Dr. Jessica Kerns

Dr. Kerns’ path to medicine was shaped by diverse interests and experiences. A native New Yorker, she initially studied psychology at Harvard University then spent several years in museum education at institutions including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Her passion for helping people and her fascination with human development is what ultimately drew her to medicine. After completing her post-baccalaureate premedical training at Columbia University, Dr. Kerns earned her medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

During her pediatrics residency at Cohen Children’s Medical Center at Northwell Health, Dr. Kerns discovered a love for adolescent medicine. She was drawn to this unique period of profound physical and psychological changes as children grow into adults. “I genuinely enjoy talking with my patients and getting to know them. I’m a kid at heart, and I find it incredibly rewarding to work with children as they grow into healthy teens and adults. I believe this is what I was always meant to do,” Dr. Kerns says.

She went on to complete a fellowship in adolescent medicine at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where she trained extensively at the hospital’s eating disorder center. There, she cared for patients with complex eating disorders across multiple levels of care—from outpatient settings to intensive inpatient programs. This experience gave her a deep understanding of how to support children and families through every stage of treatment.

After her fellowship, Dr. Kerns joined Adolescent-Young Adult Medicine, a private practice in New York, where she treated patients ranging from 9 to 30 years old, providing primary care, urgent care, and specialized treatment for anxiety, depression, reproductive health issues, and eating disorders.

At Atria, Dr. Kerns brings her expertise to pediatric patients of all ages. Her specialized training gives her a keen perspective on how early health can set children up to reach their fullest potential. “There’s a strong emphasis on preventive care at Atria, and becoming a healthy adult is rooted in establishing good habits in childhood and adolescence, including balanced eating, physical activity, a positive body image, and cultivating healthy relationships with family, friends and themselves,” Dr. Kerns says.

Dr. Kerns understands the unique challenges facing children today, especially in New York City, where she is now raising her own children. “Kids experience immense pressures starting from an early age. These pressures come from multiple directions, including academic demands, complex friendship dynamics, family expectations, and the constant noise from social media and the internet,” she says. “There’s a lot we can do by talking about these issues early on so children know how to navigate the world with confidence.” She prepares children and families for the physical and emotional changes of development, helping them build resilience and healthy habits that will serve them throughout their lives.

“My priority is to establish a strong rapport and create a nonjudgmental space for my patients,” Dr. Kerns says. “Once a basis of trust and understanding has been established, kids and teens become more receptive to guidance when issues arise. This approach reinforces that this is a safe place to ask questions and seek help.”

Dr. Kerns is passionate about empowering children and adolescents to take charge of their own health. As they grow, she meets with them independently and excels at balancing patient confidentiality with family involvement to create supportive dynamics. “Parents and caregivers play a critical role in the care of kids and adolescents,” she says. “I like getting to know the whole family so we can find the most effective way to support their child together.”

This collaboration extends to other specialists she consults, including nutritionists, physical therapists, behavioral medicine specialists, and mental health professionals. Dr. Kerns appreciates Atria’s holistic model and the opportunity to involve all relevant specialties in each child’s care. “When working with children who have complex medical needs, close collaboration with their entire care team is essential,” she says. “At Atria, we prioritize taking the time for care coordination and engaging with the family dynamic outside of the office setting. This approach helps form a comprehensive understanding of each child to provide the highest quality of care.”

Outside of work, Dr. Kerns enjoys visiting museums with her family. She lives in New York with her husband, their two children, and the family’s cockapoo.