Pediatric Associates has been caring for children in Northeast Georgia for over 70 years.
As a practice, we are committed to building lasting relationships with our patients and their families by providing compassionate, high quality care with a focus on trust, excellence, and personalized service.
✔ Experienced & Knowledgeable Team
Our providers and staff are highly trained and committed to offering the latest in pediatric care, from preventive health and wellness to managing chronic conditions.
✔ A True Medical Home
We strive to build lasting relationships with our families, offering personalized care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
✔ Collaborative Approach
With several providers in our group, we work together to ensure your child benefits from the collective expertise of our team.
✔ Two Convenient Locations
We proudly serve families at our offices in Gainesville and Braselton, extending care to the communities of Buford, Hoschton, Commerce, Jefferson-Jackson County, and Winder-Barrow County
✔ Hospital Affiliations for Comprehensive Care
We are affiliated with Northeast Georgia Medical Center, as well as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, including Arthur M. Blank Hospital and Scottish Rite, ensuring access to advanced pediatric care when needed.
Our Physicians
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Jeff Elder, MD
Dr. Elder was born and raised in Atlanta and moved to Gainesville in 1992. He earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and then completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics through Emory University School of Medicine at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Grady Memorial Hospital. He has also served as Chief of Pediatrics at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Dr. Elder is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He practices at our Gainesville location and has been with Pediatric Associates since 1992.
He is married and has three sons. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his granddaughter.
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Kevin Johnson, MD
Dr. Johnson, a native Georgian, received his undergraduate degree and medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta. After graduation from medical school, he completed his pediatric residency training at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi while serving on active duty in the United States Air Force. He has also served as Chief of Pediatrics at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
He is board-certified in Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He joined Pediatric Associates in 1994.
Dr. Johnson and his wife, Sandy, have three children and are members of Christ Place Church. In addition to spending time with family and participating in church activities, they enjoy hiking in national parks, boating on Lake Lanier, and walking the beaches of Port St. Joe, Florida.
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Jennifer Gottsman, MD
Dr. Gottsman, a native of Gainesville, earned her bachelor's degree from Emory University and her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her pediatric residency at Vanderbilt University’s Children's Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Following her residency training, she served as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt during which time she was awarded the Amos Christie Faculty Award, an award recognizing excellence in teaching and mentorship as chosen by the pediatric residents. She then returned home to practice in Gainesville in 2001.
She is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Gottsman practices in our Gainesville location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2001.
Dr. Gottsman is married and has three children. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in charitable work for Sisu, appreciating the arts, and travelling.
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Brenda Surles, MD
Dr. Surles, a native of Florida, completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She obtained her medical degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she served as co-chief resident. She remained in North Carolina for the next six years working in private practice pediatrics. After the birth of their triplet sons, Dr Surles and her husband relocated to Gainesville, Georgia to be near family.
Dr. Surles is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices at our Gainesville location and has been with Pediatric Associates since 2003.
Dr. Surles is married and has triplet sons. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
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Cathy Finch, MD
Dr. Finch, a Georgia native, earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her pediatric residency at the Medical College of Georgia Children’s Medical Center. After finishing her residency, she spent two years in private practice in Augusta, Georgia and also worked in the Emergency Department at the Children’s Medical Center.
Dr. Finch is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices at our Gainesville location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2003.
Dr. Finch is married and has three children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, jogging, playing cards, and practicing photography.
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Erol Onal, DO
Dr. Onal, a native of New York, completed his bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. He obtained his medical degree at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He then completed his pediatric internship and residency training at the University of Florida/HSC in Jacksonville at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Shands Medical Center.
Dr. Onal is board-certified in Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He practices in our Braselton location and has been with Pediatric Associates since 2005.
Dr. Onal is married and has a daughter. He enjoys the fine arts, travel, and all things music!
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Susan Carey, MD
Dr. Carey earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory University and her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her pediatric residency at Vanderbilt University at Children’s Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. After finishing her residency, she spent one year on the teaching faculty at Vanderbilt as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics. She then practiced in a pediatric group in Tampa, Florida for two years before joining Pediatric Associates.
She is board-certified in Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Carey practices in our Gainesville office and has been with Pediatric Associates since 2007.
She is married and has three sons. In her spare time, Dr. Carey is very involved in her son’s swim teams and enjoys fitness and travel.
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Michael Hilton, MD
Dr. Hilton, a native of Columbus, GA, earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, graduating summa cum laude. His medical degree and residency training in pediatrics were completed at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He previously practiced in Winder, where he served as chief-of-staff at Barrow Regional Medical Center and Medical Director of the newborn nursery before joining Pediatric Associates.
He is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He practices at our Braselton location and has been with Pediatric Associates since 2008.
Dr. Hilton is married and has two children. He encourages nutrition and lifestyle as the foundation to good health. In his free time, he enjoys golf, fitness, Bible-study, and spending time with his family.
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Kelly Lathem, MD
Dr. Lathem, a native of Augusta, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her residency in Pediatrics at Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she served as co-chief resident during her final year of training. At Emory, she was the recipient of the “Mary Brady” Award given to the most nurturing resident. After residency, she started her career with Pediatric Associates.
Dr. Lathem is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices at our Gainesville location and has been with Pediatric Associates since 2009.
Dr. Lathem is married and has three children. In her free time, she enjoys rooting for the dawgs, participating in charitable work for Sisu, and drinking a crisp Diet Coke!
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Heather Butler, MD
Dr. Butler, a native of Avon, Connecticut, obtained her bachelor’s degree at Emory University. She earned her medical degree and completed her pediatric residency at the Medical College of Georgia. After residency, Dr. Butler stayed on as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Children’s Medical Center in Augusta for three years before moving to Louisiana, where she practiced for seven years prior to joining Pediatric Associates.
