Our Team
Providers
Dr. Bryant grew up on the East side of the State in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. He and his family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, during his pre-adolescent years. Upon returning, he attended Michigan State University, graduating with a B.S. in human biology in 2007. With a love of travel and exploring new cultures, he continued his education at ROSS University School of Medicine in the Caribbean. He completed his pediatric residency locally at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo in 2015. Dr. Bryant enjoys traveling, the outdoors, sports, and spending time with his family. Dr. Bryant is a board-certified pediatrician.
Dr. Halonen was born and raised in Battle Creek and graduated from Lakeview High School. She attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a B.S. in biology in 2005. Dr. Halonen continued her education at Michigan State University School of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduating from MSU in 2010 with her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine, she completed her residency in pediatrics at Bronson Hospital of Kalamazoo in 2013. Dr. Halonen is married to Dr. Todd Halonen of Halonen Family Dentistry. Drs. Halonen enjoys active lifestyles through running, bicycling, water sports, snow sports, and raising their two daughters. Dr. Halonen is a board-certified pediatrician.
Dr. White grew up in Massachusetts but has been a mid-westerner since graduating from the University of Michigan in 1992. He graduated from medical school at Indiana University in 1996 and finished residency three years later at Indiana University/Riley Children’s Hospital. He worked briefly outside Indianapolis before joining Cereal City Pediatrics. He enjoys pediatrics, which allows him to see new families with newborn babies through to young adults he’s known for years. He enjoys seeing children as they grow, and helping sick children get better. He is particularly interested in behavioral health. Outside of work, he enjoys family – he and his wife have four children and one grandchild. He enjoys all types of outdoor activity and exercise, especially running or walking with his dog, Daisy.
Kacie grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Harper Creek High School. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with a BS in movement science. She then attended Central Michigan University and graduated in 2005 with her master’s degree in physician assistant studies. She has been employed by Cereal City Pediatrics since November 2006. She lives south of Battle Creek with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time at the lake and reading.
As a graduate of Marshall High School, Melinda was born and raised in Marshall, Michigan. She then ventured out to obtain her BS in psychology at Aquinas College in 2015. Later obtaining her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2017. Melinda is a licensed clinical social worker. Melinda has a passion for mental health and being a support to children while providing tools and coping skills to nurture growth. Melinda and her husband love traveling, particularly to national parks across America. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her animals.
Bethany grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Lakeview High School. She attended Grand Valley State University, graduating with a B.S. in health science in 2005. She continued her education at GVSU, obtaining her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2008. She moved back to her hometown, where she practiced in the specialty of General Surgery for nearly 12 years. In 2020, she decided it was time for change and felt drawn to Pediatrics. She is thrilled to be a part of the CCP family, where she herself was a patient her whole childhood. Bethany is married and has three children who attend Lakeview Schools. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, being in nature, and watching her children thrive and grow in their sports and other activities.
Rachel was born and raised in Battle Creek and graduated from Lakeview High School. She attended Central Michigan University, graduating with a B.S in neuroscience in 2008. In 2011, she graduated from Central Michigan University with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies. Rachel is married to her husband, Ben, and has 3 daughters. They enjoy traveling, sports, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Lisa grew up in rural Indiana. She attended Central Michigan University and graduated with a degree in health science. She then attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 1995 with her bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies. She is married to her husband Marty and has six children.
Rachel was born and raised in Kalamazoo. She attended Hope College and graduated in 2021 with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She went on to attend the University of Michigan and graduated with her Master of Social Work in 2022. Throughout her educational career, Rachel has completed internships in child welfare and applied behavior analysis. She also has certifications in school social work and trauma informed practice. Rachel has always been passionate about working with children and enjoys supporting their mental health in the pediatric setting. She loves traveling, being outdoors, going to concerts, and spending time with her family and friends.
Emilie was born and raised in Allegan and graduated from Allegan High School. She attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College, graduated with an Associates Degree in Nursing in 2005, and began practicing as a Registered Nurse. In 2009, Emilie earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. Emilie worked as a Certified Pediatric Intensive Care Unit nurse for several years. In 2015, Emilie graduated from Wayne State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, with a major in advanced practice nursing with women, neonates, and children. Emilie is married to her husband, Kevin, and together they have 3 children and 1 grandson (with hopefully many more in the future). She enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and baking, hunting, home and furniture renovating and refurbishing, as well as cultivating the hobby farm where she and her husband reside. Emilie is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Counselor, certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and the Academy of Lactation Policy and Procedure. She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
Hayley grew up in Plainwell and later graduated from Hope College in Holland, MI. She attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 2009 with her Master’s in physician assistant studies. She and her husband, Rob, enjoy spending much of their free time in ministry as well as caring for their three children at home. Hayley is passionate about children’s literature and maintaining an active lifestyle in all weather conditions. She loves gardening and is proud to share her homegrown flower arrangements and vegetables in the summertime.
Chelsea grew up locally in Marshall, where she enjoyed playing soccer and basketball at Marshall High School. She then attended Michigan State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology. After graduating from MSU, she was accepted into the Physician Assistant Program at Central Michigan University, receiving her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021. Chelsea has always known that she enjoys working with pediatric patients and is excited to be a part of CCP’s team! She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and staying active!
Care Managers
Kiesha Lockett was born and raised in “the” Bronx, NY. After graduation, she moved to Orlando, where she met her husband, and they raised their 3 beautiful children together. In 2006 she went to school to become a Medical Assistant, and after graduation, she was certified through AAMA as Certified Medical Assistant. In 2010 she started working in Pediatrics. In 2020 she graduated from Daytona State College, earned her Practical Nursing License, and relocated to Battle Creek, where she started working at CCP. She enjoys sewing, playing video games, and spending time with her family and friends.
Management Team
Chasity was born and raised in Hastings, MI. She graduated in 2004. She had her first child at a very young age and shared her growing process, goals, and determination with her eldest child. Before she graduated, she knew she wanted to be in the healthcare field. Went to KCC and finished pre-requisites at the time of the nursing program, and in between the time, she finished and achieved her certification as Medical Assistant. She has worked in healthcare since 2005. She has worked in Assisted Living, Dermatology, Family Care, and now Pediatrics. Throughout the years, she has grown a passion for training, leading, and helping others meet their professional goals. Chasity’s biggest hobby is no surprise for those who know her, is her work. Outside of work, she enjoys her family, shopping, vacationing, CrossFit, and watching her children blossom into beautiful individuals.
Amber is the Clinical Supervisor and Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) here at CCP. She has been here since January 2019 and loves her job and co-workers, but the patients make it all worthwhile. She has been a Medical Assistant for 14 years. Throughout her career, she has worked in family practice, outpatient therapy, orthopedics, and now pediatrics. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to her local CrossFit gym, watching her kids play sports, watching UofM football, and staying active. In 2021, she completed my first Spartan Beast race at Mount Killington, VT, and it was terrific. She cannot wait to add more to her list this year. She grew up and currently lives in Hastings, MI. She is married to her husband, Mike, and they have 5 children — 2 boys and triplet girls, who keep them on their toes and their schedules full of different activities and sports that the children are involved in. She is also a board member of the HYAA football-cheer-flag program.
Andrea has been at Cereal City Pediatrics for 25 years. She started as a receptionist and received her certification in billing and coding. She has been in the billing department for 19 years. She loves working for Cereal City Pediatrics and how family-oriented they are. Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and friends when not working. Andrea has two children that have graduated and look forward to the next chapter in life.
Clinical Staff
Ashley was born and raised in Marshall, MI, and graduated from Marshall High School in 2014. She decided to go to school to become a Medical Assistant in 2019, where she attended Career Quest Learning Center in Jackson, MI, and became a CCMA officially in late 2020 due to Covid-19 complicating the externship process. She loves children and works in pediatrics. Ashley hasn’t worked in any other specialty prior to here but doesn’t plan on leaving pediatrics because she loves the kids so much. She has been with CCP since the beginning of December 2021. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out on the lake with her family and friends, going for boat rides, and bonfires. She loves to travel and explore new places. Ashley also loves listening to live music. Whether it’s at a concert, restaurant, or just local live music.
Atesha was born in Kalamazoo, MI, and raised as an army brat. Most of her childhood was in Texas. She is married with three beautiful children. She enjoys fishing, gardening, and family time. She has been a Certified Medical Assistant since 2014, and has worked in General Surgery and Pediatrics. She has been with Cereal City Pediatrics since 2020.
Claire is a Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NAHP). She is a Medical Assistant at Cereal City Pediatrics, and the newest addition to the team; she started in February 2022. She has really enjoyed it here so far! She has been a Medical Assistant for about two years and loves this rewarding career. She has worked in podiatry, family medicine/urgent care, and now pediatrics. She grew up in Eaton Rapids, MI and now lives in Kalamazoo. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her loved ones. She looks forward to many more years with this awesome office!
Gabby is a military child and was born and raised in Ohio, where her dad was stationed. In 2012 she moved with her family to Battle Creek to be closer to her family that lives here and graduated in 2018. In 2021 she graduated from Ross Medical School, where she earned a certificate to become a Medical assistant. She came to CCP to do her externship, where she ended up getting hired and has been here since. She has always had a passion for children and has loved being able to work with them daily. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, going to Disney, and spending time with her friends and family in her free time.
