Emily is a Senior Nurse Practitioner working with Dr. Tanna. Emily has extensive clinical experience caring for patients before, during, and after surgery. She believes that true patient centered care should been individualized and tailored to each individual to ensure best possible outcomes. Emily is known for her warm demeanor and compassionate care and enjoys getting to know her patients. Emily has a lot of nieces and nephews and enjoys spending time with them. She also loves to travel and is an avid fisher!

A dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in breast oncology, Allision is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. With advanced clinical training and extensive experience in oncology, Allison works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to guide patients through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. She is passionate about educating patients and their families, empowering them to make informed decisions while offering support throughout every stage of care.

Ji Soo Moon is a Nurse Practitioner working alongside Dr. Akintayo. She loves the diverse scope of the practice that enables her to provide care pre-and -post operatively. Ji Soo works in the operating room as well as in the office setting where she performs cosmetic injections as well as performs 3D nipple areola tattooing. She is motivated to improve the patient experience by forming trusting relationships with her patients to make a positive impact on their journey. Ji Soo enjoys all things outdoors and playing with her fur babies Kobi and Kato!

Kristin is a Nurse Practitioner working alongside Dr. Susan Lee. She cares for patients before and after surgery and finds it rewarding to be with them through their journey into recovery and remission. She also manages the high-risk breast program and continuum of care for these individuals. She prides herself on being available to her patients for support through each step of the process. Kristin is an avid reader. She grew up on Long Island and loves to spend the summers on the water with family and friends.

Pashmena is a Senior Physician Assistant with extensive experience working alongside our entire team of breast and plastic surgeons in our Great Neck, NY location.

Pashmena ends every patient conversation by asking, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” and plays a key role in supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, ensuring a seamless clinical experience. She assists our surgeons with preoperative and postoperative assessments, creates treatment plans, and coordinates care. As a member of our team since 2012, she finds caring for patients both intellectually and emotionally fulfilling. Pashmena is also specially trained in performing 3D nipple-areola tattooing and enjoys supporting patients in their reconstructive and healing journey. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she is also involved in training and mentoring staff to uphold high standards of care. Pashmena enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

Alexa Ruffino is a dedicated, Board-Certified Senior Physician Assistant working with Dr. Borrero. Alexa has a solid background in surgery and brings a wealth of experience to our reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery team. She is committed to advancing her expertise in plastic surgery and provides exceptional care to her patients with a holistic approach to patient management. Outside of work, Alexa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, which helps balance her professional and personal life.

Lee Ann has been a physician assistant for over 25 years, since 1994, when she started in general and cardiothoracic surgery at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital. She joined the breast surgery team working with Drs Erna Busch-Devereaux and Joyce Au in 2018, where she sees patients in the Huntington office for surgical and non-surgical management of both benign and malignant breast disease. As a Senior Physician Assistant, Lee Ann brings a wealth of knowledge to the practice and participates in all aspects of patient care, from presurgical through post-op care and beyond. She assists both physicians in their surgical cases, manages genetic testing, and is involved in the breast cancer survivorship program. When not at work, Lee Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and two dogs. She loves spending time outdoors, plays tennis, and her newest obsession- pickleball!

Kelly enjoys building relationships with her patients, from the time of initial diagnosis through the completion of their reconstruction. She works to help patients feel comfortable and informed during each and every visit—whether taking them through a stressful situation or listening to their concerns. In her role as Senior Physician Assistant in our Huntington office, she works alongside Dr. Mark Smith, Dr. Adam Perry, Dr. Neil Tanna, Dr. Shikowitz-Behr, and Dr. Tessa Campbell, where she also performs 3D tattoos. Kelly is also a Certified Wound Specialist and ensures her patients receive the highest standard of care. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys running, spending time with her family and her dog, and singing at her church.

Coming soon!

