PL1 Pediatric Residents
Hi, y’all, my name is Kathya! I grew up in Grafton, Massachusetts, and then moved to Ohio, where I went to the University of Cincinnati for both undergrad and medical school. My love for pediatrics started to crystallize during undergrad, particularly designing and 3D printing custom, modular prostheses for kids. This love continued to blossom in medical school, where I also developed a passion for advocacy and medical education.
I’m so thrilled to now be a resident at UVA and call this wonderful place home! During my interview, I was blown away by the warmth and genuine friendship I witnessed between the residents, the program leadership’s dedication to ensuring that the program evolves to serve its residents, and the commitment to serving patients and the larger community. All of this set before the beautiful backdrop of Charlottesville was a combination that couldn’t be beat in my eyes.
In my free time, you’ll usually find me baking up a storm in my kitchen or noodling around on my guitar. Charlottesville has so many delightful bakeries and great opportunities to enjoy live music that even my non-medical interests have space to flourish here! I’m overjoyed to continue this journey with my new UVA pediatrics family!
Hi! My name is Marissa Alvarez, and I’m so excited and grateful to be starting my pediatric residency at UVA. I grew up in a small town called Star, North Carolina, and completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at UNC Chapel Hill (Go Heels!). After graduation, I spent a gap year working as both a registered behavior technician and an EMT-Basic. I then earned my master’s in health science at West Virginia University — an experience that not only deepened my interest in medicine but also introduced me to my now-husband.
We were lucky enough to attend Marshall University School of Medicine together and later navigated the couples’ match. We’re incredibly thankful to have matched at UVA and can’t wait to call Charlottesville our new home.
Outside of medicine, I love baking, spending time outdoors, and diving into creative projects — from arts and crafts to houseplants and beyond. My path to pediatrics hasn’t been a straight line, and I’m always happy to share my journey or offer support to others who are navigating their own. Please feel free to reach out — I hope you find your perfect pediatric family!
Hi everyone, welcome to UVA Pediatrics! My name is Patrick. I was born in Brunswick, ME, but moved to the Charlottesville area back in 2008 and have been here ever since. I graduated from UVA in 2019 with a degree in Neuroscience and completed a research year studying neuroimmunology at UVA before deciding to stay for medical school. During my fourth year of medical school, I decided to take a year to pursue research in cardiovascular immunology in the lab of Dr. Coleen McNamara, MD. This was an incredibly meaningful year that reinforced my desire to combine clinical and basic research with care at the bedside. Every year I stay, I find some new corner of the Charlottesville community that I never knew existed. There are so many vibrant communities that have taught me so much in my short (though some may say long) time living here. With that in mind, and after getting to know the program directors, attendings, current residents, pediatric nurses, and world-class researchers here at UVA, I decided that there was no better place to continue learning. After residency, I hope to specialize in a field that will allow me to have longitudinal patient care experiences while also continuing my basic and clinical research interests.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy exploring the numerous trails around this area of Virginia with my wife, Rachel, who is an awesome nurse in the adult Heme/Onc unit here, and our yellow lab puppy, Oakley. I also love painting, experimenting with different art forms, gardening, and weightlifting.
Welcome to UVA!
Hello! My name is Rachel Brown, and I’m thrilled to be joining the UVA Pediatrics Residency Program as a new intern! Welcome to our program!
I grew up in Greenwood, South Carolina, and completed my undergraduate studies at Erskine College, where I majored in Biology and played on the Women’s Soccer Team. After graduation, I married my wonderful husband, and just two months later, we moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where I attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
When searching for a residency program, I prioritized finding a place where residents genuinely supported one another and were equally supported by the program. I also wanted a strong academic environment that would challenge and shape me into the best pediatrician possible. UVA stood out to me for both of these reasons. During the interview process, I was struck by the kindness and enthusiasm of the faculty, staff, and residents. I’m so grateful to now be part of this incredible team.
