John Walker, MD
Pediatrician
Pronouns: He/him/his
Location: MPA, South Windsor, and Tolland
John Walker, MD, is an experienced pediatrician with the team at Manchester Pediatrics Associates in South Windsor, Tolland. Dr. Walker has been in practice for more than 26 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Xavier University of Louisiana and graduated with his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He then traveled to California and completed his pediatric internship at the Naval Hospital in San Diego and his pediatric residency at the Naval Hospital in Oakland.
After his training, he became a staff pediatrician at the Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms, California, and then moved to the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Prior to working with the team at Manchester Pediatrics Associates, Dr. Walker worked at Kids Station Pediatrics in Manchester, Connecticut.
Dr. Walker has been recognized for excellence in his field and was awarded the Compassionate Doctor Recognition & On-Time awards. Dr. Walker is affiliated with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Olga Bulygina, MD
Pediatrician
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: MPA, South Windsor
Olga Bulygina, MD, is a pediatric specialist with the team at Manchester Pediatrics Associates in South Windsor, Connecticut. Dr. Bulygina is affiliated with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. She is fluent in Russian and looks forward to providing the patients of South Windsor and beyond with high-quality pediatric care.
Dr. Bulygina graduated from Kazan Medical University in Russia and worked for nine years as a pediatrician in Russia. She moved to the United States in 2000 and then completed her residency at Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center in New York. After her residency training, she worked at Kid’s Station Pediatrics for over a decade before they merged with the team at Manchester Pediatrics Associates. Throughout her career, Dr. Bulygina has been awarded three different Patients’ Choice Awards for excellence in patient care.
Dr. Bulygina is married with two children. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, skiing, ice skating, and hiking.
Sreenivas Gunturu, MD
Pediatrician
Pronouns: He/him/his
Location: MPA, South Windsor
With over fifteen years experience taking care of children as a Pediatrician, Dr. Gunturu places great emphasis on preventive care where education, lifestyle play a big role. He started in Virginia as a pediatrician for nine years and then moved to CT.
Dr. Gunturu finished his medical school in India and did his pediatric training in New York. Subsequently, moved to Virginia and worked at Southern Virginia Health (SOVAH) for 10 years. He moved to CT in 2019 and has been with MPA taking care of children in and around the Hartford county.
Dr. Gunturu is passionate about general pediatrics with interest in preventive care, endocrinology and Infectious disease here at Manchester Pediatric Associates in South Windsor. He sees all pediatric patients, newborn, well/sick visits.
As a father of two, he understands that education plays a key role in helping families take care of their loved ones. He believes in a Post covid world we need to emphasize and teach our young ones healthy habits. During his free time, he likes to read, travel, hike and engage with his children.
Frederic Bernstein, DO, FACC, FSCAI
Pediatrics & Pediatric Cardiologist
Pronouns: He/him/his
Location: MPA, South Windsor
Dr. Bernstein has been in practice for more than 16 years, starting as a pediatrician in New York, and most recently serving 10 years as the Director of Interventional Pediatric Cardiology at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University in Illinois, followed by a medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. His training then lead him from Schneider Children’s Hospital in NY, to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in CA, to Dallas Children’s Medical Center in TX before settling in Connecticut.
Dr. Bernstein now brings his love of pediatrics and specific interest in pediatric cardiology to our practice here at Manchester Pediatric Associates. He sees all pediatric patients, from well to sick visits, as well as a specific interest in patients with cardiac complaints or histories. He is the ideal doctor to provide general pediatric continuity care for Connecticut’s delicate pediatric population with congenital heart disease.
Abigail Cipriani Amador, MD - FAAP
Pediatrician
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: MPA, South Windsor
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Dr. Abigail Cipriani Amador, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 10 years of experience in the medical field. She did medical school and postgraduate studies in pediatrics at the University of Carabobo, Aragua headquarters and worked during her residency at Maracay Central Hospital in Aragua, Venezuela, her home country.
Dr. Cipriani practiced pediatrics for a couple of years before coming to the United States where she obtained her medical license certification and completed residency in pediatrics at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, New York. After her residency Dr. Abigail Cipriani moved to Connecticut where she has been practicing since 2019 in Our Practice in South Windsor.
Dr. Cipriani enjoys providing outstanding health care services with high-quality and evidence-based primary care for children and their families since birth through late adolescence including diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses as well as management of health conditions of children with special needs. Dr. Cipriani is bilingual in English and Spanish and believes in the importance of health education and promotion.
When not at work: She likes to spend time with her family and have fun with her daughters, also she enjoys dancing, listening to music and traveling.
Andrea Dixon, MD
Pediatrician
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: MPA, South Windsor
Andrea Dixon, MD, is an experienced pediatrician who is new to the team at Manchester Pediatric Associates in South Windsor. Dr. Dixon has been in practice for more than 18 years. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in justice from the American University in Washington, DC and worked for the Department of Justice before earning her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at the CT Children’s Medical Center through the University of CT School of Medicine.
