Akron Children’s is excited to welcome the staff from Pediatric Consultants to our growing network. This means not only two new locations – Ontario and Ashland West – but also a fantastic team of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) ready to care for patients in Ashland and Richland counties.
Welcome Amanda Paxton, Kendra Meyer, Sarah Hyer, and Malory Yockey. All four APPs share a love of working with children and a passion for providing high-quality care.
Amanda Paxton
When not caring for patients, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs (a chocolate lab, Carmen and a black Lab, Archie), hiking and watching Ohio State football. She’s worked at the Ontario location for 15 years.
Why did you want to work in pediatrics?
I have always known I wanted to work with kids, I just didn’t know in what capacity. I spent a lot of time in high school and college babysitting and nannying.
Fun Fact: My bachelor’s degree is in pharmaceutical sciences. I was planning to go to pharmacy school, until I decided I wanted a career with more patient interaction, which led me to nursing.
If you weren’t an APP, what would your dream job be?
An interior designer. I love to see spaces transform and use my creative side.
Who is the most organized in the office (coordinates the office celebrations, lunch orders)?
Kendra! She is always prepared and ready to celebrate the most obscure/ fun holidays. A few weeks ago, she brought in several dozen bananas for National Banana Day. Everyone came into work to a banana on their desk.
Amanda Paxton, APRN
Kendra Meyer
Outside of work, Kendra keeps busy with her husband and their three daughters. Her perfect day includes a cup of coffee on the porch before the girls wake up. She has worked at the Ontario location for the last two years.
Why did you want to work in pediatrics?
I’ve always loved working with babies and children. I can’t see myself in a position where I don’t get to interact with kids daily.
Fun fact: I love water sports, especially tubing and skiing.
If you weren’t an APP, what would your dream job be?
Second grade teacher.
Who in the office can’t start their day without coffee?
All of us! We make many coffee runs to Starbucks throughout the week.
Kendra Meyer, APRN
Sarah Hyer
Sarah finds relaxation curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee. If the weather is nice, you may find her swinging in her hammock. She and her husband share 3 children and 2 cats. Sarah splits her time between the Ontario and Ashland West locations where she has worked for the last 2 years.
Why did you want to work in pediatrics?
I have always loved children. Their innocence and joy are contagious. I feel like I can make a difference in their lives.
Fun Fact: Not exactly fun, but I was very ill as a child. I had Lyme disease, but it took doctors a long time to figure out what was wrong. I was in and out of the hospital and even had a home health nurse for a while. This is what made me fall in love with medicine.
If you weren’t an APP, what would your dream job be?
Book editor.
Who’s most likely to sing in the office?
I’m not sure I’ve heard anyone sing in the office, but I could see Malory or Kendra being the most likely to serenade us.
Sarah Hyer, APRN
Malory Yockey
Malory’s perfect day off includes beautiful weather and taking her 2 kids to the park. She and her husband also have 2 dogs, Neo (Siberian Husky) and Copper (Vizsla). She has worked at the Ontario location since 2021.
Why did you want to work in pediatrics?
I’m a family nurse practitioner, so I wasn’t sure I would end up working with kids. I was very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to and now can’t imagine doing anything else!
Fun fact: I love music! I was in show choir and play piano.
If you weren’t an APP, what would your dream job be?
Jewelry designer. I was originally an art major.
What do you like most about your collaborative relationship with your fellow APPs?
Whenever I have a question, I have so many people to ask. I don’t feel intimidated or nervous to ask questions!
Schedule an appointment online at the Ontario or Ashland West location or call 330-543-2778.
