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.
Melody Heiskell, M.D., F.A.A.P., is a compassionate pediatrician serving the families of Virginia Pediatric Group. She takes time to listen to her patients and their parents and prioritizes unrushed care. She greatly appreciates the privilege to partner with parents in helping their children thrive.
Dr. Heiskell graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Scholars’ College in 2002. She then attained her medical degree from Louisiana Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2006. In 2009 she completed pediatric residency training at Emory University School of Medicine.
Upon residency completion, Dr. Heiskell joined the team at Virginia Pediatric Group in 2009. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and attends medical conferences every year to remain up to date on advances in medicine. She served as Chair of Pediatrics at Reston Hospital from 2018 until 2022. While she provides a full scope of pediatric care, Dr. Heiskell has special interests in preventative medicine, families of multiples, and family-centered health care.
Dr. Heiskell resides in Northern Virginia. In her spare time, she enjoys live music, local arts, hiking, cultural events, faith-based activities, farmers markets, and anything outdoors with her three very energetic children and dog.
Patient Reviews
“Dr. Unikel is amazing ! She is very nice and caring ,and takes her job seriously! She is my son's favorite doctor!” - Narges A.
“Dr Unikel has been seeing my children for 14 years. She is always knowledgeable about any topics I bring up and has helped our family navigate numerous pediatric situations. She is patient and kind but also extremely thorough.” - Maria H.
“Our experience with Virginia Pediatrics has been nothing but wonderful!! Dr. Heiskell has been my daughter's pediatrician for many years and she is the main reason we continue to return!! Her understanding and medical advice is spot on. We are thankful for all that she and the practice have done for us throughout the years.” - Heather A.
“Dr. Unikel is so sweet with my kids. She takes the tims to listen to any concerns. Highly recommend her and the VAPG group!” - Maureen B.
Other languages spoken: Spanish (limited conversational), Kannada (limited conversational)
Dr. Shruti K Berlin, M.D., is a pediatrician providing individualized and compassionate care to families in Herndon, Fairfax, and Aldie, Virginia, alongside the team at Virginia Pediatric Group since 2022.
Dr. Berlin was born in Pittsburgh, PA but considers Herndon, VA her hometown. Growing up in a South Indian household, she is aware of how significant culturally competent medicine can be for a family. She graduated from Herndon High School in 2009 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Neurobiology with a minor in Medical Anthropology from Boston University. Dr. Berlin earned her Masters in Medical Sciences and medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. In 2022, she completed her pediatric residency training at L.J. Murphy Inova Children's Hospital in Falls Church, VA.
Her goal at Virginia Pediatric Group is to provide evidence-based pediatric care that is appropriate for your family. Being a mother of young children herself, Dr. Berlin recognizes the need for practical parenting and medical advice and hopes to be a useful resource for Northern Virginia parents. Her special interests include Breastfeeding Medicine, newborn care, complex and preventative care.
In her free time, Dr. Berlin enjoys spending time with her husband (who she met in 5th grade), toddler and infant sons. She lives in Sterling, VA and loves to explore new restaurants and wineries in the area.
Patient Reviews
“Dr. Berlin was great and got my son diagnosed and back to feeling better!” - Jamal J.
“We love her! So personable and gives great advice/guidance.” - Claire H.
“Dr. Berlin is very personable and had some great advice for us in taking care of our new born.” - Vihari V.
“Dr. Berlin was very friendly, thorough and genuinely concerned with my son's well-being.” - Erika C.
Rachel Silber, IBCLC, is an international board-certified lactation consultant serving families at Virginia Pediatric Group in Fairfax, Virginia. She is proud to be part of the team and is passionate about the work she does.
Rachel's experience parenting and breastfeeding her children led her to work in this field. She has been helping new families since 2000 and has been a board-certified lactation consultant since 2002.
Rachel has spent the majority of her lactation career working at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is also a lactation consultant/lecturer for a governmental agency. Rachel also speaks as a lecturer for breastfeeding conferences and trainings around the country.
She grew up in Austin, Texas, and came to the metro area to attend George Washington University in Washington, DC. Rachel enjoyed the DC area so much and decided to stay. She currently resides in upper Montgomery County, Maryland, with her husband and cat.
Sophie Yuth, MD, FAAP is a board certified pediatrician dedicated to providing comprehensive evidence based care to patients and their families in Fairfax.
Dr. Yuth is a Northern Virginia native, born and raised in Springfield. She received a dual degree Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics and Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She went on to St. George's University in Grenada for medical school followed by completion of pediatric residency at Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia.
She is deeply passionate about newborn care, advocating for and empowering mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. She is currently in pursuit of becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) as another means to strengthen her skill set and offer support to her patients. Additionally in the seemingly opposite realm of adolescent health her other passion includes her commitment to providing sensitive gynecological care and guidance to teenage girls. She also has a clinical interest in the management of atopic diseases such as asthma and eczema and strives to stay up to date with the latest research and guidelines.
