Asheville’s First Pediatric Office!
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! We have an incredibly qualified and experienced staff as well as, many in-house services in partnership with qualified facilities, ensures our patients never have to go far to get the care they need.
Asheville Pediatrics is a physician owned practice in WNC that strives to improve the lives of their patients through a collaborative approach with an advanced care team. Our physicians see patients that are only hours old, while in the hospital at Mission Hospital until they are 21 years old. Our in-house behavioral health provider, moderately complex lab, and extended access to care and knowledgeable triage advice allows our practice to meet patients’ various needs.
Our History
Dr. William McGuffin opened his doors to what would become Asheville Pediatrics, in 1938. As more pediatricians moved to the Asheville area, Asheville Pediatric Associates was formally established in 1970 by Dr. McGuffin, Dr. Thomas Readling and Dr. Richard Rogers. The practice moved from downtown Asheville, into its current location in 2007. Our practice has grown and adapted to the needs of the community by providing an unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge pediatric care in a compassionate and child-friendly environment.
Welcoming Dr. Kristina Beardsley
Accepting Patients, December 2024
Dr. Kristina Beardsley happily put down roots in Asheville in 2018, after living in San Francisco for 7 years. She is originally from West Virginia and went to medical school at Marshall University, where she realized that being a pediatrician was her dream job. After completing pediatric residency at West Virginia University, she began her journey of providing compassionate pediatric care. Her practice style is warm and nurturing, and she enjoys involving children in ways to improve their health and wellness. Drawing on 15 years of pediatric experience and the most up to date guidelines she provides comprehensive care to children of all ages. She takes pride in truly listening to families and never underestimates a parent’s intuition! Dr Beardsley is thrilled to be a part of the team at Asheville Pediatric Associates.
Her husband is an oncologist at Messino Cancer Centers, and they have two sons. When away from the office she enjoys time with her family.
Our Doctors
Dr. Calvin Tomkins
Dr. Tomkins studied civil engineering at Cornell University, but then decided to pursue pediatrics and attended New York Medical College and trained at Montefiore Children’s Hospital in the Bronx. In 2008, he escaped from New York and moved to Asheville, to join Asheville Pediatrics. After providing office based care for several years, Dr. Tomkins pursued interests in population health and regional quality improvement, founding the WNC Pediatric Care Collaborative, earning a Master’s of Healthcare Administration from UNC Chapel Hill, and serving as Assistant Medical Director for Mission Health Partners. He is now delighted to be back full time taking care of kids at Asheville Pediatrics, and is accepting new patients. When out of the office, he can be found enjoying the outdoors with his son and friends.
Dr. Eleanor Martin
Born in Baltimore, MD, Dr. Martin grew up playing on her parent’s small farm and singing and performing in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. After her family’s move to rural Minnesota, she attended Concordia College, where she received her BA degree with a double major in Music and Russian Studies and a double minor in Biology and Chemistry. Tired of the bitter cold winters, Dr. Martin moved to New Orleans where she earned her Medical Degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her Pediatric Residency training and a year as Chief Resident at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. In her last year of training, Dr. Martin visited Asheville for a family event and fell in love with the area. She was thrilled to join Asheville Pediatric Associates in 2008. In her free time, Dr. Martin continues to pursue her passion for singing with various local groups and spends as much time as possible in her garden, hiking, or conquering DIY projects, while raising three teenagers.
Dr. Peter Leimena
Dr. Peter Leimena graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s degree in History. He then completed his Master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health and his Medical degree at The George Washington University. Dr. Leimena completed his pediatric residency at NY Presbyterian/ Cornell in New York City. After moving to Asheville in 2014, Dr. Leimena was thrilled to join Asheville Pediatric Associates. With his wife and two children, Dr. Leimena loves spending time outside hiking and exploring WNC. He can often be found coaching his children’s sports teams or reading a history book.
Dr. Leigh Dodson
Dr. Dodson‘s journey in medicine began at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees. Following her passion for pediatric care, she completed her residency at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, honing her skills and knowledge in providing exceptional healthcare for children. It was easy to make Asheville her new home when she received the opportunity to join Asheville Pediatric Associates in 2001. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Dodson finds joy in exploring the great outdoors and partaking in the array of outdoor sports and activities that the mountains and foothills have to offer. Family is at the heart of Dr. Dodson‘s life, and she cherishes the time spent with her husband and three sons.
Dr. Susan Cohen
Amanda Mojave
Amanda Mojave holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina. Amanda brings a decade of experience working with youth and adolescents to her practice. She is trauma-informed and specializes in a client-centered approach. She is dedicated to working younger populations, including children with ADHD and autism, as well as those dealing with anxiety, depression, attachment issues, trauma and general life stressors.
Amanda believes in addressing both the challenges and strengths of her clients. Her approach emphasizes building trust and taking the time to get to know each client personally. This foundation helps to inform the most appropriate therapy modality and treatment path.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, which includes her two dogs.
Amanda will begin taking patients in September 2024.
Our Doctors
Dr. Calvin Tomkins
Originally from New York, Dr. Tomkins completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University. He joined Asheville Pediatrics in 2008, following his residency at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in Bronx, NY. Dr. Tomkins has a son and can often be found on a trail mountain biking.
Dr. Eleanor Martin
Dr. Martin completed her residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC, where she served as Chief Resident. She joined Asheville Pediatrics in 2008. Dr. Martin has three children.
Dr. Peter Leimena
Dr. Leimena joined Asheville Pediatrics in 2014 after completing his residency at Cornell University. He received his medical degree from George Washington University in Washington DC. He and his wife have two children.
Dr. Leigh Dodson
Dr. Dodson received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She moved to Asheville and joined Asheville Pediatrics in 2002. She and her husband have three sons.
Dr. Susan Cohen
Dr. Cohen received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and completed her residency at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine Hospital. She joined Asheville Pediatrics in 1991. She has two daughters.