Family Wellness Center Clinician Bios
The Family Wellness Center has a team of highly skilled and qualified healthcare practitioners ready to serve all individuals who receive services from our center. Our healthcare practitioners have attended some of the most prestigious universities and have a wide range of experience in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing home, and rehabilitative settings. Below is just a sample of the educational and professional experience of some of our healthcare practitioners.
Arthur S. Kurtz, M.D., Article 28 Medical Director
A graduate of the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Dr. Kurtz completed his residency in Internal Medicine at University Hospital at Stony Brook, as well as a fellowship in Allergy, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology. Dr. Kurtz has been in practice since 1987, and has served as Medical Coordinator to the Maryhaven Center of Hope since 1990. Dr. Kurtz has extensive experience providing quality health care to individuals with developmental disabilities. He has been with Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. since 1988, and the Family Wellness Center since its inception.
Janet Pomerantz, M.D., Article 16 Medical Director, Physiatrist
Dr. Pomerantz is a graduate of Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel. She completed her residency of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the New York University Medical Center. Dr. Pomerantz served as the Medical Director at United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County and Lifespire. She has been with the Family Wellness Center since 2003.
Ajay Berdia, M.D., Neurologist
Dr. Berdia graduated from UTESA, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He completed his residency in Neurology and Psychiatry at Upstate Medical Center, SUNY at Syracuse as well as a fellowship in Neurophysiology at SUNY at Stony Brook. Dr. Berdia has been in private practice since 1996. He is a staff Neurologist at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, St. Charles Hospital and Port Jefferson Health Care Facility. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY at Stony Brook. Dr. Berdia joined the Family Wellness Center in 2004.
Joseph Cavallo, M.D., Dermatologist
Dr. Cavallo graduated from New York University School of Medicine. He did his residency in Dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where he was Chief Resident. He is Board Certified in Dermatology and is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners. His research has been published in medical journals. Dr. Cavallo has been in private practice since 1987 and a Dermatologist for the Family Wellness Center since 2004.
Su Jin, DDS, Dentist
Dr. Jin graduated from SUNY at Stony Brook in 1999. She interned at Long Island Jewish Hospital’s Oral Pathology Department in New Hyde Park and Mount Sinai Hospital’s General Dentistry Department in New York City. She has gained experience working in various dental offices and has operated her own dental office in Queens since 2004. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Jin joined the Family Wellness Center in 2007.
Jay Abeles, D.P.M, Podiatrist
Dr. Abeles is a graduate of the college of Podiactric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. He did his residency at Governor Hospital in Coney Island and Massapequa General Hospital in Massapequa. He has been a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association since 1992 and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine since 1995. Dr. Abeles has been with the Family Wellness Center since 2005.
Jacqueline Quiros, O.D., Optometrist
Dr. Quiros is a graduate of New York State College of Optometry. She also has a Masters Degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Akron. Dr. Quiros practices Optometry and is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Ophthalmolic Dispensing at Suffolk County Community College. She joined the Family Wellness Center in May, 2006.
David Kugler, M.D., Endocrinologist
A graduate of the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kugler completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Baptist Medical Center in Brooklyn, and his fellowship at University Hospital of Stony Brook. Dr. Kugler has managed his private practice since 1989 and joined the Family Wellness Center team in 2008.
Nancy Shapiro, MA, OTR/L, Sr. Occupational Therapist
Ms. Shapiro graduated from New York University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has worked at various agencies including the Epilepsy Foundation, the Association for Learning Disabled Adults and Children, and Park View Nursing Home. She has been with Family Residences and Essential Enterprises since 1991 and the Family Wellness Center since 2004.
Spiro Theoharakis, M.D., Psychiatrist
Dr. Theoharakis graduated from Albany Medical School. He completed his residency at North Shore University Hospital. Dr. Theoharakis is a member of several psychiatric associations including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Association for the Developmentally Disabled, and the Long Island Psychiatric Society. He has been with Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. for over ten years and joined the Family Wellness Center team in 2004.