Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Caitlin Myers has been an OB/GYN PA since 2013 when she graduated from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She has 9 years of inpatient OB/GYN experience in the NYC hospital system. Caitlin is a lifelong Norwalk resident and is excited to be back practicing in the community she lives in. She offers a full range of OB/GYN services, with a special interest in high-risk pregnancies and adolescents.
In her free time, Caitlin enjoys spending time outdoors with her two children, traveling, and trying out the newest restaurants in town.
Amy Serrano is a certified Physician Assistant who was born and raised in Trumbull. She attended Loyola University Maryland for her undergraduate studies and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Amy attended Pace University in New York City and received her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. After graduating, she began her career as a PA in OB/GYN at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She gained experience in working with both obstetric patients on Labor and Delivery, as well as caring for patients admitted to the GYN service and first assisting in the operating room for gynecologic procedures.
Amy moved back to Connecticut with her family and continues to practice her love of women’s health with the Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology. She enjoys taking care of patients of all ages.
Elizabeth Nadal, DO, joined the Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2019. She is proud to partner with women in their healthcare from the practice’s locations in Westport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut.
Dr. Nadal completed her undergraduate studies at Boston University, where she received a Bachelor of Science. In 2014, she earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at New York College. She went on to complete her residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and continued her experience with a focus on labor and delivery. Dr. Nadal also specialized in pelvic surgery and in-office procedures.
In addition to her focused research on endometrial cancer and maternal complications, Dr. Nadal received an award of Excellence in Laparoscopy during her time at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
At Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Nadal provides comprehensive OB/GYN services. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where her patients can play an active role in their healthcare.
Melissa Taylor-Giorlando, MD, FACOG is a Connecticut native, having grown up in Easton and Trumbull. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience and Behavior from Columbia University.
She graduated from the Yale School of Medicine in 2017. During medical school, she received an award recognizing excellence in Ob/Gyn and outstanding biomedical research. She completed her residency at the Yale-New Haven Hospital. She was drawn to Obstetrics and Gynecology due to its wide breadth and opportunity for a close personal connection with her patients. Dr. Giorlando offers a full range of Ob/Gyn services. She is accepting new patients.
Adam Ofer, MD, FACOG, is regionally recognized as an expert in gynecology and minimally invasive surgical techniques. A board-certified physician at Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Ofer treats patients from puberty through their childbearing years and well past menopause, providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients of all ages.
While Dr. Ofer provides a full range of OB/GYN services, he specializes in pelvic reconstruction and other minimally invasive surgeries, including laparoscopic and da VinciⓇ procedures. He heads the practice’s Bladder Dysfunction Program and has expertise in treating overactive bladder, urinary stress incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Dr. Ofer is also a nationally-recognized expert in hereditary cancers and has published on the topic. He provides care to many women who carry high-risk cancer genes.
Dr. Ofer also specializes in cosmetic procedures and sexual enhancement. He uses techniques like labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, perineoplasty, and clitoroplasty to enhance sexual function and satisfaction and to make aesthetic improvements. He is also an expert in the use of PRP (platelet rich plasma) / O-Shot for improvement of female orgasm.
Dr. Ofer earned his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University before starting medical school at the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center at Syracuse. He completed his residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Dr. Ofer is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is also affiliated with numerous medical associations and societies.
Dr. Khashayar Shakiba is a board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist offering exceptional care in pelvic reconstructive surgery and urogynecology to women in Hackensack, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas. At Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, LLC, Dr. Shakiba combines cutting-edge technology with advanced minimally invasive techniques to provide superior treatment options. In addition to his board certifications in OB/GYN and pelvic medicine, he is MIGS (Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery) certified, making him a trusted expert in minimally invasive procedures for complex gynecologic conditions.
Dr. Shakiba is highly skilled in managing a wide range of pelvic health concerns, including pelvic pain, endometriosis, sexual dysfunction, and pudendal neuralgia. He offers both surgical and nonsurgical alternatives tailored to each patient’s needs. His expertise also extends to minimally invasive fibroid removal surgery. Using the innovative EPOP-Q technology, Dr. Shakiba can electronically evaluate and diagnose pelvic organ prolapse, allowing patients to visualize their condition digitally for a more informed approach to treatment.
With extensive experience in robotic surgery, Dr. Shakiba uses the da VinciⓇ robotic surgery system to perform minimally invasive gynecological surgeries with unmatched precision, faster recovery times, and minimal scarring. He is also highly skilled in the evaluation and surgical treatment of female urinary incontinence, as well as the management of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Dr. Shakiba received his medical degree from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. He completed his internship at Yale School of Medicine and his residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, solidifying his expertise in advanced urogynecologic and minimally invasive techniques.
Take the next step towards improved pelvic health by calling the office of Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey or scheduling an appointment online today. Dr. Shakiba’s extensive experience and compassionate care can help you achieve the best possible outcomes for your urogynecologic needs.
Understanding the Deeper Challenges of Pelvic Health
Despite significant advancements in medical science over the past few decades, pelvic health and related disciplines remain largely underserved. Many underlying pathologies affecting pelvic health continue to be poorly understood, resulting in a detrimental impact on individuals' quality of life.
Numerous patients experience pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction, yet the precise causes often elude medical professionals. This leads to frustration as patients consult multiple specialists in hopes of finding answers, often to no avail. The pelvic region houses several vital organs that play crucial roles in overall well-being, including the urinary, reproductive, and lower gastrointestinal systems — all of which may be simultaneously affected.
The autonomic nervous system plays a central role in regulating pelvic organ functions such as urination, defecation, and sexual activity. Inflammation or dysfunction in this complex neural network — particularly around the sacral region — often contributes to symptoms that are difficult to diagnose or treat effectively.
The complex anatomy and neurophysiology of the pelvic region have posed longstanding challenges for the medical community. Dr. Khashayar Shakiba, a double board-certified gynecologist and urogynecologist, has spent over 25 years working with patients suffering from misunderstood pelvic conditions. After completing advanced training at institutions like New Haven Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Foundation, he began private practice in New Jersey in 2007.
Dr. Shakiba recognized early on that many women with severe pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, or bladder issues were being misdiagnosed or referred to mental health services instead of receiving accurate pelvic care. He questioned why there were no clear answers for widespread symptoms such as severe menstrual pain, unexplained infertility, or GI distress tied to pelvic nerve inflammation.
Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and interstitial cystitis are often labeled but rarely explained. In many cases, no root cause is identified, and treatments focus only on symptom relief — leaving patients confused and discouraged.
Through years of multidisciplinary patient care, Dr. Shakiba discovered that many of these symptoms were connected by a common thread: neuropelveology, the study of pelvic nerve function. Yet few specialists were trained to look at pelvic health holistically.
In 2010, he established Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey in Hackensack, with a mission to innovate, educate, and surgically treat complex pelvic pathologies through advanced robotic technology and a neuroscience-informed approach.
Leading in Women’s Pelvic Neuroscience, Neurosurgery & Research
At Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, we combine over two decades of clinical expertise with cutting-edge research in neuropelveology and minimally invasive pelvic surgery to improve outcomes for women with complex pelvic conditions.
Dr. Kateryna Kolesnikova is a highly skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center and Chilton Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. With a deep commitment to women's health, Dr. Kolesnikova is also the dedicated Menopause Specialist at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey. She provides compassionate and comprehensive care to women navigating the complexities of menopause, offering personalized treatment plans that prioritize both physical and emotional well-being.
Dr. Kolesnikova completed her residency training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where she served as Chief Resident. She received her M.D. from the Jacobs School of Medicine in Buffalo, NY, and is a graduate of the University of Rochester in New York. Her extensive training and expertise make her a trusted provider in a wide range of women's health concerns.
Specializing in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Kolesnikova is proficient in treating uterine fibroids using robotic and laparoscopic techniques. She also provides expert care in contraceptive counseling, managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and supporting women through menopause. Staying up to date with the latest medical standards and guidelines, Dr. Kolesnikova tailors each treatment plan to deliver the highest standard of care for her patients.
Her approach is empathetic and professional, with a strong focus on preventive care and encouraging positive lifestyle changes to enhance overall health. Dr. Kolesnikova’s dedication to patient care is evident in the prestigious awards she has received, including the 2022 AUGS (American Urogynecologic Society) Award for Excellence in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and the 2022 SLRS (Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons) Outstanding Achievement in Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Dr. Kolesnikova is also an accomplished researcher, with a focus on gynecological cancers, particularly how they evolve to become resistant to treatments. Her work has been published in high-impact scientific journals, contributing to advancements in the field of gynecological oncology. She was honored with the Outstanding Resident in Gynecologic Oncology award by The Society of Gynecologic Oncology for her dedication to research and medical innovation.
When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Kolesnikova enjoys exploring diverse cuisines, hiking, playing volleyball, scuba diving, and traveling. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian, and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Currently, she’s also trying her hand at mastering kiteboarding!
“The office has always been wonderful and Katarina Is kind of gentle I hope she has a good delivery and a beautiful baby girl and I look forward to seeing her in two years”
Dr. Ulas Bozdogan, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is a skilled Endometriosis & Fibroid Specialist located in New York City, NY and surrounding New Jersey with the most advanced treatments for a wide range of medical issues. At Advanced Healthcare, Dr. Bozdogan uses state-of-the-art approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain.
Dr. Bozdogan has extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopy, robotic hysterectomy and other robot-assisted surgeries using the da Vinci surgical system, the “gold standard” in robotic surgery.
Dr. Bozdogan earned his medical degree at the Istanbul University School of Medicine, followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School where he served as chief resident. A fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Bozdogan has advanced training in gynecologic and pelvic reconstruction, with a special interest in robot-assisted surgery.
A member of the Minimally Invasive Robotic Association and the American Association of Gynecology Laparoscopists, Dr. Bozdogan also acts as proctor for da Vinci Robotic Surgery, training other doctors in the innovative technique and technology at the Hackensack University Medical Center.
Dr. Bozdogan welcomes new patients and he is fluent in both English and Turkish.
Melissa Taylor-Giorlando, MD, FACOG is a Connecticut native, having grown up in Easton and Trumbull. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience and Behavior from Columbia University.
She graduated from the Yale School of Medicine in 2017. During medical school, she received an award recognizing excellence in Ob/Gyn and outstanding biomedical research. She completed her residency at the Yale-New Haven Hospital. She was drawn to Obstetrics and Gynecology due to its wide breadth and opportunity for a close personal connection with her patients. Dr. Giorlando offers a full range of Ob/Gyn services. She is accepting new patients.
Adam Ofer, MD, FACOG, is regionally recognized as an expert in gynecology and minimally invasive surgical techniques. A board-certified physician at Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Ofer treats patients from puberty through their childbearing years and well past menopause, providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients of all ages.
While Dr. Ofer provides a full range of OB/GYN services, he specializes in pelvic reconstruction and other minimally invasive surgeries, including laparoscopic and da VinciⓇ procedures. He heads the practice’s Bladder Dysfunction Program and has expertise in treating overactive bladder, urinary stress incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Dr. Ofer is also a nationally-recognized expert in hereditary cancers and has published on the topic. He provides care to many women who carry high-risk cancer genes.
Dr. Ofer also specializes in cosmetic procedures and sexual enhancement. He uses techniques like labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, perineoplasty, and clitoroplasty to enhance sexual function and satisfaction and to make aesthetic improvements. He is also an expert in the use of PRP (platelet rich plasma) / O-Shot for improvement of female orgasm.
Dr. Ofer earned his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University before starting medical school at the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center at Syracuse. He completed his residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Dr. Ofer is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is also affiliated with numerous medical associations and societies.
Amalia Kotlyar, MD, is excited to join the Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology and focus on patient-centered, empathetic care in an intimate private practice setting.
When it comes to obstetrics, Dr. Kotlyar provides an individualized approach to pregnancy and birth experience. She believes in shared decision-making and empowering patients through information. She has a special interest in breastfeeding.
Dr. Kotlyar is devoted to caring for women of all stages. She enjoys adolescent gynecology and provides her youngest patients with a supportive environment to start their gynecologic care. She is passionate about reproductive choice and has expertise in comprehensive family planning, including complex contraception and permanent sterilization. She also enjoys caring for women during the transition to menopause and helps her patients optimize health and wellbeing during this time.
Additionally, Dr. Kotlyar has an interest in minimally invasive surgery, including vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic cases. She has earned certifications in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery as well as DaVinci Robotic Surgery. She has published on enhanced recovery after minimally invasive surgery in which patients are able to recuperate comfortably at home, rather than in the hospital, after their procedure. Dr. Kotlyar enjoys working with patients to determine an individualized approach to managing fibroids and adenomyosis, including both medical and surgical methods.
Dr. Kotlyar earned her medical degree from University of California – San Francisco. She completed residency at New York University Langone Medical Center. Outside of the office, Dr. Kotlyar cherishes the time she spends with her family.
Dr. Kotlyar feels privileged to work with women throughout their obstetric and gynecologic journeys; she would love to welcome you as her patient!
Caitlin Myers has been an OB/GYN PA since 2013 when she graduated from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She has 9 years of inpatient OB/GYN experience in the NYC hospital system. Caitlin is a lifelong Norwalk resident and is excited to be back practicing in the community she lives in. She offers a full range of OB/GYN services, with a special interest in high-risk pregnancies and adolescents.
In her free time, Caitlin enjoys spending time outdoors with her two children, traveling, and trying out the newest restaurants in town.
Elizabeth Nadal, DO, joined the Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2019. She is proud to partner with women in their healthcare from the practice’s locations in Westport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut.
