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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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 - 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): 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.

 

 

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): primarily Fairfax

Other languages spoken: Amharic

Edom Endale Genemo, MD, is a dedicated pediatrician. She provides compassionate and expert care to patients at Virginia Pediatric Group at the Fairfax, Virginia, location. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Genemo is fluent in Amharic. She moved to Virginia before high school and completed her medical education at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. 

Dr. Genemo earned her bachelor's degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and completed her pediatric residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 2024. She is committed to providing the best care possible and takes the time to really listen to her patients. 

Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Genemo enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, and exploring new cuisines. She currently resides in Fort Washington, Maryland, with her husband.

For expert pediatric care with a personal touch, Dr. Genemo offers a unique blend of cultural insight and professional expertise.

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

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): 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, Herndon, and Aldie

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 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), sons and daughter. She lives in Sterling, VA and loves to explore new restaurants and wineries in the area.

 

Patient Reviews

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“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.

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 the science of race. He has published a small article regarding the genetic science of the non existence of human races.

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): Herndon and Aldie

Other languages spoken: Spanish (fluent)

Belen Pappa, M.D., Sc.M, FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician, providing compassionate and culturally competent care to families in Herndon, Fairfax, and Aldie, Virginia, alongside the team at Virginia Pediatric Group since 2021.

Dr. Pappa was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys working with families of diverse cultural backgrounds. Her special interests include supporting new parents in the care of their newborn, preventive health, genetics, and adolescent medicine. 

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of Maryland, graduating with high honors and trained as a Genetic Counselor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. After working several years as a Genetic Counselor in Washington D.C., Dr. Pappa returned to school to earn her medical degree from West Virginia University in 2018. She completed her pediatric residency at VCU Health Systems in Richmond, Virginia, in 2021, with a special focus on primary care. 

In her free time, Dr. Pappa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling. She lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband and young children. 

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Pappa was super friendly and warm. She connected with my daughter right away. Our visit with her was incredibly thorough and informative.”
- Jonelle S.

 

“Dr. Pappa was kind, gentle, and thorough in her examination of my sick 9mo. She didn't come off as rushed, and gave me plenty of time to ask questions, all of which she answered fully. I highly recommend Dr. Pappa!”
- Mollie M.

 

“The Doctor was very friendly and knowledgeable seeing kids for the first time.”
- Shiraz A.