Our Team

Dr. Richard Ripple, MD

My last 14 years I cared for a large population of farm worker families on the Central Coast of California, where I spoke Spanish 90% of the time. My enthusiasm for dealing with children and families has never dimmed through all the years of my practice. I find myself able to continuously improve my empathy and communication skills with children and families (English as well as Spanish).

I am especially adept with special needs children and have managed many children with behavior problems, mood disorders, developmental delays, autism, and attention deficit disorder. I do not shy away from complexity, and I really enjoy difficult problems and questions. I am comfortable with using medication where necessary for modification of neurologically based symptoms.

I have experience with the detailed evaluations required by impaired, learning disabled and disadvantaged children, and with participation in interdisciplinary management teams. Yet, I am a general pediatrician and enjoy the care of well babies and children, and no trouble striking up conversations with children and adolescents and parents. I consider the natural development of children to be a miracle.

Dr. Christopher Cheng, MD, PhD

Dr. Christopher H. Cheng, a Board Certified pediatrician, is also recognized as a fellow of the esteemed American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Cheng proudly holds the position of medical director and is the distinguished original founder of our organization. His professional journey has taken him across the breadth of the United States, where he has resided, trained, and practiced in various locales including Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Oregon, and Ohio. From the onset of his career, Dr. Cheng has demonstrated a profound commitment to the principles of team-based care, recognizing its vital role in delivering comprehensive healthcare services. Dr. Cheng was trained and practiced in pediatrics subspecialty as well, broadening his expertise and enhancing his ability to provide specialized care to his patients. As a general pediatrician, he finds deep fulfillment in collaborating with families and children, offering his expertise and compassionate care to the youth of our community.

Dedicated to excellence in pediatric medicine, Dr. Cheng has consistently demonstrated his commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive medical services. His philosophy revolves around creating a nurturing and supportive environment for his patients, ensuring they receive the highest quality care characterized by respect and dedication. Dr. Cheng’s unwavering passion for pediatric medicine is evident in his continued dedication to serving our patients and communities, providing continuous medical support and guidance. His tireless efforts exemplify his deep-rooted belief in the importance of holistic care, where the wellbeing of his patients is at the forefront of everything he does.

Emily Mayzell, cPNP, ARNP

Emily completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Texas. Much of her professional background is in pediatric emergency medicine. Her foundation in the ER is what reinforced an unwavering passion for pediatric medicine and what ultimately led her to pursuing a career in advanced practice.

Prior to obtaining her master’s degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), she spent 6 years honing her skills as a charge nurse in a local children’s emergency room. During this time, she also dabbled in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and other inpatient pediatric units. She has since transitioned into primary care, where she has enjoyed being able to build relationships with her patients and their families. She is heavily involved in continuing education in pediatric medicine and serves on the board for the Austin chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).

Emily’s favorite part of being a PNP is getting to know the families. Her experience in the emergency room has influenced how she approaches patient care. In the ER, Emily treated families during their most vulnerable moments. In view of this, she works hard to make sure her patients and their loved ones feel heard, understood, and wholly supported. Emily’s highest priority is making you and your child feel safe and valued.

Outside of clinic, she’s a big fan of Pilates, loves to try new recipes, and has a hidden passion for all things art and design.

Julie Tea, MD

Dr. Julie Tea, a dedicated and compassionate pediatrician, from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where she grew up in Bellevue. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the prestigious University of Washington, majoring in Neurobiology with a minor in Human Rights. Dr. Tea continued her academic journey at the University of Washington, earning her Doctor of Medicine degree from the esteemed UW School of Medicine.

Following her medical degree, Dr. Tea completed her pediatrics residency training at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland. With a wealth of experience as a skilled inpatient pediatric hospitalist, she has now joined CCM Pediatrics outpatient care team. Dr. Tea is passionate about meeting new patients and providing them with exceptional, personalized care.

In her leisure time, Dr. Tea enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hiking and cherishing moments with her family.

Lori Antin, DPNP, ARNP

Lori, a native of the Pacific Northwest, earned her undergraduate degree from Seattle Pacific University before embarking on her journey as a dedicated caregiver and mother. While raising her five children alongside her husband, Lori worked as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing critical care to the most vulnerable infants. Driven by a desire to impact a broader population, she pursued further education and obtained her Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Washington, qualifying as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

In her role as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Lori has extensive experience providing primary care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has also contributed to the academic community by teaching at the doctoral level at Seattle Pacific University and delivering guest lectures at local high schools. Despite these varied experiences, her core passion remains in primary care, where she is committed to promoting children's health and fostering strong connections with families.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Lori enjoys spending time with her family and working on their hobby farm.