Current Residents

Barnabas PGY4

Allan Chang MD
Hometown: Herndon, Virginia
Undergraduate College/University: The College of William and Mary
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? The amount of obstetrical and gynecologic surgical experience is unparalleled. The willingness of each resident to chip in and do their part helps to develop an enjoyable team-based working environment.
Outside interests: Traveling, trying new foods, raising plants, taking care of my dog.

Chelsey Russ MD
Hometown: Canyon, Texas
Undergraduate College/University: Baylor University
Medical School: St. George's University
Why did you choose this program? The stellar reputation of Cooperman Barnabas OB/GYN grads along with the family like atmosphere.
Outside interests: NYC food scene, rooftop hopping, hiking, paddle boarding, international travel, spending time with family.

Ghislaine Smith MD
Hometown: Essex Fells, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Georgetown University
Graduate School: Georgetown University in the Special master's program
Medical School: FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I have had the unique opportunity of knowing the doctors that come to Cooperman Barnabas for my entire life as I grew up around the area. Throughout the years I've seen the types of physicians that graduate from the program and I wanted to be like them. Surgically they are one of the best trained ob/gyns. Program wise, it has a strong sense of comraderie and support. I wanted a program that I know would train me well as well as become part of my family, and that is what Cooperman Barnabas has done for me.
Outside interests: Yoga, running, dancing, socializing with my co-residents and attendings, netflix.

Amanda Cronin DO
Hometown: Commack, NY
Undergraduate College/University: Siena College
Medical School: NYCOM
Why did you choose this program? I choose this program because we are all a family. We work hard but we have each other’s backs and there is always a constant support. Work is intense and very busy. High volume, tons of surgical cases and unique experiences. I knew that this program would make me an amazing Ob/Gyn and I would have fun doing it on a daily basis!
Outside interests: Sports, Hanging out with friends, Vacationing

Daniel Lieberman MD
Hometown: New City, NY
Undergraduate College/University: Colgate University
Medical School: Saint George’s University School of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? The people. To me the RWJ Barnabas Department of OB/GYN has always stood out as a unique group of hard-working, well-rounded individuals who provide excellent care for women in New Jersey. This is turn has lent itself to excellent surgical and medical training. If given the choice, I would choose the program over and over again.
Outside interests: Ice hockey, skiing, reading, being outdoors, eating and spending time with my family.

Cristina Miceli
Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY
Undergraduate College/University: Duke University
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I chose this program for a handful of reasons. I was primarily drawn to St. Barnabas because I wanted to train in a high volume program that was known for their surgically competent residents. Additionally, I was looking for a diverse group of residents that were queer friendly. Finally, I also greatly considered the close approximation to the city and my family members in Long Island.
Outside interests: Discount apparel shopping. Poolside lounging. Empanada making. Aunt duties pertaining to my first and only niece. Mediocre sketchpad work.

NJMS PGY4

Gabriella Pinho MD
Hometown: Edison, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Ursinus College
Medical School: Rutgers NJMS
Why did you choose this program? I wanted to be at an academic program where I would be able to see a diverse high acuity patient population. I also wanted to be in NJ to be close to family and friends.
Outside interests: Sports, hiking, travel, trying new restaurants.

Niki Machac MD
Hometown: Haworth, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Swarthmore
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Why did you choose this program? I wanted to go to a Ryan program and wanted the excellent training from the program.
Outside interests: English Premier League (Come on you Spurs!), TV, knitting, board games.
Patrick McFadden MD
Hometown: Catonsville, Maryland
Undergraduate College/University: Brandeis University
Medical School: Barry University St. George's University
Why did you choose this program? "When I interviewed at Rutgers, I immediately felt that it was a welcoming environment. I was excited for the opportunity to work with different patient populations at the two hospitals. The various research opportunities also drew me to the program."
Outside interests: Cooking (and eating), exercising, zoos and museums, exploring new cities.

Kerly Guerrero MD
Hometown: Harrison, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Seton Hall University
Medical School: Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Why did you choose this program? I wanted to stay close to home. I grew up in this area and always wanted to come and train within my community. I come from a huge family and have many friends who live near Newark.
Outside interests: Listening to crime podcasts, volleyball, dancing

Yasmin Abedin MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Undergraduate College/University: UCLA
Graduate School: USC
Medical School: Rush Medical College
Why did you choose this program? The training seemed intense and vigorous. I thought it would allow me to be a good clinician and ready for most OBGYN emergencies.
Outside interests: Watching horror films, spending time with my fiance, eating food.

