Physician Assistants

Commonwealth Offices with Physician Assistants

Alexandria Office - Ford Avenue

Glen Rivera, PA-C

Arlington Office

Almas Abbas, PA-C
Meghan Heins, PA
Laura Larios, PA-C
Laura Nigro, PA

Herndon Office

Jeffrey Morrison, PA-C

Fairfax Office

Michael Early, PA-C

Fair Oaks Office

Jami Fano, PA-C
Ryan Fitzmorris, PA-C
Abbi Garringer, PA-C
Patrick Matheny, PA-C
Mary E. Zempolich, PA-C

Reston Office

Scott Helgesen, PA-C
Sarah Hilton, PA-C
B. Christina L. Klick, PA-C
Kathleen McCarron, PA-C
Jaclyn Wagner, PA-C

Tysons Office

Almas Abbas, PA-C
Meghan Heins, PA
Laura Larios, PA-C
Laura Nigro, PA

Several Commonwealth Orthopaedic offices utilize Physician Assistants (PAs) enhancing patient-care services and improving accessibility to skilled health care services for our patients. You may interact with one of our PAs during your care with us. Below is a description of a Physician Assistant, followed by biographical information on the PAs that practice with Commonwealth.

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) .
Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure.

Alexandria Office - Ford Avenue

Glen Rivera, PA-C

Glen grew up in Maryland and began his health care experience in 1985 as an EMT for Howard County Volunteer Fire Department. He graduated from UMBC with a Bachelors of Science in 1988 and worked as a Paramedic in Oklahoma and Connecticut until 1994. Glen then attended George Washington University in their PA program and graduated with a Masters degree in 1996. From 1997 through 2007, he worked for a large Cardiology practice in Charlotte, NC and then relocated to Northern Virginia and worked for Cardiology practices in Fairfax and Winchester before joining Commonwealth Orthopaedics. He now works for Commonwealth spine surgewon, Dr. Steven Hughes. Glen lives in Sterling with his wife and son.

Arlington Office

Almas Abbas, PA-C

As a lifelong sports fan growing up on Tobacco Road, Almas has always had an interest in sports medicine and orthopedics. Originally from North Carolina, she majored in Biology and Psychology while earning her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then spent three years as a study coordinator in clinical research at the Department of Orthopedics at UNC-CH. Wanting to transition to more clinical care, Almas moved to New Haven, CT to receive her Masters in Medical Science from the Physician Associate Program at Yale University. She worked for 2 years at a general orthopedic practice in High Point, NC after PA school, and just completed a short stint at a military clinic in Woodbridge, VA as a clinical orthopedic PA prior to joining Commonwealth Orthopedics. Almas assists the Arlington physicians in the office, hospital, and surgical settings. She is especially interested in total joint replacement, sports medicine and osteoporosis management. She resides in Fairfax and enjoys anything Tarheel, traveling, reading and sports.

Meghan Heins, PA

A Northern Virginia Native, Meghan received her Bachelor's of Science in Biology from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. She went on to receive her Master's of Physician Assistant Sciences at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA where she was selected as member of Pi Alpha, the national honors society for physician assistants. Meghan joined Commonwealth in June 2009 and assists the Arlington physicians in the office, hospital, and surgical settings.

Being an athlete most of her life, Meghan has always been drawn to a career in orthopaedics. She believes her own love of sports and staying active is what helps her relate to her patients' desires to get back to doing the activities they love. She is especially interested in total joint replacement and ACL reconstruction.

Meghan is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). She resides in Arlington and in her free time enjoys running, yoga, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Laura Larios, PA-C

A native of Northern Virginia, Laura received her Bachelor of Science Degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Prior to PA school she spent some time working for the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, Virginia where she developed a special interest in Orthopaedics. Needing a change from the cold Virginia winters, she went to Barry University in Miami, Florida to complete a Masters of Science degree as a Physician Assistant. Laura was top of her class and received a scholarship for academic excellence. Laura is proud of the time she spent in Florida treating a more underserved patient population, however she is excited to be back serving the D.C. metropolitan area, and lucky to have joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in February of 2010. Currently, Laura works out of the Arlington and Tysons office, where she assists doctor Chris Annunziata MD in both surgical and non-surgical management of a wide scope of orthopaedic disorders and sports injuries. Laura is particularly interested in arthroscopic joint procedures, and sports medicine.

Laura is currently a member of the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Laura resides in Northern Virginia and in her spare time enjoys baking, reading, water sports, and being an aunt to niece Arianna and nephew Isaiah. She is excited about the future arrival of her niece Jada.

Laura Nigro, PA

Laura grew up in Nazareth, Pennsylvania where she was a three sport athlete in high school. Having been involved in sports for most of her life, she decided to continue her involvement by majoring in Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University. Laura was a student athletic trainer for several semesters during her time at Penn State. After gaining some patient care experience, Laura returned to the academic setting and completed her Master's of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Arcadia University. She was selected as a member of Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants. Laura joined Commonwealth in August 2009 to assist the Arlington physicians in the office, hospital, and surgical settings. She resides in Arlington and enjoys reading, cooking, biking, and cheering for Penn State.

Herndon Office

Jeffrey Morrison, PA-C

Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Jeff Morrison graduated from Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA with his Masters in Physician Assistant Sciences in May of 2006. He joined the Commonwealth family soon after. His previous educational background includes a brief stay at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY before transferring to Elon University in North Carolina. He graduated with honors and received his Bachelors of Science in Sports Medicine. Currently, Jeff lives in East Falls Church and is active in coaching youth sports.

Fairfax Office

Michael Early, PA-C

A native of Maryland, Michael received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from James Madison University in Virginia. He went on to earn a Master’s of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pennsylvania. After choosing to return to the D.C. metropolitan area, he joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in October 2005. Currently, Michael works out of the Fairfax office, where he assists doctors Brantley Vitek MD and H. Edward Lane MD in both surgical and non-surgical management of a wide scope of orthopaedic disorders. Michael’s lifelong involvement in sports has given him first-hand knowledge of orthopaedic injuries and the subsequent management of those injuries. As the Physician Assistant to both Drs. Vitek and Lane, Michael feels that he is particularly fortunate to be involved in the care of the more diversified patient population that results from working with two accomplished physicians. Michael’s orthopaedic interests include total joint replacement, all arthroscopic joint procedures, and disorders of the spine.

Michael is currently a member of the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Michael resides in Fairfax with his wife Danelle and in his spare time enjoys playing rugby with the local Division II Men's Club.

Fair Oaks Office

Jami Fano, PA-C

Jami Fano, a native Marylander, graduated number one in her Physician Assistant class from Philadelphia University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was President of the class and received numerous accolades for her academic and community service accomplishments.

Jami joined Commonwealth in September 2008 and works both in the surgical and clinical setting. She has dedicated her life to pursuing health care services and doing volunteer work. Her appreciation for orthopedics stems from her many years of dance training that involved several injuries requiring orthopedic care. After a full recovery, Jami is passionate about offering the same quality care to the patients she helps treat. She received her undergraduate degree in biology at James Madison University graduating with honors.

Jami is currently an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), The Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA), and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS). She enjoys spending time with her husband Josh and resides in Northern Virginia.

Ryan Fitzmorris, PA-C

A New Jersey native, Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in Virginia and Master’s of Physician Assistant Sciences degree from Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA. He joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in October 2002 and currently works both in the surgical setting and as an office based clinical PA. He works primarily with Tushar Patel, M.D., and aides in the evaluation and treatment of spinal disorders. The time spent in the operating room assisting in surgery mixed with the time treating patients from a non-surgical standpoint in the office provides the variety that led Ryan to specializing in orthopaedics and subsequently joining Commonwealth.

Ryan currently has professional memberships in the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA), The Virginia Association of Physician Assistants (VAPA), the American Association of Orthopaedic Physician Assistants (AAOPA), and the North American Spine Society (NASS). He resides in Reston, VA with his wife Renee and their daughter.

Abbi Garringer, PA-C

Abbi Garringer is an Indiana native. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN in 2005 and a Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA in 2007.

She started her career as a physician assistant at Parham Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, VA as an orthopedic, hospital physician assistant. She joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in August 2010 and works in both the surgical and clinical setting. Abbi’s interest in orthopedics began as a child as she was involved in various sports including basketball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, and nine years of competitive cheerleading.

Abbi is currently an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants (VAPA).

Patrick Matheny, PA-C

Patrick is a native of Falls Church, Va. He has 28 years of orthopaedic experience. His medical career began in 1973 when he joined the US Army and became a Medical corpsman. After the service he attended Northern Virginia Community College's Nursing Program and became an RN in 1979. From 1979 to 1982 he was an orthopaedic Nurse Specialist at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Patrick graduated from George Washington University's PA Program with a Bachelor's in Health Sciences in 1984. From 1984 to 1997 he worked in a solo practice with Brant Vitek Sr., a now retired Orthopaedic Surgeon. Pat joined Commonwealth's Herndon group in 1997.

Patrick covers multiple sports at Paul VI Catholic High School and is a member of their Board of Governors. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants, and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedics Surgery. He lives in Fairfax with his wife Laura, a Registered Nurse at Inova Fairfax Hospital, and their two children, Daniel, a student at Georgetown University, and Natalie, a student at Paul VI Catholic High School.

Mary E. Zempolich, PA-C

Mary is a native of Central Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor's Degree as a Physician Assistant from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA in 1986. She started her career as a Physician Assistant at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD as a Cardiothoracic P.A. She later moved to the D.C. Metropolitan area to work with a group of surgeons specializing in Craniofacial Reconstruction as well as aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. She later worked at Sibley Hospital working as a surgical Physician Assistant. She joined the Commonwealth Orthopaedic Team in December 2009. Mary is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has been Board Certified as a Physician Assistant for over 23 years.

She lives in Clifton, VA with her husband, Steve, and their four terrific children.

Reston Office

Scott Helgesen, PA-C

Scott Helgesen is originally from North Dakota. He started his medical career as a US Navy corpsman specializing in emergency medicine. After leaving the military with an honorable discharge he became a paramedic and achieved an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota. He then relocated to Northern Virginia and received a Master degree in Physician Assistant with honors. He came to Orthopedics after time in General Surgery since his interest has always been in sports medicine and surgery. He works primarily with both Dr. George Aguiar and Dr. Andrew Parker assisting in surgery and seeing patients in the office.

Sarah Hilton, PA-C

Sarah grew up in State College, Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University. She was drawn to the Washington, DC area after college to complete a research assistantship at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Sarah returned to Pennsylvania to complete her Masters of Physician Assistant Sciences from Saint Francis University. She began her career as a surgical physician assistant with her focus on orthopedic surgery. Sarah joined the team at Commonwealth in September 2009 to further her career in orthopedics. Sarah primarily works with Dr. Mazahery in the Reston office, focusing on the operative and non-operative management of spine conditions.

B. Christina L. Klick, PA-C

Originally from Sweden, B. Christina L. Klick was a nurse before moving to the United States. Christina attended Loma Linda University, California, where she earned a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics before going on to graduate from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, as a Physician Assistant. During her studies at Pacific University she completed a study of patients with articular cartilage defects of the knee and was later published in the journal Orthopedics.

Christinas interest in orthopedics and sports medicine began in her teens as an avid athlete. She has been a competing triathlete for many years both in Sweden and here in the United States. Her interest in caring for patients with orthopedic injuries and chronic conditions was a natural transition when choosing a career as a physician assistant. Christina joined Commonwealth Orthopaedics in 2005 and works primarily with Dr. Thomas Klein in the Reston office. She spends time in the operating room assisting in surgery and also sees patients in the office.

Christina and her husband have two young children. They enjoy spending time together skiing, cycling, traveling or just hanging out in the park.

Kathleen McCarron, PA-C

Kathleen is from Nazareth, Pennsylvania. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Moravian College and her MMS from Arcadia University. Her interest in orthopaedics comes from her experience as a lifelong athlete, from being a competitive gymnast through a collegiate track competitor. Her experience from a patient’s perspective helps her deliver a level of patient care aimed at the best outcomes. Kathleen joined Commonwealth in July 2010 after starting her career in New York City. She is an active member of the AAPA and VAPA. She works primarily with Dr. Madden at the Reston office. She resides in Arlington. She enjoys running and is currently training for her first marathon this fall.

Jaclyn Wagner, PA-C

Originally from Herndon, VA, Jaclyn completed her B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise from Virginia Tech. She had always wanted to pursue a career in medicine and quickly went on to earn her M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from East Carolina University. She then spent 3.5 years in Raleigh, NC working for a spine specialist before relocating back to Northern Virginia and beginning her career in general orthopedics. She did a short stint at another orthopedic group before joining Commonwealth in February 2010. Jaclyn works primarily with Dr. Hartley.

Jaclyn has been a competitive swimmer for over 20 years and is now active with marathon running. Now she enjoys helping the injured athlete return to the sports they love.