Founded by Melissa Holmes, MD, FACOG and Trish Hutchinson, MD, FAAP

Girlology & Potomac Pediatrics Partnership Press Release

FEAR LESS. When girls learn about puberty before it happens, they feel more prepared, face it with greater confidence and might even be excited! We understand it can be difficult to start these conversations or address any questions or concerns they may hhttps://potomacpediatrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/E.-Barrios-girlology-photo-2-scaled-1.jpgave. Girlology is designed to give you medically accurate, in-the-moment support needed to navigate your journey. An accessible resource like no other, Girlology helps girls (of all ages) and parents prepare for what’s ahead!

KNOW MORE. Unfortunately what most girls learn and hear about their bodies may not come from trusted sources, and may not even be entirely correct! Here at Girlology we believe being in the know means being a smart girl. From bra shopping tricks, acne care secrets, and period solutions, to eating disorder prevention and friendship tips — our Girlologists (that’s us— knowledgeable physicians with experience in taking care of girls) are ready to guide you through every age and stage of girl-life.

Come explore who we are and what we have to offer!

ABOUT OUR GIRLOLOGISTS

Dr. Neha Suri:

Dr. Neha Suri is our dancing D.C.-area Girlologist. A pediatrician with Potomac Pediatrics in  Rockville, Maryland, Dr. Suri has professional dance experience in hip-hop, Zumba, South Asian fusion and South Asian traditional forms such as Bharatnatyam and Bhangra. She is excited to lead kids through the dance of puberty.

“I am in love with the idea of providing a safe and fun space for pre-teens and teens to learn about themselves, their bodies and ask questions without being embarrassed or feeling ashamed,”says Dr. Suri. “Having grown up in a conservative, shy household myself, and being an only child, this was a forum I always wished I had.”

Born in Fairfax, Virginia, and raised in Germantown, Maryland, Dr. Suri is a lifelong resident of the D.C. area. She attended the University of Maryland in College Park and The  George Washington University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C. She now lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she and her husband enjoy exploring the city and trying new restaurants!

 

Dr. Caren Glassman:

Dr. Glassman is one of our practice’s original Girlologist bringing the program to our practice in 2018 with Dr. Suri. Dr. Glassman is a board- certified pediatrician, a founder and managing partner at Potomac Pediatrics, and super fun!

Having grown up in Potomac, Maryland, she graduated from Winston Churchill High School. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, she attended medical school at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C.. Dr. Glassman then completed her pediatrics training at the Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Glassman has a special interest in early childhood development. She currently resides in Potomac with her husband and their two sons.

” We are passionate about health education, anticipatory guidance, and connecting with our patients when they need us.  This program is a great way to teach children about puberty and sexuality while giving parents language to continue conversations at home,” says Dr. Glassman.

 


Dr. Emily Barrios:

Dr. Barrios is so excited to join the Girlology team!  As a Pediatrician at Potomac Pediatrics, she is passionate about helping girls feel comfortable in their bodies through all stages of development, empowering them with accurate information, and providing a safe space to learn and ask questions.

Dr. Barrios grew up in Connecticut, attended Williams College, and studied child temperament and development for several years before deciding to go into medicine.  She attended medical school at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed her residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

She now lives in North Potomac, MD with her husband and two children, where she enjoys spending time outside with her family and exploring the local food scene.

Dr. Lucila Suarez:

Dr. Suarez is a pediatrician at Potomac Pediatrics and thrilled to be a Girlologist! Dr. Suarez grew up in Montgomery County herself, wishing there was more to Health class when she was learning about puberty. That’s why she’s so excited to be part of the Girlology team to help create a safe space to learn about such an important (and sometimes confusing!) topic.

Dr. Suarez grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, attended Whitman High School, Columbia University, Harvard Medical School, and completed her pediatrics training at Children’s National Hospital in DC. She has always been passionate about working with teenagers as both a youth coach at Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and as a researcher at Harvard where she studied adolescent risk behaviors related to sexual and gender minority identity.

She now lives down the street from where she grew up, back in Bethesda with her husband and Portuguese Water Dog.

GIRLOLOGY CLASSES + MOM MINUTE TIPS

Inspired by your questions and curiosities, we offer:

Girlology Classes (moms, you can watch too!): videos dedicated to sharing medically accurate, bite-size videos designed to inform and assure girls on every issue.

Mom Minute Tips: videos that share practical Girlologist insights designed to enlighten, support and facilitate communication with your daughter

Click here to watch some of Girlology’ s free Mom Minute Tips or subscribe for premium access.

Upcoming Seminars

PUBERTY: Something New About You

For GIRLS ages 8-11 years & a parent* (or parent substitute)

Our programs are two hours, informative and interactive sessions for girls and their moms, led by our Girlologists. Let’s face it, these conversations are never easy – but attending a Girlology session is a great way to get girls comfortable with their changing bodies, open the doors to communication and help girls face puberty with greater confidence!

During the program, we discuss:

  • Growth & Development
  • Bras & Bra Shopping
  • Hygiene & Hair Management
  • Health & Nutrition
  • Anatomy
  • Menstruation & Menstrual Hygiene
  • Feminine Care Products
  • Moods & Emotions
  • Curiosity & Internet Safety

Register Now:

You will need to purchase a ticket for each adult and child attending. This seminar is available to all young girls and a parent or parent substitute. You do not need to be a patient of Potomac Pediatrics to attend. Spaces are limited so register early!

March 21st at 5:30pm: REGISTER NOW

May 15th at 5:30pm: REGISTER NOW