Barnabas PGY3

Matilde Hoffman MD
Hometown: Rome, Italy
Undergraduate College/University: University of Southern California
Graduate School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I knew this program would provide me with all of the experience for me to be a more than well trained OBGYN. By the end of residency, you will have seen it all here. The personalities and comraderie of the residents was also a huge part in my decision.
Outside interests: Photography, music shows, running, dancing, hiking, biking, cooking.

Itsuka Kurihara DO
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Undergraduate College/University: Brown University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose this program? Residents and attendings are supportive and like family! The program director is fantastic, supportive, smart and does a great job of creating a good/healthy work environment. I also picked this program because the volume that CBMC has for both Obstetrics and Gynecology would give me the opportunity to not only learn but become a really competent OBGYN.
Outside interests: Exploring new restaurants, traveling, and music.
Alexa Narzikul MD
Hometown: Media, PA
Undergraduate College/University: Wesleyan University
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why did you choose this program? I value the high volume which as it allows for a great surgical training and hands on learning. I also valued the relationships between residents and the supportive nature of the program. The fact that we can have fun with each other both at work and outside of work.
Outside interests: Philadelphia sports, beach activities, water sports, exploring new restaurants.

Devon O’Brien MD
Hometown: Ocean City, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Georgetown University
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Why did you choose this program? I definitely chose this program for the people. It feels like a big family, everyone works hard, but also enjoys spending time together outside of work.
Outside interests: Cooking, running, and spending time at the beach.

Lauren Solomon DO
Hometown: Davie, Florida
Undergraduate College/University: University of Florida
Medical School: Lake Erie College if Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton
Why did you choose this program? I was looking for a community program with high volume that was outside of Florida. Graduates from Barnabas were well trained. On my interview day, I was so impressed by how friendly and approachable the residents and attendings were. They were a close knit family that I wanted to be a part of.
Outside interests: Hiking, exploring NYC (prior to March 2020), running, attempting to be a Green thumb, watching reruns of Fixer Upper/ Chopped, playing with other people’s pets
Priyanga Jeyasri DO
Hometown: East Meadow, New York
Undergraduate College/University: Stony Brook University
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because I felt like I could find a family away from home here. I knew I would have so many opportunities to learn new techniques and to have the time to make them my own.

Outside interests: Exploring NYC, making the medicine world more fashionable, and mimosas.

NJMS PGY3

Laura Steel MD
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Undergraduate College/University: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University
Why did you choose this program? I was looking for an academic residency program because I wanted to be taught from the start to incorporate research-based practice into my training. At Rutgers, I saw the opportunities to explore different subspecialties of OBGYN from the start as well.
Outside interests: Running and spending time outside, watching Netflix documentaries, playing with my two kittens- Montie and Belle, writing letters to friends and family.

Shivani Agarwal MD
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Undergraduate College/University: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Why did you choose this program? Family planning, high risk patient population, the residents.
Outside interests: hiking, painting, swimming, travel, starting new arts/crafts projects and never finishing, dog lover (hope to be owner one day).
Kateryna Kolesnikova MD

Buffalo, NY University of Rochester University at Buffalo I wanted to be close to a big city somewhere on the east coast. When I interviewed here, I loved the diversity of the staff and experiences that this program had to offer. Skiing, hiking, traveling, relaxing

Gabriela Ross MD
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Rutgers
Medical School: Temple
Why did you choose this program? I choose this program for the location and the people. I get to work with a diverse patient population with exposure to academic and community medicine.
Outside interests: Eating at new places, watching reruns of Parks and Recreation, Target trips, ice cream, using the Peloton bike at the gym.
Evelyn Minis MD
Hometown: Athens, Greece
Undergraduate College/University: University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine
Medical School: University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? Representation of all subspecialties. Strong academic program. Amazing research opportunities.
Outside interests: Acting, singing, directing
Upasana Madan MD

Undergraduate College/University: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

PGY2

Schuyler Hodge MD
Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA
Undergraduate College/University: Georgetown University
Medical School: FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I was looking for a program with diversity of patients and residents. I also wanted a program where I knew I would see it all and come out a competent and confident Ob/Gyn.
Outside interests: Playing with my cats, trying new restaurants, listening to true crime podcasts.

