Meet Our Staff
Jay Alvidrez-Torres, Clinical Assistant
Jay joined HHP as a Clinical Assistant in June 2024.
He is originally from Arkansas. He graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior and is currently on the Pre-Physician Associate track.
During his time at Columbia, Jay was on the executive board for the pan-latine organization, Alianza. As social chair, he started the big-little program to foster a stronger sense of community between latine students.
Jay enjoys spending his free time with Friends, watching TV and trying new restaurants.
Melanie Tejeda Romero, Clinical Assistant
Melanie is originally from the Bronx and joined HHP in June 2024 as a Clinical Assistant. She graduated from Barnard College with a B.A. in Sociology on a pre-health track. During her undergraduate years she assisted in pediatric research studies at Columbia and at Mount Sinai, and was a part-time babysitter. She plans to apply to Physician Assistant programs and become a PA-C.
In her free time she likes to crochet, take long walk, and spend time with loved ones.
Daisy Laserna, Clinical Assistant
Daisy is originally from Miami, Florida. She graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Biology on the pre-med track. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Daisy spent time volunteering in the ER at Mount Sinai Morningside. Prior to joining HHP, she worked as an inventory specialist at CVS Pharmacy.
Daisy plans to apply to medical school to become a family practice physician. In her free time, she loves to read, bake and spend time with friends and family.
Maressa Tang, Clinical Assistant
Maressa joined HHP in May 2024 as a Clinical Assistant. She is originally from Massachusetts and graduated from NYU with a B.A. in Psychology and double minored in Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry.
Maressa enjoys working with children and has worked as a camp counselor and swim instructor. She also previously worked as a pharmacy technician.
Maressa is working toward applying to Physician Assistant programs to become a PA-C. In her free time she enjoys running, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.
Magdalene Pernambuco, Clinical Assistant
Magdalene joined HHP in May 2022 as a Clinical Assistant. They are originally from lower Manhattan and they graduated from Barnard College with a B.A. in Biology, They are currently applying to medical school and hope to become a pediatrician. While at Barnard, Magdalene was a peer educator at the Wellness Spot, Barnard's student-run health service.
In their spare time, Magdalene loves to read, cook, practice judo, and swim.
Britney Cerina McClane, RN
Britney is a Registered Nurse at Hudson Heights Pediatrics. Originally from Central Florida, Britney earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2015. She graduated from Columbia University School of Nursing in 2022 and is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary Care. Her passion for working with children led her to roles in maternal and child health around the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as a Milieu Counselor at Boston Children's Hospital, providing psychiatric care to children and adolescents. She later transitioned into nursing, becoming an active member of the Columbia nursing community and engaging in community service projects throughout New York City.
In her free time, Britney spends time outdoors either enjoying a nice meal with friends or watching live performances in the park.
Noelle Aguinaldo, RN
Noelle is a Registered Nurse at Hudson Heights Pediatrics. She grew up in San Diego, CA and graduated from UC San Diego with a double major in Human Biology and Global Health. In 2023, she obtained a Master's of Science in Nursing from Columbia University and is currently in the Family Nurse Practitioner program. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, a nursing honor society, and is a founding board member of Asian Nursing Students at Columbia. Noelle completed her nursing capstone abroad in the The Gambia working alongside local nurses in the PICU, Pediatric ED and Labor & Delivery Ward. After completing her program, she hopes to work as a primary care provider at a Federally Qualified Health Center.
In her free time, Noelle loves to rock climb, run, read, eat yummy food, snuggle her cat, and explore the city with her partner.