This Information Page is a component of a website created and maintained by Children's Medical Associates of Northern Virginia.

The Pediatricians:

	Gary J. Bergman, M.D., F.A.A.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 1979  ~   Gary Bergman graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Binghamton.  He attended the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, NY, and did his residency training at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.  Gary is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, a Fellow of the America n Academy of Pediatrics, and is the past Chief of Pediatrics at the INOVA Alexandria Hospital.  He is an Assistant Professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the University of Virginia Medical School, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Children's National Medical Center.  In this capacity, Dr. Bergman very much enjoys teaching local medical students and residents.  He was honored in 2006 and 2009 with a teaching award from VCU.  Washingtonian magazine, Washington Consumer Checkbook magazine and Northern Virginia magazine have selected Dr. Bergman as one of Washington's "Top Doctors."   He has also been listed in the Consumer's Research Council of America's "Guide to America's Top Pediatricians."  In addition to enjoying all aspects of Pediatrics, Dr. Bergman has a special interest in the treatment of children with ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, Tourette Syndrome and related disorders.  He is a past president of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater Washington.  Gary has been married to his wife Linda for about forty years and they have two sons.  Gary's free time is spent with family and friends, skiing, biking, working on home improvement projects and taking the family's chocolate lab Emma, on hikes in the woods.
	Roman M. Kishi, M.D., F.A.A.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 1997  ~   Roman M. Kishi received  his medical degree at Damascus University School of Medicine.  He did his pediatric training at MetroHealth Medical Center and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.  He is board certified and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Before moving to Northern Virginia, Dr. Kishi practiced in Kentucky at one of the nation's largest rural health organizations, where he was Chief of Pediatrics at the Appalachian Regional Hospital and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky School of Medicine. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at The George Washington University School of Medicine, as well as an Instructor at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Kishi has a special interest in Pediatric Dermatology.  He is married and has three daughters. He enjoys tennis, skiing, classical music and collecting antique fountain pens.
	Dawn Estabrook, M.D. F.A.A.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 2000  ~   Dawn Estabrook obtained her medical degree from The George Washington University.  She received her pediatric residency training at INOVA Fairfax Hospital for Children and remains active on various committees related to the INOVA Fairfax residency program.  Dr. Estabrook holds the positions of Assistant Professor at The George Washington University and Instructor for the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center.  From 2006 until 2010, Dr. Estabrook served as Chief of Pediatrics at INOVA Alexandria Hospital.  Dr. Estabrook enjoys all aspects of children's medical care but has a special interest in nutrition, sleep issues and asthma management.  She has four children and is passionate about her granddaughters, reading, cooking and gardening.
	Ghassan N. Atiyeh, MD. F.A.A.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 2002  ~     Ghassan Atiyeh received his medical degree from The George Washington University.  He underwent training in Pediatrics and served as Associate Chief Resident at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC.  He is board certified and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  In his capacity as Assistant Clinical Professor at The George Washington University and the University of Virginia, he enjoys training medical students and pediatric residents.  While interested in many different aspects of medicine, Dr. Atiyeh's research has focused on issues of preventive care and public health.  Dr. Atiyeh has been named a "Top Doctor" by Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Magazine and the Consumer's Research Council of America's Guide to America's Top Pediatricians.  He also received "Patients' Choice" recognition.  Dr. Atiyeh is currently serving as President of Northern Virginia Pediatric Society.  He is married and has two daughters.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and home projects.
	Linda A. Friehling, M.D., F.A.A.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 1989  ~   Linda Friehling graduated from Chicago Medical School.  She received her pediatric training from Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.  She completed a fellowship in Neonatology at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.  Before moving to the Northern Virginia area she practiced in Philadelphia.  Dr. Friehling is board certified and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She has served on the City of Alexandria's Mayor's Council on Preschool Education. Dr. Friehling has given lecture series to parents at Alexandria Hospital.  Periodically, she rounds with Georgetown medical students and residents at Fairfax Hospital.  Dr. Friehling has consistently been named a "Top Doctor" by Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine.  She also received "Patients' Choice" recognition.  She is married to a physician and has three sons.  She and her family enjoy snow and water skiing, and music.
	Karen R. McElfish, M.D., F.A.A.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 1994  ~     Karen McElfish received her medical degree from the University of California at San Diego.  She did her pediatric training at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.   Dr. McElfish practiced in Reston, Virginia for several years before serving as Medical Director of Fair Oaks Hospital's Children's Unit and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics.  Dr. McElfish is board certified and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She is one of the "Nation's Best Doctors" as selected by Northern Virginia Magazine and the Consumer's Research Council of America's "Guide to America's Top Pediatricians.".  She has given lectures to parent groups and prenatal classes, and has preceptored Georgetown medical students.  Dr. McElfish is married and has two daughters.  Some of her hobbies include sewing, quilting, smocking, and playing the flute.
	Patricia Tae, M.D., F.A.A.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 2009  ~    Patricia Tae grew up in Fairfax County and attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.  She received her medical degree from Columbia University.  She underwent her training at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York at Columbia University.  Dr. Tae is board certified in Pediatrics.  She was part of a general pediatric practice in New York City before joining the CMA family.  Dr. Tae is married and has two children, one of whom was a 28 week preemie.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling and sampling global cuisines.

