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Dr. Yolandra Hancock is a mom, physician, and public health shero who combines her hands-on clinical experience and public health expertise with her passion for building vibrant communities to provide patient-empowered “best in class” care. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from UCLA, her medical doctorate from the UCLA School of Medicine, and her Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In all the work that she does as a physician, as a professor, and public health champion, Dr. Hancock is fully committed to helping to raise up the next generation to reach their full health potential.

Amy is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience. She received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Utah in 2002, and her Master's degree from the University of Utah in 2004. Amy also received her 200 hour yoga teacher training from Yoga District in Washington, DC in 2016 and is a registered yoga teacher. After completing graduate school, she worked at the Kingsbury Day School in Washington, DC. 

She then opened her own private practice and has proudly provided therapy services for military families in the DC area.

She is the co-founder of Talk Yoga™, LLC, a program that combines yoga movement, breathwork, and mindfulness into speech and language therapy. She has trained over 200 professionals in the Talk Yoga™ method. In addition, she is trained in the first level of PROMPT, and LSVT, has received training in treating myofunctional disorders, and has taken courses in Natural Language Acquisition for Gestalt Language Processors.

Amy has been working with the pediatric population her entire career and has experience in treating a variety of speech and language needs. Amy approaches all therapy sessions with a playful and child-lead focus and loves incorporating intentional movement into her therapy sessions. She strives to provide tools and strategies that will blend as easily as possible into the lives of each individual child and their family.

Amy lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, three children, and dog Obi. In her spare time she enjoys teaching free yoga classes in the community, cooking, spending time in nature, and playing uber driver for her children!

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. Her love for working with children stems from her desire to nurture growth and support each child’s unique journey toward independence and confidence.

McKenna is certified in Interactive Metronome® and has completed advanced training in primitive reflex integration. She is committed to ongoing professional development and is currently pursuing specialized certifications as a Handwriting Specialist, Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, and DIR®/Floortime™ practitioner. By continually expanding her knowledge and clinical skills, McKenna strives to provide evidence-informed, individualized care that supports every child’s unique strengths and needs.

Anne has over 30 years of experience as a Pediatric Speech - Language Pathologist. Anne earned her Bachelor and Master of Science in Speech Pathology at Marquette University.

Anne is trained in SOS feeding, food chaining, Arfid, and Get Permission approach feeding, oral motor, apraxia of speech, auditory processing, articulation and phonology, therapeutic listening, executive functioning, early intervention, social and pragmatic language, and is DIR certified. She enjoys working with infants and children of all ages and believes in building on each child's strengths and interests to improve their communication and feeding skills.

In her free time, Anne enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, two cats, and her friends. She loves to travel and go to the thater.

Nadeem Hashmi, MD, is board-certified in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine. He sees and treats patients at EC Primary Care Physicians, PA, located in Columbia, Maryland. His mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to mothers, infants, and children living in and around Howard County.

After earning his Doctor of Medicine in India, Dr. Hashmi completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He has accumulated over 32 years of pediatrics and neonatology experience, caring for sick and premature newborns.

Dr. Hashmi is affiliated with Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Maryland, and several other local hospitals. He is also an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which helps him stay up to date with the latest advances in his field.

To better serve Maryland's diverse communities, Dr. Hashmi speaks Hindi, Spanish, and Urdu, in addition to English.

To learn more about the services offered by Dr. Hashmi, or schedule an appointment with the team at EC Primary Care Physicians, PA, call the office or book online today.

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.  

Victor Abdow Jr., MD, is a highly skilled and board-certified pediatric specialist passionate about working with kids. Through his work at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, Dr. Abdow is honored to play a role in helping children and families thrive. 

Education has always shaped Dr. Abdow’s professional life. He completed his undergraduate studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in animal studies. He completed medical school at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, where he remained for his internship and residency training. 

He continues to give back to the medical community as a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Georgetown University School of Medicine and George Washington University School of Medicine. 

A proud member of The American Academy of Pediatrics, Georgetown Clinical Society, and the Montgomery County Medical Society, Dr. Abdow enjoys opportunities to learn from his peers and network with other medical professionals. 

Kirra L. Brandon, MD is board certified in both dermatology and pediatric dermatology, and provides care to patients of all ages at Easton Dermatology Associates, a leading dermatology practice in Easton, Maryland, that serves residents on the Delmarva Peninsula. Although Dr. Brandon offers medical skin care services to patients of any age, she specializes in pediatric dermatology. Her specific interests include vascular birthmarks, genetic skin disorders, and pediatric skin and laser surgery.

Dr. Brandon obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University, where she graduated with honors. She earned her medical degree at the University of Maryland Medical School, which is where she developed her interest in pediatric dermatology. She completed her internship in internal medicine at Tulane Hospital in New Orleans, followed by her residency in dermatology at Louisiana State University, also in New Orleans.

After finishing her residency, Dr. Brandon completed a year-long fellowship in pediatric dermatology at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. When her fellowship concluded, Dr. Brandon stayed on at the hospital as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology.