Dr. Nadal completed her undergraduate studies at Boston University, where she received a Bachelor of Science. In 2014, she earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at New York College. She went on to complete her residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and continued her experience with a focus on labor and delivery. Dr. Nadal also specialized in pelvic surgery and in-office procedures.
In addition to her focused research on endometrial cancer and maternal complications, Dr. Nadal received an award of Excellence in Laparoscopy during her time at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
At Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Nadal provides comprehensive OB/GYN services. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where her patients can play an active role in their healthcare.
Amy Serrano is a certified Physician Assistant who was born and raised in Trumbull. She attended Loyola University Maryland for her undergraduate studies and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Amy attended Pace University in New York City and received her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. After graduating, she began her career as a PA in OB/GYN at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She gained experience in working with both obstetric patients on Labor and Delivery, as well as caring for patients admitted to the GYN service and first assisting in the operating room for gynecologic procedures.
Amy moved back to Connecticut with her family and continues to practice her love of women’s health with the Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology. She enjoys taking care of patients of all ages.
Board-certified OB/GYN Michael Straker, MD, currently practices general obstetrics and gynecology at Bestcare OB/GYN, in Nutley, New Jersey, with an emphasis on minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Straker grew up in West Hempstead on Long Island, New York, and graduated Salutatorian of the class of 1991 at Long Island Lutheran High School. He is a 1995 graduate of Johns Hopkins University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He earned his medical degree in 1999 at Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York, where he served as a Teaching Assistant in Anatomy and served as the Region IX Director of the Student National Medical Association. In 2003, he completed his residency training in Obstetrics & Gynecology at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, where he was the first African American to graduate the program.
He maintains admitting privileges at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville and St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Additionally, Dr. Straker has been serving as the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Clara Maass since 2009 and previously served as the Co-Chair of the minimally invasive surgical steering committee.
Dr. Straker is licensed to practice medicine in the state of New Jersey and is certified in numerous areas including minimally invasive da Vinci Robotic Surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (FACOG). He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of the Department of OB/GYN at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this capacity, he teaches Obstetrics and Gynecology to medical students rotating through Clara Maass Medical Center. He previously sat on the Board of Directors of the Neighborhood Health Services Corporation (formerly the Plainfield Health Center) in Plainfield, New Jersey.
Dr. Straker believes in staying active within the community. He is a member of the Montclair Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is an active member of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church where he serves on the Deacon Board and participates in the Pastoral Care ministry, the Men of Faith ministry, and the Marriage Enrichment Ministry. He also serves on the West Orange Zoning Board of Adjustments.
Dr. Straker loves to cook and keeps his smoker active year round. He lives in West Orange with his wife Jamelle, and his two sons Eric and Jay.
“Great Doctor! Always professional and thorough. Staff is super friendly and kind.
Great location and parking is a plus! Highly recommend if your looking for an OBGYN.”
As a practicing OB/GYN with more than 17 years of experience, Elizabeth Ramirez, MD, FACOG, is proud to provide health care to women at every stage of their lives at Jersey Women’s Care Center in Jersey City and Fair Lawn, New Jersey. At the practice, she speaks both English and Spanish.
Dr. Ramirez completed her higher education upon graduating from Universidad Central del Este, in the Dominican Republic, in 1993. From there, she emigrated to the United States and began her surgical fellowship at North Shore University Hospital, affiliated with Hofstra University, located in Manhasset, New York. She continued her residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center in the OB/GYN Department, where she became the administrative chief resident.
Dr. Ramirez is highly advanced in minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Some of the services Dr. Ramirez performs include robotic hysterectomy, endometrial biopsy, and others, which Dr. Ramirez performs using minimal or local anesthesia only.
As a natural leader, Dr. Ramirez is involved in many professional organizations with like-minded individuals. She is active in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Medical Women’s Association, American Medical Society, and more. She is also affiliated with Christ Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center to further help women in the community.
Huiying Hou, MD, has been practicing as an OB/GYN at Jersey Women’s Care Center in Fair Lawn and Jersey City, New Jersey, since 2015. She was selected to work as an OB/GYN at Jersey Women’s Care Center from the highly prestigious Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at the Cleveland Clinic, ending her fourth year in residency in 2015.
Setting out on her path to becoming an OB/GYN, Dr. Hou started her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, and graduated with a biology/pre-med degree in 2006. From there, she went on to earn her doctor of medicine degree at MSHMC Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 2011.
Dr. Hou has given award-winning published presentations on subjects ranging from laparoscopic hysterectomy to endometrial cancer and bilateral salpingectomy.
As a proud Asian American, Dr. Hou has been a member of many volunteer organizations such as the Multicultural Awareness Club, Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, and others.
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