my job is watching the children I work with grow from infancy into early adulthood, experiencing the challenges of life with them, and sharing in their everyday experiences.”
Rhonda Stein, MD
Dr. Stein has worked at WYH since 2004. She received her Doctor of Medicine from New York Medical College and also her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. Dr. Stein completed her residency at the University Hospital at Stony Brook in the Pediatrics department. In her spare time, Dr. Stein enjoys reading, watching her three boys, participating in extracurricular activities, making desserts, and spending time with her 3 cats.
Dr. Stein works at Whitney Young Health’s Swinburne Health Center at 526 Central Avenue in Albany.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS Licensed in Medicine and Surgery, American Board of Pediatrics Diplomat, Drug Enforcement Administration Licensed, Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Advanced Life Support
Languages
English
Christopher M. Unger, DMD
Chris Unger, DMD is a graduate of Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Dr. Unger also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience from Boston University College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Unger joined Whitney Young Health in April 2023 and is based at our Albany Dental Practice.
Licensures and Certifications
New York State Dentist License
Texas State Dentist License
“I truly have a fun job, working with new mothers and their babies.”
Noel Varghese, DO
Dr. Varghese has worked at WYH since 2014. He received his Doctorate of Medicine in Osteopathy at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and also his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Dr. Varghese completed postgraduate training at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.
Dr. Varghese works at Whitney Young Health’s Albany Health Center.
Licensures and Certifications
NYS License
Languages
English
“I enjoy meeting families from many diverse cultures and discussing their children’s health.”
Deborah Vasquez, MD, MPH
Dr. Vasquez became Whitney Young Health’s Chief Medical Officer in October of 2020 following several months as Interim Chief Medical Officer. Prior to this, she was Director of Pediatrics and she has worked at WYH since 2013.
She received her Doctor of Medicine at Sackler School of Medicine in Israel and her Master of Public Health at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She completed postgraduate training at Jacobi Medical Center – Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Vasquez also received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Health and Society at the University of Rochester.
Dr. Vasquez grew up in New York City. She is a first-generation American from the Dominican Republic, and enjoys reading with her kids, gardening, biking, and learning how to bake.
Dr. Vasquez works at Whitney Young Health’s Albany Health Center.
Licensures and Certifications
American Board of Preventive Medicine Diplomat, American Board of Pediatrics Diplomat, NYS License to Practice Medicine, Drug Enforcement Administration Licensed in Controlled Substances
Languages
English, Spanish, Conversational Hebrew
Rong Zhang, Family Nurse Practitioner
Rong Zhang, Family Nurse Practitioner, earned her Associate Degree in Nursing at the Health School of Nanjing Military District of PLA, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lehman College of The City University of New York and her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Practitioner Program at Lehman College of The City University of New York.
Licensures and Certifications
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (ANCC)
Certified Pediatric Nurse (ANCC)
Pediatrics Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider
Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider