Paul Chlpka, MD, attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, for his undergraduate education followed by the Medical College of Pennsylvania (now Drexel) in Philadelphia, PA for medical school. His residency training in Pediatrics was completed at Tod Childrens’ Hospital in Youngstown, OH. After completing three years as a resident he also completed a fourth year of training as Pediatric Chief Resident at Tod. He began private practice in 2000 with Hermitage Pediatrics and opened Helping Hands Pediatrics in July of 2002. Dr. Chlpka is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Katherine Cruickshank, PA-C,  graduated summa cum laude from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology degree before pursuing her Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies, from the University of Mount Union. Katherine is a NCCPA board certified physician assistant with experience conducting physical exams for pediatric to geriatric patients. Her previous work experience includes working in an urgent care setting.

John Cope, MSN, RN, FNP-BC,  attended Simmons College for his Master of Science in Nursing. John has worked in the New Castle Area for the last eight years. John is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Brieana Smith, CRNP, graduated with Honors from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree before pursuing her Master of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Studies, from the University of Akron.

Brieana is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with experience in children with neuro-developmental disabilities and complex medical needs.  She has over 9 years of experience in pediatrics which includes several years of employment at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and the Rainbow Babies Center for Comprehensive Care/Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities.