Current Fellows
CAP 1 Fellows
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 SUNY Downstate: I chose SUNY 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: SUNY 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 SUNY 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
Undergraduate: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Medical school: University of New England COM
Residency: HCA JFK North
Why Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: I love working with children. They can be funny, honest, and every day is different, which makes the work so enjoyable. I’m especially passionate about working with youth experiencing a first episode of psychosis and helping educate their families on ways to support recovery and reduce the risk of future episodes. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Why SUNY Downstate: My support system is in the area, so staying close to family is very important to me. I also love Brooklyn and everything the community has to offer. SUNY Downstate's diverse patient population and wide range of clinical experiences make it an incredible place to learn.
What I like to do for fun: Reading, film photography, thrifting, and finding new coffee shops
CAP 2 Fellows
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 SUNY 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: SUNY 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 SUNY 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 SUNY 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.