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.
Farangis Habib, M.D., MHSc, F.A.A.P., is an accomplished pediatrician on the team at Virginia Pediatric Group. Dr. Habib provides care to children from the practice's office locations in Great Falls, and Herndon, Virginia.
Dr. Habib was born in Tehran, Iran, and earned her medical degree in 1981 from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. In 1988, she completed her pediatric training in hospitals in Karachi, London, and Dublin, graduating with the highest honors.
For several years, Dr. Habib worked as a pediatrician as well as a researcher and medical director for two international pharmaceutical companies. During this time, she became interested in public health and began her training at Harvard school of public health. Later, she completed a Tropical Medicine Certificate at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2000. She then earned a Master of Health Science in molecular microbiology and immunology from Johns Hopkins in 2001.
For over a decade, Dr. Habib worked in various allied health fields. She completed her pediatrics residency at Toledo Children's Hospital and became board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Subsequently, she worked as a pediatrician in Ohio, Fredericksburg, and Reston until she joined the Virginia Pediatric Group in 2017.
Dr. Habib is a Graduate Fellow of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, Arizona University, 2023. She is trained in Reach institute and treats children/adolescents with mental illness.
She is a member of several organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, HANDS (Health and Nutrition Development Society), Spouse member of YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) DC-Baltimore chapter, Alumnus of Harvard School of Public Health, Alumnus of Johns Hopkins University, and Alumnae-I-Network for Harvard Women.
Dr. Habib lives in northern Virginia with her husband and has four grown children. She is fluent in English, Farsi, Hindi, Dari, basic French, and Arabic. In her free time, she enjoys playing chess, cooking, reading Persian poetry, doing calligraphy, and listening to traditional music.
Patient Reviews
“We drive 30 minutes out of the district to see Dr. Habib because she’s attentive and patient; she listens to the concerns of the parents but also fosters security in the babies. We’ve been with VAPG since our twins were newborns and after meeting with Dr. Habib, I have made it a point to schedule my daughters’ appointments on days she is in the office. Highly recommend it!” - Ashley F.
“My daughter Alicia just recently had meningitis and she's only 6 months. With babies this age, it's hard to notice them, and COVID is making it even harder. Thanks for Dr Habib, she wasted no time in demanding that I go to the Inova ER and have my daughter checked out and examined. I deeply thank her for discovering the meningitis and asking me to go to the ER, she truly saved my baby's life!” - Alicia Z.
“Wonderful Experience !! Dr Habib went above and beyond. Help my little one and answer my concerns.” - Lilian C.
“Very patient and kind. She is an out of the box thinker when it comes to treatment. Wonderful doctor!” - September O.
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.
Jennifer Woodley, CFNP, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Advanced Pediatrics.
Since opening its doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
Jennifer earned her first bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from James Madison University, where she researched infectious diseases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While working at the NIH in research, Jennifer was called to want to work more closely with patients, and she returned to school, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Shenandoah University. Continuing her education, Jennifer received her Master’s in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis as a family nurse practitioner.
Jennifer has worked as a nurse in the NICU at INOVA Fairfax Hospital and has eight years of outpatient pediatric experience in offices throughout Northern Virginia.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys hiking local trails, relaxing at the beach, reading, and going to sporting events with her nephews and nieces.
Isabel Jander, MD, is a Doctor of Medicine specializing in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening their doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
She received her B.S. from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She completed medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and residency in New York City at Cohen Children's Medical Center (Cohen's Children's Hospital) in Queens, New York.
Dr. Jander comes to Advanced Pediatrics with more than 18 years of experience as a Primary Care Pediatrician. She was named to Washingtonian's Top Doctors each year from 2015 to 2020. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence. She has special interests in acute illness management and newborn care.
She is board-certified in Pediatric Medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Dr. Jander lives with her husband and three children in McLean, Virginia.
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.
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.
Dr. Smith lives in Vienna, VA after recently relocating from Boston. He received a BA in Chemistry and a BS in Brain and Cognitive Science from University of Rochester and completed his medical training at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
He then completed his pediatric residency training at Duke University. Following residency, Dr. Smith worked as an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Tufts University & adjunct faculty at Boston Children's Hospital prior to joining AP. He also works in the Children's National Hospital network as a Pediatric Hospitalist. He is a board certified pediatrician, a certified lactation consultant, & a member of the American Medical Association.
He has special interest in the transitions of pediatric medical care & medically complex pediatric patients. Outside of the office, you will find Dr. Smith outdoors on a hiking trail or a volleyball court!
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.
Nicole Goldberg, CPNP-BC, is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Dermatology 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.
Nicole completed her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
She furthered her education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, achieving a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Nicole has been practicing general pediatrics in the local community for over 17 years. Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence.
She has additional training and experience in childhood development and ADHD diagnosis and management.
Nicole lives in Reston, Virginia, with her husband and two children.
Mary Meyer, MD, specializes in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening its doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
Dr. Meyer was born and raised in Northern California. She first ventured to the Washington, D.C. area as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. Shortly after, Dr. Meyer attended medical school at Loma Linda University in Southern California. She then completed her residency at Inova Children's Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia.
Dr. Meyer is board-certified in Pediatric Medicine and is a certified Lactation Consultant. Her clinical interests include all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence, and she has a special interest in breastfeeding.
Dr. Meyer lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and child. She enjoys board games, hiking, and rock climbing in her spare time.
Dr. Meyer looks forward to welcoming new and existing patients at Advanced Pediatrics.
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.
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.
Jennifer Jenks, CPNP-BC, is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Gastroenterology at Advanced Pediatrics. Since opening their doors in 2001, the private pediatric practice has earned an exemplary reputation for excellence in pediatric care in Vienna, Virginia, and throughout the National Capital Region.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master’s in Nursing (MSN) at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Jennifer previously worked at Riley's Children's Hospital in Indianapolis, Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, and in a specialized pediatric gastroenterology clinic.
Her clinical interests encompass all aspects of pediatric care from newborn to adolescence. She has a special interest in infant reflux and feeding issues, allergic colitis, chronic constipation, and other gastroenterological conditions.
Jennifer lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband and three children. She loves spending time with her three children, exercising, and traveling to the beach.
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.
Omar Jaber, MD, MPH, 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.
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
“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.