She is board-certified in Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Butler practices at our Gainesville location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2011.
Dr. Butler has three children and enjoys kayaking, cooking, and fitness in her spare time.
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Brad Boyd, MD
Dr. Boyd received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine where he received the Faculty Award for highest academic standing. He completed a combined residency in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he also served as Chief Resident of Pediatrics. At Vanderbilt, he was a two-time recipient of the Jay W. Hillman Award, an award given to the resident who is deemed the best teacher and role model by the medical students. Following his residency training, he served as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and then at the University of Alabama at Birmingham/Children’s of Alabama.
Dr. Boyd is board-certified in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He practices in our Gainesville location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2012.
He is married and has twin sons and a daughter. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, all things Star Wars, spending time with his family, and a good sweater vest. -
Amy Cochran, MD
Dr. Cochran grew up in Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and attended medical school at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her residency in Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Prior to joining Pediatric Associates, she spent 13 years practicing on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Arizona and 8 years in a practice in Virginia.
She is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices at our Braselton location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2017.
Dr. Cochran is married and has three children, a grandchild. and two dogs. In her free time, she likes to play pickleball and video games and loves to travel.
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Toni O. Egolum, MD
Dr. Egolum was born and raised in Jamaica. She earned her bachelor's degrees and medical degree at Howard University in Washington DC. She completed her pediatric residency training at Vanderbilt University Children's Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. After finishing her residency, Dr. Egolum spent 4 years practicing in Gallatin, Tennessee before moving to Georgia in 2017.
She is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Egolum practices at our Braselton location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2018.
Dr. Egolum is married and has three children. She enjoys leisure reading, attending Broadway shows, and travelling to theme parks - especially Disney World and Universal Studios!
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Jennifer Royall, MD
Dr. Royall, a native Oklahoman, received her bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She obtained her medical degree at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. She completed her pediatric residency at OU Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Royall is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices in both our Braselton and Gainesville locations and joined Pediatric Associates in 2017.
Dr. Royall has family in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and running.
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Danielle Bruce, MD
Dr. Bruce was raised in Kennesaw, Georgia and completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Alabama. She then attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, where she discovered a love of pediatrics. She completed her pediatric residency at Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Dr. Bruce is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices in our Braselton location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2022.
In her free time, she enjoys running, playing board games, and traveling with her husband.
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McGee Hopper, MD
Dr. Hopper was born and raised in Athens. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon. She then moved to Birmingham, Alabama to complete residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama. After residency, she remained in Birmingham to serve as co-chief resident of UAB’s Pediatric Residency program.
Dr. Hopper is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She practices in our Gainesville location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2022.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, shopping for antiques, gardening, and cheering for Georgia football!
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Keelan Passmore, MD
Dr. Passmore was born and raised in Gainesville. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Piedmont College and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he served as co-chief resident.
He is board-certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Passmore practices in both our Braselton and Gainesville locations, and he joined Pediatric Associates in 2024.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and cats, watching basketball, and playing board games.
Our Nurse Practitioners
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Kristi Kennedy, RN, MSN, CPNP-PC
Kristi Kennedy, a native of Georgia, earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing at Clayton College and State University. She obtained her Masters of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from North Georgia College and State University, and she completed her post-masters certificate as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Georgia State University. Kristi is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society.
Kristi practices in our Gainesville location and joined Pediatric Associates in 2000.
She is married and has three children. In her spare time, Kristi enjoys visiting the beach, serving in her church, cheering on her children in all that they do, and rooting for the Dawgs and North Hall basketball, cross country and track!
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Kathy Morse, RN, MSN, CPNP-PC
Kathy Morse is originally from the northeast (Massachusetts and Pennsylvania) and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Boston University. She obtained her master’s of nursing and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Gwynedd-Mercy college, graduating summa cum laude. Kathy has worked as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in a variety of settings, including a private practice in Pennsylvania, the newborn nursery at UC San Diego Medical Center, and at a large medical practice in San Diego, California for 14 years prior to joining Pediatric Associates.
Kathy is a member of the National Associate of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She practices in our Braselton location and has been with Pediatric Associates since 2010.
Kathy has two children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting blankets, reading, and playing with her grandchildren.
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Lauren Woods, RN, DNP, CPNP-PC
Lauren Woods, a native of Gainesville, earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Brenau University. She obtained her doctorate of nursing degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Augusta University. Lauren is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society and Georgia Nurses Association.
Lauren practices in our Gainesville office and joined Pediatric Associates in 2020.
She is married, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and baking!
Our History
Pediatric Associates was founded in beautiful Gainesville, Georgia by Dr. Martin Smith, a pioneer in pediatric care. Dr. Smith set the high standard of care that continues to guide our providers today. He was not only the first AAP president from the state of Georgia, but also one of the original staff members at Hall County Hospital when it opened its doors in 1951. In 1976 the hospital became Northeast Georgia Medical Center, an institution born out of the dedication and love of its physicians, nurses, and community.
Dr. Smith’s commitment to pediatric health extended beyond the hospital walls. He was nationally recognized for his work in increasing vaccination rates among children, and he even made house calls to ensure his patients received the best care. As the need for pediatric services grew in North Georgia, Dr. Smith expanded the practice by adding Dr. R. Lowell Peacock and Dr. Charles Jones to the team.
Today, Pediatric Associates has two convenient locations and twenty providers, including MDs, DOs, and PNPs, offering a variety of specialties. While our team has grown, we remain committed to delivering the best pediatric care by building personal relationships with our families.
Please take a moment to meet our providers and find the right fit for your family. We would be honored to have the opportunity to care for your child's medical needs.