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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.

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.

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. 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.
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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.

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. 

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.  

Office Location - Fairfax

Debra Zeh grew up in Queens, New York, graduating from St. John’s University with a BS in Biology. She attended medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, New York. Her internship and residency were done at Georgetown University Medical Center. She and her husband, Dr. Manuel Guillen, founded and ran Virginia Allergy & Pediatrics for almost 40 years in Great Falls and Fairfax, Virginia. They closed their office during the pandemic. Dr. Zeh missed her relationships with her patients so in December 2022 she joined Virginia Pediatric Group.

She is board certified and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. she has one adult daughter. In her free time she loves swimming, working out in the gym, walking, traveling, and crafting. She is also an active member of the Medical Society of Northern Virginia, the Georgetown Clinical Society, and the Greater Washington Allergy and Immunology Society.

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Zeh is a great and timely doctor.”
- Jennie H.

 

“Dr. Zeh was super personable and engaged all the while working her way through my son's check-up without missing a beat! Commenting as needed and making sure she understood what was needed for the specific appointment!”
- Ginny H.

 

“Dr. Zeh had a motherly quality about her that was reassuring.”
- Cara C.

 

“Dr. Zeh was very kind and caring!! She made us feel very comfortable as she cared for our son. We REALLY appreciated how she explained everything to us. Such a great and knowledgeable doctor!”
- Stephanie O.

Office Location(s): primarily Fairfax

Other languages spoken: Spanish 

Lorena Botero-Calderon, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric nephrologist committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based care to children and their families at Virginia Pediatric Group in Fairfax, Virginia. 

Born and raised in Colombia, Dr. Botero-Calderon appreciates the significance of cultural competence in providing compassionate and effective healthcare. She earned her medical degree from Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia, before moving to the United States. There, she completed her pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Ohio, followed by a pediatric nephrology fellowship at Children’s National Hospital Medical Center in Washington, DC.

At Virginia Pediatric Group, Dr. Botero-Calderon strives to offer comprehensive medical care and practical guidance, becoming a valuable resource for families as their children grow and develop. Her goal is to help her patients achieve their healthiest and happiest selves. She has particular interests in newborn care and asthma, ensuring these areas receive the dedicated attention they require.

In her free time, Dr. Botero-Calderon enjoys discovering new restaurants and traveling. She resides in Washington, DC, with her husband, embracing the rich cultural and culinary experiences the city offers. Her diverse background and dedication to her patients make her a trusted and respected physician in her community.

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: French (proficient)

 

James Baugh, M.D., F.A.A.P., has been on the team at Virginia Pediatric Group for over thirty years. He has dedicated his medical career to providing pediatric care for children in Fairfax and Herndon, Virginia. 

Dr. Baugh was born in New York and considers San Marino, California, his hometown. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in human biology at Stanford University and his medical degree from George Washington University in 1980. He completed his pediatrics residency training at the William Beaumont Army Center in 1983. 

Prior to joining Virginia Pediatric Group in 1989, Dr. Baugh served in the U.S. Army in Missouri and Belgium. He also completed an Infectious Disease Fellowship at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Baugh has received numerous teaching awards, including Best Pediatric Resident Teaching Award, Best Ambulatory Pediatric Attending Teacher at Inova Fairfax Children's Hospital 1999, 2005, 2011, and a Teacher Excellence Award from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010.

Dr. Baugh's interests in pediatrics are multifaceted. His professional enjoyment stems from his intrigue into the many facets of child health and development and how children and families can thrive. He enjoys seeing the human brain develop and adapt as a child is nurtured, loved, and educated. He also likes learning about issues in infectious illnesses, both here and abroad. More recently, international adoption has become an interest as it involves child development, sometimes infectious illnesses, and always international medicine. 

In recent years, Dr. Baugh has traveled internationally to promote pediatric education training efforts in Haiti. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is proficient in French. 

In his spare time, he enjoys tennis, exercise, hiking, biking, French, music, travel, and gardening. He has two grown children and resides in Fairfax with his wife.

 

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Baugh is the best pediatrician we have encountered. He is very knowledgeable, caring and takes time to answer any questions. He has been caring for my son since he was only one week old. Unfortunately, we are leaving but Dr. Baugh was the best thing that happened to us and we are going to miss him. Thank you doctor for everything.”
- Shweta P.

 

“Dr. Baugh is simply an amazing pediatrician. Experienced, knowledgeable, attentive, data-driven yet flexible in his approaches, we could not ask for a better doctor for our baby daughter. Every visit with Dr. Baugh has been a very positive experience and I can't imagine entrusting our child's medical needs to anyone else.”
- Zbynek K.