Kelly enjoys working with her patients and finds it gratifying to see women transform through breast surgery. She enjoys working in the operating room alongside Dr. Shikowitz-Behr and finds it equally rewarding to see patients before and after surgery in the office. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Maria has been assisting Dr. Kasabian with preoperative and postoperative patient care since 2015. Although she finds working in the operating room very rewarding, she also loves speaking with and listening to patients and their families. Maria is the Friedman Center’s resident specialist in 3-D nipple areola tattooing for breast reconstruction. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and quality time with her family.

Rachel loves her job as a PA in reconstructive plastic surgery and the opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives. Working side by side with Dr. Ricci, she finds great fulfillment in providing compassionate care, helping them through both their physical recovery and emotional healing. Being able to witness their transformation, not just in appearance but in confidence and quality of life, is incredibly rewarding to her. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and can often be found curled up with a good book!

Winnie exemplifies exceptional patient care working alongside Dr. Knobel. She loves getting to know her patients and being a part of their journey from diagnosis to surgery to post operative care. She truly believes that open communication with patients and helping them to feel comfortable and safe is key to ensuring a positive patient experience. When not at work, Winnie enjoys traveling abroad and trying new cuisines.

Jaclyn has been working alongside of Dr. Palleschi for over a decade since 2011. She works closely with Dr. Palleschi through all aspects of patient care from diagnosis to test results, to post-op follow up exams and into survivorship. Jaclyn enjoys getting to know her patients in an effort to deliver the best personalized care during a difficult time. She is a trained classical singer and enjoys watching her daughters play sports and loves Disney World.

Peyton enjoys helping patients take control and regain confidence during their breast reconstruction journey. Working alongside Dr. Tanna, she cares for patients from their first consult through recovery and serves as a consistent point of support. She assists Dr. Tanna in the operating room and also manages pre and post operative care with the team. Peyton takes pride in improving the patient experience by creating a safe, compassionate space where patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and goals. In her spare time, she enjoys running and exploring different parks and areas around New York. She is also a Chicago Bears fan!

Allyson assists Dr. Capece in all aspects of clinical breast care. She helps patients to understand their test results and diagnosis and is a critical part of the team for post-operative follow-ups and exams. Alyson loves being able to help patients and provides a personalized approach for the best care possible, making sure every patient’s concerns are addressed. In her spare time, she loves reading, hiking and paddleboarding.

Cindy takes great pride in assisting Dr. Reyes in surgeries. She also plays a supporting role in the office to provide patient care and understands that meeting a patient right after receiving their diagnosis can be a very emotional time. She makes every effort to establish a personal connection with her patients to ensure an open line of communication throughout their journey. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys reading, running, and spending time outdoors.

Kim assists Dr. Siddiqui in the operating room and strives to ensure that patients are well informed and ready by the time they get to surgery.  She also plays a critical role in the office when it comes to genetic testing and helps patients navigate the breast cancer roadmap when it comes to working with other necessary specialties such as medical oncology and radiation oncology.  When not at work, Kim stays active with running 5k races and enjoys the outdoors.

Lily joins Dr. Moon’s team with enthusiasm to help patients feel more confident and comfortable when going through their breast reconstruction and cosmetic procedures. She assists Dr. Moon in the operating room and also sees patients pre and post-operatively in the office. Lily enjoys getting to know her patients and provides a supportive environment throughout every step of patient care. In her spare time, Lily enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling and going to Pilates.

Alexa works collaboratively with Dr. Smith in both the OR and office settings to provide patients with the quality, compassionate care they deserve. She provides support., guidance, and reassurance to breast cancer patients throughout their reconstructive journey. Alexa maintains a direct and open line of communication with patients to make sure that their clinical (and non-clinical) concerns are immediately addressed throughout their surgical journey. Alexa enjoys exploring NYC with friends, an avid peloton rider, and enjoys spending time with family.

