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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.

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

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

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

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

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

Mariah is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Mariah specializes in mental health and works with individuals ranging from 4 years old to 21 years old. She provides medication management for those with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, mood disorders, eating disorders, anger, OCD, ODD, trauma, and PTSD. Mariah's experience includes a range of care in the clinical setting with patients aged 0 to 21 years. While at Kennedy Krieger Institute, she worked with patients experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, autism, learning and developmental delays, anger management with behavioral and physical outbursts, traumatic brain injuries, etc. Mariah is here to listen and support children and adolescents that are struggling with mental health challenges. Her goal is to collaborate with her clients, their parents, and any other professionals involved in their life to find the best plan that will help them succeed and live to their highest potential.

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. 

 

 

 

 

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.

Amita DeSouza, MD, of Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, is a caring and compassionate board-certified pediatrician and pediatric endocrinologist. Patients appreciate her warm and personable nature and the time she takes to truly get to know those in her care. 

Education is a central part of Dr. DeSouza’s life. She began her studies at the University of Rochester in New York, where she studied neuroscience. She went on to complete medical school at the University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in New York before completing her internship and residency at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. 

Dr. DeSouza also completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology through New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She continues to seek opportunities to expand her skills and knowledge through continuing education and seminars. 

Working with children is a calling. Dr. DeSouza finds it incredibly rewarding to assist children and their families in building a strong foundation for a lifetime of great health and wellness. Many families wouldn’t consider entrusting their child’s care to anyone else. 

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.  

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. 

Office Location(s): Fairfax and Aldie

Other languages spoken: Vietnamese (fluent)

 

Tuc Nguyen, M.D., F.A.A.P., is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She provides compassionate and comprehensive care to children throughout Aldie, Fairfax, and Great Falls, 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 on 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 mentors pediatric residents at the Inova Children's Hospital.

At Virginia Pediatric Group, Dr. Nguyen practices all aspects of general pediatrics, and her special interests include breastfeeding, nutrition/obesity prevention, adolescent medicine including gynecological health, and mental health. She is trained by the REACH Institute to assess, diagnose, and treat common pediatric mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. 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): Herndon and Great Falls

Other languages spoken: Farsi (fluent), Dari (fluent), Urdu/Hindi (fluent), Arabic (basic fluency), French (basic fluency)

 

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

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“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.

 

Office Location - Herndon and Great Falls

 

Nawal Alkharouf, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.P., is a board-certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is committed to a compassionate, evidence-based yet holistic approach to caring for children of all ages. 

Dr. Alkharouf was born in Malaysia and grew up in Jordan. She received her Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Jordan, and a Master of Science in biological sciences at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. She received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. She completed her pediatric residency at Georgetown, D.C. in 2011, followed by additional training in pediatric hematology-oncology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and the National Institutes of Health.

Following her training, Dr. Alkharouf worked as a general pediatrician near Seattle, WA for about 8 years. She gained valuable experience serving children with special needs at the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Complex Primary Care Clinic in Tacoma, WA. She was awarded a COE (center of excellence) for diagnosing and managing autism spectrum disorders in WA through the Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of WA.

Dr. Alkharouf is interested in all aspects of pediatrics, including newborns, early childhood development and behavior, nutrition, holistic wellness, mental health, and autism. She is trained by the REACH institute to assess, diagnose, and treat common pediatric mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety and depression.

When not working, Dr. Alkharouf enjoys hiking, meditation and yoga, reading, gardening, traveling, and art.

Patient Reviews

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“Dr. Nawal is an amazing doctor! Her diagnosis are superb, plus she has a great bedsides manners. We are so fortunate to have her as our kids pediatrician.”
- Ferda M.

 

“Doctor was wonderful and incredibly kind and helpful. Listened to my concerns and questions even if they sounded small or benign. She is great!”
- Kelly T.

 

“A wonderful experience. Dr. Alkharouf was very friendly, personable and knowledgeable. She was great at making my daughter feel comfortable while getting a check up!”
- Marquita W.

 

“Very caring and knowledgeable doctor, willing to talk a bit and answer questions. Really appreciated the engagement!”
- Jenna G.

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.

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.