Since moving to Charlottesville, I’ve loved exploring the area’s natural beauty, hiking its scenic trails, and trying out the many great local restaurants. If you have any questions about the application process or life in the UVA Pediatrics Residency Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would be more than happy to help!
Hi everyone, I’m so glad you’ve come to learn more about our program! My name is Maria, and I’m a first-year pediatrics resident here at UVA. I’m from upstate New York and grew up in a small town south of Albany. I went to SUNY Binghamton for undergrad, where I majored in Cell and Molecular Biology. I then went back to the Albany area for medical school at Albany Medical College. When it came to applying to residency programs, I knew I wanted to try living in another part of the country, but I was hesitant to leave home. I had to find a place with a supportive environment to give that “home away from home” feeling, and after my UVA interview, I knew this was the perfect place for me!
I moved to Charlottesville with my partner, Mike, and it’s been so much fun building our home and community here. Charlottesville has a ton to offer, and we’ve had a blast trying out new restaurants and visiting the local wineries to find our new favorites. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy crafting, especially embroidery, and doing DIY projects. If you’re ever looking for a craft night, I’m your girl! I hope you fall in love with UVA too!
Welcome to UVA Pediatrics!
I am Irma, and I was born and raised in El Salvador, where I graduated from the University of El Salvador and completed my medical training. Growing up in El Salvador shaped who I am in many beautiful ways. It’s a country full of warmth, resilience, and generosity, qualities I believe are essential to being a good physician, especially in pediatrics.
From the very beginning of medical school, I knew pediatrics was where I belonged. I’ve always known that working with children was where I’d find the most purpose. I’m passionate about global health and primary care, and while I remain open to pursuing a fellowship in the future, my heart is in building strong, lasting connections with children and their families.
I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be training at UVA, the #1 teaching hospital in Virginia. The academic curriculum and hands-on teaching are truly outstanding, but what stands out most to me is the respectful and supportive environment, one where you can truly grow both professionally and personally.
Charlottesville offers a wonderful blend of small-town warmth and the benefits of a larger city. It’s a place where you can enjoy close connections while having access to diverse cultural experiences, especially when it comes to food, with options to satisfy every taste. This unique combination makes Charlottesville a truly special place to live and train.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and our beautiful daughter, who are my biggest sources of joy and support. We also share our home with two very energetic and fun Boston Terriers (Mango and Tajin) who always keep things entertaining. If you have any questions about UVA or Charlottesville, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Hello! My name is Connor Fields, and I’m originally from a small town called Red House, West Virginia. I attended West Virginia University for my undergraduate Biology degree and medical school (Let’s Go Mountaineers!). So although I’m at UVA now, I’ll always bleed blue and gold. Growing up, I played a lot of sports, including Baseball, Football, and I earned a 2nd degree black belt in taekwondo karate. I also had the opportunity to do a lot of volunteer work with kids at a medical camp for children with asthma. That is where my love for working with children began.
When I started looking for a pediatrics program, I knew that I wanted a program that was small enough that I could quickly become a part of the family, yet based in a large enough hospital that I could experience the full breadth of pediatric medicine. I had the opportunity to do an away rotation at UVA during my fourth year of medical school, and I immediately recognized that this program fit into both of those categories. Another thing that stood out to me was the community that is UVA Health, even outside of the pediatric program. I remember walking through the cafeteria with faculty during my away rotation and watching as they greeted and interacted with other non-pediatric staff like they were old friends. On top of all of that, it’s close to home, and Charlottesville has so much to offer.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside with my wife, my daughter, and our three dogs. We enjoy hiking, walking, and going to local parks and wineries. I also enjoy golfing, cooking, and watching football on the weekends. Charlottesville is quickly beginning to feel like home, and I am excited to continue exploring with my family and new friends.
Hi! I’m Liz, a pediatric neurology resident at the University of Virginia. I was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley and plan to spend the rest of my life living and working in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain corridor—a true slice of heaven on earth. I completed my undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, majoring in Chemistry and Psychology, and then earned my medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Now residency at the University of Virginia… I’m a Virginia girl through and through! I took the scenic route to medical school, with meaningful experiences working for a church in Northern Ireland, serving as a subcontractor for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and raising a little family of my own.
