Dr. Hayley Hellstern is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). She was born and raised in Annapolis, MD and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University.

Between college and medical school, she spent several years in Pittsburgh (thanks to her husband, who had established roots in the city while attending college at Carnegie Mellon University). While in Pittsburgh, she volunteered in the Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she spent her days playing with children whose families were unable to be by their side while they were in the hospital.

Dr. Hellstern then moved to Colorado to attend medical school at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She and her husband were thrilled to return to Pittsburgh for her pediatric residency at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where Dr. Hellstern was selected as one of two residents in her class to partake in the Pediatric Advocacy, Leadership, and Service track. 

After several years in a “traditional” pediatric office, Dr. Hellstern realized she was not able to spend enough time with each of her patients and their families. She desired a practice model that allowed her to check in with her patients after-hours and provide them timely guidance when ill. Since her childhood, she dreamt of becoming a doctor who was “part of the family” – the way she always viewed her own pediatrician. She is thrilled to join Zest Pediatrics in a direct pediatric care model where she can provide the unique, specialized care each patient deserves. 

While Dr. Hellstern absolutely loves caring for children of all ages, she holds a special place in her heart for newborns and breastfeeding medicine. It brings her immense joy to journey with parents as they navigate the new world of parenting. She knows it takes a village to raise a child, and she would love to be part of yours!

Outside of the office, she currently serves as an Early Career Representative for the Pennsylvania Chapter of the AAP, and is a member of the Advocacy and School Health Committees. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition. 

Dr. Hellstern is the mother to two energetic, adventurous children who love to keep her on her toes. She is always learning from them! She and her family enjoy long walks around their neighborhood, watching hockey games (best NHL team is a heated topic in their family), and exploring the many playgrounds Pittsburgh has to offer.