Dr. Brandon is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She’s an active member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, and has spoken at their national meeting, as well as several other regional conferences designed to educate pediatricians about pediatric skin conditions. Dr. Brandon has also authored multiple publications in dermatology and pediatrics journals.

As a native of Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Brandon was excited to return to the area with her husband, Gus, an ophthalmologist and fellow Maryland native, and their two young daughters. In her spare time, Dr. Brandon enjoys hiking, swimming, and spending time with her family.

Office Location(s): Herndon & Aldie

Other languages spoken: Spanish (moderately fluent), German (conversational) 

 

Reena Kaul, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and family-centered care. Dr. Kaul sees children in Fairfax, Herndon, and Aldie, Virginia, at Virginia Pediatric Group.

Dr. Kaul was born in Oklahoma and spent her childhood in Stone Mountain, Georgia. In 1995, she earned her Bachelor of Science in bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego, as a Regents’ Scholar. She then completed her Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences/Child Health Policy at the University of California Los Angeles in 1997. 

While she enjoyed working in child health policy advocacy at Maternal and Child Health Access in Los Angeles on the community health level, Dr. Kaul ultimately decided that providing child and family-centered health care at the personal level is where she could make the most difference in the lives of children. 

In 2002, Dr. Kaul earned her medical degree at the University of Southern California-Keck School of Medicine with a National Health Services Corps (NHSC) Scholarship. She completed her pediatrics residency training at the Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland in 2005. 

After training, she worked as an NHSC scholar at a private, non-profit health center in the underserved area of Lehigh Acres, Florida, for three years. She then moved to Bergen County, New Jersey, where she worked in a large private practice prior to joining the Virginia Pediatric Group in 2013.

She is currently the President of the Health Connect IPA. She is also an Assistant Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. 

Dr. Kaul enjoys helping guide children and families towards health and well-being from birth through adolescence. Her areas of interest include preventive medicine, nutrition, breastfeeding promotion, dermatology, and infectious disease.  

In her free time, Dr. Kaul enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, listening to music, cooking, and traveling. She resides in Herndon, Virginia, with her husband and their two young sons.

 

Patient Reviews

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“Loved how Doctor Kaul interacted with my one year old. She is a great listener and answers all questions.”
- Sonam A.

 

“We have been with Virginia Pediatrics since we moved to Stone Ridge a few years ago. We love Dr. Kaul and have been very happy with all the physicians we have seen at this practice.”
- Shafnden H.

 

“Dr. Kaul gave us reassurance in a very warm and comforting manner. She was thorough, confident and kind. She was knowledgeable and got right to the point. She was gentle with our baby.”
- Huma C.

 

“Dr. Kaul is absolutely the best and we try to see her whenever she has availability. All providers are excellent, but she's definitely our favorite! Our kids love her and she has the patience and demeanor you would expect for a pediatrician.”
- Mercedes P.

 

Other languages spoken: Spanish 

April Venn, MD, is a dedicated pediatrician proudly serving families at Virginia Pediatric Group in Fairfax and Herndon, Virginia. A native of Fairfax, Dr. Venn grew up receiving care from the Virginia Pediatric Group, making her return as a provider a full-circle moment. She is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her and creating a warm, supportive environment for families and children.

Dr. Venn holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and earned her medical degree from Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School/Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA. Before joining the Virginia Pediatric Group, she gained valuable experience working in a pediatric emergency room for four years. Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Venn began learning the language as a child in an immersion program, allowing her to connect with a diverse patient population.

Dr. Venn treasures the relationships she builds with her patients and their families, valuing the moments when children feel comfortable and excited to see her. Her goal is to foster a positive and trusting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact, just as her childhood experiences with VPG physicians inspired her.

In her free time, Dr. Venn enjoys swimming, reading, baking, afternoon tea, photography, and traveling. She resides in Fairfax and is thrilled to welcome new and returning families to her offices in Fairfax and Herndon.

Office Location(s): Fairfax and Herndon

Other languages spoken: HIndi (limited conversational)

 

Ranjana Jain, M.D., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Alongside the team at Virginia Pediatric Group, Dr. Jain is dedicated to helping families in Fairfax and Herndon, Virginia, keep their children healthy and happy! 

Dr. Jain was born in New York City and grew up in rural southwest Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from the University of Virginia and her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU. She completed her pediatric residency at North Shore University/Schneider's Children's Hospital in Long Island, New York, in 2002. 

Prior to joining Virginia Pediatric Group in 2003, Dr. Jain worked with her father at his pediatric practice in her hometown. She is interested in all aspects of pediatric practice and enjoys seeing her patients grow into young adults. In 2015, Dr. Jain was recognized as one of Washingtonian's Top Docs.  

Outside of work, Dr. Jain's hobbies include running, skiing, hiking, traveling, and yoga. She lives in Falls Church, Virginia, with her husband and two young boys.

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Jain is thorough, kind and thoughtful. She's gone above and beyond to check in when my newborn was having feeding issues.”
- Adrienne H.

