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 (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
“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: 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, Herndon, and Aldie, 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.
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.
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.
Vi Nguyen, MD, 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.
Dr. Sara Halpern grew up in Ithaca, New York. She received her BS in Behavioral Science at McGill University in Montreal, and then moved to Tel Aviv, Israel to attend medical school at Sackler School of Medicine. She returned to the US (after 9 years!) and came to Washington DC in 2018 to complete her residency at Children’s National Medical Center. She is proficient in French and conversational Hebrew. Dr. Halpern will be living in DC with her tiny but energetic cat Bitsy. In her free time outside of medicine, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and trying out all the restaurants in DC with friends. She is board certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Dr. Pukatch is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She currently sees patients at both the Woodbridge and Springfield offices. She is passionate about comprehensive care from the newborn through young adulthood with an interest in mental health and nutrition.
Dr. Pukatch grew up in the greater Orlando, FL area. She received her BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Miami. She attended medical school at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Pukatch is currently living in Alexandria with her husband and dog, Winnie the Pukatch. Outside of medicine, she enjoys hiking in Shenandoah and Rock Creek Park, trying new restaurants, and reading.
Alifiya Tyabji, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She provides comprehensive pediatric care at NOVA Pediatrics and Young Adult Medicine in Woodbridge and Springfield, Virginia. She speaks medical Spanish and enjoys serving patients of diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Tyabji grew up in Stephens City, Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Virginia in 1999, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 2004, where she also completed her internship and residency in pediatrics. After practicing in Colorado Springs and Las Vegas, she and her family relocated to Northern Virginia to follow her husband’s Air Force career.
When she is not working, Dr. Tyabji enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. She stays very involved with her children’s activities. Traveling is a passion of hers. She also enjoys photography, watching sports, and eating multicultural cuisines.
Tiffany Meyer, MD, is an experienced pediatrician who joined the NOVA Pediatrics and Young Adult Medicine team in 2006. She currently sees patients at both their Woodbridge and Springfield, Virginia, offices.
Dr. Meyer grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and completed her undergraduate studies in biology at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she graduated with honors. She then moved to Washington, DC, and earned her medical degree at The George Washington University (GWU). She went on to complete her residency and fellowship at Children's National Medical Center. Afterward, she returned to GWU and earned her Master of Public Health. Dr.
Meyer is board certified in both pediatrics and adolescent medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although she completed a fellowship in Adolescent Medicine, she enjoys caring for children of all ages, especially newborns, school-aged children, and teenagers.
She is married and has two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys being a Girl Scout leader and coaching Odyssey of the Mind.
Laurence Seidman, MD, is an experienced pediatrician with the team at NOVA Pediatrics and Young Adult Medicine and sees patients at the practice’s locations in Springfield and Woodbridge, Virginia. Dr. Seidman has over three decades of experience and enjoys enhancing the lives of his young patients as they grow into adulthood.
Dr. Seidman was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and survived the blizzard of 1977! He received his bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he graduated magna cum laude. He then graduated from New York Medical College with his medical degree in 1986 and completed his internship and residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 1989.
He is married and has two children that are graduates of the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. He enjoys traveling and collecting early children's books, especially pop-ups. His collection can be seen at www.drlar7.tumblr.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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