MEET OUR CARE TEAM
Dr. Megan Brelsford, DO, FAAD
Dr. Brelsford is a board-certified Dermatologist and proud Navy veteran. She provides state of the art comprehensive dermatology care for patients of all ages and is well known for her compassionate bedside manner. Dr. Brelsford specializes in medical, surgical, laser and cosmetic dermatology.
Quality and expertise matter most when deciding who you trust with your dermatology care. Dr. Brelsford’s vision of the practice focuses on quality patient-centric care and to help patients find the best solution for their individual dermatology needs. Dr. Brelsford prides herself in always delivering the highest quality dermatologic care to her patients of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. As a board-certified dermatologist, she is the highest qualified professional to provide medical, surgical, laser and cosmetic treatments and care for the skin, with over 25 years of higher education, training, and professional experience.
Dr. Brelsford received her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her Transitional Internship at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and subsequently completed her Dermatology Residency training at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. She has completed 13 years of formal higher education and training with an additional 12 years of continued medical education training and experience.
Dr. Brelsford has had a very well-rounded career with a wide breadth of experiences. She has dedicated much of her professional life into service for her country, completing three years of reserve duty and 11 years of active duty service in the United States Navy. She spent four years in deployable operational fleet service, onboard an amphibious ship and in charge of 14 medical departments onboard ships and amphibious units.
During her time on the ship, she served as the Senior Medical Officer and Health Professions Department Head. She was the director of the medical department and provided care to the crew of over 800 sailors, marines, and foreign officers. Her ship deployment afforded her the opportunity to provide much-needed quality care for disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
Dr. Brelsford is excited to bring her expertise in dermatology to help serve the needs of Loudoun County and surrounding areas. During her time of service to her country, she spent most of her career in Virginia, and is happy to now call it her home. Upon completion of her service to her country, she had a vision of having a dermatology private practice where patients felt comfortable and excited to come in for their care and having confidence that they are receiving the best care with a compassionate team. She founded Verum Cutis Dermatology in 2018 and realized this vision, created a fantastic environment for optimal dermatology care for patients, and an incredible work environment for staff. She continues to diligently select staff who share this vision, improve access to care, and foster the best environment for both patients and staff.
Dr. Brelsford looks forward to the opportunity to care for you and your family.
Kristen Ritch, PA-C
Kristen was born in New York, and raised outside of Atlanta, Georgia before settling in Northern Virginia. Kristen knew early on that she wanted to be a Physician Assistant. She completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology at George Mason University and then pursued a second BS in Medical Science and a post graduate Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in West Virginia. After graduating, she began her career caring for patients in internal medicine, and later in bariatric surgery creating a solid foundation for her general medicine skillset. While working on her undergraduate studies, her interest was sparked in dermatology and in 2017 she had an opportunity to pursue her real passion and has been practicing in dermatology since.
Kristen is proficient at performing skin examinations and biopsies and treating a variety of skin disorders. She works closely with Dr. Brelsford to deliver superior patient care and education.
Kristen is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), and has completed the Diplomate program.
Kristen resides in Loudoun County with her husband, also a Physician Assistant, and two sons. She enjoys biking, visiting wineries, antiquing, and is active in her church.
Katherine (Kat) Fritts, PA-C
Kat is a board-certified Physician Assistant at Verum Cutis Dermatology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mississippi College and continued her education there, completing a Master of Science in Medicine and Physician Assistant Studies.
During her undergraduate studies, she gained hands-on experience working as a medical assistant in geriatric facilities across Mississippi. Her passion for dermatology was sparked early in PA school during her first clinical medicine module and solidified during a five-week elective clinical rotation in dermatology. Throughout her clinical year, she dedicated five months to training in various dermatology practices, further honing her skills.
She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and has completed the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) Dermatology Fellowship.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys playing spending time with loved ones, reading, traveling, and playing tennis.
Pegah Barker, PA-C
Pegah was raised in Loudoun County, primarily in Ashburn, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University before obtaining her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Shenandoah University in 2018. Throughout her years as a PA, Pegah has gained extensive clinical experience across multiple specialties, including plastic surgery, hospital medicine, and psychiatry. Her deep commitment to and passion for dermatology shines through in her daily practice, where she works alongside Dr. Brelsford and the team to deliver exceptional care to the community.
She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and has completed the Diplomate Fellowship. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Abhinaasi (Abby) Singh, PA-C
Abby
is a board-certified Physician Assistant at Verum Cutis Dermatology who is passionate about providing personalized, patient-centered dermatologic care. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science, and went on to earn her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies with high honors from South University in Savannah, Georgia.
Prior to PA school, Abby gained valuable clinical experience working as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic, where she developed a strong foundation in medical dermatology. During PA school, she further expanded her training by completing an elective clinical rotation in dermatology. She is dedicated to making patients feel heard, supported, and confident in their care, with an emphasis on individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Abby is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and has completed the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to continued education and excellence in dermatology. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, staying active, and exploring new places.
Melissa Brooks, LPN, Master Aesthetician
Melissa is a Licensed Practical Nurse and Licensed Master Aesthetician with over 20 years of clinical nursing and professional experience. She brings a unique blend of medical knowledge and aesthetic expertise to Verum Cutis Dermatology, allowing her to approach each treatment with bother precision and compassion.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, and having raise three daughters in the same community, Melissa is especially proud to serve the area she calls home. She values the relationships she builds with her patients and is dedicated to helping them feel confident, healthy, and empowered in their own skin.
Melissa especially enjoys working in a medical dermatology setting because it allows her to ensure patients are receiving not only aesthetic treatments, but also the highest standard of medical care. She values the ability to work hand in hand with Dr. Brelsford and the physician assistants to create comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that prioritize both skin health and aesthetic goals. She believes that combining medical oversight with advance aesthetic services leads to safer treatments, better outcomes, and long-term skin health.
Her passion lies in customizing treatments and maintenance regimens tailored to each individual. She believes education is a key part of exceptional care and takes time to ensure patients understand their options, their skin, and their long-term goals. By combining experience, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to patient wellbeing, Melissa supports her patients in looking and feeling their very best.
