About Us

Alwyn T. Cohall, M.D. (Director Project STAY)

I received my undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University, and my MD degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. I completed my residency in pediatrics at Montefiore Hospital, and a fellowship in adolescent medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital. I enjoy supporting the resiliency of youth, and helping them face and overcome difficult life challenges.

Natalie Neu, M.D. (Medical Director)

Dr. Natalie Neu went to Medical School at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons but left to do her Pediatric residency in the mid-west, at the University of Michigan Children's Hospital. She returned to NY and Columbia University to receive her Pediatric Infectious Disease training. She is board certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases. During her fellowship Dr. Neu's research focused on the study of sexually transmitted diseases in adolescent men and women. She has worked clinically with young adults both in the STD clinic and Project STAY for the last 7 years.

"I love working with young adults. The challenges that young folks face these days both with school choices, sexual health, family planning and more make working with age group especially difficult but also rewarding. I love laughing with my patients when things are going well and crying when times are bad. With this age group, you can really see it when you make a difference. This is what keeps me going!"

Eric C. Alcera, M.D.

Clinical Instructor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University Attending, Child Psychiatry, New York Presbyterian Hospital

Dr. Eric Alcera is an Instructor in Psychiatry at Columbia University and an Attending Psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division. He earned his medical degree from St. Louis University, College of Medicine in the Philippines, and completed his residencies in Psychiatry at UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Cooper University Hospital. Subsequently, he completed his Clinical Fellowship in Child Psychiatry at Columbia University at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Upon graduating from fellowship, Dr. Alcera worked as a Pediatric Psychiatrist at the Children's Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CCPEP) at The Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian (MSCH-NYPH). He now divides his time working as an inpatient consultant to the Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Liaison Service providing service to medical patient with psychiatric needs and as an outpatient consultant in the Children's Anxiety and Depression Clinic (CADC) at MSCH-NYPH. Dr. Alcera also serves as active board member of CARING at Columbia, which is a program designed to help children exposed to severe social stress develop and strengthen their coping skills through art, poetry, drama, music, and dance.

Dr. Alcera is board certified in General Psychiatry and is a member of the APA (American Psychiatric Association) and AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). Dr Alcera is also the recipient of many awards and honors including serving as Chief Resident of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division at Columbia University and being given the Edward J. Sacher Award of Clinical Excellence.

John A. Nelson, CPNP, PhD

John A. Nelson, CPNP, PhD is the Project S.T.A.Y. nurse practitioner. John began providing care to HIV+ adolescents in 1989 after completing his MSN at Yale University. John has since provided care to HIV+ and HIV at-risk adolescents and young adults in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and in rural Sullivan County, NY. John completed his Ph.D. in Nursing at NYU in May 2006, and joined the team at Project S.T.A.Y. in September 2006. John has published journal articles on issues including LGBT adolescents, HIV and adolescents, and cervical dysplasia in adolescent women. John¡¯s role with Project S.T.A.Y. includes clinical care to HIV+ and HIV at-risk adolescents and young adults, community-based outreach, research, and program growth and development.

"I have always loved the energy, resilience and creativity of adolescents. Despite a multitude of daily stressors, adolescents strive to be individuals. I love interacting and learning from each and every one of them."

Tiffany Garcia, Project Coordinator

serves as Project Coordinator for Project STAY's Mobile Health Team at the Harlem Health Promotion Center. Her responsibilities include coordinating Project STAY's off-site visits, testing and counseling, and sexuality education. Ms. Garcia received a BS from the University of Florida in Health Education and Behavior in 2005 and is currently completing an MPH at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health with a specialization in Sexuality and Health.

Montsine Nshom, MPH, Mobile Health Team Coordinator

I received my BS in Chemistry and my MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education with emphasis on reproductive and women's health from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Go Blue!). I was a resident advisor as an undergraduate and a peer health educator/health promotion program assistant as a graduate student, so I've always been interested in the health and wellness of adolescents and emerging adults. I like working with youth because they are starting to make their own decisions about all aspects of their lives; it's a great opportunity to encourage them to make good choices that improve their health and quality of life.

Joanna Pudil, MA, LMSW (individual, family, couples and group therapy), Social Worker

I graduated from City College, CUNY in 1997 with a master in clinical psychology and in 2001 from Hunter College School of Social Work with a master in social work. I have a history of working in substance abuse, mental health, employee assistance programs and in research. In 2002 I came to Project STAY from working in HIV/AIDS research. My role at Project STAY is to provide individual, family, couples and group therapy. I lead the weekly Friday support group at the program. It has been amazing to watch the program grow and flourish into a community where we all work together. I especially enjoy working with the Project STAY youth, who teach me new ideas daily.

Cynthia Jorge (Administrative Assistant)

I recently entered Mercy College majoring in Behavioral Science. I enjoy working with youth and contributing to their health and well being. I perform intake duties for Project STAY and I am also an HIV counselor for the Mobile Health Team education team. I hope to pursue a career in social work focusing on adolescents.