The Nurse Practitioners:

 

Kris McHarg, C.P.N.P., I.B.C.L.C.    ~  Joined CMA in 1994  ~   Kris McHarg received her BSN from University of Maryland, a Masters degree (Maternal-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist) from University of Washington and her post-Master’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Catholic University.  Kris retired as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps after 21 years of military service, at various assignments including Guam and Japan.  She is President of the Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and the NAPNAP representative to the United States Breastfeeding Committee.  Kris is a board certified lactation consultant.  She is a clinical preceptor/ affiliate faculty at George Mason and Catholic Universities.  She is married and has 3 children in college and a Golden Retriever at home.  She enjoys traveling, boating, scrapbooking and reading.

	Theresa Tangherlini, C.P.N.P., I.B.C.L.C.   ~  Joined CMA in 1999  ~   Theresa Tangherlini received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America, a Masters of Science in Nursing Health Policy at the University of Maryland, and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's certificate from Catholic University.  She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurses Practitioners and Associates.  Her nursing experience includes being a staff nurse on the adolescent and hematology/oncology units at Children's Hospital National Medical Center in Washington D.C., as well as several years in home healthcare.  Theresa is a board certified lactation consultant.  Theresa is married and has two young children.  While her children take up most of her time now, she still enjoys her two dogs, house renovation projects, stained glass design, reading and gardening.
	Melissa Goldblatt, C.P.N.P., I.B.C.L.C.   ~  Joined CMA in 2007  ~    Melissa Goldblatt grew up in Alexandria, VA.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University, and her Master of Science in Nursing from the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at Catholic University.  She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.  Her nursing experiences include pediatric intensive care and emergency medicine.  Melissa has a special interest in lactation education.  In addition to her medical education, Melissa has a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Writing.    Melissa is married, has three daughters, and enjoys running, reading, and family walks (much to the chagrin of her family).  She is living proof that if you stay in the same town long enough, you can be a patient, a parent, and a practitioner in the same office.
	Paula A. Manion, M.S.N., C.S., C.P.N.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 1997  ~     Paula Manion was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut.  She received her Bachelor degree in Nursing from the University of Hartford in 1986, and her Masters of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track, in 1995 from Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia.  She lives in Springfield with her husband and their 3 children.  The Manions enjoy spending time with extended family and friends while taking in all that the Greater Metropolitan Washington area has to offer.  Paula brings to the office over 30 years of nursing experience with the last 15 as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in primary care.  She has personal experience raising a special needs child. She enjoys working with families of kids with special needs and with ADHD.  She also pierces ears for the 'little ladies'!
	Laura Miller Rose, C.P.N.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 2000  ~     Laura Rose received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Catholic University of America.  She returned to Catholic University to complete the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program and received her Master Degree in Nursing.  She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Associates, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.  Her nursing experiences include working in Pediatric primary care, in Pediatric oncology  and HIV, and in adolescent medicine.  She is married and her hobbies include reading, biking and skiing.