Dr. Yuth takes pride in building strong nurturing relationships with families. She collaborates closely with them to make informed choices that are in the best interest of the child's health and well being. She makes it a priority to create a warm and supportive environment where patients and their caregivers feel heard, valued, and respected. Her goal is to ensure that every child she cares for receives the highest standard of medical attention and support for a healthy, happy childhood.
Outside of her professional life Dr. Yuth enjoys finding new local restaurants and cuisines to explore, curling up with a book (although she has recently become an audiobook convert), traveling, and being outdoors. She currently resides in Fairfax with her husband and their two young toddlers.
Patient Reviews
“Dr. Yuth was kind and she took her time with my boys. We were satisfied with her service.I would recommend for anyone with young children.” - Farhiya A.
“We are very happy with the care Dr. Yuth has provided over the years to our dauther. She is attentive, caring, responsive and reasuring. Cannot thank her enough.” - Dimitar T.
“Dr. Sophie was very friendly and attentive to our concerns. She treated my daughter nicely and respectfully. She gave a thorough explanation about the medical procedures and even shared few information that are vital for us. Even the nurses are friendly and professional in doing their job. Thank you for such an amazing experience.” - Mohd Aizat Bin A.
“We get great care from Dr Yuth!!” - Christopher D.
Emily Mastromatteo (Corridon), FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening its doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
Emily is a Northern Virginia native. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After graduating, she attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Emily worked as a nurse at MedStar Georgetown Hospital and then at INOVA Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric ICU. She is excited about transitioning from acute care to primary care and is passionate about acute illness management, pediatric surgery, and child and adolescent development.
Emily lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her husband and new puppy. Outside work, she loves cooking, golfing, spending time with family and friends, and boating off the Chesapeake Bay.
Jennifer Woodley, CFNP, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Advanced Pediatrics.
Since opening its doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
Jennifer earned her first bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from James Madison University, where she researched infectious diseases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While working at the NIH in research, Jennifer was called to want to work more closely with patients, and she returned to school, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Shenandoah University. Continuing her education, Jennifer received her Master’s in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis as a family nurse practitioner.
Jennifer has worked as a nurse in the NICU at INOVA Fairfax Hospital and has eight years of outpatient pediatric experience in offices throughout Northern Virginia.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys hiking local trails, relaxing at the beach, reading, and going to sporting events with her nephews and nieces.
Isabel Jander, MD, is a Doctor of Medicine specializing in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening their doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
She received her B.S. from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She completed medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and residency in New York City at Cohen Children's Medical Center (Cohen's Children's Hospital) in Queens, New York.
Dr. Jander comes to Advanced Pediatrics with more than 18 years of experience as a Primary Care Pediatrician. She was named to Washingtonian's Top Doctors each year from 2015 to 2020. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence. She has special interests in acute illness management and newborn care.
She is board-certified in Pediatric Medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Dr. Jander lives with her husband and three children in McLean, Virginia.
Pegah Pirowski, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening their doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a Masters in Family Medicine from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.
Pegah has worked in the adult medical ICU and pediatric clinics affiliated with Georgetown University Hospital and INOVA. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and a certified instructor of the COPE program, a cognitive behavioral therapy curriculum to help school-aged children with anxiety.
Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence. Her particular interests include asthma management, constipation management, as well as anxiety and mental health related issues.
Pegah was born and raised in NoVA. She lives in Vienna with her husband and three children. She has a large extended family in the area who she loves spending time with. She enjoys cooking, reading, and is attempting to learn tennis and golf! She speaks English, Spanish, and Farsi.
Mindy Stern, MD, is a skilled pediatrician at Advanced Pediatrics in Vienna, Virginia. She brings over 25 years of experience in pediatric care to the practice. She is board-certified in Pediatric Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A graduate of the prestigious Inteflex program at the University of Michigan, Dr. Stern earned both a Bachelor of Science in biomedical science and a Doctor of Medicine through this combined pathway. She completed her pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Stern was previously the Medical Director and a pediatric provider at Whole Child Pediatrics in Ashburn, Virginia.
Dr. Stern has a special interest in ADHD medical therapy. She works with families to create an individualized treatment plan that integrates medication management with behavioral strategies.
She has been selected by her peers as both a Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine’ Top Doctor’ for her exceptional patient care. Dr. Stern and her husband live in Vienna, where they have raised their two daughters.
She enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and traveling in her free time.
Christina Ulen, MD, is a Doctor of Medicine specializing in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening their doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Math and Economics from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, which is ranked among the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
She worked at the Brookings Institution and the World Bank Group before completing medical school at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her Residency in Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Ulen is board-certified in Pediatric Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). She speaks English and Spanish.
Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence. She has special interests in acute illness management as well as behavior and child development.
Dr. Ulen lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband and two daughters. She loves spending time with her daughters and being outdoors.
Lauren Padgett, PA-C, has been a certified Physician Assistant since 2010. She currently serves patients at Advanced Pediatrics in Vienna, Virginia, providing compassionate and effective care. Since opening its doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna and throughout the National Capital Region.
Lauren attended The College of William and Mary (W&M) in Williamsburg, Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Kinesiology. She then continued her education at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia, earning a Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies.
Lauren has worked in the pediatric and adult emergency departments at Inova Fairfax in Annandale, Virginia, for the past ten years. She has a special interest in acute illness and injury management.
Lauren lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband and three daughters. She loves playing sports and spending time with family and friends on her days off.
Dr. Smith lives in Vienna, VA after recently relocating from Boston. He received a BA in Chemistry and a BS in Brain and Cognitive Science from University of Rochester and completed his medical training at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
He then completed his pediatric residency training at Duke University. Following residency, Dr. Smith worked as an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Tufts University & adjunct faculty at Boston Children's Hospital prior to joining AP. He also works in the Children's National Hospital network as a Pediatric Hospitalist. He is a board certified pediatrician, a certified lactation consultant, & a member of the American Medical Association.
He has special interest in the transitions of pediatric medical care. Outside of the office, you will find Dr. Smith outdoors on a hiking trail or a volleyball court!
Mary Meyer, MD, specializes in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening its doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
Dr. Meyer was born and raised in Northern California. She first ventured to the Washington, D.C. area as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. Shortly after, Dr. Meyer attended medical school at Loma Linda University in Southern California. She then completed her residency at Inova Children's Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia.
Dr. Meyer is board-certified in Pediatric Medicine and is a certified Lactation Consultant. Her clinical interests include all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence, and she has a special interest in breastfeeding.
Dr. Meyer lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and child. She enjoys board games, hiking, and rock climbing in her spare time.
Dr. Meyer looks forward to welcoming new and existing patients at Advanced Pediatrics.
Jennifer Jenks, CPNP-BC, is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Gastroenterology at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening their doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master’s in Nursing (MSN) at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Jennifer previously worked at Riley's Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, and in a specialized pediatric gastroenterology clinic.
Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence. She has a special interest in infant reflux and feeding issues, allergic colitis, chronic constipation, and other gastroenterological conditions.
Jennifer lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband and three children. She loves spending time with her three children, exercising, and traveling to the beach.
McKenna is a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist passionate about helping children reach their fullest potential. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from North Central College.
With fieldwork experience in schools, neurorehabilitation, and vision therapy, McKenna brings a well-rounded perspective to her practice. Her love for working with children stems from her desire to nurture growth and support each child’s unique journey toward independence and confidence.
Danielle is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and clinical manager at Express Yourself Therapy’s Kensington, MD branch. She earned her Master’s degree at Northwestern University in Chicago and her Bachelor of Science degree at Loyola University Maryland.
Danielle has been a practicing speech therapist since 2018 and has been at Express Yourself Therapy for over four years. In 2023, Danielle earned a certificate as a clinical specialist in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community, where she effectively promotes strengths-based interventions, strategies, and approaches to support her clients regardless of age or developmental stage. Additionally, she has earned her DIR Floortime certificate and is now a DIR Expert and Training Leader. Danielle specializes in the areas of phonological/articulation skills, receptive/expressive language skills, and social pragmatic communication.
Kailey is a speech-language pathologist at Express Yourself Therapy’s Kensington, MD branch. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from George Washington University and her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Virginia. Kailey was driven to speech-language pathology as she went to speech therapy for many years growing up. Her SLP always made therapy exciting and motivating, so Kailey strives to have the same effect on all of the kids she works with. She loves bringing out her inner child during sessions and being silly with kids while simultaneously targeting their goals in a meaningful and engaging way.
In her free time, she loves working out, vacationing in Bethany Beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Azra Jagani, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and an integral part of the team at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland. She finds her work deeply rewarding and enjoys getting to know the families in her care.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Jagani attended St. Lawrence’s Convent School in Karachi, Pakistan, for her undergraduate studies. She completed medical school at Sindh Medical College, also in Karachi. Upon arriving in the United States, Dr. Jagani completed a residency at Texas Tech University Hospital in El Paso.
Working with children allows Dr. Jagani to watch her patients grow and develop. Assisting them as they move closer to adulthood is a joy and honor.
Preventive health is an area of focus for Dr. Jagani. She tracks each child's development through newborn care exams and well-child visits and provides the vaccines and other support needed for a healthy and happy childhood. She looks forward to caring for her new and returning patients.
