MEET OUR CARE TEAM

Dr. Megan Brelsford, DO, FAAD, 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 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.

Melissa Brooks is a Licensed Master Aesthetician and Licensed Practical Nurse who brings over 20 years of clinical nursing and professional experience to Verum Cutis Dermatology. Born and raised in Sterling (and having raised three daughters in Sterling as well), Melissa is delighted to be able to give back to the local community by supporting her clients as they seek to be their best selves.

Melissa’s passion and motivation lies in customizing and personalizing treatments and maintenance regimens for each client. She enjoys educating patients and sharing the knowledge and experience that she has accrued in order to enhance beauty and promote health.

Katherine 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 is advancing her expertise by enrolling in 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 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.

Pegah resides in Potomac, MD, with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, staying active, and traveling