Lee’s Summit
Barbara S. Trites, M.D.
I joined Community Choice Pediatrics (formerly known as Lee’s Summit Physicians Group) as a “not quite charter member” in 1986 and have thoroughly enjoyed my time practicing pediatrics in Lee’s Summit for more than three decades.
Watching children and their families grow and seeing grandchildren — and perhaps even a great-grandchild or two — has been a humbling, rewarding and, at times, exhausting experience. And I would not trade it for the world!
In addition to my passion for children and education, I enjoy music, reading and travel (at least before the COVID-19 pandemic.) My biggest regret is not recording all the funny, insightful, heartwarming and surprising things patients and parents have said. (I could have been working on a New York Times bestseller all these years.)
Daniel Gershon, D.O.
I have wanted to be a pediatrician since I was in high school, and I love what I do today. My immediate and extended family lives in the greater Kansas City area. I attended Blue Valley North High School. Out-of-state education aside, I have always wanted to be here and have no plans on leaving. I love the people, the sports, the choices of activities and the quality of life it offers.
I have a wonderful wife, Dayna, who is dedicated to education. We have two teenagers who make us laugh and think. Most of all, they make us proud to be their parents. I will never forget when my youngest, who was three or four years old at the time, told people her Dad was a “pretty trashman!”
I believe the most important part of my bio is how I describe what kind of person and doctor I am. First off, I am someone who learns from experience. Despite all the textbooks and journals I read, I’m at my best “in real life” when I see and treat my patients. During my education and career, I have been fortunate to see many rare diseases and conditions, and this experience enriches my practice today.
One of the most important experiences was being a patient myself. During my second year of medical school, I was diagnosed with leukemia. I simultaneously experienced medicine from both sides — to be scared as a patient and be a doctor. I learned what it was like performing and receiving painful treatments. I learned about trust between a patient and doctor. I learned about having patience and how practicing medicine and having a good grasp on what the patient is thinking and feeling is invaluable.
Like most doctors, the way I practice has evolved. Despite the changes, I remain a physician who focuses on being thorough and patient. Most problems can be solved by talking to your patient and/or their parent(s). I take nothing for granted and never assume. A great testament to this is when I noticed a girl’s knee reflex was absent. I tried and tried but could not get it. She ended up having a tumor in her pelvis. This is a message I tell students and residents: Be thorough. Do not skip steps just because it never seems to result in anything. The moment you do, you will miss something.
Another thing to know about me is that I love to use different techniques with my patients. I will turn the lights off to calm a baby and listen to their heart or perform a light show to distract a baby or child, so that I can finish a physical exam. I will draw pictures on the exam paper showing an older child or teenager what is going wrong in their body. Several of my older patients remember me drawing the “Poop Monster” story when they were four or five years old and refusing to go to the bathroom.
Medicine has changed a lot during my time in it. I continue to enjoy coming to work every day and am grateful for my colleagues. They bring a wealth of information and make work fun. I am thankful for the community I serve and for every parent who places their trust in me to take care of their children.
Robin Dyson, M.D.
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California by my mother, an elementary teacher for 37 years. I always helped in her classroom before and after school, and children were a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I thought about teaching, which I believe is in my blood, but I felt that supervising 20+ children in one room all day was not my forte.
I decided to pursue my loves of science, math and art in college by getting an architecture degree at the University of Southern California. I worked in an architecture firm for not very long before I heard back from the Air Force about an officer position. (I had taken tests to join out of college.)
I left architecture for new training in the AF as a navigator and ultimately acquired a position in the daddy of all bombers — the B-52! I started out as a navigator, then upgraded to the radar navigator/bombardier. I moved up the ranks and got to the point where I felt I needed to commit to a career in the AF or move on. I did some soul-searching and decided to honorably separate to return to school for pre-med and become a doctor.
I went to medical school at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA, where I had been stationed in the AF. I was planning on returning to California for residency; however, when I came to Kansas City for my interview at Children’s Mercy, I fell in love with the hospital and the residency program. I ended up putting CMH at the top of my “match list” and got my first choice. While in residency, I met my husband and we got married — talk about being busy!
After residency graduation, I started working at Lee’s Summit Physician’s Group (now CCP). The other doctors here are so approachable and willing to help that I had lots of great mentorship as a brand-new pediatrician in 2009.
My husband and I were excited to buy our first house and start a family. As with other women who pursued careers and got married later in life, I, too, found that my peak child-bearing years had passed me by. We tried a few different fertility options but were unsuccessful. Fortunately, the world has other means to grow a family, and we chose fostering for ours. We took preparatory classes and eventually fostered a sibling set of three kiddos which ultimately became ours through adoption.
These days, we are busy with school and kids’ activities (less with Covid) and our two dogs. My in-laws who have a mission in Ecuador are now spending the nice-weather months in KC with us — so my house can be busy and noisy most of the time with seven people and two dogs. Believe it or not, work can be my quiet place some days.
One of the things I really love about being a pediatrician is watching my patients (a.k.a., “my children”) grow up and thrive. Parents are doing the hard work, but I get to help educate and guide them along the way. I am not an authoritarian — I want to hear what my parents/patients think is going on, their concerns and discuss the different options in diagnosis and treatment with them. We are a team, making sure children grow up happy and healthy.
