Pediatrician Staff | Premier Pediatrics

Pediatrician 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, fencing, acting and directing, 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 Board 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.

CAROLINE ALBERT-MARTIN, M.D.

Medical Degree:

Yale University

Residency:

University of Pittsburgh- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Board Certification:

American Board of Pediatrics

Dr. Albert-Martin is new to the beautiful state of Colorado and is excited to join the Premier Pediatrics team. She is originally from New Orleans, and completed her medical training at Yale New Haven Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She enjoys getting to know each of her patients and their families, and believes that the best medical care comes from close partnership and communication between families and their doctor. She has a special interest in newborn care and breastfeeding, as well as adolescent care, and enjoys taking care of all ages in between! Outside of work, she loves hiking and camping, playing soccer, and spending time with her family.

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.

AARON HEABERLIN, M.D.

Medical Degree:

John C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia

Residency:

Children's Hospital of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University

Board Certification:

American Board of Pediatrics

Dr. Heaberlin and his family have relocated to the beautiful state of Colorado. He grew up in West Virginia. His interests include complex newborn care, nutrition, and health/fitness. He feels that the best care comes from a team effort between the patient, the family, and the medical staff. When not at work, you may find him and his family hiking, camping, skiing, or barbecuing. He is excited to be here to serve you, your family, and the Brighton area!

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.

MELISSA JOHNSON, C.P.N.P

Masters of Science:

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center

Board Certification:

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board

Melissa is a Colorado native and earned both her Bachelor's degree in nursing and her Master's in Advanced Practice Nursing from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center. Melissa is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She is excited to be part of the Premier Pediatrics team. She enjoys working with children of all ages and feels a strong relationship between provider and family is essential when providing the best medical care. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, golfing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

THERAPY TEAM:

HEATHER FASS, LMFT

Heather is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the state of Colorado and is happy to be part of the Premier Pediatrics team. She enjoys working with children and adolescents who need mental health support with anxiety, depresion, trauma, and grief. Her approach to counseling is strength-based and systemic, which acknowledges the importance of family, close relationships, and culture. She works therapeutically with clients through play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and attachment therapy. While Heather notes the importance of in-person counseling, she does offer teletherapy sessions to accommodate her clients' comfort and accessability needs. Outside of work, she enjoys pottery, gardening, fishing, spending time with friends, family, and toddler, and has a love for all animals.

Heather is currently credentialed with Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna. She will soon be contracted with most major health insurance companies and Medicaid. She can also accept self-pay clients.