Health Partnership Clinic Welcomes Three New Providers to Expand Access to Care
By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic
Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) is proud to welcome three outstanding providers to our team—each bringing proven experience, compassion and a shared commitment to serving our community. These additions strengthen our ability to provide high-quality, affordable and accessible care for patients of all ages.
Welcoming Valeria Higinio, MD, FAAP – Pediatrician
Dr. Valeria Higinio has joined HPC as a pediatrician, providing comprehensive care for infants, children and adolescents at our Shawnee Mission clinic. The clinic is located at 9119 W. 74th St., Ste. 210, Shawnee Mission, Kan., inside the Shawnee Mission Medical Building on the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission campus.
With more than 14 years of experience across large health systems, community hospitals, nonprofit clinics and critical access hospitals in Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and North Carolina, Dr. Higinio brings a well-rounded and patient-centered approach to care.
Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Wichita, Kan., Dr. Higinio developed an early passion for science and knew by age 14 that she wanted to become a physician.
A constant in her healthcare career has been communicating in English and Spanish to connect with patients and their families. “It helps me break down barriers, and to explain diagnoses and treatment options so that parents can decide,” she says. “Being their advocate has always been paramount,”
Dr. Higinio has a special interest in addressing ADHD and childhood obesity, emphasizing listening, education and evidence-based care. She ensures families have the time they need to ask questions and feel confident in their care plans.
Outside of work, she enjoys birding, gardening, powerlifting and international travel and treasures time with her family and two beloved dogs.
Welcoming Jeffrey Waddell, DNP, FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Jeffrey Waddell has joined HPC as a Family Nurse Practitioner, providing care for patients of all ages at our Ottawa clinic, located at 107 S. Main St., Ottawa, Kan.
Originally from Kansas, he returns home after more than a decade serving rural communities in Iowa. His experience spans hospital and clinic settings, with a strong focus on family practice, urgent care, chronic disease management and preventive services.
In addition to his clinical work, Waddell has served as an instructor, mentor and published author—reflecting his commitment to advancing health care beyond the exam room.
“I enjoy caring for rural populations, where access to care is challenging,” he says. “I connect with patients by being non-judgmental and meeting them where they are.”
He earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and has extensive experience in Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics.
Now back in Kansas and closer to family, he enjoys following college and professional sports and is an avid science fiction fan.
Welcoming Kurt Echols, DDS – Dental Director
Dr. Kurt Echols has joined HPC as Dental Director, seeing patients at our Olathe clinic at 407 S. Clairborne Rd. in Olathe, Kan. and off-site while overseeing all aspects of the dental program—including our school-based portable dental services.
With more than 20 years of experience in general dentistry across Missouri and Kansas, Dr. Echols brings both clinical expertise and a passion for patient connection. He previously owned a private practice and has recently served underserved populations through Veterans Medical Centers and senior living communities.
“I take great pride in helping people find their confidence—whether through a smile makeover or education on better oral health,” Dr. Echols says.
Dr. Echols earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He emphasizes prevention, encouraging consistent brushing, flossing and proactive care at home.
Outside the clinic, he enjoys coaching baseball, fishing and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. He and his wife of 24 years have two sons—one an engineering student at Kansas State University, and the other bound for Southwestern Community College, where he plans to pitch for the school’s baseball team.
Strengthening Care for Our Community
These providers bring diverse experiences and a shared dedication to meeting patients where they are—helping ensure individuals and families receive the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay.
Together, they further HPC’s mission of improving the health of our communities by providing high-quality, affordable, accessible and appropriate care.
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Whether you’re seeking pediatric, family or dental care, our team is here for you.
Shawnee Mission (Children Only)
Located inside the Shawnee Mission Medical Building on the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Campus
9119 W. 74th St., Ste. 210, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204
913-432-3334
Ottawa (Adults and Children)
107 S. Main St., Ottawa, KS 66067
913-401-2750
Dental Care at Olathe and Ottawa clinics
407 S. Clairborne Rd., Ste. 104, Olathe, KS 66062
913-276-7004
107 S. Main St., Ottawa, KS 66067 (Children Only)
913-401-2750
