Meet the Elliston Pediatrics team
Helping your kids reach their highest potential — by raising the bar for NYC pediatrics
We provide unmatched relief for parents and personalized care for children through direct access to the best pediatricians in NYC.
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Everything changed when we asked ourselves…
“Where is the customer service in medicine?
We’ve worked in medicine for decades. But before starting Elliston Pediatrics, we were as frustrated by long waits, rushed appointments, and impersonal care as other parents.
When we started to rethink what pediatric services should look like, we realized the problem wasn’t uncaring doctors. It was a broken system.
A typical practice might see 12,000 kids between 3 pediatricians. There’s simply not enough time to provide the attention each child deserves.
There had to be a better way.
So we created a new model for pediatric care that’s personalized, responsive, and available anytime.
Because when it comes to your child’s health, you shouldn’t have to settle for the status quo.
brings concierge medicine to NYC families through pediatric home visits, around-the-clock access to your child’s doctor, cutting-edge telemedicine, and more.
We’re not your typical NYC pediatricians.
We’re partners in your child’s health.
Values that guide our practice:
Personalized, holistic care
From custom care plans to calls for the out-of-nowhere ailment, we’re here to meet your needs. Get guidance rooted in research to support your child’s physical, emotional, and developmental health.
Accessibility & innovation
Benefit from direct access to our team, day or night, workday or weekend. You enjoy the convenience of home visits, blended with the best technology available today.
Excellent, premium service
Experience the highest possible standard of medical care, delivered with the exclusive, exceptional level of service you expect for your child.
Trust & privacy
Rely on us for transparent communication and reassurance. Plus, there’s nothing more confidential or discreet than medical care in the comfort of home.
Compassionate community
Feel truly seen and heard by providers who care about your family’s well-being. We build genuine connections and create a supportive atmosphere where you belong.
I could tell something was wrong as soon as my daughter Isabela was born.
But no matter how much I advocated for her, I spent 7 years being dismissed by doctors. So Isabela’s congenital heart condition went undiagnosed.
When Isabela was 6, I had another baby with a congenital condition. He sadly passed away 2 weeks after he was born.
Soon after that, Isabela started coughing up blood. Yet pediatricians, pulmonologists, and even ER doctors continued ignoring my concerns.
It wasn’t until I brought in physical proof of Isabela’s bleeding that I was finally taken seriously enough to get answers.
That precipitated lots of testing, multiple heart surgeries, and big changes for our family
Hi, I’m Nurse Heidi Meeker, co-founder
of Elliston Pediatrics
Hi, I’m Dr. Elliston, pediatrician and co-founder of Elliston Pediatrics
After dealing with those stressful years as a new mom, Heidi met me, her husband, Dr. Elliston.
I was responsible for the care of thousands of patients at a busy practice in NYC. I skipped meals, worked overtime, and still came home worried that I wasn’t giving patients enough time and attention.
Between the heartbreaking experiences we both endured as parents and medical professionals, we decided enough was enough.
That’s exactly why we founded Elliston Pediatrics:
To ensure no parent’s intuition is ignored, and every child gets the personalized attention they need.
Your pediatrician is your quarterback — but this full team is behind your every step
Dr. Andrew Elliston MD, FAAP
Co-founder
Dr. Andrew Elliston is a board-certified pediatrician who has been listed on the “New York Super Doctors” and “New York Rising Stars” lists for 8 consecutive years, from 2017-2024.
He combines his calm, caring demeanor with lifelong passions for science and medicine to deliver outstanding support for each family in his care.
Dr. Elliston’s hobbies include coding custom software to support our practice and building LEGO sets he displays as art around the house (which Nurse Heidi doesn’t love! 😆).
Dr. Andrew Elliston MD, FAAP
Dr. Andrew Elliston is a board-certified pediatrician who delivers personalized in-home care to families like yours in NYC. Dr. Elliston earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Duke University. Then, he went on to complete a Doctorate of Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed his Pediatric Residency at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Later, he moved to New York City and became affiliated with Weill-Cornell / New York Presbyterian Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital.
Dr. Elliston has been recognized as an established leader in the field of pediatric care, and has been listed on the “New York Super Doctors” and “New York Rising Stars” lists featured by the New York Times for 8 consecutive years, from 2017-2024. He has also contributed his professional opinions to several popular media outlets including PopSugar and Teen Vogue.
Dr. Elliston comes from a family of doctors, and he started working toward his own medical career from the day he was born. He prides himself on delivering the best possible support to children in his care, lending years of expertise and an empathetic approach to serve his patients and their families.
When he’s not seeing patients, Dr. Elliston is doing his part to advance pediatric care behind the scenes. He knows how to code, and has developed software solutions that run in the background to make our practice more safe and effective.
A North Carolina Native, Dr. Elliston now enjoys life in the city, swapping nature trails for urban adventures with his wife, 2 children, and dog Duke. In his spare time, he enjoys building LEGO sets and displaying them around the house (!) and also has a big Calvin and Hobbes collection.
Nurse Heidi Meeker BSN, RNC-OB, MNN, LRN, EFM
Co-founder
Nurse Heidi Meeker is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience working in Adult Medicine, Psychiatry, Home Care, Nursing Management, and Labor and Delivery Nursing.
She was also a gestational surrogate. She is passionate about supporting patients in our practice who have surrogates or need any kind of infertility treatment to become parents.
Heidi was a college wrestler and is in the Western Massachusetts Wrestling Hall of Fame for medaling in the first-ever National Women's Wrestling Championship in the US.
Nurse Heidi Meeker, BSN, RNC-OB, MNN, LRN, EFM
Heidi Meeker is a registered nurse with 20+ years of experience spanning Adult Medicine, Psychiatry, Home Care, and Nursing Management. For the majority of this time, Heidi has worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse, which is her passion. She has additional training and advanced certification in Lactation, Inpatient Obstetrics, Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Maternal Newborn Nursing, and Low Risk Newborn. Heidi is co-founder of Elliston Pediatrics alongside her husband, Dr. Elliston.
Together, Nurse Heidi and Dr. Elliston are proud parents of Isabela and Liam. Isabela almost lost her life at age 7 from poor medical management and had to have 2 open heart surgeries. This experience with her care became the driving inspiration to set up Elliston Pediatrics.
Heidi was a gestational surrogate, helping people create a family through third-party reproduction, and is passionate about supporting parents in the practice who have surrogates or need infertility treatments to become parents.
Today, she offers her expertise as a nurse, mother of two, and wife of a pediatrician to answer any questions the families in our practice might have about their children.
Dinner conversations in Dr. Elliston and Nurse Heidi’s home are extra nerdy as they’re always talking about the latest medical advancements. When she can find free time, Heidi loves cooking, eating, exercising, and cuddling with her kids (if they let her!).
Dr. Michelle Bennett Pediatrician, MD, FAAP
Dr. Michelle Bennett is a board-certified pediatrician with 20+ years of experience delivering excellent pediatric care.
For Dr. Bennett, pediatrics was a calling from a young age. Today, she goes out of her way to provide individualized support for the children and parents she serves. In fact, some say they “can’t imagine parenting without her!”
Dr. Bennett married her high school sweetheart and loves enjoying the culture and sights of NYC with family. She’s obsessed with the Empire State Building and takes pictures of it whenever she can!
Dr. Michelle Bennett Pediatrician, MD, FAAP
Dr. Michelle Bennett is a board-certified pediatrician with 20+ years of experience providing thoughtful and thorough patient care to children from infancy through college. Dr. Bennett graduated magna cum laude from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts and a major in biology.
With the childhood goal of becoming a pediatrician, she went on to graduate in the top 10% of her medical school class at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine with Honors in pediatrics. While there, she was also elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Dr. Bennett completed her education with a residency in Pediatrics at the University of South Carolina, receiving a “Resident of the Year” nomination and the award of “Outstanding Pediatric Resident.”
Dr. Bennett practiced as a full-time pediatrician for 17 years in Kentucky before moving to Manhattan and joining Elliston Pediatrics. Throughout her time as a practicing pediatrician, Dr. Bennett has always supported each child she works with on a highly individualized level, and operates on the assumption that no cookie-cutter approach will work for every child.
In her spare time, Dr. Bennett enjoys NYC’s restaurant scene, snapping photos of the Empire State Building (her favorite!) and attending shows on Broadway. Her daughter has appeared in two Broadway shows, including the role of Young Anna in Frozen the Musical, which prompted her family’s move to NYC.
