At Happy and Healthy Pediatrics, taking care of children means including the whole family. We take time to listen to you and your child, answer questions and help you navigate parenthood. 

Our doctors are specialists in the health care of infants, children and adolescents. Our team includes board certified pediatricians that, together with you, will get your children on the path to leading happy and healthy lives.

 

Elissa Rubin
MD, FAAP, IBCLC, RLC

I took part in the B.A./M.D. honors program at Brooklyn College. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology/Pre-Med. I subsequently trained at SUNY Brooklyn Downstate Medical School. I completed my Pediatric residency at Winthrop University Hospital, where I was honored with The Award for Excellence in General Pediatrics. I am a Board Certified Pediatrician.

I opened Happy and Healthy Pediatrics in 2008.  I am currently a full time physician at the practice and act as Medical Director.

My "greatest accomplishments" are my daughters Ava (born June 10, 2008), Sarah (born November 1, 2010) and Abigail (October 25th 2017 – when I was 42!). My husband, Andrew, and I are enjoying being on our own path as parents.

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a NYS Registered Lactation Consultant, I offer Lactation Consultations for families who have already chosen me as their child's Pediatrician. These services are included within my regular newborn care. In most cases, we are able to bill the insurance company for these services. At this time, we do not do Lactation Consultations for families who are not part of the practice.

Sheeba Johnson

MD, FAAP, IBCLC, RLC

I obtained my BS in Biology from St. Johns’s University where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a minor in Chemistry. I went on to obtain my medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. My residency was completed at the The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and I am board certified in Pediatrics.

I bring with me close to a decade of experience as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics; training both medical students and pediatric residents, as well as practicing general pediatrics. I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a NYS Registered Lactation Consultant.

By far, one of the greatest influences on my clinical practice has been my own experience as a mother, raising my 4 young sons.. My rambunctious brood of boys keeps life entertaining, and me on my toes!

My passion is to improve the health and lives of children and their families. For me, the most rewarding part of being a Pediatrician is having the opportunity to partner with families in helping their children grow and thrive. I aim to provide the highest quality medical care, making young lives safe, healthy and bright.

Debbie Saunders
MD, FAAP, FSAHM, (Adolescent specialist)

Prior to receiving my MD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, I graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a bachelor of arts in biology. I served my pediatrics internship at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital (Cleveland, OH) and completed my pediatrics residency at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center (Bronx, NY). I then pursued a post-graduate fellowship in adolescent medicine at Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY).

I am board certified in both pediatrics and adolescent medicine. I have taught and practiced adolescent medicine for the past 30 years; my particular area of interest is adolescent gynecology. I have received the Bronx County District Attorney's Award in recognition of services and concern for crime victims and am listed in the Consumer's Research Council of America's Top Pediatricians.

In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy playing the violin, attending the theater and concerts, and playing games. I won a fax machine on Jeopardy in 1996!


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Alyssa nastro

md, FAAP, IBCLC, RLC

My journey into medicine began at Quinnipiac University where I graduated Magna Cum Laude receiving a BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor. I then attended medical school at Stony Brook University School of Medicine where I received the Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine recognition. After this I moved to NYC where I completed my residency at Jacobi Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Training in the Bronx was a challenging, but incredibly rewarding experience. Following completion of my residency I had the privilege of being Chief resident. During my chief residency year I spent time working as a general pediatrician in the clinic as well as a hospitalist on the pediatric ward. I also spent time mentoring and teaching both medical students and residents. I have received letters of commendation for excellence in teaching throughout my training. I am currently a board certified pediatrician and I am looking forward to becoming a board certified lactation consultant.

I recently became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a NYS Registered Lactation Consultant. It has helped me broaden my perspective and care for nursing moms.

I was born and raised on Long Island and I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures and foods.

Caring for children is truly my passion. I deeply value the relationships I have with my patients and their families. I am thrilled to be a part of the Happy & Healthy Pediatrics team and will strive to provide excellent care for every child and support and peace of mind for every family.

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Rachael Bilello

do, FAAP, IBCLC, RLC

I became a pediatrician to pursue my passion for helping families raise healthy children. My secondary education began at Binghamton University where I earned a B.S. in Biology. I
attended medical school at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine at New York Institute of Technology and then completed my pediatrics residency at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of Northwell Health. I am board certified in pediatrics and have special interests in breastfeeding medicine and nutrition. I am a board certified lactation consultant.

In addition to practicing medicine for over 10 years, I teach parenting classes and author a medical blog for parents: DoctorMom.blog. My blog is a great way for me to answer commonly asked questions by my patients, friends, and families. I try to transform complicated medical subjects into easily readable posts for busy parents.

Outside of work, I am a mom of three active children (and a puppy) that keep me very busy! As a family we love outdoor activities including hiking, skiing and going to the beach. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and playing tennis. My journey as a parent has had a huge influence on how I practice medicine.

I am so excited to be a part of the Happy and Healthy team. We have a shared vision of providing both the highest quality medical care and guidance towards wellness to our patients and their families.

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denise tavana

md, FAAP

Originally from Queens, NY, I spent 10 years living in Texas getting my education.  I graduated Southern Methodist University magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Art in Chemistry.  After two years of performing cancer research, I went to the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio.  I graduated a member of Alpha Omega Medical Honor Society.  I completed my pediatric residency at NY Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.  For the last ten years, I have served as a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at a local community health center in the Bronx, NY. I am a board certified pediatrician.

My love for children and my aspiration to become a pediatrician started in my own childhood.  I enjoy forming bonds with my patients and families, watching them grow and thrive. I am passionate about teaching families healthy lifestyles, arming them with knowledge to help prevent chronic diseases of adulthood.  

My hobbies include travel, cooking and watching my infant daughter discover her world.  She is active and a bright spot in my day.

I am excited to join the Happy and Healthy Pediatrics family.   


 

Claudine Mathieu

MD  FAAP

I received a bachelors in arts from New York University, majoring in biology.  I obtained my medical school training at Mount Sinai Medical School in Manhattan NY and completed my pediatric residency at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY.

I have worked as a general pediatrician for the past 23 years. The majority of that time was spent in community health   I worked first for 13 years at Neighborhood and Family Health Center in Bronx New York and then at Ryan Health Women and Children Center as the Assistant medical director and pediatrician.  I trained medical students from the Sophie Davis Biomedical program, an accelerated BS/MD program and nurse practitioner students from Columbia and Pace Universities at both sites. I also provided clinical oversight for the School Based Health centers.

Being a pediatrician has allowed me to follow my passion in helping children. As a pediatrician you have a big impact on the lives of children and their families by growing with them and helping them improve their physical, mental and emotional health by making healthy lifestyle decisions. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  My hobbies include playing music, violin and piano, learning new languages and volunteering. 

Sherilyne Co

MD FAAP

I started my journey to become a pediatrician at CUNY Brooklyn College as part of the B.A/M.D. program, and the Macaulay Honors College. I graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with honors and a minor in chemistry. I continued to medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY. I completed my
residency at Northwell Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park.

For as long as I can remember, the type of doctor I wanted to be was a pediatrician. I enjoy helping children grow and develop, in
partnership with parents, to make healthy choices, and to build a bright future. I want to arm kids and families with knowledge, and
empower children to take charge of their health.

In my free time, I like to have fun and spend time with family and friends. I also like to watch movies, sing and dance, solve puzzles,
do arts and crafts, and bake.

I am very happy to be part of the Happy and Healthy family.