Dr. Dixon has worked in many different settings including private practice in both West Hartford and Manchester, CT as well as working as the Pediatric Director of an urgent care center throughout the pandemic. Her latest position was at CT Pediatrics, part of the Community Health Center, mainly serving underprivileged patients.
Dr. Dixon enjoys caring for children and building bonds with her patients and their families. She also has a special love for teaching and can often be found guiding a medical student or resident through their training.
On a personal note, Dr. Dixon is married with two children. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, walking, baking and volunteering in her community.
Lori Bryon, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: MPA, South Windsor
Lori Byron, PA, is an experienced physician assistant with the caring team Manchester Pediatrics Associates in South Windsor. Lori is proud to provide attentive and compassionate pediatric care to her patients and their families at the practice’s offices in South Windsor.
Lori earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Westfield State University in Massachusetts and then completed her certificate in physician assistant studies from Springfield College. Since beginning her career in medicine, Lori worked in newborn intensive care for five years and has worked in general pediatrics ever since. She is proud to be part of the Manchester Pediatrics Associates team and help patients and their families lead happy and healthy lives.
When she is not working, Lori enjoys reading and spending time with her daughter as well as with extended family and friends. To make an appointment with Lori, call Manchester Pediatrics Associates today or request your next visit online.
Scott O'brien, PA
Physicians Assistant
Pronouns: He/him/his
Location: MPA, Tolland
Scott O’Brien is a dedicated Pediatric/Neonatal Physician Assistant, having received his education from the esteemed Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program. With a rich professional journey that began in 2005, Scott has garnered extensive experience in various medical settings, including emergency departments, Neonatal Intensive Care, and outpatient pediatrics. Along with his fulfilling career, Scott is a proud husband and father of four children. Outside the realm of medicine, he finds joy in embracing the wonders of the outdoors through activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing, and golf. Additionally, Scott also indulges in the art of woodworking, further enriching my diverse interests and passions in Our Practice in Tolland.
Tristin Geist, APRN
Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: MPA, Tolland
Board certified pediatric nurse practitioner. Bachelors of Science in Biology from UCONN. Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Masters of Science, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner from University of Pennsylvania. Has been practicing as a PNP for 5 years before joining MPA in Tolland and previously worked inpatient in pediatrics for 3 years. Enjoys spending free time with my husband, 2 kids, and 2 dogs. And always Loves traveling
Jennifer Bartson, APRN, CPNP-PC
Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Bartson is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner. Jennifer began her pediatric nursing career in 2014 as an LPN and continued her education while working at MPA, earning an Associate of Science in nursing from Capital Community College in 2019, and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Hartford in 2021. Motivated by a love for learning and the long-term connections she made with MPA patients and their families, Jennifer chose to pursue an advanced nursing degree and achieved a Master of Science in nursing from Maryville University, specializing in pediatric primary care.
Jennifer takes great pride in caring for children in the greater Manchester and Tolland County area. As both a mom and a lifelong resident of Tolland County, she is fully committed to promoting the health and wellness of children within our wonderful community.
Jennifer is a true New Englander with a love for traveling to the Northeast with her husband and son. They enjoy all that the changing seasons have to offer and try to be outdoors together as much as possible.
Brittany Molkenthin
Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: MPA, Tolland
Brittany Molkenthin is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, bringing a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her role at Manchester Pediatric Associates in Tolland, Connecticut. Her journey in pediatric healthcare began at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, where she earned her undergraduate degree.
After gaining valuable experience as a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Brittany pursued advanced education, achieving a Master’s of Nursing in Pediatric Primary Care from Regis College. Her commitment to pediatric care led her to serve as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Norwich, Connecticut, where she honed her skills in providing comprehensive and holistic care to children of all ages.
Brittany’s passion for pediatrics extends beyond her professional life. As a new mom herself, she understands the unique challenges parents face. She believes that her role as a mother enhances her ability to connect with families and provide the highest quality of care.
At Manchester Pediatric Associates, Brittany is excited to be a part of a team that shares her commitment to the well-being of children. When she’s not working, Brittany cherishes every moment with her daughter and family.
Nikisha Hamal, MSN, FNP-C
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: MPA, South Windsor
Nikisha Hamal, MSN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Minor in Spanish from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY in 2011. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT with a Gold Medal of Excellence and Outstanding Capstone Award.
She brings a decade of nursing experience as a neuro/stroke and cardiac staff nurse at Saint Francis Hospital and as a nurse supervisor and unit coordinator at Garden Gate Health Care Facility, Buffalo, NY.
While completing her pediatric rotation in the FNP program at Manchester Pediatrics Associates in South Windsor, she became passionate about pediatric health issues and their wellbeing. Her special interest is in preventative medicine and cardiology.
Born and raised in Nepal, she now resides in Manchester, CT with her husband and two children. When she is not working, she enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling to new places, and spending time with her family, and friends.