Our Doctors and Staff
Dr. Minoo Shapiro-Pedoem, MD
Pediatrician
Dr. Minoo Pedoem-Shapiro is the founder, Medical Director and Senior Head Physician of New Windsor Pediatrics. Currently a member of American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Shapiro is a Board Certified Pediatrician and a Fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics with over 30 years of experience in pediatrics and is affiliated with Columbia University Medical Center. She Received full Medical School Scholarship and graduated from the National University of Iran, Tehran with her medical degree and continued her residency in Radiology. She was awarde d Special Commendation for Excellence by the Prime Minister of Iran in 1974.
She immigrated to the United States in 1982 and began her pediatric residency at Mt. Sinai Medical Center/Rainbow Children’s Hospital (part of Case Western University ) in Cleveland, Ohio, where she was chief resident and completed her residency in 1987. She worked for Healthshield/CHP and then for Kaiser Permanente for over 14 years. She then founded New Windsor Pediatrics in 1999.
Dr. Minoo Pedoem-Shapiro has a great love for body & mind medicine. She loves swimming, yoga, meditation, needlepoint and spending time with her son and family.
Some of her career achievements are:
– Prep Education Awards (American Academy of Pediatrics, from 1990 – present)
– Physician’s Recognition Awards – 1991-1994
– Leading Physicians of the World
– Member of Doctors of the World
– CHP/Kaiser Honors Award – 1993
– CHP/Kaiser Awards for Best Patient Inter-Relationship
– Volunteer Physician of Cornwall High School and Cornwall Middle School since 2014 to the present.
– Volunteer for Hadassah (Women and children’s health organization)
– Hudson Valley Parent Favorite Docs & Healthcare Professionals – 2015, 2016, 2017
Dr. Ariel Pedoeem, DO
Family Medicine
Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Ariel Pedoeem believes that exceptional healthcare starts with genuine connection. Taking a modern, non-judgmental approach to family medicine, Dr. Pedoeem integrates holistic, compassionate care with rigorous, evidence-based medicine. He recognizes that true health extends beyond lab results and diagnoses—it encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
No two patients are alike, which is why Dr. Ariel Pedoeem rejects a “one-size-fits-all” model. Instead, he designs tailored care plans uniquely built around each individual’s lifestyle, values, and health goals. Grounded in motivational interviewing, Dr. Pedoeem prioritizes active listening—taking the time to understand where you are on your wellness journey.
Rather than pushing rigid directives, Dr. Pedoeem acts as an expert partner and guide. He supports your autonomy in health decisions, empowering you with clear, science-backed guidance so you can make informed choices with confidence. Whether managing chronic conditions, working through lifestyle goals, or addressing day-to-day healthcare needs, Dr. Pedoeem is dedicated to walking alongside you every step of the way.
Education & Background:
• Undergraduate: Rutgers University
• Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, NYC
• Residency: Family Medicine, Binghamton, NY
Dr. Prabhjot Singh Thind, MD
Pediatrician
My name is Prabhjot Singh Thind MD Pediatrics.
I have obtained my medicine degree from Aureus University School of Medicine, and completed my residency training from St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. I have extensive experience in assessing, diagnosing, treating Children from birth to 21 year old and maintaining great relationship with family and my patients. Did research in promoting growth and development of premature babies admitted in NICU. Worked as Medical Director of Carthage District School Board and CMO at Carthage Area Hospital. I love to do go karting, swimming, reading and watching soccer.
I am married and have 2 kids. Love to spend my spare time with my family and doing community work.
Dr. Howard Hinestroza, MD
Pediatrician
Dr. Howard Hinestroza was raised in New York City and did not leave the wonderful Empire State until his twenties for his medical specialty training. He is a board certified pediatrician with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents, ranging from athletes to young adults. His interests include Adolescent health, sports medicine, obesity, and child development. He completed the Sophie Davis Biomedical program in 1998 and went on to graduate from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 2001 and then completed his pediatric residency at Miami Children’s Hospital. Dr. Hinestroza then received a 2 year Adolescent Medicine subspecialty training at the nation’s largest pediatric hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital of the Baylor School of Medicine where he also completed a two year Leadership and Education of Adolescent Health fellowship sponsored by the Department of Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Dr. Hinestroza is a general pediatrician who has worked in hospitals and ethnically diverse community health clinics as well as in private practice. He served as one of the pediatricians at the Lutheran outpatient community clinic, where he taught and provided clinical supervision to medical students, who awarded him with a Teaching Award. He assisted in the development of the Lutheran Medical Center Adolescent clinic which provides primary and specialized care, including reproductive and mental health, delivered by a multidisciplinary team targeting the adolescents of the community.