Kulveen Gill MD
Hometown: Ashburn, VA
Undergraduate College/University: University of Virginia
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? Great support from attendings to pursue any future endeavor. Great research opportunities and amazing residents.
Outside interests: Eating (foodie life), drinking wine, reading in parks, taking naps, being a tourist.
Danielle Seltzer MD
Hometown: West Orange, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Swarthmore College
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? This program feels like home. Having grown up in the area, I am excited by the merging of a program from my local community hospital with an academic institution. I know this training environment will allow me to become a well-rounded physician capable of caring for all patient populations.
Outside interests: Cooking new recipes, reading thrillers, watching sports, spinning, spending time with family, solving word games and puzzles
Blake Vessa MD
Hometown: Bernardsville, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Washington and Lee University
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Why did you choose this program? I wanted to move home and be closer to my family and friends. As soon as I met the residents at the dinner the night before, I knew it was the perfect program for me. I could not be happier that I'm finally home and surrounded by such amazing people at work every day.
Outside interests: Trying new restaurants, International travel, working out (spinning), downhill skiing, going to the beach, hanging out with friends.
Danielle Calvo MD
Hometown: Cresskill, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: George Washington University
Medical School: The George Washington University School of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because I was looking to work with a diverse patient population near the place that I call home. I found this program to be one that really cared about their residents and the residents are truly a team with more in common than just a job.
Outside interests: I’m obsessed with my pomeranian Riley, anything where I can be outside in the sun, branching and hanging with friends.
Tess Gao MD
Hometown: Perrysburg, OH
Undergraduate College/University: University of Toledo
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I wanted to get a mix of different patient populations and UH and Barnabas does a great job of this! Also, I wanted a change of scenery from Ohio.
Outside interests: Running, eating all kinds of food, attempting to cook, jamming to music
Chloe Phillips MD
Hometown: Franklin Lakes, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Penn State
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Why did you choose this program? I'm very much a Jersey girl and wanted to be close to my family for residency. I was also attracted to the fact that the St. Barnabas and UH programs were merging as I think it gives us a really well-rounded experience! The residents are also amazing.
Outside interests: Hanging with friends and family, trying new restaurants in NYC, traveling, sleeping.
Mandy Lacue MD
Hometown: Patton, PA
Undergraduate College/University: Penn State
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Why did you choose this program? With the merging of two programs, I liked academic focus of Rutgers and the Barnabas volume. The programs complement each other well - giving residents the option to be excellent surgeons and clinicians. I was drawn to the Family Planning aspects of the program, along with the diverse patient populations.
Outside interests: Cooking (working on becoming Ina Garten), crossword puzzles, trying as many restaurants as possible in an attempt to be a self-proclaimed foodie.
Aylin Unsal MD
Hometown: Mahwah, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Georgetown University
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Why did you choose this program? Having gone to medical school in Newark, I was eager to go to a residency program with a strong commitment to serving its community. The merge between Rutgers NJMS and St. Barnabas takes the best part of each program and gives residents a well-rounded educational experience in a truly supportive environment.
Outside interests: Traveling, spending time with friends and family, live music, hip-hop + R&B, dance, skincare, watching any show on Bravo.
Alexander Vlahos MD
Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Undergraduate College/University: Muhlenberg College
Graduate School: Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical Schools
Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because I am excited about the merger of two well-respected programs. I was impressed with the clinical/surgical skills of the residents, the fellowship and research opportunities, the culture of the residency, and faculty. I wanted to serve and learn from a diverse patient population.
Outside interests: Spending time with my husband, friends and family, relaxing and going out in the Jersey Shore and NYC, Tottenham Hotspur (COYS!), volleyball, rom-coms, taking care of my plants, aquarium, and cats, and cooking/eating.

PGY1

Lisa Levine MD
Hometown: Decatur, GA
Undergraduate College/University: Cornell University
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Why did you choose this program? I chosse Cooperman Barnabas/NJMS because of breadth of patients that we have the opportunity to serve in this program, as well as the clinical and surgical expertise displayed by their faculty and residents. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the continuing success of the program and of my new colleagues!
Outside interests: Ultimate Frisbee, A Cappella, running, hiking, really I’m up for anything.