Dr. Cherilyn Davis Pediatrician MD, FAAP
Dr. Cherilyn Davis is a board-certified pediatrician. She completed her residency training at Children’s National Hospital, recently ranked 5th best children’s hospital by U.S. News and World.
She’s recognized as a medical expert, author, and influencer with features in outlets like Good Housekeeping and the Washington Post. She offers her expertise to each patient through care rooted in empathy.
Dr. Davis played soccer from childhood through medical school and met her husband on a co-ed team (they still play together!).
Dr. Cherilyn Davis Pediatrician MD, FAAP
Dr. Cherilyn Davis (Cecchini) is a board-certified pediatrician. She received a Bachelor of Science from The Pennsylvania State University before earning her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and graduated with honors in pediatrics. While there, she was inducted into the Hobart Armory Hare Medical Honor Society, which recognizes professional excellence in medical education.
Dr. Davis completed residency training in pediatrics at Children’s National Hospital, which has recently been ranked as the 5th best children’s hospital according to U.S. News and World. She received the Susan L. Ivey Courage to Lead Award and the 2022 AMWA (American Medical Women’s Association) Inspire Award to recognize her meaningful contributions towards the advancement of women in medicine. The main focus of her academic research was patient-provider communication, which informs her approach to pediatric care today.
On top of providing pediatric care, Dr. Davis has held important health communications roles at various agencies, including LifeSci Communications and as Partner at FINN Partners. She is also recognized as a medical expert, author, and influencer for her commentary in popular media outlets like Parents, Good Housekeeping, Care.com, The Washington Post, the Strategist, Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) News, What to Expect, Celebrity Parents Magazine, Romper, GoodRx, and others.
From enjoying track and field days in High School to regular runs around the city, Dr. Davis enjoys an active life in NYC. She even met her husband through a co-ed soccer team, and they continue to play together today. Dr. Davis is loving her “Auntie era” with three active nephews who keep her on her toes!
Dr. Danis Copenhaver Pediatrician MD, FAAP
Dr. Danis Copenhaver is a board-certified pediatrician who has been caring for Brooklyn families since 2014.
Originally from small towns in Texas and Arkansas, Dr. Copenhaver earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College and completed her residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of New York – Columbia University.
Her philosophy is rooted in providing continuity of care, drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences with a small-town doctor who treated her family like his own.
Dr. Danis Copenhaver Pediatrician MD, FAAP
Dr. Danis Copenhaver is a board-certified pediatrician who has been caring for Brooklyn families since 2014. Originally from small towns in Texas and Arkansas, Dr. Copenhaver grew up inspired by the compassionate doctors who cared for her family. She pursued her dream of becoming a physician by earning a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Arkansas, where she also rowed crew. After college, Dr. Copenhaver spent a year in Belize establishing a partnership between her alma mater and a local nonprofit—an initiative that lasted over a decade—before moving to New York City for her medical training.
Dr. Copenhaver earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College and completed her residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of New York – Columbia University. She fell in love with New York’s vibrancy and the opportunity to practice family-centered pediatric care. Known for her thoughtful and candid approach, Dr. Copenhaver emphasizes empowering parents through practical advice, collaboration, and a touch of humor to navigate parenthood.
With professional interests in developmental pediatrics, community pediatrics, and dermatology, Dr. Copenhaver finds fulfillment in building long-term relationships with her patients and their families. Her philosophy is rooted in providing continuity of care, drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences with a small-town doctor who treated her family like his own.
When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Copenhaver enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, exploring NYC’s parks and playgrounds with her two children, and cooking. A mother of two, she loves connecting with parents on a personal level, often singing silly songs during checkups to keep little ones at ease (and sometimes discovering imaginary animals in their ears!). In 2024, she accomplished a personal milestone by completing her first half marathon—despite the rain and uphill course!
Nurse Laura Varghese, BSN, RNC-OB, LRN,MNN, IBCLC
Nurse Laura Varghese is our Nurse Case Manager and Lactation Consultant at Elliston Pediatrics.
She’s worked in many roles including labor and delivery nursing, postpartum nursing, and as a newborn nursery nurse, and brings a deep understanding of the bond between mother and child into her work.
Laura has donated hundreds of ounces of breastmilk, and she’s helped deliver so many NYC babies (hundreds at this point) that the first ones are now in high school!
