ABOUT MERIT
We built Merit because
you deserved better.
You deserve more than a rushed appointment. More than a generic plan. More than spending thousands of dollars and gaining every pound back. So we built something different.
OUR STORY
We built Merit because we kept seeing the same thing happen.
You deserve more than a rushed 15-minute appointment. More than a generic plan. More than being sent home without real answers. So we built something different.
Women doing everything right — and still not getting results. Patients leaving rushed 15-minute appointments with a prescription and no real plan. And worst of all — women who had spent thousands of dollars at cash-pay weight loss clinics, lost the weight, and gained every single pound back.
That last one crushed us. Because it wasn't their fault. Those clinics focused on the number on the scale. Nobody was talking about muscle preservation. Nobody was building a plan for maintenance. Nobody was treating the whole person — hormones, metabolism, biology, and real life included.
So in 2022, we left the healthcare system and built Merit from scratch. A clinic designed around one question: what does it actually take to lose weight — and keep it off?
The answer is personalized medicine. Ongoing support. A focus on preserving your muscle and protecting your investment. And a team that is genuinely, deeply invested in your progress.
2,000+
Clients helped
Across Kansas
40,000+
Pounds Lost
And counting
3x
Best Weight Loss Center
Topeka - 3 years running
15
Team Members
Combined years
Obesity & weight management experience
All in on your success
20
THE FOUNDERS
Meet Stephanie & Veronica
Two nurse practitioners. Six daughters between them. One shared belief that women deserve better — in healthcare and in life.
Stephanie Sisk
APRN, WHNP-BC, CSOWM
Co-Founder · Board-Certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner · Certified Specialist in Obesity & Weight Management
12 years clinical experience · WHNP-BC ·CSOWM
Stephanie is a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Specialist in Obesity & Weight Management with 12 years of clinical experience. She co-founded Merit after years of watching the traditional healthcare system fail her patients — rushing through appointments and handing out generic plans instead of real partnerships. She built Merit to do it differently: personalized care, real support, and strategies that actually fit your life. As a busy mom of daughters, she's passionate about showing women that bold, strong, and successful aren't just possible — they're the standard.
Veronica McPike
APRN, FNP-C, CSOWM
Co-Founder · Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner · Certified Specialist in Obesity & Weight Management
10 years clinical experience · FNP-C · CSOWM
Veronica is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Specialist in Obesity & Weight Management with 10 years of clinical experience. She co-founded Merit because she knew her patients deserved more than a rushed appointment and a templated plan — they deserved a real partner who would stay with them through the whole journey. She brings warmth, clinical depth, and the kind of honest, judgment-free support that makes clients feel genuinely understood. Also a mom of daughters, she leads by example every single day.
OUR VALUES
What we actually believe.
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Metabolism, hormones, and genetics are real. We treat the biology — not the motivation.
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Where you're starting from doesn't matter. That you're starting does. We meet you exactly where you are.
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We celebrate the wins — yes, with actual happy dances — and adjust the plan when life happens.
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Sustainable strategies that fit your real life. Nothing you can't stick to. Nothing that makes you miserable.
THE TEAM — TOPEKA
The people you’ll meet at Merit Topeka.
This is the team behind your care — and yes, they're every bit as warm, funny, and genuinely invested as they sound.
Rhonda Hale, RN-CGN — Director-Topeka
Rhonda is the Director of our Topeka location and brings an incredible mix of expertise, encouragement, and energy to the Merit team. As a Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (with ACLS and CPR certifications to boot!), she’s no stranger to healthcare—but it’s her personal weight loss journey that truly fuels her passion. Rhonda loves being part of a team that radiates positivity and thrives on helping others feel their best. Married to her husband Corey for 20 years, she’s a proud mom to two daughters—Callie and Tanley. In her free time, Rhonda enjoys crafting, working out, and wrangling life as one of six sisters. Hidden talents? She says she doesn’t have any—but we think juggling all that definitely counts.
Kaetlynn Phillips, APRN, FNP-C
Kaetlynn is a nurse practitioner at Merit Topeka with a calming presence, a wealth of knowledge, and elbows that bend in ways most of us can’t explain (double-jointed, in case you were wondering!). She also brings a strong background in medical aesthetics—including Botox—which adds even more depth to her ability to help clients look and feel their best. As the daughter of an active-duty Airman, Kaetlynn spent her childhood living all over the world, moving every 2–3 years. Her favorite stop? Japan—hands down. These global adventures shaped her love of people, culture, and adaptability (a true gift in healthcare!). Kaetlynn is married to her husband Austin, and they have three beautiful kids—one daughter and two sons. When she’s not at Merit, you’ll find her outside soaking up fresh air or sneaking away for a spontaneous family trip.