Lauren Gottshall MD
Hometown: Manitowoc, WI
Undergraduate College/University: Ripon College
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? I chose this program because it combines the benefit of high patient volume at St. Barnabas with the academic focus of University Hospital. Additionally, this program has strong exposure to all of the sub-specialties, is strong surgically, and has high patient diversity. Lastly, I felt I would fit in well with the people at this program and would be able to grow as a physician.
Outside interests: Hiking, road trips, baking, reading.
Michael Scutella DO
Hometown: Erie, PA
Undergraduate College/University: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose this program? The reason I chose this program was because the residents made me a part of the team the moment I started my rotation. The family-like atmosphere and teamwork mentality made it clear to me right away that this was the place I needed to train to become the physician I wanted to be.
Outside interests: Swimming, water polo, playing golf, and anything Pittsburgh sports.
Stephanie Casey DO
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Undergraduate College/University: Texas Tech University
Graduate School: University of South Florida
Medical School: Midwestern University - AZCOM
Why did you choose this program? Our residency program stood out to me for so many reasons. I loved the hybrid model of the program you get all the benefits of working in a community-based setting as well as a university-based one (#powercouple). The leadership is outstanding, the residents are not only friends but very prepared for whatever case is thrown at them, and during my interview after flying across the country to a state that I had never been to before everyone made me feel like a part of the family.
Outside interests: Salsa dancing, getting swole, hiking, figure skating, rock climbing, dancing in my room while eating ice cream.
Madeline Lang MD
Hometown: Winston Salem, NC
Undergraduate College/University: UNC Chapel Hill
Graduate School: Georgetown University
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Why did you choose this program? At the Barnabas/Rutgers pre-interview dinner, I instantly connected with not only the residents, but with the PD and faculty, as well. Not only did I love the people involved in the residency program at Barn & Rutgers, but the program itself had everything I was looking for in my OB/GYN training: family planning, multiple hospitals, a diverse patient population, awesome location, and a happy, close-knit family of residents.
Outside interests: Running, hiking, workout classes, cooking, playing with dogs, brunching, exploring NYC, traveling.
Lea George MD
Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Villanova University
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Why did you choose this program? I chose to stay because I wanted a program that provided excellent clinical/surgical experience while having the ability to work with a wide, diverse demographic of patients. There are countless opportunities to be involved in research as well as tremendous support for fellowship. On top of all that, I loved working with the residents/attendings as a medical student and being able to stay close to friends and family!
Outside interests: Drawing, baking, playing tennis (even though I'm not so great at it), heading down to the Jersey Shore or into NYC, and eating/drinking with friends and family!
Estee Robin MD
Hometown: Fair Lawn, NJ
Undergraduate College/University: Yeshiva University
Medical School: Rutgers NJMS
Why did you choose this program? After already spending many enjoyable months rotating within the OB/GYN department at NJMS, I was also fortunate to spend a month working with the OB/GYN department at Cooperman Barnabas. It was clear that both individual programs had such strong and unique attributes which would complement each other perfectly as a joint program. The residents are truly a family, the program directors and faculty are supportive, and I know that the training will prepare me for whatever my future holds!
Outside interests: Cooking, reading, playing tennis, watching the sunset at the beach, paint by number + netflix, spending time with family and friends, chasing after my adorable toddler.
Talicia Jackson MD
Hometown: Twin Cities, MN
Undergraduate College/University: American University
Graduate School: Post-baccalaureate studies at Hunter College
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Why did you choose this program? I chose this program first and foremost because the emphasis is on creating a sense of family between the residents, the program staff, and the entire medical team. I was also very intrigued by the merger between the academic and community programs. I think that the training we receive across the two institutions provides us with the most comprehensive view of the practice of OBGYN and caring for diverse patient populations.
Outside interests: Basketball; Hanging at the pool/beach; Doing puzzles; Watching animal & nature documentaries; Hiking; Cuddling with my wife, daughter, and dog.
Becky Gendelman MD
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergraduate College/University: Cornell University
Graduate School: Columbia University
Medical School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? The people! I absolutely loved the family feeling that was immediately apparent on my interview day and new that this would be the best fit for me! I also loved the two very different and complementary training sites.
Outside interests: Cooking, hosting brunch, hiking, dogs, traveling, yoga.
Liana Langdon-Embry MD
Hometown: Cuenca, Ecuador
Undergraduate College/University: Brandeis University
Medical School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Why did you choose this program? Many reasons! First and foremost, I was struck by how tangible and genuine the sense of family is among the staff and residents. The residents I met were people I would choose as friends and colleagues. The Barnabas-Rutgers communiversity model merges clinical practice and academic medicine/research in a critical and awesome way. No door is shut, whether to become a competent generalist or sub-specialist. I knew the OB volume at Cooperman Barnabas would be challenging but shape me into a confident physician. Most importantly at the end of the day, it was just my gut feeling that I would be happy in the program!
Outside interests: Hiking, camping, a sweet hammock and a book. I love to run and cook for friends. Travel, the beach, scuba diving! Avid plant mom and newbie kombucha brewer.