His education and professional background has provided him with extensive clinical and leadership experience. Dr. Hinestroza also obtained his Master’s in Clinical Science Research for health disparities at Weill Cornell School of Graduate Medical Sciences which provided him with research experience in working in community based participatory research and public health issues such as obesity affecting vulnerable populations.
In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time and traveling with his lovely wife and their two sons. Dr. Hinestroza is an animal lover and has several dogs, chickens, and a guinea pig! With his diverse education and professional background, Dr. Hinestroza is excited to join the New Windsor/Newburgh Medical family to share and learn from his colleagues and his patients.
Dr. Jose Jule, MD
Pediatrician
Dr. Jose Jule is a Salvadoran pediatrician and certified lactation consultant who finished pediatrics from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in NYC. He finished a healthcare administration scholarship and worked in multiple quality improvement projects. He has a deep commitment to supporting families and promoting healthy growth in children. Spanish speaker and advocate for equitable care, Dr. Jule connects with families on a personal level, creating a space where every parent feels heard, respected, and empowered.
He developed a strong foundation in both acute care and long-term child development. With previous experience caring for children in a variety of settings, Dr. Jule brings a preventive, whole-child approach to medicine—focusing not just on treating illness, but on guiding families through each stage of their child’s development.
From early exclusive breast feeding and infant care to school-age wellness and beyond, Dr. Jule’s passion lies in helping children thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. His warm, approachable style makes him a trusted partner to parents and a true advocate for the health and happiness of every child.
When he is not working he enjoys the outdoors and cooking. One of his favorite things to do is try new places every time he can in Manhattan.
Dr. Charissa Lewis,
Family Medicine and Sports Medicine
Dr. Lewis is an Afro-Caribbean woman born and raised in the beautiful twin state of Antigua and Barbuda. Her journey in medicine began at Antigua State College, where she earned her nursing degree and license, and worked as a registered nurse in the NICU at Holberton Hospital for a year. Motivated by a passion for medicine and lifelong learning, she furthered her education at the Polytechnic Institute of NYU in biomolecular science, but later transferred to the American University of Antigua, where she completed her medical degree. Dr. Lewis completed an additional training program as a graduate fellow in Medical Education at the American University of Antigua before migrating to Brooklyn, New York. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the Mid-Hudson Family Medicine Residency Program in Kingston, NY, where she honed her skills in family medicine and developed a special interest in sports medicine.
To further her expertise in promoting active lifestyles and treating musculoskeletal conditions, Dr. Lewis completed a Sports Medicine fellowship at the Resurrection Sports Medicine Program in Chicago, Illinois. During her training, she gained extensive experience providing medical coverage for a diverse range of athletic events, teams, and athletes. She served as a team physician for Leyden High School, NCAA Division III North Park University, and the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves. Dr. Lewis has also volunteered at large-scale events, such as marathons, half-marathons, and open-water swims, taking on leadership roles to coordinate the efforts of the medical team. Her dedication to athlete health is further demonstrated through her volunteer work with the Special Olympics and by providing mass physicals for high school students.
She is deeply committed to patient education and believes that empowering individuals with knowledge and resources is key to long-term wellness. She considers it a privilege to care for individuals of all ages, treating everything from everyday injuries to sports-related conditions—with the goal of keeping her patients active, healthy, and engaged in the lives they love.
Outside of medicine, she is passionate about fantasy and sci-fi, an anime enthusiast, and an admirer of tiny homes and sustainable living. Whether she is cheering from the sidelines, teaching patients, or exploring new ideas in wellness and sustainability, she brings a spirit of curiosity, care, and community to everything she does.
