Staff

At Pediatric Associates of Topeka, L.L.C., our team consists of experienced, compassionate pediatricians, nurturing mid-levels, and friendly staff members who take pride in giving our young patients the personalized pediatric care that they deserve.

We understand that you have a choice of pediatricians in the Topeka area, and we appreciate your consideration. We can assure you that you'll feel confident in our ability to meet all of your expectations.

All of our pediatricians are highly educated professionals who have undergone rigorous academic and clinical training in pediatrics. We maintain a high level of expertise through continuing education in order to provide the most up-to-date care for the young patients we are privileged to serve.

Pediatric Associates of Topeka, L.L.C. believes in a team approach to your child's health and well-being, so all of our providers collaborate with parents to provide the highest level of care. We appreciate the opportunity to care for your child and pride ourselves on making pediatric care a pleasant experience for all of our patients.


Our Providers

Dr. Sara Nelson, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Sara Nelson completed her undergraduate studies at Washburn University, then proceeded to University of Kansas Medical Center for her medical degree and residency. After residency, she joined Pediatric Associates of Topeka and has been here her whole career. Dr. Nelson has had the honor of receiving the “Best Pediatrician in Topeka” award twice, voted on by her wonderful patients! Dr. Nelson was born in Dodge City and has never lived outside of Kansas. She and her husband have three children, the oldest of which is following in her footsteps at Washburn University. Her family loves spending time together with their pets: two dogs, a cat and a snake. They love to have new traveling adventures, as well as game nights at home. They are huge Jayhawk fans…so rock chalk!

Dr Eleni Grammatikopoulou, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Eleni Grammatikopoulou, or “Dr. Gramma” to her patients, was born and raised in Greece, and completed Medical School there at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She moved to the US soon after and completed her pediatric residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Gramma has been practicing as a Board certified Pediatrician in Topeka, KS, since 2014. Dr. Gramma has three children that keep her very busy. She loves reading literature, growing her veggie garden in the summer, taking walks with her two dogs, and her yearly trip to Greece with my 3 children to see their extended family.

Dr. Holly Serk, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Holly Serk was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. She was a patient of Pediatric Associates of Topeka as a child and loved watching the train in the atrium (We need to bring back the train!). She returned as a Pediatrician in November 2017 after completing her undergrad at Kansas State, Medical School at the University of Kansas, and Residency at Wake Forest. Dr. Serk and her husband have three kids, two dogs, and a cat. When she is not at the office she enjoys being outside, playing with her kids, running, tennis, hiking with her dog, or stealing a quiet moment to read.

Dr. Lauren Olson, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Lauren Olson joined Pediatric Associates of Topeka in January of 2021 after working 14 years in Children's Mercy Hospital's Emergency Department. Dr. Olson was born in Wichita and grew up on a farm just south of there. She did her undergraduate studies in Wichita and Medical School at St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies (her second favorite place on earth). Dr. Olson returned to Kansas for her residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, she was a third year chief, and she and Dr. Nelson trained together. Dr. Olson lives with her husband, their daughter and two cats in Lawrence, Kansas. In her spare time Dr. Olson loves music, cooking, designing jewelry, and travel.

Dr. Cody Heston, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Heston joined Peds Associates in September, 2022. Dr. Heston grew up in Kansas on a farm outside of Oskaloosa. He attended Washburn University for undergraduate and the University of Kansas for medical school. After his residency program in Omaha, Dr. Heston moved back to Kansas and practiced in Hays for 5 years. Dr. Heston's wife is a pediatric occupational therapist, and they have two busy boys who love sports, tractors, and dinosaurs. When not at the office, Dr. Heston enjoys woodworking, exercising, spending time outside with his family, helping his dad around the family farm, and cheering on the Chiefs and Jayhawks. Dr. Heston is happy to be back home in NE Kansas!

Lindsey Koochel, PA-C

Lindsey Koochel is a certified physician assistant who joined the Pediatric Associates team in August 2019. Lindsey has a Bachelor's degree from Kansas State University then completed PA school at Wichita State University in 2009. She worked in emergency medicine in Lawrence and Olathe prior to moving to Topeka. Lindsey is married with three busy girls. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys exercising, playing tennis, coaching softball and spending time with her kids.

Rhiannon Schmitt, APRN

Rhiannon joined the Pediatric Associates of Topeka team in July 2019. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Washburn University and obtained her Master's of Science in Nursing degree in 2019 through Walden University. Rhiannon moved into the field of pediatrics after earning her APRN, and she has loved working in pediatrics ever since. Rhiannon grew up just outside of Topeka in Rossville, Kansas. Growing up, Rhiannon always had a passion for helping others so going into the field of healthcare came natural for her. Rhiannon and her husband are blessed with a daughter and son, two dogs, and 15+ chickens. Her favorite pastimes include spending time with her family, gardening, participating in outdoor activities, baking, and crafting.

Heather Gliem, PA-C

Heather joined Pediatric Associates of Topeka in January 2022. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Kansas State University. She obtained her Master of Physician Assistant at Wichita State University in 2018. Heather worked for 3 years in family and emergency medicine at Amberwell Family Practice/Hospital in Hiawatha, KS. She then relocated with her family to her hometown of Silver Lake, KS and started at Pediatric Associates. Heather and her husband have 2 children and one dog. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, reading, and traveling.

Julie Edwards, APRN

Julie Edwards joined Pediatric Associates in June 2022. She grew up in Topeka and has a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Midland University. She received her Master's of Science in Nursing in 2022 from Graceland University. As a registered nurse, Julie worked in the emergency department for many years. She moved to pediatrics after earning her APRN. Julie is married with three children and three dogs. She enjoys working out, baking cookies, online shopping and playing with her kids.

Kaetlynn Phillips, APRN

Kaetlynn joined the Pediatric Associates team in May of 2022. Growing up in a military family she moved to many places before settling in Topeka, KS to attend Washburn University for nursing. It was at Washburn that she obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in May of 2013. Kaetlynn then found her love of pediatrics after working as a registered nurse in the PICU and Infectious Disease floor at Children's Mercy Hospital. She then attended Maryville University and obtained her Master's of Science of Nursing in 2022. Kaetlynn and her husband have three children. In their free time they enjoy attending their children's activities as well as spending time with family and friends.

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