Nickie McCall - Lead Office Medical Assistant
Nickie is the heartbeat of our Topeka office. With over 15 years of experience in endocrinology, she keeps the team organized and patients informed, encouraged, and on track. A Topeka native, Nickie lives with her husband Darren, two grown daughters (Hannah and Sydney), and a lively crew of pets—two dogs and a cat. She’s big on fresh starts (New Year’s Day is her favorite holiday!), loves camping with her twin sister, and is forever trying to keep houseplants alive. Her energy and warmth help make every visit a great one.
Elizabeth McCune - Office Medical Assistant
Elizabeth is one of the friendly faces behind our front desk—and if you’ve weighed in with us recently, you’ve likely been greeted by her kind smile. Her favorite part of the job is celebrating each client’s progress and seeing them grow in confidence. Elizabeth grew up in Topeka, spent 28 years in sunny California, then returned home to be closer to family. She lives with her husband Joe, and together they have four children and eight grandkids. Oh, and she’s been a surrogate mom eight times (we know… WOW). When she’s not at Merit, she’s crafting up something amazing.
Megan Wangerin - Office Medical Assistant
Megan is a medical assistant at Merit who brings warmth, positivity, and heart into everything she does. Megan loves being part of such a welcoming, kind team (and may or may not mention that the office always smells amazing). She’s passionate about helping clients improve their health and wellness because she’s experienced firsthand how life-changing it can be, and she loves guiding others as they work toward their goals. Outside of the clinic, Megan stays busy reading when she can, playing softball, and cheering on her kids at all their activities. She lives with her husband, Clay, their four kids, and two very large dogs who keep life entertaining. Fun fact: Megan once danced at halftime at the Orange Bowl in high school—and yes, she does have a slightly gross hidden talent she’ll only admit to if you ask. 😉
Jamie Lane, Office Assistant
Jamie is another one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at the front desk—and if patience were a sport, she’d be an Olympic gold medalist. Jamie earned her Associate of Arts in Office Administration (with a legal cert!) from Washburn University. She and her husband Larry have been married for nearly 33 years, live in Topeka, and are proud dog parents to Roxy the chocolate lab. Jamie loves exploring the trails and mountain passes of Colorado in their Jeep Rubicon—on a mission to collect all the Jeep “Badges of Honor.” Her daily fitness routine includes walking Roxy and working out, and fun fact: Jamie can whistle really loud with her fingers. Like, really loud.
Lauren - RN
Jamie is another one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at the front desk—and if patience were a sport, she’d be an Olympic gold medalist. Jamie earned her Associate of Arts in Office Administration (with a legal cert!) from Washburn University. She and her husband Larry have been married for nearly 33 years, live in Topeka, and are proud dog parents to Roxy the chocolate lab. Jamie loves exploring the trails and mountain passes of Colorado in their Jeep Rubicon—on a mission to collect all the Jeep “Badges of Honor.” Her daily fitness routine includes walking Roxy and working out, and fun fact: Jamie can whistle really loud with her fingers. Like, really loud.
Melanie - APRN
Jamie is another one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at the front desk—and if patience were a sport, she’d be an Olympic gold medalist. Jamie earned her Associate of Arts in Office Administration (with a legal cert!) from Washburn University. She and her husband Larry have been married for nearly 33 years, live in Topeka, and are proud dog parents to Roxy the chocolate lab. Jamie loves exploring the trails and mountain passes of Colorado in their Jeep Rubicon—on a mission to collect all the Jeep “Badges of Honor.” Her daily fitness routine includes walking Roxy and working out, and fun fact: Jamie can whistle really loud with her fingers. Like, really loud.
Britnee - APRN
Jamie is another one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at the front desk—and if patience were a sport, she’d be an Olympic gold medalist. Jamie earned her Associate of Arts in Office Administration (with a legal cert!) from Washburn University. She and her husband Larry have been married for nearly 33 years, live in Topeka, and are proud dog parents to Roxy the chocolate lab. Jamie loves exploring the trails and mountain passes of Colorado in their Jeep Rubicon—on a mission to collect all the Jeep “Badges of Honor.” Her daily fitness routine includes walking Roxy and working out, and fun fact: Jamie can whistle really loud with her fingers. Like, really loud.