In medical school, I developed an interest in pediatric neurology, drawn to the complexity of neurodevelopment and neuropathology in children, as well as the crucial role of early intervention to give every child the best possible childhood. I feel truly grateful to be at UVA, where I get to be part of a historically collaborative environment that encourages both personal and professional growth. Outside of medicine, I enjoy thrifting, gardening, camping, and spending quality time with my family.
Hello everyone! My name is Elizabeth Letchworth, and I am so excited to be here at UVA! I grew up in a military family that moved often, but was lucky to settle in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia for most of my childhood! I went to Virginia Tech for my undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition, Food, and Exercise, then stayed for medical school at VCOM. I have always enjoyed teaching, coaching, and working with children, and I knew pediatrics was a great fit for me. Pediatricians have the most fun!
I believe that UVA is full of like-minded, wonderful people who love their patients and provide the best care. The residency program offered everything I hoped for, including a small program size in a hospital that offers comprehensive care. I am surrounded by amazing residents who are super supportive and encouraging! Outside of the hospital, my husband and I are busy running around with our two dogs and traveling to our favorite beaches. We also love to cook and try out new recipes, and visit local restaurants around Charlottesville!
Hi! My name is Sanjana Mandilwar, and I’m so excited you are interested in the UVA Peds Program! I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and went to Clemson University, where I majored in Bioengineering. I then stayed in upstate South Carolina for medical school and went to USC-Greenville, where I fell in love with Pediatrics. When picking a residency, I wanted to find a place where I felt like I would thrive both personally and professionally. Having been in South Carolina my whole life, I knew I wanted to explore a different area of the country, so I was looking for a program where I would find a community both inside and outside of the hospital. Even through my virtual interview, I was quickly able to see what a supportive and uplifting program this was. In addition, I am interested in medical education and advocacy, and was impressed by how personalized the curriculum is, allowing residents to tailor their training to their individual interests. Plus, Charlottesville is a beautiful place to live!
In my free time, I love cheering for the Clemson Tigers, playing pickleball, going to group workout classes, and trying different ice cream shops. If you have any questions about UVA, feel free to reach out!
Hi y’all, I’m Niva! I was born in Alabama but moved to metro Atlanta when I was 2, and so for all intents and purposes am a Georgia gal! I went to the University of Miami for college and came back to Georgia for med school at MCG in Augusta, so I’ve been in the southeast my whole life! Charlottesville is the northernmost place I have ever lived, which initially was a daunting prospect, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else for residency.
My professional passion is hematology/oncology, and so when looking at residency programs, I knew that I wanted to train at a strong academic center that offered care in all subspecialties. However, finding a program where I would feel well supported was equally important. From the very first moment I started looking at UVA, I was excited by the abundance of opportunities (especially the summer camps for pediatric patients!), and those good gut feelings were only strengthened on interview day! Hearing about how the residents had a spontaneous snow day and went sledding resonated with me and my attitude towards life. Stories of how residents have stepped up for each other and how that is the culture at UVA were also a huge draw for me, and are something that I can now say I’ve experienced firsthand. I’ve been so blown away by the unbelievable amount of support and encouragement from my co-residents right off the bat, and I feel so grateful to be part of this family!
In my free time, I love kayaking and hiking (or anything outside really, I’m an avid photosynthesizer), calligraphy, being silly on FaceTime with my nieces and nephews, and watching the Premier League (go Chelsea!!) Also, despite my last name, I’m not the biggest fan of matcha or tea in general, but I have loved exploring the local breweries here so far! I’ve found that Charlottesville is big enough to always have something to do and small enough to feel like home, and I can’t wait to keep experiencing all that the city and UVA Pediatrics have to offer, hopefully with you!
