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Aashna Patel, DO

Hometown: Marlboro, NJ

Undergraduate: Monmouth University

Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: HCA Florida/University of Central Florida Psychiatry Residency
Why Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: I’ve always loved working with kids and was drawn to the creativity, resilience, and honesty they bring to every interaction. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry gives me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and their families while helping young people navigate some of the most important stages of their lives. Plus, kids have a way of keeping you humble and occasionally making you laugh harder than anyone ever could.

Why º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate: I chose º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate for its incredible diversity, strong clinical training, and the chance to learn from a wide variety of patients, families, and mentors. I wanted a program that would challenge me, help me grow as both a psychiatrist and person, and make me excited to come to work every day (so far, so good!).

What I like to do for fun: When I’m not at the hospital, you’ll probably find me trying a new coffee shop or restaurant, going to a show, and wandering through a museum. I also love spending time with family and friends, trying new recipes that may or may not turn out well (they never turn out well), and fully embracing my role as the person who always has a million things on her to do list.

Yazan Nagi, MD

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Undergraduate: Columbia University

Medical school: New York Medical College

Residency: º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate/Kings County Hospital

Why Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: As sociopolitical crises continue to escalate, younger generations will inevitably bear the biggest burden. I seek to provide the tools to support coming generations, such that they are empowered to adapt to and continue to grow from the current and future struggles they face. I am interested in multiple intersections of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, including complex trauma, neuro-developmental disorders, psychotic and mood disorders, as well as multimodal therapy.

Why º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate: I am determined to continue serving the community I’ve worked and lived in for the last 3 years. The trust and support from staff was instrumental in pushing me towards fellowship, and the genuine impact I was able to make on patients’ lives in these encounters was even more confirmation.

What I like to do for fun: Make music, read, write, cook, play basketball and soccer

Ananya Thiriveedhi, DO

Sarah Hafuth, MD

Hometown: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Undergraduate: University of Guelph

Medical school: St. George’s University

Residency: Mount Sinai / Elmhurst Hospital, Queens, NYC

Why Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: I’m drawn to CAP because childhood and adolescence are windows where early intervention can change the entire trajectory of someone’s life. I’ve seen firsthand how underserved communities often lack access to this kind of care, and that’s the population I’m most committed to serving.

Why º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate: I chose Downstate/Kings County for the opportunity to work directly with underserved communities, along with the broad range of electives available. The program’s first-break psychosis unit is unique and something I couldn’t find elsewhere. I also wanted the opportunity to explore a different borough of NYC!

What I like to do for fun: I enjoy reading, chasing down good food, collecting random hobbies, crafting, or throwing themed parties. Travel whenever I can too!

Ryan Engert, MD

Hometown: Acton, Massachusetts

Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame

Medical school: Tufts University School of Medicine

Residency: º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate/Kings County Hospital

Why Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: I wanted to be able to learn more about the impacts of childhood development on mental health to best be able to treat patients of all age groups.

Why º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate: I enjoyed adult training, so I decided to stay!

What I like to do for fun: Concerts, working out, comedy clubs

Kamini Singh, MD

Hometown: Orlando, FL

Undergraduate: Florida Atlantic University

Medical school: St. George’s University

Residency: NYCHH/Lincoln

Why Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: I love working with kids and teens! They’re so creative and interesting. I believe early intervention shapes mental wellness and helps with assisting vital developmental milestones.

Why º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù Downstate: I wanted to stay in NYC. I love the curriculum, exposure and support provided for fellows to develop professional skills to be a child psychiatrist.

What I like to do for fun: traveling, reading and spending quality time with my family and cute doggo.