Smeena Khan, M.D. was raised in Montreal, Canada and obtained her Bachelors of Science with Honors at McGill University. She went on to receive her Medical Degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine where she was honored to be one of only 6 in her class to be selected into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She went to complete a residency in Internal Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and then in Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania where she was chosen to serve as Chief Resident in Dermatology.

Dr. Khan has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of several textbook chapters on dermatology. She has presented at several major national meetings and served as an editor of the first online textbook in dermatology. Dr. Khan raised 4 children in the area and enjoys being an active member of the community including participating in free skin cancer screenings, mentoring students interested in careers in dermatology, volunteering at community health fairs and serving on the boards of several non-profits. Dr. Khan has been humbled to be recognized as a Top Doctor in the Washingtonian magazine every year since 2015. 

After practicing dermatology for over 20 years, Dr. Khan found herself still blessed with health, energy, and hungry for new endeavors, and she decided to create her own center for dermatological care, The Skinstitute. Since medical school, she has been repeatedly recognized for her compassion and kindness towards her patients and her vision for The Skinstitute is a place that provides excellent and empathetic dermatology care in a beautiful and patient-focused environment. All practitioners are selected by Dr. Khan for their compassion as well as their abilities and are all specifically trained by Dr. Khan. Together, we aim to create a center where staff and patients will be cared for and valued.

Huma Riyaz, BSN, RN has taken a non-traditional path to her career as an aesthetic nurse injector. She was raised in the Northern Virginia area and attended VCU in Richmond, VA, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. As a social worker she worked in the non-profit sector with homeless families and intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. Huma recently earned her second bachelor’s degree in Nursing from George Washington University’s Accelerated Nursing program while also working as Dr. Khan’s medical assistant.

Huma’s experience in social work helped her to realize that there is a need for increased health literacy which inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. She is most passionate about helping others and increasing her knowledge in healthcare to best serve her community. Huma has organized community health education projects in local schools, has volunteered at a local free health clinic and homeless shelter, and has served as a student mentor in her nursing program at GWU. Huma’s training with Dr. Khan has been so much more than just medical. She has learned invaluable lessons about aesthetics, patient care and interactions, and the importance of treating patients like family.

Huma has 6 years of training under Dr. Khan and has learned from her how to truly cater her cosmetic treatments to fit each person’s natural features and unique needs. With the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, Huma is committed to continually learning about new procedures, technologies, and techniques in aesthetics with the goal to introduce the most up-to-date practices into The Aesthetics Center. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective on patient care, and her motivation continues to be helping her patients restore and maintain their natural beauty. As The Aesthetic Director of The Skinstitute, Huma’s goal is to always provide the care and attention to patients to make them feel appreciated and respected.

Ashley Holbrook, PA-C was born and raised in Northern Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Virginia before completing her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Shenandoah University. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and an active member of The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Since earning her PA certification, Ashley previously worked in orthopedic surgery, where she excelled in the fast-paced, hands-on surgical environment. She has since transitioned to dermatology, where she continues to thrive on finding ways to make challenges fun and staying positive—whether it’s problem-solving in the clinic or bringing a little lightheartedness to tough situations. She has a keen eye for detail and a passion for perfecting imperfections. Having a strong family history of skin cancer, she is especially passionate about prevention and educating others on the importance of skin health.

Outside of work, she cherishes time with her husband and son—whether it’s exploring new trails, going to the pool, baking banana bread, or simply being together, she prioritizes being present with family. She is also a plant enthusiast with an ever-growing collection of houseplants and an animal lover—especially when it comes to her two hounds, Sandy and Bagel.

Ashley is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care to her patients and is thrilled to be making a difference in dermatology.

Julia Kelly, PA-C is a NCCPA Board Certified Physician Assistant who was raised in Northern Virginia, and has dedicated her career to serving our local community. She graduated cum laude from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies. She went on to complete a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Shenandoah University. She is a dedicated member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to provide comprehensive education and care to a diverse patient population.

Julia brings a wealth of clinical expertise and passion for patient-centered care to the Skinstitute. Before joining Skinstitute, she worked in orthopaedic surgery where she assisted in complex surgeries allowing her to master advanced surgical skills, thrive in a fast dynamic environment, and ensure patient safety above all else. Julia’s transition to dermatology is driven by her passion for human anatomy, primary care prevention and the emphasizing the vital role of patient education. She believes that empowering patients with knowledge is the first line of defense in early skin cancer prevention and effectively managing a wide variety of chronic skin conditions. She takes pride in the continuity of care aspect that is essential in dermatology that promotes long-term commitment to her patient’s skin health and overall well-being. Drawing on her surgical background, Julia takes pride in applying her technical surgical precision and meticulous care to every procedure to ensure optimal healing and aesthetic outcomes. 

When she isn’t in the clinic, she enjoys a vibrant life with her husband. She is an avid traveler and a cooking enthusiast who loves trying new recipes and cooking her national Peruvian dishes. To stay energized, she enjoys working out and cherishes the quality of time spent with her family and friends.

With over a decade of experience in dermatology practice management, Brittany brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for patient care to The Skinstitute. Her passion for healthcare runs deep, stemming from a family legacy of five generations of firefighters. Growing up surrounded by those dedicated to helping others, she developed a strong desire to pursue a career in healthcare. This led her to complete the Administrative Medical program at Chesapeake College, which provided the foundation she needed to begin her successful career in dermatology practice management.

Brittany has worked with Dr. Khan for 10 years at a previous practice, and their shared commitment to compassionate, high-quality dermatological care has shaped Brittany’s role here at the Skinstitute. Brittany is deeply committed to the core values of the Skinstitute, prioritizing the highest levels of care and compassion. She models this in the lasting relationships she has built with patients and their families and strives to make every patient and team member feel valued and respected.

Brittany’s goal is simple: to create an environment where everyone feels cared for, respected, and supported—whether they’re a patient or part of the team. She takes great pride in making The Skinstitute feel like home for all who walk through the door. Brittany’s commitment to both patient care and team support makes her an invaluable member of The Skinstitute.

Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters in Loudoun County, who are her top priority. When she’s not managing the practice, you can find her baking (especially perfecting her sourdough recipes), visiting local wineries, or traveling whenever possible.