Ashleigh - RN Injector
Jamie is another one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at the front desk—and if patience were a sport, she’d be an Olympic gold medalist. Jamie earned her Associate of Arts in Office Administration (with a legal cert!) from Washburn University. She and her husband Larry have been married for nearly 33 years, live in Topeka, and are proud dog parents to Roxy the chocolate lab. Jamie loves exploring the trails and mountain passes of Colorado in their Jeep Rubicon—on a mission to collect all the Jeep “Badges of Honor.” Her daily fitness routine includes walking Roxy and working out, and fun fact: Jamie can whistle really loud with her fingers. Like, really loud.
Pam - RN
Amanda is a nurse practitioner and Merit’s hormone specialists. She is located at Merit Leawood and has a passion for wellness, real-life results, and making her patients feel supported every step of the way. She earned her BSN from MidAmerica Nazarene University and her MSN from Rockhurst University, and holds certifications in cosmetic and migraine Botox. Amanda loves being part of a team that truly cares, and brings her own relatable perspective—because she’s on a wellness journey too. She lives in Leawood with her husband Nick and their two daughters, Eden and Maeven. In her free time, you’ll find her reading, walking, or showing off her hidden talent: playing the piano. Fun fact: Amanda got married on New Year’s Eve… talk about starting the year with fireworks!
Amanda Duarte, APRN, FNP-C
Amanda is a nurse practitioner and Merit’s hormone specialists. She is located at Merit Leawood and has a passion for wellness, real-life results, and making her patients feel supported every step of the way. She earned her BSN from MidAmerica Nazarene University and her MSN from Rockhurst University, and holds certifications in cosmetic and migraine Botox. Amanda loves being part of a team that truly cares, and brings her own relatable perspective—because she’s on a wellness journey too. She lives in Leawood with her husband Nick and their two daughters, Eden and Maeven. In her free time, you’ll find her reading, walking, or showing off her hidden talent: playing the piano. Fun fact: Amanda got married on New Year’s Eve… talk about starting the year with fireworks!
Ashley Butler, APRN, FNP-C
Ashley is a nurse practitioner at Merit Leawood and living proof that strong is beautiful. She holds her MSN and is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, blending clinical expertise with an authentic passion for helping clients feel their absolute best. Ashley was drawn to Merit because of the energetic, knowledgeable team—and her own experience with weight struggles made her deeply empathetic to the journey. She's especially passionate about helping clients break through plateaus, ditch medications, and feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. Outside the clinic, Ashley is a competitive powerlifter and strongwoman (seriously—she’s competed at Nationals and Worlds!), a devoted dog mom to German Shepherds Salvy and Maverick, and is expecting her first baby with her husband, Trent—her high school sweetheart of 21 years. Fun fact: her deadlift max is 408 lbs. (We asked her to carry the office fridge… she didn’t even flinch.)
Tatum Heckman - RN
Tatum brings a warm, steady presence that instantly makes patients feel at ease. She joined Merit because she loves the heart of small businesses — the personal, family-like atmosphere where patients feel truly seen and supported. Building real relationships is her favorite part of the job, and she loves watching people grow healthier, more confident, and more empowered with each visit. Outside of work, Tatum enjoys watching musicals, spending time with her dog and cat, and relaxing at home with her husband. She also has a fun hidden talent: she used to be a nail tech, so she can still give a flawless manicure. Fun fact: Tatum got married in Greece… talk about a dream wedding backdrop.
Sarah
Tatum brings a warm, steady presence that instantly makes patients feel at ease. She joined Merit because she loves the heart of small businesses — the personal, family-like atmosphere where patients feel truly seen and supported. Building real relationships is her favorite part of the job, and she loves watching people grow healthier, more confident, and more empowered with each visit. Outside of work, Tatum enjoys watching musicals, spending time with her dog and cat, and relaxing at home with her husband. She also has a fun hidden talent: she used to be a nail tech, so she can still give a flawless manicure. Fun fact: Tatum got married in Greece… talk about a dream wedding backdrop.
Rachel
Tatum brings a warm, steady presence that instantly makes patients feel at ease. She joined Merit because she loves the heart of small businesses — the personal, family-like atmosphere where patients feel truly seen and supported. Building real relationships is her favorite part of the job, and she loves watching people grow healthier, more confident, and more empowered with each visit. Outside of work, Tatum enjoys watching musicals, spending time with her dog and cat, and relaxing at home with her husband. She also has a fun hidden talent: she used to be a nail tech, so she can still give a flawless manicure. Fun fact: Tatum got married in Greece… talk about a dream wedding backdrop.
THE TEAM — Leawood
The people you’ll meet at Merit Leawood.
COME MEET US
Saving the world
one pound at a time.
And making you feel like a rock star while doing it. Your first call is free — come see what Merit is all about.
Topeka and Leawood (Kansas City) · Merit Weight Loss & Wellness