The Kogan Celiac Center
at RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
Improving the health and well-being of adults and children living with celiac disease and digestive health issues.
Contact us: 973-322-7272
Michelle Pasia, MPH, RDN, Program Coordinator, explains what celiac disease is, as well as how it is diagnosed, and discusses nutrition and the gluten-free diet.
For people with celiac disease, a 100 percent gluten-free lifestyle is more than eating gluten free. It is a new way of life that involves learning new things such as how to read food labels and navigate social situations. As the first celiac center in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health’s Kogan Celiac Center provides adult and pediatric patients with comprehensive counseling, community-based education, support groups and resources to help make the transition easier.
It is important for those who suspect they have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance to be properly screened before beginning a gluten-free diet and to receive appropriate education from a registered dietitian.
Kogan Celiac Center Services
Nutrition Counseling
The program includes:
- A comprehensive initial assessment to ensure that the patient understands the gluten-free diet
- Learning how to understand the gluten-free labels and certifications and when they may be needed
- Identifying and understanding reliable resources, including online apps
- Follow-up sessions including additional support and individualized education to ensure the gluten-free diet is well balanced
Support Groups and Education
An ongoing, monthly support group is provided, with community education programs and outreach offered on a continuous basis. Visit our online calendar for upcoming dates and topics, as well as to register.
Contact the Kogan Center for more information: 973-322-7272.
Meet Our Team
David Pineles, MD, Medical Director
Dr. David Pineles earned his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine and completed both
his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at NYU
Medical Center. His clinical expertise spans general gastroenterology
with a special focus on esophageal dysmotility, inflammatory bowel disease
(Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and colorectal cancer screening.
He brings extensive experience in diagnostic procedures such as upper
endoscopy, colonoscopy, video capsule endoscopy, high resolution esophageal
manometry, and Bravo pH capsule deployment/interpretation.
Michelle Pasia, MPH, RDN, Program Coordinator
Michelle received her undergraduate degree in nutrition and completed a
nutrition internship at Syracuse University. She has a master’s
degree in Public Health from Hunter College in New York. With a passion
for providing life-changing education to patients with celiac disease,
Michelle gives them the support they need to live their lives. She also
counsels patients with digestive health needs such as inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other nutrition areas.
Dr. Pineles and Michelle will work closely to support individuals with celiac disease through diagnosis, dietary guidance, and lifestyle management.
Physician Referral
Access to physician specialists, such as gastroenterologists, is available
for patients as needed through RWJBarnabas Health. Ongoing communication
with and monitoring by each patient’s physician helps to assure
that nutritional needs are being met.
If you suspect that your child has celiac disease but are not sure, please
visit our nationally recognized
Pediatric Celiac Disease Center.
Visit the Pediatric Celiac Disease Center
Resources for Families
Explore helpful tools and information: