Meet Our Providers

We're Passionate About Children's Health

Meet our team of dedicated providers and learn more about their unique approach to pediatric medicine.

Our pediatrics team provides comprehensive care for children from birth to adolescence. We understand that every child is unique, and we tailor our treatment plans to meet the individual needs of each patient. In addition to general pediatrics, we also offer services such as immunizations, sports physicals, and well-child visits. Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care that will keep your child healthy and happy.

Photo of Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Teresa
Photo of Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Montana-native Teresa R. Blaskovich, MD, FAAP, has been a part of the Children’s Clinic team since the Fall of 2017. She is proud to provide comprehensive pediatric care to children of all ages throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

After finishing medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle, Dr. Blaskovich did her residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Blaskovich loves seeing infants in the nursery. Hence, she is frequently at the downtown Billings clinic on newborn rotation but is great with kids and teens of all ages!

Hobbies

When she’s not caring for patients at the Children’s Clinic, Dr. Blaskovich enjoys mountain biking and cross country skiing. She has a son and tries to spend as much time as possible outside with him. She also doesn’t go more than 30 days without going to a Montana hot spring!

Photo of Kyle Bodley, DO

Kyle Bodley, DO

Pediatrician

About Dr. Kyle
Photo of Kyle Bodley, DO

Kyle Bodley, DO

Pediatrician

Biography

Kyle T. Bodley, DO, FAAP, is a dedicated pediatrician at the Children's Clinic. He is proud to partner with children and their families throughout Billings, Montana. Dr. Bodley has been a part of the Children's Clinic team since 2011.

Experience

After finishing medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Bodley completed his residency at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Bodley’s practice runs the gamut from newborns to teens. He works at the downtown clinic on Mondays and is at the West End location the rest of the week.

Hobbies

When he's not caring for patients at the Children's Clinic, Dr. Bodley enjoys camping and downhill skiing with friends and family. He also enjoys traveling around the state, cheering on his three boys at their soccer tournaments and swim meets.

Photo of Jean Braden, NP

Jean Braden, NP

Nurse Practitioner

About Ms. Jean
Photo of Jean Braden, NP

Jean Braden, NP

nurse practitioner

Biography

Jean L. Braden, NP, is a nurse practitioner who brings over four decades of experience to the team at the Children's Clinic. She provides the highest quality pediatric care for patients throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

Jean graduated from the Montana State University School of Nursing in 1981 with a BSN and worked as a registered nurse in the Missoula Community Hospital and Billings Deaconess Hospital (now known as Billings Clinic). Jean then completed the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program at UCLA Harbor Medical Center in Torrance, California, in 1987. Since then, she has practiced as a Nurse Practitioner in Women's and Family Health in Billings.

Children's Clinic Location

Jean joined the Children's Clinic in January 2011 to practice in the area of adolescent health. She primarily practices at the West End clinic and sees patients aged 12 and up for both well and sick care. Additionally, Jean teaches ''Growing Up Female'' quarterly workshops for moms and daughters.

Hobbies

Those who know Jean well know that adolescent health is a passion for Jean. But her other passions outside of the clinic include traveling with friends, reading, and biking wherever and whenever she gets the chance. Jean has two children — both of whom followed her into healthcare. She is now also the proud "nana" to a beautiful new granddaughter.

Photo of Gordon Collett, MD

Gordon Collett, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Gordon
Photo of Gordon Collett, MD

Gordon Collett, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Gordon C. Collett, MD, FAAP, is an experienced pediatrician at the Children's Clinic. He provides care for children throughout all stages of development, from infants to adolescents, throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

Dr. Collett grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Utah in 1982 and earned his medical degree from the University of Utah Medical School in 1986. Dr. Collett went on to complete both his internship and residency at the University of Missouri in 1989.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Collett has been a part of the Children's Clinic since 1989. He is proud to partner with children and their families throughout the community, providing care to help ensure they grow up happy and healthy. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Hobbies

When he's not caring for patients at the Children's Clinic, Dr. Collett enjoys spending time with his family. He is married with six children.

Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Danielle Gillaspie, DNP

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About Dr. Danielle
Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Danielle Gillaspie, DNP

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Biography

Danielle R. Gillaspie, DNP, is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who is launching Children’s Clinics efforts to integrate behavioral health services at the Children’s Clinic. She provides high quality psychiatric and mental health specialty care for Children’s Clinic patients and other kids and teens in Billings, MT. Dani’s role is to help with medication management for mental health issues and connect patients to counselors/therapists in the community, when needed.

Experience

Dani graduated from Montana State University School of Nursing in 2017 with a BSN and worked as a registered nurse at Billings Clinic in both oncology and pediatrics. Dani then completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through MSU in 2021. She became board certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and worked at Shodair Children’s Hospital as an outpatient pediatric psychiatric NP until joining the Children’s Clinic in October 2022.

Children's Clinic Location

Dani will work exclusively out of the Children’s Clinic’s west end location. She will also use telemedicine to conduct virtual visits with her patients across the state.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Dani has a golden retriever named Elvis who reminds her every day not to take life too seriously. She loves to pretend to know how to take care of a myriad of finicky houseplants. She also teaches nursing students at MSU the basics of bedside care in the hospital setting.

Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Tanya
Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Tanya D. Jagodzinski, MD, FAAP — often called Dr. Jags — sees kids of all ages, from newborns to teens, at the Children's Clinic. She works most often at the West End clinic location in Billings, Montana.

Experience

Dr. Jags grew up near Rhame, North Dakota. She completed her medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and her residency in pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin. She then continued on to complete a two-year fellowship in primary care research before joining the Children's Clinic in 2007.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Jags is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and is active in the organization's state chapter. She recently completed a stint as the MT AAP president, where she got to advocate for children's healthcare needs with pediatricians from across the state.

Hobbies

Beyond being a pediatrician, Dr. Jags enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three kids. On the weekend, you might find her visiting her parents' ranch back in North Dakota, pulling weeds in her garden, or cheering for one of her kids at a cross country meet or basketball game.

Photo of David Standish, MD

David Standish, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. David
Photo of David Standish, MD

David Standish, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

David D. Standish, MD, FAAP, grew up in Big Timber and Billings, Montana, and is proud to serve children in his hometown. Dr. Standish works mostly at the West End clinic location and sees babies, children, and teens of all ages.

Experience

Dr. Standish earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University in 1982 and his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1986. He then completed both his internship and residency at Phoenix Hospital in 1989. Dr. Standish is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Standish joined the Children's Clinic in 1989. He is married with two children and is also a proud grandpa!

Hobbies

​Outside of the clinic, one of Dr. Standish's biggest interests is flying. He is a licensed pilot and frequently flies his family to their vacation destinations. Even more exciting, Dr. Standish built his own plane! It took five years of work on nights and weekends, but Dr. Standish finished building his own plane back in 2003. It is a Lancair IV four-seat, single-engine speedster that will fly at altitudes of more than 20,000 feet and at speeds of up to 300 knots. What an accomplishment!

Photo of Marisa Yepez, NP

Marissa Yepez, NP

Nurse Practitioner

About Ms. Marissa
Photo of Marissa Yepez, NP

Marissa Yepez, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Biography

Board-certified nurse practitioner Marissa M. Yepez, FNP-C joined the Children’s Clinic in January 2023! She provides comprehensive care to children and teens throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

A Texas native, Marissa got her nursing degree from Texas A&M University. She worked as a registered nurse in a interventional cardiac unit and in a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She then received her nurse practitioner degree from Texas State University and has worked in outpatient pediatrics since 2019.

Children's Clinic Location

Marissa rotates between both of our clinic locations to provide high-quality care to newborns, kids, and teens.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Marissa enjoys gardening, spending time with family, appreciating nature by hiking and rock hounding, and exploring new areas!

