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.”
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. 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.
Dr. Jessica Lee
Union City Office
Board Certified: American Board of Pediatrics
Residency: Social Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
MD: University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
“I chose pediatrics because I am passionate about both clinical medicine and public health, and I believe pediatrics is the field that most comprehensively addresses the whole patient during the most formative period of their life. I love that as kids change their favorite foods and colors, go through the ups and downs of puberty, and grow and discover their own sense of self, pediatricians get to be their steadfast advocate and be a part of their journey, alongside their families. I feel so fortunate to be a part of their lives in this special way.
My goal is to address my patients’ physical, mental, and social needs to help them have the healthy start in life they deserve. I strive to always offer a listening ear and collaborate with my patients and their families to create a tailored plan for their care, balancing all the various factors that interplay with their health.
In my free time, I love to cook family recipes, play board games, go hiking, find new delicious restaurants, and watch comedies on TV.”
Dr. Alba Mendez
Union City Office
Board Certified: American Board of Pediatrics
Residency: Pediatrics, University Hospital/Hackensack Hospital, Program of University of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark, NJ
MD: Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“I always knew I wanted to be a Pediatrician because, besides enjoying being around children and adolescents, it gives me an opportunity to try directly impacting their lives in a positive way and attend to them when sick.
After finishing residency, I worked at a special hospital for children with complex medical conditions, developmental disabilities and rare genetic disorders while also working part time in outpatient practice; those 8 years at the special hospital were very rewarding and humbling.
Afterwards, I worked for 6 years at an outpatient clinic with families from diverse backgrounds, with distinct needs and during many different circumstances and situations, sometimes very difficult ones.
I love being a Pediatrician and hope to continue providing dedicated and quality care to my patients and their families.”
Dr. Mendez enjoys baking, dancing, and regularly visiting her native Puerto Rico to spend time with her family. She also likes learning different languages; fluent in English and Spanish and proficient in French, currently working on becoming fluent again.
Dr. Hathija Noor
Union City & Bayonne Office
Board-Certified: American Board of Pediatrics
Residency: Pediatrics, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ
MD: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
“Becoming a pediatrician has always been a childhood dream for me! I enjoy every aspect of pediatrics and particularly love the long term relationship it affords with not only the child but the entire family. Every family and every child is unique. I embrace the uniqueness in every visit and strive to work with children and their families to provide evidence based and optimal care in an understanding and caring environment.”
Dr. Noor lives in Northern New Jersey with her family. In her free time, Dr. Noor enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and cooking different cuisines.
Whitney Wicklund MSN, FNP-C
Bayonne Office
BSN: University of North Dakota
MSN: Regis College Master of Science in Nursing
Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board
“Caring for children is something I truly enjoy, and I feel lucky to be part of their journey as they grow and develop. I value getting to know each child and family and building relationships based on trust and open communication. My goal is to provide thoughtful, compassionate care while helping families feel supported and confident in their child’s health.”
Whitney lives in Staten Island with her two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, tackling projects around the house, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings.