Welcome to Happy & Healthy Pediatrics. Our goal is to provide exceptional pediatric care in a warm, nurturing environment. Becoming a parent is an exciting, sometimes overwhelming endeavor. We will act as your guide on this emotional path.
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 have an interest in international medicine and I have traveled numerous times to El Salvador on medical missions.
My "greatest accomplishments" are my daughters Ava (born June 10, 2008) and Sarah (born November 1, 2010). 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, I am able to bill the insurance company for these services. At this time, I do not do Lactation Consultations for families who are not part of my practice.
Debbie Saunders, MD
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!
Sharon Somekh, MD
After studying at SUNY Binghamton and graduating Summa Cum Laude with a bachelors of science in Psychobiology, I attended SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. I stayed in Syracuse for my Pediatric Residency training, and I have had the privilege of working in 2 private pediatric offices in both Syracuse and Philadelphia. I am a Board Certified Pediatrician.
My husband and I have four precious girls, Lital, Gefen, Romie and Idan. I believe that being a mother has been the most pivotal component of my development as a pediatrician.
My own experiences and challenges with breastfeeding have also prompted me to increase my knowledge about lactation. Guiding mothers through the breastfeeding process and sharing in their success brings me great joy and satisfaction.
Sheeba Johnson, MD
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.
By far, one of the greatest influences on my clinical practice has been my own experience as a mother, raising my 3 young sons, Luke, Jacob and Thomas. 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.
Beena Mathai-Jose, MD
I attended a combined BS/MD program at The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education in New York, NY. I subsequently obtained my MD, as well as my MPH, from New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. I trained in pediatrics at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX. I most recently had the privilege of being an attending physician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. There I have had the opportunity to care for many wonderful families, as well as supervise residents and medical students. I am currently a board certified pediatrician.
I bring with me over a decade of knowledge and experience as a general pediatrician. Being a mother of two beloved girls, has played a significant role in my development as a compassionate and dedicated pediatrician. I hope to continue to provide the best quality of care to families in the Happy and Healthy Pediatrics community
Wellness Center
In our Wellness Center we offer many classes, ranging from Sleep Training, Becoming a Better Parent, Pilates, Baby Massage, Nutrition and so much more. Click here to see all that we offer...http://happyandhealthypediatrics.com/wellness-center/