Photo of Kate Yapuncich, MD

Kate Yapuncich, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Kate
Photo of Kate Yapuncich, MD

Kate Yapuncich, MD

Family nurse Practitioner

Biography

Kathleen M. Yapuncich, MD, FAAP, or "Dr. Kate", as she prefers to be called (given folks have trouble pronouncing her last name!), is a pediatrician bringing over two decades of experience to the team at the Children's Clinic.

Experience

Dr. Kate received her medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine in 1997 and completed her pediatric residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in 2000. She served communities in Wyoming and Minnesota as a pediatrician for years before joining the Children's Clinic in 2018.

Children's Clinic Location

She works at both the West End and downtown clinics in Billings, Montana, and sees kids of all ages — from newborns to teens.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Kate has a million interests and calls herself a jack of all trades but a master of none. She has a passion for sustainable ranching and homesteading. She has likely been up for hours before her first appointments at the clinic to feed and care for livestock on the property where she and her husband live. Dr. Kate is also interested in alternative energy and old-time music. She is married with four children and nine grandchildren.

Photo of Shannon Yonts, MD

Shannon Yonts, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Shannon
Photo of Shannon Yonts, MD

Shannon Yonts, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Board-certified pediatrician Shannon S. Yonts, MD, FAAP, joined the Children's Clinic in 2012. She provides comprehensive care to children throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

A native Montanan, Dr. Yonts grew up on a farm and ranch near Culbertson. She finished medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and completed her residency at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Dr. Yonts is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Yonts loves being a pediatrician. She sees children of all ages and sincerely enjoys being able to get to know her patients and their families and getting to watch them grow over the years.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Yonts' favorite thing is spending time with her family and friends. And most of that time is spent trying to keep up with her three young boys; they keep life very interesting! Dr. Yonts also enjoys running, although she jokes, "not fast, just for fun!"

Dr. Yonts enjoys reading — both with her boys and on her own. Little known fact — Dr. Yonts was instrumental in bringing the Reach out and Read program to the Children's Clinic, a program that has resulted in our providers giving out over 36,000 books in the last five years!

Photo of Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Certified Lactation Consultant

About Ms. Lesli
Photo of Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Certified lactation consultant

Biography

Lesli Gould, IBCLC, is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), a professionally trained health care provider specializing in education and clinical management of breastfeeding.

Children's Clinic Location

At the Children's Clinic in Billings, Montana, she helps new parents at every stage of their breastfeeding journey. Lesli works closely with the Children's Clinic doctors and parents to help facilitate the breastfeeding relationship between parent and baby. This includes monitoring the progress of breastmilk production, milk transfer and infant feeding, and weight management.

Breastfeeding Support

Leslie supports parents with any breastfeeding challenges that may arise, such as latching and positioning difficulties, poor infant weight gain, or pain with breastfeeding. She provides education on lactation so parents can feel confident and prepared, and can also help to develop a feeding plan.  Breastfeeding support is available to all Children's Clinic families. Lesli welcomes new patients to the practice and looks forward to partnering with them as they navigate breastfeeding. 

Photo of Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Teresa
Photo of Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Teresa Blaskovich, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Montana-native Teresa R. Blaskovich, MD, FAAP, has been a part of the Children’s Clinic team since the Fall of 2017. She is proud to provide comprehensive pediatric care to children of all ages throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

After finishing medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle, Dr. Blaskovich did her residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Blaskovich loves seeing infants in the nursery, so is at the downtown Billings clinic on newborn rotation frequently, but is great with kids and teens of all ages!

Hobbies

When she’s not caring for patients at the Children’s Clinic, Dr. Blaskovich enjoys mountain biking and cross country skiing. She has a son and tries to spend as much time as possible outside with him. She also doesn’t go more than 30 days without going to a Montana hot spring!

Photo of Kyle Bodley, DO

Kyle Bodley, DO

Pediatrician

About Dr. Kyle
Photo of Kyle Bodley, DO

Kyle Bodley, DO

Pediatrician

Biography

Kyle T. Bodley, DO, FAAP, is a dedicated pediatrician at the Children's Clinic. He is proud to partner with children and their families throughout Billings, Montana. Dr. Bodley has been a part of the Children's Clinic team since 2011.

Experience

After finishing medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Bodley completed his residency at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Bodley’s practice runs the gamut from newborns to teens. He works at the downtown clinic on Mondays and is at the West End location the rest of the week.

Hobbies

When he's not caring for patients at the Children's Clinic, Dr. Bodley enjoys camping and downhill skiing with friends and family. He also enjoys traveling around the state, cheering on his three boys at their soccer tournaments and swim meets.

Photo of Jean Braden, NP

Jean Braden, NP

Nurse Practitioner

About Ms. Jean
Photo of Jean Braden, NP

Jean Braden, NP

nurse practitioner

Biography

Jean L. Braden, NP, is a nurse practitioner who brings over four decades of experience to the team at the Children's Clinic. She provides the highest quality of pediatric care for patients throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

Jean graduated from the Montana State University School of Nursing in 1981 with a BSN and worked as a registered nurse in the Missoula Community Hospital and Billings Deaconess Hospital (now known as Billings Clinic). Jean then completed the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program at UCLA Harbor Medical Center in Torrance, California, in 1987. Since then, she has practiced as a Nurse Practitioner in Women's and Family Health in Billings.

Children's Clinic Location

Jean joined the Children's Clinic in January 2011 to practice in the area of adolescent health. She primarily practices at the West End clinic and sees patients age 12 and up for both well and sick care. Additionally, Jean teaches "Growing Up Female" workshops for moms and daughters quarterly.

Hobbies

Those who know Jean well know that adolescent health is a passion for Jean. But her other passions outside of the clinic include traveling with friends, reading, and biking wherever and whenever she gets the chance. Jean has two children — both of whom followed her into healthcare. She is now also the proud "nana" to a beautiful new granddaughter.

Photo of Gordon Collett, MD

Gordon Collett, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Gordon
Photo of Gordon Collett, MD

Gordon Collett, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Gordon C. Collett, MD, FAAP, is an experienced pediatrician at the Children's Clinic. He provides care for children throughout all stages of development, from infants to adolescents, throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

Dr. Collett grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Utah in 1982 and earned his medical degree from the University of Utah Medical School in 1986. Dr. Collett went on to complete both his internship and residency at the University of Missouri in 1989.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Collett has been a part of the Children's Clinic since 1989. He is proud to partner with children and their families throughout the community, providing care to help ensure they grow up happy and healthy. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Hobbies

When he's not caring for patients at the Children's Clinic, Dr. Collett enjoys spending time with his family. He is married with six children.

Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Danielle Gillaspie, DNP

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About Dr. Danielle
Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Danielle Gillaspie, DNP

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Biography

Danielle R. Gillaspie, DNP, is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who is launching Children’s Clinics efforts to integrate behavioral health services at the Children’s Clinic. She provides high quality psychiatric and mental health specialty care for Children’s Clinic patients and other kids and teens in Billings, MT.

Experience

Dani graduated from Montana State University School of Nursing in 2017 with a BSN and worked as a registered nurse at Billings Clinic in both oncology and pediatrics. Dani then completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through MSU in 2021. She became board certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and worked at Shodair Children’s Hospital as an outpatient pediatric psychiatric NP until joining the Children’s Clinic in October 2022.

Children's Clinic Location

Dani will work exclusively out of the Children’s Clinic’s west end location. She will also use telemedicine to conduct virtual visits with her patients across the state.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Dani has a golden retriever named Elvis who reminds her every day not to take life too seriously. She loves to pretend to know how to take care of a myriad of finicky houseplants. She also teaches nursing students at MSU the basics of bedside care in the hospital setting.

Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Tanya
Photo of Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Tanya Jagodzinski, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Tanya D. Jagodzinski, MD, FAAP — often called Dr. Jags — sees kids of all ages, from newborns to teens, at the Children's Clinic. She works most often at the West End clinic location in Billings, Montana.

Experience

Dr. Jags grew up near Rhame, North Dakota. She completed her medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and her residency in pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin. She then continued on to complete a two-year fellowship in primary care research before joining the Children's Clinic in 2007.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Jags is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and is active in the state chapter of the organization, recently completing a stint as the MT AAP president, where she got to advocate for children's healthcare needs with pediatricians from across the state.

Hobbies

Beyond being a pediatrician, Dr. Jags enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three kids. On the weekend, you might find her visiting her parents' ranch back in North Dakota, pulling weeds in her garden, or cheering for one of her kids at a cross country meet or basketball game.

Photo of Tessa Perez, MD

Tessa Perez, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Tessa
Photo of Tessa Perez, MD

Tessa Perez, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Children's Clinic is thrilled to announce that Tessa V. Perez, MD, FAAP, will join the team in December after 19 years of practicing pediatrics in her native Texas. She is excited to provide comprehensive pediatric care to children of all ages throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

After finishing medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Dr. Perez did her residency at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. She is a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Perez had two of her four children while in medical school. Being a mom while pursuing a career in medicine is what made her want to become a pediatrician. Nineteen years later, she still loves this specialty, claiming “kids are the best patients!” Dr. Perez will see patients ages newborn through their teen years at both the Downtown and West End locations.

Hobbies

When not in clinic, Dr. Perez can be found in the mountains hiking, visiting national parks, reading, listening to podcasts, crafting, and spending time with her granddaughter, Addy.

Photo of Megan Poser, FNP, BC

Megan Poser, FNP, BC

Family Nurse Practicioner

About Ms. Megan
Photo of Megan Poser, FNP, BC

Megan Poser, FNP, BC

Family nurse Practitioner

Biography

Board-certified nurse practitioner Megan M. Poser, FNP-BC, joins the Children’s Clinic in May 2022! She will provide comprehensive care to children and teens throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

A Billings native, Megan got her nursing degree from Montana State University and worked as a nurse on the pediatric floor and in the pediatric intensive care unit at St. Vincent Healthcare. She then received her nurse practitioner degree from Gonzaga University and has worked in outpatient pediatrics since 2016.

Children's Clinic Location

Megan brings to the Children’s Clinic a breadth of experience from routine pediatric care to complex care, adolescent health, and women’s health.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Megan enjoys chasing her toddler around and spending afternoons at the park and in the sandbox, running (with the occasional race or half marathon squeezed in around work and family), hiking and camping with her family, and boating.

Photo of David Standish, MD

David Standish, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. David
Photo of David Standish, MD

David Standish, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

David D. Standish, MD, FAAP, grew up in Big Timber and Billings, Montana, and is proud to serve children in his hometown. Dr. Standish works mostly at the West End clinic location and sees babies, children, and teens of all ages.

Experience

Dr. Standish earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University in 1982 and his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1986. He then completed both his internship and residency at Phoenix Hospital in 1989. Dr. Standish is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Standish joined the Children's Clinic in 1989. He is married with two children and is also a proud grandpa!

Hobbies

​Outside of the clinic, one of Dr. Standish's biggest interests is flying. He is a licensed pilot and frequently flies his family to their vacation destinations. Even more exciting, Dr. Standish built his own plane! It took five years of work on nights and weekends, but Dr. Standish finished building his own plane back in 2003. It is a Lancair IV four-seat, single-engine speedster that will fly at altitudes of more than 20,000 feet and at speeds of up to 300 knots. What an accomplishment!

Photo of Lionel Tapia, MD

Lionel Tapia, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Lionel
Photo of Lionel Tapia, MD

Lionel Tapia, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Dr. Tapia is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and joined the Children's Clinic in 2002. He is married with five grown children and is fluent in Spanish.

Experience

Dr. Tapia grew up in Sacramento, California. He graduated from the University of California Davis and went to medical school at the University of Minnesota. He then completed both his internship and residency at the University of Arizona.

