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Progressive Pediatrics Doctors and Staff
Meet the Dedicated Team at Progressive Pediatrics...
Dr. Noha Polack
Union City & Bayonne Office
Board-Certified: American Board of Pediatrics
Fellow: American Academy of Pediatrics
Residency: Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
MD: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
“Pediatrics fulfills me in ways that no other specialty could. I enjoy being with young people, parents, children and adolescents. Young children bring bright-eyed enthusiasm into any situation, and adolescents are wonderful in their own ways. It’s an opportunity for me to connect and make a difference in their lives. In pediatrics, one needs to be part investigator, part parent, part buddy and always an advocate.
I enjoy watching the progression from infancy to toddlerhood, childhood and adolescence. I most enjoy the hugs that are spontaneously thrown at me when I least expect them. My style of patient care is respectful and inclusive. We often make decisions as a team. I hope to give my patients a sense of trust and security where they are comfortable coming to me with any issue, no matter how private. I hope to give them a sense of confidence in our ability as a team to solve any problem that may arise. I care very much about each child’s health as well as their experience with us.”
Dr. Kari Teraguchi
Union City & Bayonne Office
Board-Certified: American Board of Pediatrics
Fellow: American Academy of Pediatrics
Residency: Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
MD: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
“I chose this specialty for a very simple reason – I like kids and I enjoy being around them, caring for them and watching them grow up. I believe it is very important for children to have the healthiest and happiest possible start in life.
Good care is a balance between applying my knowledge and experience and good listening. By treating my patients with courtesy, respect and listening to them, I can be a better doctor. My philosophy of care is deeply rooted in science, common sense and prevention, but I also like to bring optimism and a good sense of humor into my patient interaction. I hope to give my patients health and happiness in their lives.”
In her free time, Dr. Teraguchi is dedicated to saving the environment and enjoys playing the piano.
Dr. Jovanna Cohen
Bayonne Office
Residency: Rutgers RWJMS – New Brunswick, NJ
MD: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York, NY
“Being a pediatrician is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Every visit with my patients is a gift and I am lucky to have the opportunity to share in their mental, physical and emotional growth from the day they are born. I believe the most successful healing resides in a combination of great medical knowledge and exceptional patient care. Using evidence-based medicine, keeping up to date on new treatments/techniques and providing a compassionate and respectful environment; I strive to work with each individual patient and family to create the most optimal care plan as a team. I think of my patients as my extended family and love learning about different cultures and values from all families – variety is the spice of life!”
Dr. Cohen is an avid Peloton rider. When not on the Peloton, she spends her spare time baking and decorating cakes using fondant, gum paste and various other techniques.
Claire Smith, PA-C
Bayonne & Union City Office
PA-C: UMDNJ
Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Claire has been a certified physician assistant since 2011. She began her career working in the emergency department and transitioned to pediatrics after 3 years.
Claire loves working with children and has been working in pediatric practices since 2014. She chose the field of pediatrics because she loves the joy that children bring to the practice of medicine. Claire can speak medical Spanish which aids in patient care and understanding in our Hispanic population. Claire has personal as well as professional expertise with well child care as well as sick child care for infants and children since she currently has a toddler and an infant at home.
Claire lives in Central Jersey with her husband, two children and golden doodle. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, playing the flute, and painting.
Dr. Sonia Pothraj
Union City Office
Residency: Rutgers RWJMS – New Brunswick, NJ
MD: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
“I love being a pediatrician because watching children grow and thrive is a gift. I strive to provide compassionate, thorough, evidence based care as part of a care team. It is incredibly gratifying and rewarding to be able to participate in the care of children utilizing the latest medical knowledge coupled with careful listening. Each day in the office, the joy and laughter of children is delightful and energizing. I love to help families navigate their children’s growth and to work towards children having the healthiest, happiest childhood possible.”
In her free time, Dr. Pothraj enjoys meditation, long walks, and reading.
Dr. Gabrielle Capozzoli
Bayonne Office
Residency: Rutgers RWJMS – New Brunswick, NJ
MD: Drexel University College of Medicine – Philadelphia, PA
“Being a pediatrician is incredibly rewarding. Having the opportunity to watch a child grow and develop is an extraordinary gift. I love developing meaningful relationships with my patients and families. My goal is to offer a warm, nurturing environment where families and I can work together to help their child thrive. By using evidence-based medicine, collaboration and support, I strive to provide compassionate, personalized care.”
Dr. Capozzoli can often be found chasing after her toddler. In her free time, she loves riding her Peloton, baking and hiking with her husband.