Jenn, a.k.a, “Mama Jenn,” is everyone’s work mom. She has been employed with Cereal City Pediatrics since August 2001. She was born in Battle Creek, MI but lived in Northern California for most of her life. She moved back “home” in 2001. She is married to her husband, Justin. They have three children and one grandchild. She enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family.
Jennifer is a medical assistant, born and raised in Ada, MI. She moved to Kalamazoo, MI, in 1998. She has worked as a certified Nurse Aide for a short time in an assisted living facility, then continued with Home Health Care. She decided to go to school to become a Medical Assistant in 2009. She completed her externship at CCP in 2010 and then was hired! She absolutely loves her job. She enjoys working with her awesome team and the precious children every day.
Katheran (Kati) Hammer was born and raised in the St. Joseph area. Left home to pursue the life of an army soldier. Following deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and being stationed in New York, Georgia, and Korea, She found her husband and continued the life of an army wife in Washington. While there, she pursued her love for helping others and became a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant and Nationally Certified Phlebotomist. They then moved back to Battle Creek and started working for Cereal City Pediatrics in June of 2017. She loves working with the kids, getting to know the families, and building that connection. Kati coordinates all the prior authorizations, organizes Synagis and Nexplanon orders, and works as an assistant in the lab. She is Emilie Rabb’s Medical assistant and helps with procedures such as Circumcision, Frenotomy, and Nexplanon inserts. Kati has three little girls and three dogs.
Kiesha was born and raised in “the” Bronx, NY. After graduation, she moved to Orlando, where she met her husband, and they raised their 3 beautiful children together. In 2006 she went to school to become a Medical Assistant, and after graduation, she was certified through AAMA as Certified Medical Assistant. In 2010 she started working in Pediatrics. In 2020 she graduated from Daytona State College, earned her Practical Nursing License, and relocated to Battle Creek, MI, where she started working at CCP. She enjoys sewing, playing video games, and spending time with her family and friends
Breanna was born and raised in Battle Creek Michigan. She graduated from Everest Institute in 2014. She has been certified as a CCMA for 3 years. She has mainly worked in family practice and has loved every step of the way! She has three beautiful children and loves to spend every minute with when she isn’t working. She enjoys going to the Kalamazoo races, and county fairs in her free time.
Ashley is a graduate from Marshal High school, class of 2005 and recieved her MA certificate within the next year. She have been in the medical field for well over 10+ years and enjoys learning new things. She has two small children that keep her on her toes at all times so working at CCP right up her alley!
Sierra was born and raised in Battle Creek, MI. She is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). She has been certified for about 3 years. She has worked in family, internal medicine, and pediatrics. She has been with Cereal City Pediatrics for 2 years and absolutely loves her career! She has four beautiful children who are her world! She loves doing photography in her spare time and spending time with her loved ones.
Front Office
Nichole grew up in Arkansas. She has four beautiful children, four dogs, and an amazing fiancé. When she is not working, she attends every sports function her children play and run around like a crazy momma to get them there. She loves football, traveling, and meeting new people. She is extremely excited to be a part of this team.
Cheyenne has lived in Battle Creek since she was 4 years old and attended Lakeview Schools graduating in 2013. She then went to Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in social work. She has a passion for mental health and helping people succeed in their own ways. In her spare time, she loves to spoil her kitty, catch fish off the piers, go to concerts and practice her new hobby of wood burning.
Jordan was born in Battle Creek but grew up in Arizona. She moved back to Battle Creek Michigan to be close to her family. She enjoys painting, watching true crimes, and LOVES Harry Potter. She enjoys spending time with her son (Braden), dog (perry), and two cats (Tonks and Floyd). Jordan really enjoys working for Cereal City Pediatrics and has loved getting to know her co-workers and patients. She is planning on retiring from CCP.
Billing Team
Ciji graduated high school in 2003 from Hastings, MI. She has her Associate’s in Early Childhood Education and worked in a nursing home as a CNA and Care Coordinator for several years. She joined CCP in 2020 as a receptionist and transitioned into a referral coordinator position in 2021. She enjoys working in pediatrics, where she can build relationships with parents and children. Her passion in the field leans more towards autism, as she the mother to a son with autism. She has learned a lot of tools and resources to help children get the help they deserve. She’s gained patience, love, and compassion towards those that are different in a beautiful way. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she’s not working. Her little family means the absolute world to her; they enjoy taking trips, working outdoors, and working on their home (most days), which they recently purchased.
Sierra has worked in the medical field for 15 years. She started at Cereal City in December of 2022. In Summer 2022 she became a mother so the switch to pediatrics was a very welcomed one.