 

“We love Dr. Baugh! He has great rapport with my sons and it's obvious that he loves interacting with kids. He is a talented and very well informed physician who picks up on subtle things that most other doctors would miss. He has been an important value add to our family and to my parenting. I hope he never retires!!”
- Emily G.

 

“Dr. Baugh is terrific! He really listens to both patient and parent concerns and provides both verbal and written advice. I recommend him to anyone whose child needs help managing their ADHD or other diagnosis.”
- Kimberly G.

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, Great Falls, 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.

 

 

Office Location(s): Great Falls and Herndon

 

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 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.

Office Location(s): Fairfax, Herndon

Vi Nguyen, MD, FAAP is a pediatrician dedicated to providing comprehensive evidence-based care to patients and their families in Fairfax and Herndon. 

Dr. Vi is a Northern Virginia native, born Washington, DC and raised in Fairfax. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia. She continued with UVA for medical school followed by completion of pediatric residency at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC.

Dr. Vi takes pride in building strong nurturing relationships with families. She collaborates closely to help make informed choices that are in the best interest of the child's health and wellbeing. 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. Vi enjoys trying local bakeries, exploring local parks, and hanging out on the couch with her family. She currently resides in Fairfax with her husband, young son, and Australian Shepherd. 

Office Location(s): Fairfax

Other languages spoken: Spanish (proficient)

 

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.

Office Location(s): available to all locations via telemedicine

Russell Libby, M.D., F.A.A.P., is the founder of Virginia Pediatric Group and has acted as the practice president since its inception in 1982. “It is a privilege to be a pediatrician, and I take great pride in helping children and their families grow and thrive from infancy to young adulthood.” Virginia Pediatric Group has convenient locations in Fairfax, Herndon, and Great Falls, Virginia.

Dr. Libby was born and raised in the Washington, D.C., area. He received his Bachelor of Science in zoology and his Doctor of Medicine at George Washington University. He completed his pediatrics residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 1982 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He was also certified as a home care medical director by the American Academy of Home Care Physicians in 1998.

Dr. Libby has been committed to helping doctors work together to provide high-quality and cost-effective care.  He is a founding director and past president of HealthConnect IPA, a primary care Independent Practice Association. He was been Chief of the General Pediatrics section at Inova Children’s Hospital from 2000 to 2022, and a member of the hospital leadership committee.  

Dr. Libby has been named best pediatrician in the Washington area by Families Magazine for more than 20 years and is consistently listed among Washingtonian’s and Northern Virginia Magazine’s top doctors. He spent many years hosting educational television shows on medicine and health care, including “Dr. Libby’s World of Medicine,” and was the host of the weekly ABC radio show “To Your Health.” He was the lead editor and contributing author of Guidelines for Pediatric Home Health Care, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

He has authored numerous articles, chapters for books, opinion pieces for national media, and major policy statements for both the Medical Society of Virginia and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has been President of the Medical Society of Northern Virginia and was President of the Medical Society of Virginia from 2012-2013. Dr. Libby is a delegate at the American Medical Association, representing the Integrated Physician Practice Section, and is a Board member of the Physicians Foundation, where he has led initiatives on physician wellness, telehealth, and addressing social determinants of health. He is on the Editorial Advisory Board and an author for the prestigious pediatric journal, Contemporary Pediatrics.

Dr. Libby has three grown children and resides in Northern Virginia with his wonderful wife. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, cycling, playing guitar, and creating stained glass art.

 

 

 

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Libby was my pediatrician so it is so fun for my 8yr old daughter to go to the same doctor I had growing up. Our telemed appointment with Dr Libby was great. He answered all of my questions, talked through recent COVID studies, and was a pleasure to talk to. The entire VPG practice is excellent.”
- Cynthia K.

 

“Dr Libby is an outstanding Doctor with a lot of experience with kids and parents. He is taking great care of our son, who has ADHD.”
- Sophia K.

 

“Dr. Libby is a joy. He is able to communicate beautifully with my son to ask all the right questions, gain the information he needs. His diagnosis and medicinal treatments have been spot-on for my son, resulting in huge improvements academically as well as at home.”
- Christine B.

 

“Dr. Libby is an outstanding pediatrician and he has an amazing way of communicating both with parents and kids. He has been our boys' doctor since they were born and has always provided the most competent and compassionate advice and treatment. We feel truly grateful for all the care we ever got from Dr. Libby.”
- Daliborka S.