Address: 15235 Shady Grove Road, Suite 105, Rockville, Maryland 20850

Our experienced team of medical professionals are here to support your child and family.

We partner with you to ensure a positive healthcare experience, focusing on promoting healthy development and lifelong wellness for your child.

Learn more about our team below. 

Industry

Recognition

We take the care of your child seriously, and are continually humbled by the positive reviews and industry recognition our office receives.

mom approved doctors hirsch

Hirsch Pediatrics Wins National Award for Excellent Clinical Care!
Dr. Hirsch traveled to Denver in July 2024 to participate in a pediatric specific conference to join fellow independent pediatric practices who are also users of the award winning pediatric electronic medical record called PCC. At the conference which focuses on practice management and improving care, Hirsch Pediatrics received three awards for top clinical including 1st place out of 300 practices in the coveted “Overall Clinical Pulse” care for the second year in a row. We are proud of the Hirsch Pediatrics team for making this award possible!

“2018 Pediatrician of the Year” award from the Montgomery County Pediatric Society (Dr. Hirsch pictured below with family accepting award.)

Washingtonian Magazine “Top Doctor” – 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Best of Bethesda “Top Doctor” – 2023

Washington Parent Magazine “Mom-Approved Doctor” – 2012, 2016, 2017

Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition “Breastfeeding-Friendly Healthcare Provider” Gold Level – 2016

NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home Level 3 recognition – 2022 – 2016

Rockville Business Recognition “Best of Rockville Award – Pediatrics” – 2015, 2019

OpenCare “Patient’s Choice Award” – 2015

Angie’s List “Super Service Award” – 2013

Goodtime Medical “Best Pediatric Room” for Fire Station exam room – 2014

Children’s National Health Network “Medical Home Innovation Award” – 2010, 2011

Consumers’ Research Council of America “America’s Top Pediatricians” – 2010, 2011

Media appearances and publications:

Dr. Kissiova co-author article published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Agreement between Parents and Children regarding Child Mental and Behavioral Health Symptoms in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Hematology Clinics. (published 02/2017)

Dr. Olexa co-author article published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Frequency and Severity of Asthma Exacerbations in an Inner-city Population. (published 12/2021)

WJLA-ABC7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on the recent outbreak of bronchiolitis (aired 02/02/18).

No More Potty Problems! article from Scholastic magazine quotes Dr. Hirsch (published 06/2015).

WJLA-ABC 7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on the abysmal nutritional value of fast food (aired 11/08/2010).

Parents’ Perspective syndicated radio program interviews Dr. Hirsch on Summer Safety Tips (aired 06/2009).

The Prepared Patient – Don’t Let Germs Hitch a Ride from Your Doctor’s Office article from the Center for the Advancement of Health quotes Dr. Hirsch (published 03/2008).

WJLA-ABC 7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on the terrible nutritional content of foods directly advertised to children (aired 09/04/2007).

Herd Immunity: Why Vaccines Matter article written by Dr. Hirsch for Washington Parent Magazine (published 08/2007).

WJLA-ABC 7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on a recent study evaluating the frequency of undiagnosed hypertension in children (aired 08/21/2007).

Meet Our Team

Dr. Hirsch, MD, FAAP

Fun Facts:

SCUBA Certified
Loves Lego Projects
Enjoys Gardening

Dr. Steven Hirsch, MD, FAAP

A native of the Washington, D.C., area, Dr. Steven Hirsch, MD, FAAP, is the founder of Hirsch Pediatrics, a small family-centered pediatric practice in Rockville, MD. Since opening in 2007 with a vision of redefining how pediatric care is delivered, Hirsch Pediatrics and Dr. Hirsch and his office are proud to have received multiple awards and recognitions from patient families, peers, and professional organizations.

Dr. Hirsch received a BS in biology from Duke University in 1996, graduating with magna cum laude honors. He then earned his MD with cum laude honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2000. Upon graduating from Georgetown, Dr. Hirsch completed his pediatric residency training at Emory University. While engaged in his residency, Dr. Hirsch was awarded an American Academy of Pediatrics scholarship.