 

“We feel very fortunate to have our child under Dr. Jain's care. She is incredibly patient, thoughtful, and kind. It's clear that she really wants to help our child, and we never feel rushed. She is the best pediatrician we have ever seen.”
- Ira M.

 

“Visiting Jain is always fulfilling about our child’s health. She is very meticulous, comprehensive and thorough in reviewing the child’s health history and makes right recommendations.”
- Venugopal P.

 

“Dr Jain is a wonderful, caring doctor that not only takes time to listen to any concerns you may have but also to explain next steps and options. Highly recommend her for your kids doctor.”
- Rose K.

Office Location(s): Great Falls, Herndon, and Fairfax

 

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

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“Dr. Unikel(Heiskell) is amazing ! She is very nice and caring ,and takes her job seriously! She is my son's favorite doctor!”
- Narges A.

 

“Dr Unikel(Heiskell) 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(Heiskell) is so sweet with my kids. She takes the tims to listen to any concerns. Highly recommend her and the VAPG group!”
- Maureen B.

Office Location(s): Fairfax and Aldie

Other languages spoken: Vietnamese (fluent)

 

Other services offered: Breastfeeding medicine consultations Contraceptive care for female teens/young adults (implants, IUDs)

Tuc Nguyen, MD, IBCLC, FAAP, is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a general pediatrician and also a lactation consultant and provides compassionate and comprehensive care to children throughout Aldie and Fairfax, Virginia, at Virginia Pediatric Group.

Dr. Nguyen was born in Vietnam and raised in the Northern Virginia area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Virginia in 1992 and went on to the National Institutes of Health to conduct clinical research trials in pediatric obesity. In 2004, she earned her medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

In 2008, Dr. Nguyen completed her pediatric residency at Inova Children’s Hospital. She worked in a pediatric group practice in Loudoun County for 10 years prior to joining Virginia Pediatric Group in 2018.

Dr. Nguyen is very involved in training the next generation of pediatric health care providers. She is currently an assistant professor at the University of Virginia and helps train third-year medical students. She also trains pediatric residents at the Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital.

At Virginia Pediatric Group, Dr. Nguyen practices all aspects of general pediatrics, and her special interests include breastfeeding and lactation medicine, nutrition and obesity prevention, adolescent medicine including gynecological health, and mental health conditions. She is trained by the REACH Institute to assess, diagnose, and treat common pediatric mental health conditions including ADHD, anxiety, and depression. She is also trained as a lactation consultant to assist families with breastfeeding and lactation support/challenges. Dr. Nguyen believes it is a great honor to be a pediatrician and a privilege to work with children and their families.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and practicing yoga. She is fluent in Vietnamese and lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband, three children and their dog.

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Nguyen always takes time with us -- we never feel rushed and always feel listened to. She asks good questions and makes good suggestions.”
- Kristen U.

 

“Dr. Nguyen is the best! We couldn't ask for a better pediatrician.”
- Corey B.

 

“Dr. Nguyen is amazing — so kind and thorough and very well suited for my teenage daughter. I’m so grateful for her time, patience and knowledge.”
- Jennifer T.

 

“Dr. Nguyen was attentive and compassionate. She helped a new (again) mom get through the emotional first week of baby woes (not eating or sleeping). She gave reassuring advice and scheduled an immediate follow up. I am very happy with her and the office caring for my newborn.”
- Fadia P.

 

Office Location(s): Fairfax

Other languages spoken: Khmer (conversational)

 

Sophie Yuth, MD, FAAP, IBCLC 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

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“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.

Office Location(s): Fairfax

Omar Jaber, MD, MPH, FAAP is a highly accomplished pediatrician with extensive training and a passion for global health. He works at Virginia Pediatric Group at the Fairfax office. 

Dr. Jaber earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and completed his pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He then specialized in academic general pediatrics through a fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed a master's degree in public health from the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston.

An award-winning care provider, Dr. Jaber received the Huda Al Masri Humanitarian Award and the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Award for his outstanding contributions. He has published work in the Houston Chronicle and is featured in health blogs from Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. 

Dr. Jaber actively volunteers on international medical missions and supports non-profits bringing medical care to children worldwide. 

Office Location(s): Fairfax and, Herndon

Other languages spoken: Teochew Chinese (basic conversational)

 

Sandy Huynh, M.D., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician who provides comprehensive care to children in Fairfax and Herndon, Virginia. Dr. Huynh brings over a decade of experience to the team at Virginia Pediatric Group. 

Dr. Huynh was raised in Kansas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology at the University of Kansas, graduating with distinction, and completed her medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2010. While in medical school, she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which recognizes students, residents, and faculty who are exemplars of compassionate patient care and who serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine. In 2013, she completed her pediatrics residency training at Inova Children's Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, where she was selected to be Chief Resident for the following year. 

Dr. Huynh joined the team at Virginia Pediatric Group in 2013. She is passionate about providing high-quality, unrushed pediatric care and is proud to partner with families throughout the area. Dr. Huynh is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is an Instructor of Pediatrics for the VCU School of Medicine. She is also an Assistant Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Dr. Huynh is an avid sports fan who can be found cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her husband and daughters.