Our Clinic
At Great Destinations Pediatrics, we do things differently—on purpose. For over 25 years, we’ve been caring for children across Peoria and the Northwest Valley with a personalized, preventative, and relationship-driven approach. From themed exam rooms that spark imagination to providers who truly know your family, everything we do is designed to make pediatric care more human, more connected, and more effective.
On this page, you’ll learn about our care philosophy, what makes our practice unique, the team behind your child’s care, and what families just like yours are saying about their experience with us.
Our Approach
At Great Destinations Pediatrics, we believe that great care starts with trust, education, and a commitment to wellness—not just treating illness. Here’s what guides our practice:
We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) immunization schedule and believe vaccines are one of the most important achievements in modern medicine.
To protect all our patients—especially infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated—we do not accept families who choose not to immunize. We also do not offer alternative vaccine schedules.
If you have concerns or questions about vaccines, we’re happy to talk through the science and help you make informed decisions.
Pediatric medicine is fundamentally preventive—and so are we. From infancy through young adulthood, our care focuses on:
Good sleep habits
Balanced nutrition
Screen time limits
Outdoor play & physical activity
Mental & emotional well-being
We provide guidance and tools to help your child thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We build wellness into every visit, from annual checkups to same-day sick visits, and often recommend natural strategies alongside traditional treatments to support the body’s healing.
We value the life-saving power of antibiotics—and also understand their risks. Because antibiotics don’t work against viruses and overuse can lead to resistance, we never prescribe antibiotics without an in-person exam to determine if they’re truly needed and which one is best.
Conditions like asthma, allergies, and behavioral concerns require more than a one-time prescription.
We create personalized maintenance plans and require regular follow-ups (typically every four months) to adjust treatment, monitor progress, and prevent overmedication.
Our goal: ongoing, up-to-date care that supports long-term health—not just temporary relief.
At Great Destinations Pediatrics, We Offer:
Consistent care
Your child will see the same trusted provider, not a rotating staff.
A warm, welcoming environment
Our office was built with kids in mind.
25+ years of experience
We’ve served generations of local families.
A focus on prevention and whole - child wellness
Not just treating symptoms.
A Place Kids Love to Visit
From the moment you walk through our train depot doors, you're in for an adventure. Created in partnership with local artist Dee Dee Daus , our themed office takes children on imaginary journeys — from Central Park to tropical getaways, dinosaur digs to underwater treasure hunts.
Every exam room is a destination designed to spark your child’s imagination while putting them at ease.
Serving Peoria Since 1999
Founded by Dr. Kristen Shepherd, Great Destinations Pediatrics opened its doors on April 19, 1999 . What started as a vision for a kid - focused medical practice has grown into a beloved local institution — one that’s trusted by multiple generations of families.
We’re here for the bumps, the growt h spurts, the milestones, and the late - night fevers — through every stage of your child’s development.
Choosing a pediatrician isn’t just about convenience — it’s about finding a partner for your child’s health journey.
High-Fives From
Happy Families
Our Providers
We’re more than just a medical office—we’re a family. Many of our staff members have been with us for over 20 years. We work as a tight-knit team withone goal: to treat every child as if they were our own.
At Great Destinations Pediatrics, you’re not just a chart. You’re part of the GDP family.
Our team is devoted to:
- Building real relationships with families
- Listening with compassion
- Supporting not onl y the child, but the parents too
- Creating a joyful, stress - free environment for every visit
Meet Our Providers
Dr. Kristen Shepherd , M.D. F.A.A.P
Board – Certified Pediatricia n | fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics | 25+ Years Experience
Dr. Shepherd isa, known throughout the Peoria area for her compassionate care, deep medical knowledge, and unmatched dedication to families. She’s seen many of her patients grow up—and now cares for their children, too.
Dr. Shepherd earned her Bachelor of Science in Psyc hology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish from the University of Illinois, completed her medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School in 1999 , completed her pediatric residency in at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2002 and has been at GDP ev er since.
Dr. Daniel Tinlin, M.D.
Board-Certified Pediatrician | 30 Years of Experience
A second-generation Arizonan and graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Dr. Tinlin brings over three decades of pediatric experience to the practice. He completed his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he served as co-chief resident. A father of seven and fluent in Spanish, Dr. Tinlin is known for his thoughtful care and ability to connect with families from all backgrounds.
Nimrit Sidhu, PA
Physician Assistant | Smart, Energetic, and Deeply Respected by Families
Nim brings a vibrant energy and deep dedication to pediatric care at Great DestinationsPediatrics. After volunteering at Cardon Children’s Medical Center, she earned her Bachelor ofScience in Kinesiology from ASU’s Barrett Honors College, followed by a Master of Science inPhysician Assistant Studies—where she concentrated the majority of her clinical training inpediatrics.Nim brings a vibrant energy to the practice, quickly building a strong following thanksto her empathy, skill, and modern perspective on pediatric care. Patients love her—and so dowe.
Meet The Team
Anita
Back Office
Rhonda
Back Office
Madeline
Front Office
Shanon
Front Office
Susan
Billing
Carrie
Billing
Ligia
Float
Meet The Team
Anita
Back Office
Rhonda
Back Office
Madeline
Front Office
Shanon
Front Office
Susan
Billing
Carrie
Billing