Dr. Sarah Helgeson,
OD - Optometrist
Dr. Sarah Helgeson, OD, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College and her Doctor of Optometry degree from SUNY State College of Optometry. She completed her externships at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn and the St. Albans Veterans Hospital in Queens, and her residency in Pediatric Optometry at the SUNY State College of Optometry. Dr. Helgeson’s areas of expertise include vision therapy, binocular vision, strabismus/amblyopia management and visual perceptual developmental evaluations. She is very experienced helping the special needs populations as well. Dr. Helgeson has worked extensively in family practice Optometry for over 15 years offering eye care services and comprehensive eye examinations to adolescents and adults. She was the recipient of the Dr. Frederick W. Brock Memorial Award for Outstanding Clinical Performance in Vision Therapy. Additionally, she has co-authored posters at the American Academy of Optometry and has published in the Journal of Behavioral Optometry. She enjoys cooking and traveling and is a busy mother to three daughters.
Children and adolescents can be seen by Dr. Helgeson whether or not they are patients of New Windsor Pediatrics. Adults and family members of all ages are also welcome. Please contact our office with any questions. The phone number for our Eye Care Department is (845) 420-1726.
Mellisa Anderson,
Nurse Practitioner
Mellisa Anderson graduated with multiple honors from the University of West Georgia Honors College with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked in the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Brookdale Hospital for 4 years. During her time there, she was awarded Novice Nurse of the Year for Brookdale Hospital. Mellisa later earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Samford University. She graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Mellisa is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. For almost 4 years she worked as a nurse practitioner specializing in allergy, asthma, and immunology in New York City. Mellisa has a deep passion for helping underserved populations, which includes participating in multiple international medical mission trips. When not taking care of patients, Mellisa enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Jocelyn Cody,
FNP-C
Ms. Cody is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in direct patient care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish from Vanderbilt University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Belmont University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Cincinnati. At Vanderbilt, she was a member of the Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Teams. Prior to earning her masters, Ms. Cody worked as a Pediatric Cardiac ICU nurse at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Ms. Cody is originally from New Hampshire, but has lived in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Kansas and Germany. She is married with two children ages 6 and 2.They currently reside in West Point, NY where her husband is a Professor at the United States Military Academy. Her hobbies include running, painting and traveling.
Marykate Guccione,
DNP, APRN, CPNP
Dr. Marykate Guccione is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 5 years of direct pediatric nursing experience.
Dr. Guccione holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and Biology from Saint Michael’s College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Columbia University, where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.
Most recently, Dr. Guccione obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary Care at Columbia University. Her clinical interests include comprehensive newborn/infant care and promoting the healthy social-emotional development of children and adolescents.
When she is not at work, Dr. Guccione enjoys spending time with her family, her husband, Anthony, and their rescue dog Baily.
She likes skiing, listening to podcasts, going to the drive-in movie theatre, and trying new farm-to-table restaurants in the beautiful Hudson Valley Region.
Michael Sicat,
Physician Assistant
Michael Sicat graduated as a physician assistant in 2012 from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. He started his PA career in Emergency Medicine in the San Francisco Bay Area. He trained and worked at Santa Clara County Medical Center, one of the busiest hospitals in California, for 5 years. Michael transitioned to Urgent Care after having his first son. He enjoyed the more stable schedule at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Urgent Care in San Carlos, CA for 4 years. The pandemic and the birth of his second son brought him back to the East Coast where he continued working in the Urgent Care setting in Harlem, Westchester, and Bronx for the last 3 years before finding himself with the New Windsor Pediatrics family. Michael is married to his wonderful wife and has 3 children: 2 boys and 1 daughter. He enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family.
Michelle Scott,
Physician Assistant
Michelle Scott is a Physician Assistant with over 6 years of clinical experience in Family Medicine and Urology. She has previously worked in Hawaii and Michigan, and recently relocated to New York with her husband and two children. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Central Michigan University and graduate degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Duke University. She cares deeply about preventative medicine, women’s health, and patient education.
In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors gardening or hiking, baking sourdough, and reading for fun.