Elizabeth loves working with her patients. She has been a registered nurse for over 23 years and spent much of her tenure working with female patients in labor and delivery at Huntington Hospital. In her current role, she coordinates care through diagnosis and treatment in hopes of making the breast cancer journey as seamless as possible. She enjoys educating patients while navigating them to community resources and support services to help patients feel empowered every step of the way. In her spare time, she enjoys going to her kid’s sporting events, working in the yard and connecting with friends through her book club!

Joan is a registered nurse and a key member of Dr. Leipziger’s surgical team. She works with patients to ensure seamless, coordinated care from initial diagnosis to final follow-up appointments. Joan is proud to do her part in continually improving the patient experience. When not at work, Joan is spending time with her family.

Nicole strives to improve the patient experience each and every day by getting to know her patients in advance and assisting them with scheduling. She loves helping people and takes pride in making sure that each patient is educated and understands their next steps and surgical plan before they leave the office. Nicole loves spending time with her two god daughters and listening to country music. She has been to over 30 concerts so far!

Jessica helps patients to have a positive experience by coordinating surgeries with multiple hospitals and surgery centers, obtaining prior authorizations, confirming and scheduling post-operative appointments. She is available for patients to reach out to her with any questions or concerns. Jessica loves taking care of her plants and spending time with her dog, family, and friends and loves to travel.

Dea is Surgical Coordinator “extraordinaire” to Dr. Kasabian, whom she has worked with since 2014. She strives to make each patient’s experience positive by providing them with personal attention from their first appointment to their last. When she’s not at work making patients’ lives a little better, she’s putting the same level of care and attention into her farm to table cooking and spending time with her family.

Alyssa is an integral part of Dr. Tanna’s team and strives to provide an exceptional patient experience. Having previously worked for Northwell Health for a number of years, her experience in healthcare has prepared her to support women as they navigate through various aspects of their surgical journeys. Her compassion and empathy toward patients enable her to make a difference in patient’s lives. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys going to Orange Theory fitness, the beach, and going out to dinner with friends.

Jessica has over a decade of administrative experience in plastic surgery and knows exactly what to anticipate when helping patients put together their plan of care. As part of her daily routine, she schedules consults, coordinates surgeries, and obtains insurance authorizations. Jessica aims to deliver an exceptional patient experience by serving as a primary point of contact throughout the surgical journey. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys traveling and has been to over twenty countries! She also enjoys cooking, Pilates and reading.

Mary provides administrative support assistance for patients when it comes to helping them schedule their appointments and coordinating their surgery schedules. Mary enjoys meeting new patients and helps them to stay organized in the planning process. She is a sports enthusiast, has a love for music and values spending time with family and friends.

Brittney is a surgical secretary, working with Dr. Cen. She is an integral part of the team as she helps coordinate with a large multidisciplinary team of breast care specialists necessary to provide excellent patient care. Brittney enjoys learning from the new patients and understanding how she can best help them through their journey. She enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as watching sports on her free time. Brittney is proud to have a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from St. Joseph’s University.

Dawn has been with the Northwell Health system for over 20 years. She brings a smile to the Huntington breast surgery offices of Dr. Erna Busch- Devereaux, Dr. Joyce Au, and Dr. Faisal Siddiqui where she has been dedicated for over 10 years. She enjoys working with patients to book surgeries, schedule appointments, and help follow up with getting authorizations. Dawn takes pride in going above and beyond to improve the patient experience as she would want her family members treated. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, being with family and going to Orange Theory!

As a surgical coordinator, Jessica is passionate about ensuring the highest level of care and support for patients undergoing surgical procedures. She strives to streamline the surgical process, from scheduling surgeries to coordinating necessary resources. With a focus on patient satisfaction, she aims to create a supportive and empathetic environment throughout the surgical journey by consistently striving for efficiency and effectiveness in coordinating surgical procedures. Her goal is to contribute to the success of surgeries and make a positive impact on the overall patient experience. Outside the office she enjoys reading, traveling, and sometimes painting.

Gabrielle is a surgical coordinator for Dr. Moon. She plays a crucial role in helping patients schedule their surgeries and follow-up appointments. Gabrielle enjoys getting to know patients and their families to ensure a smooth process when it comes to their care. She likes to spend time with family in her spare time.

Brianna loves interacting with patients and people in her workspace who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. She spends much of her time coordinating with the many clinical specialties involved in breast cancer care. She takes pride in ensuring that patients are well taken care of and helps navigate their needs. When not at work, Brianna enjoys listening to music, journaling, and painting.

Coming soon.

As a surgical coordinator for breast surgery, Kaitlyn works closely with patients and clinical care teams to ensure surgeries are scheduled efficiently, and care is well coordinated. In doing so, she manages preoperative requirements, including imaging, authorizations, and clearances. Kaitlyn takes pride in helping patients to navigate the healthcare system, maintains clear communication, and contributes to a smoother, more reassuring experience for patients from diagnosis through surgery. In her spare time, Kaitlyn enjoys traveling on a cruise or camper, playing various sports and exercising, spending time with family.

Miranda is an administrative support coordinator working with Dr. Diana Caragacianu. She loves to help patients by providing support during a difficult time in their lives and by using her organizational skills to streamline processes in coordinating appointments and navigating their care. When not at work, Miranda enjoys listening to music and being in nature.

Jackie has been with Northwell Health and a support staff member for Dr. Kostroff for over a decade. She plays a crucial role in providing general administrative support to ensure a smooth process when it comes to office billing and scheduling. She takes pride in her work and enjoys getting to know patients while helping them through difficult times. In Jackie’s spare time, she enjoys decorating and shopping.

As a Surgical Coordinator, Cristina values the opportunity to support patients throughout the surgical process by helping them feel informed, prepared, and at ease during what can be an overwhelming time. Having served in her previous role at Northwell Health, scheduling operating room surgical cases across multiple specialties, she knows all too well how important it is for patients to feel well cared for. Outside of work, Cristina enjoys spending quality time with my family and traveling.

Monica has been working with Dr. Denis Knobel since 2018. She loves helping women through the entire patient journey. Monica knows that even small acts can make a difference in a patient’s day. She helps schedule patient surgeries and appointments, coordinate external resources, and answer any questions. When she’s not at the office, Monica enjoys nature walks, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Vanessa has been a dedicated team member working with Dr. Kostroff for over 15 years. She navigates all surgical bookings as well as performs managerial tasks for the office. Vanessa’s loyalty to ensure patients have a good experience starts early in the process by always anticipating the needs of the patient and treats patients as if they were family. When not at work, Vanessa enjoys crocheting, going to the movies, reading and spending time with her family.

Rebecca is responsible for surgical scheduling and coordinating office visits for Dr. Tanna. She enjoys being a part of the patient’s journey to wellness and encourages patients to contact her to help in any way she can to help make the process easier for them. Her previous experience with Northwell Health enables her to understand the importance of personalized care in plastic surgery. When not at work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with family, cooking, traveling and trying new restaurants.

Kahre’s main focus is meeting the needs of her patients when it comes to scheduling appointments, obtaining medical records, and coordinating surgeries. She loves to help others and demonstrates empathy and compassion to all of her patients to help them feel comfortable from the time of their first visit. She loves spending time with her two daughters and enjoys cooking and dancing.

Coming soon!

Donna has been working with Dr. Leipziger for over a decade. She brings a positive attitude to work each day, and she loves collaborating with her fellow teammates to provide an exceptional patient experience. From scheduling to charting, Donna handles administrative details so that the reconstruction journey can be just a bit smoother. She loves baking, photography, and needlepoint.

Renata welcomes patients to the Friedman Center by listening to their needs and addressing their concerns. She smooths the way for reconstruction surgery by coordinating appointments, communicating with patients, and obtaining all the necessary authorizations and clearances. Renata has lived all over the world: Warsaw, Poland; Cape Town, South Africa, London, UK, and now New York!