Dr. Hirsch is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is past president of the Montgomery County Pediatric Society. He also previously served on the board of directors for the Children’s National Health Network and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Georgetown University and George Washington University School of Medicine as a mentor to medical students and pediatric residents in his office.

Though extensively trained with experience in every area of pediatrics, Dr. Hirsch also has a special interest in infant and toddler behavior, developmental screening, and patient education.

Dr. Hirsch lives in Bethesda with his wife, Jennifer. They are the proud parents of Anna in college and Lucy in high school.

Dr. Olexa, MD, FAAP

Fun Facts:

Mom to a Toddler
Loves Concerts
Marathon Runner

Dr. Gloribel Olexa, MD, FAAP

Dr. Olexa joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2021.  Dr. Olexa is also a board certified pediatrician and works closely with the team to implement the vision of Hirsch Pediatrics to provide outstanding pediatric care in a small, family-centered practice.

Dr. Olexa grew up in Silver Spring and is very excited to return to Montgomery County. She received her BS in Global Health Policy from the University of Maryland and graduated with both cum laude honors and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. While in college, Dr. Olexa received a scholarship to live in India to study global health and volunteered at free clinics in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. After graduation, Dr. Olexa remained at the University of Maryland to earn her MD and complete her pediatrics residency.

Dr. Olexa excelled both as clinician and a leader during medical school and residency as shown through her election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and her roles as co-founder and President of the Women Resident Collective as well as President of the residency House Staff Association. Dr. Olexa is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is the current president of the Montgomery County Pediatric Society.

In her spare time, Dr. Olexa enjoys running and yoga and giving back to the community with her corgi, Scooter. Scooter and Dr. Olexa volunteer with Pets on Wheels, a pet therapy organization in Maryland. Dr. Olexa currently lives in Gaithersburg with her husband, Josh, who is a neurosurgeon, and their toddler son, Jack.

Dr. Olexa looks forward to meeting the families of Hirsch Pediatrics and to helping Hirsch Pediatrics families thrive!

Dr. Kristina Kissiova, MD, FAAP

Fun Facts:

Has Visited 9 National Parks
Loves to Read!
New parent in February!

Dr. Kristina Kissiova, MD, FAAP

Dr. Kissiova joined Hirsch Pediatrics in 2022 as our third outstanding board-certified pediatrician as we continue to provide unsurpassed, family-centered, evidence-based care to all patients.

Dr. Kissiova was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and moved to the Baltimore suburbs in 2001. She later migrated to Washington, DC, to attend the George Washington University (GWU), where she earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude. After graduation, she remained at GWU to attend medical school and earned her MD. While in medical school Dr. Kissiova volunteered all four years at the student led free clinic providing high-quality care to underserved patients, even becoming clinic manager.

After medical school, Dr. Kissiova stayed in DC to complete her pediatrics residency at Children’s National Hospital. During her residency, she was part of the Primary Care Track, attaining focused primary care teaching and experience in general outpatient pediatrics. Dr. Kissiova also excelled during her residency, earning a commendation for medical student education as well as being first author on an article evaluating the use of telemedicine in pediatric primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic, accepted for presentation at a national pediatric conference. Dr. Kissiova is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Outside of work, Dr. Kissiova enjoys spending time outside, traveling, reading, and cooking. She currently lives in Northern Virginia with her husband Michael, an internal medicine physician, and their son, Remy, born in February 2025!

Dr. Kissiova is thrilled to be part of the Hirsch Pediatrics team and looks forward to meeting your family!

Sharon Curry, Lactation Consultant, IBCLC

Fun Facts:

Loves Knitting
World Traveler
Has a New Puppy

Sharon Curry, Lactation Consultant, IBCLC

An experienced breastfeeding specialist, Sharon became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2006. She has worked extensively with mothers and babies in area hospitals and private practice. After experiencing firsthand the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding her own babies, Sharon began volunteering as a La Leche League Leader in 2000.