My name is Addison Moon, and I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. I moved to Utah, where I attended BYU for undergrad, majored in Microbiology, and loved working as a Chemistry teaching assistant for 4 years. After living in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, my wife and I decided it was time to make our way east and ended up in Missouri, where I attended Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Outside of work, spending time with my family is what I most enjoy doing, whether it’s taking walks by the river, going to the weekly farmers market, playing video games with my wife, or playing hide & seek and “struggling” to find my son who has picked the same spot 5 times in a row.
When the time came to start thinking about where to apply for residency, we knew we wanted to keep heading east. Though I had never set foot in Virginia before, Charlottesville kept standing out as a great place to live, and I’ve loved living here so far. UVA’s program matched what I was looking for as I applied to residency: a strong resident education, supportive faculty who enjoy teaching, and a smaller class size where residents quickly get to know each other. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about UVA or Charlottesville!
Hi everyone! I’m Ahsen. I was born in Bethlehem, PA, and spent the first few years of my life there before moving to Turkey with my family. After high school, I went straight into medical school and completed six years of training at Marmara University in Istanbul, which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. After graduating, my husband and I moved to Charlottesville, and we’ve been lucky to call it home ever since. I knew early on that I wanted to do my residency at UVA, especially after having the opportunity to do research with some of the faculty here. Now that I’ve started residency, I’m really impressed by how kind and helpful everyone is, especially our attendings, who are also amazing teachers.
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and our daughter. We enjoy having picnics by Charlottesville’s beautiful lakes and going canoeing whenever we get the chance. We also love hosting friends and cooking delicious Turkish food together. I wish everyone the best in their journey to find the perfect place for their training!
Hey y’all, I am Nathan, and I’m from Radford, Virginia! I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains and stayed close to home for both college and medical school, attending Virginia Tech for my undergraduate studies and VCOM–Virginia for medical school. Go HOKIES! College football rivalry aside, Charlottesville has quickly become my second home. From the people out in town to the hiking trails and restaurants, Charlottesville always seems to be putting its best foot forward. This town and this program have proven to be the perfect mixture of small-town “vibes” with larger city resources!
I applied to UVA because of its incredible reputation, research, and #1 Children’s Hospital, but I chose it because meeting the residents and faculty felt like catching up with old friends. From the interview to the second look, every interaction I had was warm, friendly, and encouraging!
My career interests center on pediatric hospital medicine, and I’m exploring subspecialties such as pediatric emergency medicine and the NICU. During my undergraduate and medical school time, I focused on rural community outreach and early childhood interventions. My goal is to continue exploring these opportunities with UVA Peds and beyond after graduation. Outside of medicine, I love being in the great outdoors—whether it’s hiking in the mountains or kayaking down a river on a lazy weekend. I also enjoy baking in my free time and will try just about anything if it involves pistachios. (Bonus fun fact: One of my goals for residency is to try every single restaurant in Charlottesville at least once!)
Hey there! My name is Miguel Yerena. I am one of the Child Neurology residents here at UVA! I grew up in a Navy family and lived in a few different places, but settled in Chesapeake, Virginia. I attended the College of William & Mary, majoring in Neuroscience with a Biochemistry minor. Next up was medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk
I always told my parents I wanted to be a doctor as a kid. Back then, I guess I just thought it was a cool job, but following both my own and my family’s experiences with kind, knowledgeable, and understanding physicians, I knew it was the career for me. Combining that with my undergraduate experience, I felt that Neurology would be the right fit for me. I was stuck between the similar but very different worlds of Adult and Child neurology, but ultimately chose the better (& more fun) option of Child Neurology. The support from faculty here at UVA and the desire to teach from residents and fellows have made a one-of-a-kind environment that makes for a truly enjoyable training experience!
My wife and I are big hikers and could not be more thrilled to be near all the trails we used to travel hours for! Whether you like to hike, explore the city, or see some polo at a winery, there are experiences for all here and a place for everyone here at UVA. I’m always willing to answer questions, so reach out if you have any!