Toggle navigation
Pediatric Staff

At Premier Pediatrics, our team consists of experienced, compassionate pediatricians and friendly, nurturing 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 Brighton 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.

Premier Pediatrics believes in a team approach to your child's health and well-being, so all of our doctors 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.

DEBRA CAMPBELL, D.O., FAAP

Medical Degree:
Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center

Residency:
Michigan State University
Sparrow Hospital

Board Certification:
American Board of Pediatrics

Dr. Campbell is an owner of Premier Pediatrics.  She is an advocate of preventative medicine and works closely with the Special Care Nursery at Platte Valley Medical Center.  She also has a special interest in asthma and eczema.
She enjoys traveling, hiking, sporting events, and especially spending time with her husband and two children.

JOSEPH M. SMITH, M.D., FAAP

Medical Degree:
Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Residency:
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Children's Hospital Colorado

Publications:
Berman’s Pediatric Decision Making, 5th edition.  Book Chapter:  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Board Certification:
American Board of Pediatrics

Dr. Smith is an owner of Premier Pediatrics.  He believes in whole-person care.  "Medicine is more than treating illnesses.  It is about family, school progress, achievements, hobbies, and anything else that is important to an individual."
Besides practicing general pediatrics, Dr. Smith devotes 50% of his clinic time to child and adolescent behavior and development, including the treatment of ADHD, autism, and children with special health care needs.
He enjoys composing and performing music, traveling, camping, hiking, roller blading, fencing, Broadway shows, language study, church activities, and above all, spending time with his wife and children.

ELLEN McCORMICK, M.D.

Medical Degree:
University of Colorado School of Medicine
 
Residency:
Wilford Hall Medical Center
Lackland AFB, TX
 
Board Certification:
American Academy of Pediatrics
 
Dr. McCormick is a Colorado native.  She enjoys the challenge and continuing changes in the practice of medicine, and also the fun of working with kids and babies.  "I am happy and excited to join Premier Pediatrics!  This is a practice that has moved toward the future of medical care, and is embracing the changes that promote quality care for children."  She enjoys travel, photography, road trips with her husband, and watching her kids pilot their way through adulthood.
 

 KRISTI RAY, M.D.

Medical Degree:  
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
 
Residency:  
University of New Mexico Children's Hospital
 
Fellowship in Sports Medicine:  
University of Michigan
 
Board Certification:  
American Board of Pediatrics
Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports  Medicine
Dr. Ray is joining Premier Pediatrics following completion of a Sports Medicine fellowship.  She is invested in providing the best clinical care to children of all ages and has additional training in medical care for athletes.  She is well trained in recognition and management of musculoskeletal injuries and has experience working with athletes of all ages on the sidelines and in clinic.  She is especially interested in concussion management and works with local high school athletic programs in the Brighton area.  Outside of work, she enjoys playing sports, hiking, skiing, camping, and spending time with her husband and dog.
 

 MICHELE TUEPKER, M.D.

Medical Degree: 
University of Nebraska

Residency:
University of Vermont at Fletcher Allen Health Care
 
Board Certification:
American Board of Pediatrics
Dr. Tuepker has a special interest in newborn care but enjoys caring for patients of all ages.  She feels that a strong physician-patient relationship is based on open communication, and that education empowers both her patients and their caregivers.
After almost 10 years, Dr. Tuepker has returned to her home state with her husband and son.  She enjoys playing violin, baking, being outdoors, and chasing her always-in-motion preschooler.
 

 JANINE LECHLEITNER, C.P.N.P.

Masters of Science:
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Board Certification:
National Certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board 

Fellowship in NAPNAP (National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners):
Developmental Behavioral and Mental Health Specialty

Janine is an advocate of whole family preventative care with a special interest in child development and ADHD.
Janine enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, as well as camping, hiking, church activities, and scrapbooking.