Alison Storer, FNP-BC
Alison Storer is a dedicated Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 5 years of experience in providing comprehensive adult and pediatric patient care. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University at Buffalo and a Masters of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Mount Saint Mary College, graduating summa cum laude from both institutions. Alison’s clinical background includes serving as a Registered Nurse in the Adult and Children’s Level 1 Trauma Center Emergency Department at Westchester Medical Center, where she gained hands-on experience caring for the most diverse patient population in our region. In addition to her clinical work, she has been teaching yoga since her undergraduate years. Her clinical interests include helping patients achieve their healthiest selves through both traditional and complementary therapies to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Alison is passionate about helping individuals find joy in caring for themselves and is committed to supporting them in the process. Outside of work, Alison loves exploring new and familiar places with her family, running, playing sports, cooking, reading, and getting outside everyday.
Jennifer Pinos, MS, RDN, CLC
Jennifer is a bilingual Spanish Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Syracuse University, her Master of Science in Nutrition from CUNY Lehman College and completed her Dietetic Internship with CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. Born and raised in New York, Jennifer worked in community nutrition and public health nutrition programs focusing on addressing access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and sustainability. Her work allowed her to connect with members of her community of all ages. During her time with WIC, she obtained her CLC to better provide individualized support to parents and families in their breast/chestfeeding journeys. She is passionate about preventative care, and providing compassionate, holistic, and individualized approaches to meet your health goals. Jennifer is a nature lover and has several dogs, cats, and over 60 indoor houseplants. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones, spending time outdoors and enjoying nature, trying a new recipe, playing video games, and working with polymer clay.
TroyLynn Carley,
ABOC, Optician
TroyLynn Carley has been in the optical field for almost 30 years, working throughout the United States and in Heidelberg, Germany. She completed Vision Assistant School at Eden Regional Occupational Program Center in Hayward, California and received her ABOC (American Board of Opticianry Certification) in 1993. TroyLynn is a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran who is very passionate about her job. She enjoys meeting new people and serving the community in this capacity.
Belisa Radoncic,
LMSW
Belisa Radoncic is a Licensed Master Social Worker who values creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients. She believes that feeling heard and understood is an important part of the therapeutic process and works to meet each individual where they are.
Belisa works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She takes a collaborative and compassionate approach, focusing on building trust and connection with the people she works with.
Belisa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Marist College and completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at Hunter College. She works primarily in English and has some ability to support Spanish-speaking clients.
Outside of her professional life, Belisa enjoys exploring creative and expressive outlets that allow her to appreciate art in many forms. She has a strong interest in movies and Broadway musicals, where storytelling, performance, and visual design come together to create memorable experiences. She is also drawn to the art of nails and ear piercings, which she sees as unique forms of self-expression and personal style. Whether through film, theater, or wearable art, she enjoys how creativity can reflect individuality and emotion.
Jamer Linares,
LCSW-Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jamer Linares is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker and brings in his expertise and experience in mental health to our practice. Jamer joins us with experience working as a therapist and clinical supervisor. Jamer has worked at an outpatient community mental health clinic and in private practice. Jamer works with young and older adults, children, teens, and families. His overarching goal has always been to empathically listen, connect with others, and empower people to become healthier versions of themselves.
Jamer connects with his patients working through various challenges in mental health such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief, self-esteem, trauma, relationships, and family conflicts. He also brings in his perspective on culture and life transitions that also impact a person’s development and emotional well-being.
Jamer brings in a warm, engaging, and personable therapeutic experience, to ensure you are comfortable and prioritized.
Jamer received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Thomas Aquinas College and attended graduate school at Fordham University, where he earned his Master’s degree in Social Work. During his undergraduate education, Jamer was a scholar athlete on the Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams, and competed as a long-distance runner. In addition to his studies at Fordham University, Jamer was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Alpha Honors societies for his academic achievements in the field and in the classroom.
Outside of Jamer’s therapeutic work with his patients, Jamer enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Brianna, his kitten, Winnie, and his hamster, Juniper. Jamer enjoys running, hiking in the national parks, spending time with his mom and niece, and likes spending time in NYC.