Deirdre D. Makinen, C.P.N.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 1991  ~    Deirdre Makinen received her Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at Catholic University.  She is an active member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Associates.  Her nursing experiences include being a staff nurse at Children's Hospital National Medical Center, and five years as a staff nurse and assistant head nurse at a group practice in northwest D.C.  Deirdre is married and has two children.  She and her husband enjoy playing golf and traveling.

Karlin T. Krebs, C.P.N.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 2011  ~    Karlin comes to Children’s Medical Associates with over 25 years of health care experience.  She received her RN diploma in 1985 from Saint Luke’s School of Nursing in Duluth, Minnesota.  She graduated with Honors with a BSN from San Jose State University, California in 1995.   Karlin received her Master’s Degree in Nursing along with her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Catholic University in 2009.   Karlin has extensive experience in neonatal intensive care having worked 5 years at INOVA Fairfax Hospital's NICU.  For the past 5 years, she has treated children in a primary care setting and has served as Associate Faculty at Catholic University.  Karlin is a member of the Virginia and National chapters of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.  Karlin is committed to quality primary health care and prevention. She loves teaching and has a special interest in gastroenterology, asthma, and breastfeeding.  Karlin is married to a retired Naval Officer, has raised 3 grown children, and loves her 2 dogs!  She enjoys family time, reading, camping, hiking, writing, and the ocean.

 

Layla Gaeta, C.P.N.P.   ~  Joined CMA in 2011  ~    Laylah Gaeta grew up in New Jersey and received her Bachelor's in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in 1994.  She had over 5 years experience as a Registered Nurse before obtaining her Master's Degree in Nursing from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.  She has been a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2000.  Over the past 10 years she has worked in a school-based clinic in Colorado, a military treatment facility on Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, and in private practice.  Laylah is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor through the International Association of Infant Massage.  She resides in Springfield with her husband and 3 daughters.  Laylah belongs to the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and is also an active member of the Springfield MOMS club.  Her hobbies/interests include reading, traveling, digital scrapbooking, yoga, and Zumba.

The Child Development Specialist:
 

Victoria Youcha, Ed.D.   ~  Joined CMA in 1994  ~   For more than 30 years, Vicky Youcha has worked with young children, including those with brain injuries and their families. Her roles have included directing an early intervention program, working as a child development specialist, and supporting early childhood programs to include children with disabilities. Dr. Youcha works with WETA.  Previously she was the Executive Director of the Center for Alexandria's Children, a children's advocacy center.  Dr. Youcha worked at ZERO TO THREE, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families for almost nine years where she directed a leadership initiative and founded the Court Teams for Maltreated Infants and Toddlers Project.  Prior to joining ZERO TO THREE, she taught at George Washington University and directed the Early Childhood Special Education Master's Degree Program at the Alexandria Graduate Education Center.  She has authored a variety of publications related to abuse and neglect, inclusion, and disabilities.  Her most recent book (2009) is The ABCs of the ADA: Your Early Childhood Program's Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Dr. Youcha has a special interest in premature babies, behavioral challenges and children with developmental problems. She has two grown children and a grandson.

The Practice Administrator:
 

Sharon Keller, R.N.   ~  Joined CMA in 1991  ~     Sharon Keller, our Practice Administrator, is a Registered Nurse experienced in Pediatrics.  She graduated with a BSN from the University of Virginia and is a member of the National Association of Physician Nurses.  Prior to becoming Practice Administrator, Sharon served in a clinical capacity and as Head Nurse. Sharon is married and has a college-aged son.  We depend on her to coordinate the medical and business aspects of the practice at both locations.  Please feel free to call Sharon if you have any special concerns.  Positive feedback and constructive criticism will always be welcome.  It is our goal to offer quality care with a compassionate ear.

The Business Manager:
 

Lee-Ann Strain, R.N.   ~  Joined CMA in 1984  ~     Lee-Ann manages all the financial, insurance and business aspects of the practice.  She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Nursing.  With her knowledge of bookkeeping and her medical background, Lee-Ann is a qualified resource for any questions you may have regarding your bill or insurance.  Please feel free to contact her any weekday at 703-914-8989.

Return to Beginning of this page.