Originally from New Hampshire, Sharon has lived in the DC area since 1991. Sharon received her BA from Bates College and then went on to earn her BSN from the University of Maryland where Sharon was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Sharon’s range of experiences makes her well equipped to help mothers and babies from birth, through babyhood, teething, and the toddler years. Sharon has also developed and taught Prenatal and Back-to-Work breastfeeding classes.

Diana Kochan, LMFT

Fun Facts:

Native Washingtonian
Loves Oreos
Enjoys the Beach

Diana Kochan, LMFT

Diana joined Hirsch Pediatrics to provide on-site therapy services to our patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and difficult behaviors at home or at school. When working with a family, Diana’s additional training as a family therapist is invaluable to optimize family dynamics and develop proactive strategies for the child to succeed emotionally.

Diana holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Guilford College and received her Master’s in Family Therapy from Drexel University in 2007. Diana lives in Montgomery County with her husband and daughter and in her spare time enjoys going for walks with the family, long runs and spending time with her loved ones.

Sandra Umanzor, Medical Assistant

Fun Facts:

Recently Engaged
Loves Colleen Hoover Books
Makes Pasta Dishes!

Sandra Umanzor, Medical Assistant

Meet Sandra! Sandra joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2020 with nearly a decade of pediatrics experience. Sandra provides excellent direct patient care to our families as a medical assistant. Originally from El Salvador, Sandra moved to the area at age 2 and calls Washington, DC, her hometown. Sandra lives in Rockville with her fiancé and their “fur” child Leo, a Shih tzu Pomeranian. She enjoys spending her days off at the beach making frequent trips to Myrtle Beach.

Lynn Taylor, Medical Assistant

Fun Facts:

Certified Lactation Counselor
Just Sent Her Child off to College!

Lynn Taylor, Medical Assistant, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

Meet Lynn! Lynn joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2013 and has over 12 years of pediatric experience. In addition to being one of our highly trained Hirsch Pediatrics Medical Assistants, Lynn is also a Certified Lactation Counselor and enjoys supporting moms in the office.  Lynn’s easy smile and outstanding medical skills have quickly made her an invaluable part of the Hirsch Pediatrics Family. Lynn lives in Clarksburg and stays busy with her four children spanning elementary school to college!

Melissa Daly, Medical and Billing Assistant

Fun Facts:

Never Drinks Coffee
Loves Pets
Completed Seven – 5k Races!

Melissa Daly, Medical and Billing Assistant

Meet Melissa! Melissa joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2021. Melissa works with our families as both a medical assistant and billing assistant. Originally from Montgomery County and a graduate of Rockville High School, Melissa has been a Certified Medical Assistant since 2016 with a focus on pediatric care. Melissa lives in Damascus with her various pets, and in her spare time enjoys spending time outdoors exercising and hiking.

Ashley Galeas, Receptionist

Fun Facts:

Loves All Cats!
Enjoys Thrifting
Loves the Beach

Ashley Galeas, Receptionist

Meet Ashley! Ashley joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2025. Having worked previously in the hospitality industry Ashley is excited to join Hirsch Pediatrics as our “Director of First Impressions.” Ashley enjoys making families and their children feel at home, making sure they are our number one priority. Ashley grew up in the DC area and is a graduate of Northwestern High School. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her sisters and checking out new restaurants. Ashley also loves cats and traveling – favorite destination so far has been El Salvador.

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Why Families Choose

Hirsch Pediatrics

Proudly serving families since 2007, our award-winning practice is uniquely designed to provide an engaging atmosphere for children and a peaceful setting for their caretakers.

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Why Families Choose

Hirsch Pediatrics

Proudly serving families since 2007, our award-winning practice is uniquely designed to provide an engaging atmosphere for children and a peaceful setting for their caretakers.

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Kind Words

What Our Patient's Say