Nurse Laura Varghese, BSN, RNC-OB, LRN, MNN, IBCLC
Laura Varghese earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The College of New Rochelle in 2008. During her career, Laura held various roles including Labor and Delivery Nurse, Newborn Nursery Nurse, Postpartum Nurse, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant on the hospital’s lactation team.
In her current role as Nurse Case Manager at Elliston Pediatrics, Laura works alongside physicians to coordinate specialist referrals and appointments. She supports patients with chronic conditions and helps young patients navigate challenging healthcare hurdles.
Despite having lactation training at the time, Laura needed professional lactation help when she had her first baby, and she’s donated hundreds of ounces of breastmilk. Laura uses her experience as a mother and a nurse to provide prenatal and breastfeeding education for expectant families. She has a special interest in conditions like asthma, food allergies, and FPIES.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Laura has spent her whole adult life in Westchester where she met her husband and now lives with two lively daughters. To date, she’s delivered hundreds of NYC babies - so many that the first ones are now juniors in high school!
Heather Susca
Director of Operations
Heather Susca has over 10 years of experience in administrative roles including front desk receptionist, surgical coordinator, medical biller, and operations manager in various specialty practices.
Training and development have been “hidden” passions for Heather since she was a child. She used to be a competitive figure skater and coach, helping children as young as 3 years old on and off the ice in both regional and national competitions.
She enjoys working with and supporting parents and kids through various stages of mental, emotional, and physical development. She also loves winter sports and the holiday season, seizing the opportunity to dress up her pets in holiday outfits!
Jaime Hilliard
Practice Manager/Administrator, CMOM
Jaime is a Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Administration and Practice Management (SOAPM), PPMA, and the DC Children’s Pediatric Practice Managers group. Bringing more than 18 years of pediatric primary care experience to Elliston Pediatrics, Jaime has an educational background in medical practice management, business, and marketing.
Jaime’s role at Elliston Pediatrics is to coordinate business operations and handle patient issues. She also keeps the practice up to date and in compliance with the latest developments in pediatric medical practice.
Outside of the practice, Jaime is a proud mother of three and grandmother of two, and she’s been married to her husband Marty for almost 29 years. In her spare time, she’s an avid gym-goer and never misses a daily workout.
Abbey Hertz
Patient Account Manager
Abbey Hertz is a dedicated healthcare professional with nearly a decade of experience working in primary care and pediatrics. Abbey finds purpose in creating strong bonds with the families she meets and guiding them through the healthcare system.
She’s passionate about helping patients and families navigate the healthcare system, and she’s here to advocate for you every step of the way.
In her spare time, Abbey loves spending time outdoors, taking hikes with her husband and their three dogs. She recently became a new mom — her son was born on New Year’s Day!
Chelsea Cavey
Membership Account Manager
Chelsea Cavey grew up in Maryland where she attended Stevenson University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She started her career as a stockbroker and investment and assets manager working at T. Rowe Price, before working as an accounts manager for a private watercraft firm.
Chelsea lends a wealth of experience in financial services to efficiently and accurately manage the financial aspects of your membership.
She’s an avid DIYer who loves spending her spare time baking up a storm or digging in the garden.
Tina Ripple
Medical Biller
Tina Ripple grew up in Maryland and has been a dedicated medical biller since she was 18 years old. She has over 30 years of experience across various specialties including Pediatric Primary Care.
Tina is a proud mom of two daughters and welcomed her first grandson in January 2024. She loves playing bingo and vacationing in Florida.
Isabela Meeker
Junior Social Media Manager
Isabela is currently on a pre-med track at Wake Forest University. She hopes to attend medical school and become a physician after she graduates from WFU in 2026. She brings her passion for the medical world into her work in our practice.
Isabela was born with a congenital heart defect and has had 2 open-heart surgeries. She has 4 dogs and hopes to foster kittens soon!
Lauren Akke
Marketing Manager & Executive Assistant to Owners
Lauren was born and raised in Brooklyn and is currently studying to become an RN. She brings this knowledge and a passion for understanding people to her role at Elliston Pediatrics.
Lauren loves spending time with her nieces, nephew, and 5 lb pomeranian, Panini.
Heather Susca
Director of Operations
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Jaime Hilliard
Practice Manager
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Abbey Hertz
Patient Account Manager
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Chelsea Cavey
Membership Practice Manager
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Tina Ripple
Medical Biller
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Isa Meeker
Junior Social Media Manager
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Lauren Akke
Marketing Manager
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