Children's Clinic Location

Lionel E. Tapia, MD, FAAP, is a dedicated pediatrician on the team at the Children's Clinic. Dr. Tapia works exclusively at the downtown clinic location in Billings, Montana. He provides care for babies, children, and teens of all ages.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Tapia has tons of interests and passions, including touring national parks with his wife in their mini-camper, competing in 100-mile bicycle races (which he has done five times), and traveling the world (including being a civilian guest of the Montana National Guard on a trip to Kyrgyzstan). Additionally, photography has been one of his favorite hobbies ever since high school. In fact, the Children's Clinic is honored to have Dr. Tapia's photography displayed around the downtown clinic.

Photo of Kate Yapuncich, MD

Kate Yapuncich, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Kate
Photo of Kate Yapuncich, MD

Kate Yapuncich, MD

Family nurse Practitioner

Biography

Kathleen M. Yapuncich, MD, FAAP, or "Dr. Kate" as she prefers to be called (given folks have trouble pronouncing her last name!), is a pediatrician bringing over two decades of experience to the team at the Children's Clinic.

Experience

Dr. Kate received her medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine in 1997 and completed her pediatric residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in 2000. She served communities in Wyoming and Minnesota as a pediatrician for years before joining the Children's Clinic in 2018.

Children's Clinic Location

She works at both the West End and downtown clinics in Billings, Montana, and sees kids of all ages — from newborns to teens.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Kate has a million interests and calls herself a jack of all trades but a master of none. She has a passion for sustainable ranching and homesteading. She has likely been up for hours before her first appointments at the clinic to feed and care for livestock on the property where she and her husband live. Dr. Kate is also interested in alternative energy and old-time music. She is married with four children and nine grandchildren.

Photo of Shannon Yonts, MD

Shannon Yonts, MD

Pediatrician

About Dr. Shannon
Photo of Shannon Yonts, MD

Shannon Yonts, MD

Pediatrician

Biography

Board-certified pediatrician Shannon S. Yonts, MD, FAAP, joined the Children's Clinic in 2012. She provides comprehensive care to children throughout Billings, Montana.

Experience

A native Montanan, Dr. Yonts grew up on a farm and ranch near Culbertson. She finished medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and completed her residency at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Dr. Yonts is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children's Clinic Location

Dr. Yonts loves being a pediatrician. She sees children of all ages and sincerely enjoys being able to get to know her patients and their families and getting to watch them grow over the years.

Hobbies

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Yonts' favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and friends. And most of that time is spent trying to keep up with her three young boys; they keep life very interesting! Dr. Yonts also enjoys running, although she jokes, "not fast, just for fun!"

Dr. Yonts enjoys reading — both with her boys and on her own. Little known fact — Dr. Yonts was instrumental in bringing the Reach out and Read program to the Children's Clinic, a program that has resulted in our providers giving out over 36,000 books in the last five years!

Photo of Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Certified Lactation Consultant

About Ms. Lesli
Photo of Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Lesli Gould, IBCLC

Certified lactation consultant

Biography

Lesli Gould, IBCLC, is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), a professionally trained health care provider specializing in education and clinical management of breastfeeding.

Children's Clinic Location

At the Children's Clinic in Billings, Montana, she helps new parents at every stage of their breastfeeding journey. Lesli works closely with the Children's Clinic doctors and parents to help facilitate the breastfeeding relationship between parent and baby. This includes monitoring the progress of breastmilk production, milk transfer and infant feeding, and weight management.

Breastfeeding Support

Leslie supports parents with any breastfeeding challenges that may arise, such as latching and positioning difficulties, poor infant weight gain, or pain with breastfeeding. She provides education on lactation so parents can feel confident and prepared, and can also help to develop a feeding plan.  Breastfeeding support is available to all Children's Clinic families. Lesli welcomes new patients to the practice and looks forward to partnering with them as they navigate breastfeeding.