Tamika Mercer, MHC
I am deeply passionate about being a therapist because I find fulfillment in helping others navigate life’s challenges and connect with those in need of support. Life can be overwhelming at times,and having someone to talk to who is understanding, compassionate, empathetic and resourceful can be incredibly healing. As a therapist, I strive to offer a safe and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, gain insight, and feel empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. My ultimate goal is to inspire others to live a fulfilling life, guided by their values and inner strengths.
I specialize in working with both teenagers and adults, and I used evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to help individuals manage stress, build resilience and improve emotional regulation. These therapeutic modalities are particularly effective in addressing a wide range of challenges, from Anxiety and Depression to relationship difficulties and emotional distress. While I am still in training, I have been working in the mental health field for over three years, and I am continuously learning and growing through hands-on experience and invaluable guidance of my colleagues and mentors.
What I love most about my work is the opportunity to witness my clients personal growth. Whether it’s seeing a teenager overcome self doubt or an adult gain confidence in their ability to manage life’s ups and downs, the ability to help others unlock their potential is incredibly rewarding. Each person I work with is unique, and I truly believe that every individual has the capacity for change and healing when provided with the right tools and support.
Andy Mejia, MSW
Andy Mejia is a bilingual social worker and Hudson Valley native. He has had the opportunity to intern at a forensic psychiatric hospital and has previously worked for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. At both institutions Andy has had extensive experience with one-on-one as well as group sessions with children, adolescents, and adults. It is his goal to help empower every single patient from all walks of life.
Cultural awareness is essential in serving a diverse community such as ours. Andy strives to create a safe space centered around the understanding that each patient’s story is entirely unique. As each patient works through their own mental health journey they will be met with support and guidance.
Andy completed graduate and undergraduate programs specializing in Social Work. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Marist College. Afterwards, he attended Hunter College where he received his Masters Degree. In his free time, Andy enjoys spending time with his family and friends, listening to music, and going to baseball games.
Dr. Christine Shoop, PhD
Psychologist
Dr. Christine Shoop is a clinical and school psychologist, who is new to the practice. She was born in Newburgh and raised in New Windsor, NY, graduating from Newburgh Free Academy.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from SUNY New Paltz and then a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling from
SUNY New Paltz.
Dr. Shoop attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and earned an Advanced Certificate of Study in School Psychology.
She worked as a behavior specialist and school psychologist for children and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, for many years before earning a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Walden University.
Dr. Shoop was licensed to practice as a clinical psychologist in New York State since 2019. Her theoretical orientation is Humanistic and Psychodynamic psychology; however, she often uses elements of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness in her work. Dr. Shoop specializes in working with individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities, especially autism spectrum disorder, and conducting psychological assessments for preschoolers through adulthood, but also provides treatment for couples/families, women’s issues, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. She also has experience running group therapy for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Shoop is motivated by individuals who are motivated to move their lives forward. To quote one of her favorite movie franchises, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”—Harry Potter
Barbara A Cintron,
Office Manager
Barbara Cintron is a member of our Administrative staff. She joins the New Windsor Pediatrics and Family Care practice with 15 years of experience in Women’s Health as an office administrator serving the South Bronx communities. Shortly after the pandemic began she relocated to South Florida where she worked in Emergency Room Medicine for 4 years. Barbara is married and has 1 adult child. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in English. In her past time, she is a sports junky and enjoys quality time with her family and cooking. Barbara is here to make sure all of our patients are able to get the care that they deserve.
Rivka S. Pedoeem,
Health Coach and Office Administration
Rivka S. Pedoeem is a Health Coach who graduated with honors from SUNY Binghamton University with Bachelors in Psychology and Health Science. She continued her degree and got Certified by Institute for Integrative Nutrition In Health Coaching and specialized in Emotional Eating Disaorders.
Rivka partners with mental health professionals and primary care physicians to provide her clients with the best support team possible.
Rivka’s goal is to take your bio-individuality and all aspects of your life into consideration and to create a plan that will give you real and lasting results that you can help sustain on your own.
Rivka is also part of our Administrative staff that is working and trying to make sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so everything can be the best for our patients and their families.
While she is not working she enjoys spending her time with her husband, Ariel, being out in nature and training their dog a While Swiss Shepherd called Nala to become a service dog to work in the office with her.