Antoinette Empeno, PA

Bio

Growing up in Virginia Beach, Antoinette Empeño discovered an interest in medicine during a high school trip to tour a hospital. Empeño received her bachelor’s degree in biology at Old Dominion University while working as a certified patient care technician at various local hospitals and volunteering at CHKD, which led her to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.

Empeño attended Eastern Virginia Medical School and received her Master's of Physician Assistant graduate degree. While in graduate school, she volunteered at Children's Assistive Technology Service, where she cleaned and assembled donated children's assistive devices to be given to those in need. During graduate school, she completed pediatric clinical rotations in the neonatal intensive care unit and emergency department at CHKD. From these combined experiences, Empeño developed a passion for helping children with disabilities.

When she’s not busy at work, Empeño and her husband enjoy spending time with their two dogs. Her hobbies include exploring local restaurants and businesses with her husband as well as attending various cultural events held in the Hampton Roads area. She loves walking her dogs, hiking, gardening, taking care of house plants, playing board games, and spending time with her loved ones.