Because I like teaching, you might get a little drawing or extra information about what is going on when you come to see me. I’m also going to make sure that, at your checkups, we discuss safety, nutrition and developmental issues — hopefully, I won’t sound too much like your mother!
Joseph Lammert, M.D.
Here at Community Choice Pediatrics, I’m a general pediatrician where, every day, I see kids and work with them and their families. Our team’s focus is on healthy kids, helping whatever sick kid who walks in our door get better!
As a new parent myself, I can relate to the challenges, joys, and questions of having a new child at home. I enjoy walking alongside my patients and families through their experiences. I like to tell them they’re writing a story — and that their individual needs and circumstances make the story uniquely their own. As their pediatrician, it’s my great privilege to be a part of their stories.
One of my favorite things about working here is the collegiality. I haven’t been here that long, but the teamwork truly stands out as we work together, providing the best care we can for our families.
If I weren’t a physician, I think I’d be a teacher. One of the things I love about pediatrics is that a lot of what we do is educating kids and their families. It’s an important part of the care we provide, and I strive to do it well!
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Kansas City with my family (wife, son, and 75-pound pup Tucker), staying caught up with my Missouri Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and newly adopted team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Whenever I can, I catch an episode of The Office or get outside for a long run, walk, hike, or bike ride. Sometimes you can find me washing dishes … but unloading the dishwasher? That’s my least favorite chore!
A fun fact about me: Pizza is one of my favorite foods. I love all kinds — Chicago-style, New York-style, and St. Louis-style from Imo’s is definitely a top favorite. Another favorite is Shakespeare’s Pizza in Columbia, MO. (I discovered you can buy their frozen pizzas here in KC!) As you can tell, I don’t think I’ve ever turned down a slice.
Jared Kevern, M.D.
I grew up in Kansas City and completed my pediatric training in Wisconsin. I went into pediatrics because children are resilient, funny and unique. It’s a privilege to do this job and watch my patients grow.
When I was 15, I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It was a tough time for my family and me, but I was cared for by a wonderful group of doctors and nurses. As hard as it was, that experience is what led me to pursue a career in medicine. I hope to provide the same level of care given to me all those years ago to my patients and their families.
I enjoy what I do, but I would be a teacher or coach if I weren’t in medicine. I always loved science growing up, and it would be fun to pass that love on to the next generation. The opportunity to coach — baseball or basketball, most likely — would go well with my lifelong love of sports.
At home, I love to spend time with my wife and my two young daughters. We love to be outside, go on hikes and look for rocks, sticks and animals. On the weekend, we plan our schedule around Chiefs and Royals games.
If I was a kid again — say, a 13-year-old — I would tell my younger self to be patient. It’s a trait that comes in handy throughout life, especially when you are anxiously awaiting the next Chiefs and Royals championship win!
Julie Kirkpatrick, C.P.N.P.
Being a nurse is my destiny — and being a pediatric nurse practitioner is challenging, rewarding and inspiring. I was fortunate enough to find my home at Community Choice Pediatrics 15 years ago. I work daily with the smartest, most-caring providers and staff imaginable.
I received my undergraduate degree in nursing from University of Central Missouri and my master’s degree from UMKC. Before coming to Community Choice Pediatrics, I worked at Children’s Mercy Hospital on the Infectious Disease Unit. I also worked at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and several other hospitals in the Kansas City area.
My husband and I have three children who make us very proud and keep us very busy. I enjoy cooking, reading, and being outdoors with my family. Someday, I hope to have time to explore some new hobbies and visit all the national parks.
I grew up in Lee’s Summit and care deeply about the families and children in my community. I realize that the healthcare needs of my patients are very individualized. I will strive to listen carefully to the needs and concerns of the families I serve, and I am committed to providing them with the quality care they deserve.
Sarah Dedrick, C.P.N.P.
From the time I can remember, I have always wanted to be in medicine. I was originally planning on going to medical school. When I was 19, my dad died of cancer. The experience of being in and out of the hospital, interacting with the nurses and the bonds we made with the nurses, made me switch to nursing.
After graduating from MU, I worked at Children’s Mercy Hospital for 11 years. During this time, I decided to go back to school to get my Master’s. I have been at Lee’s Summit Physicians Group- now Community Choice Pediatrics for 11 years in April.
I grew up in Independence, MO in a large family with 7 siblings. I now live in Grain Valley with my husband of almost 20 years, our 2 daughters, 2 sons and a sweet dog. In my free time, we love to camp, be at the lake, watch movies, play games and hang with our family and friends. I love to garden, read, and listen to music.
I love working with pediatrics and at Community Choice Pediatrics. I am honored that families trust me to care for their sweet children. Coming from a large family and having 4 children varying in ages, I feel I can relate to many patients and parents in different stages of their lives. I love all the ages and stages of children/adolescents. I love helping new parents feel good about being parents, helping moms with breastfeeding or giving them support when it doesn’t work out. I enjoy seeing children and adolescents grow, helping them during different stages of their lives and hopefully helping them thrive. Parenting and life in general are not always easy at any stage. I think we always struggle wondering what we are doing, if it is the right thing, along with comparing ourselves to others. There really isn’t a right way to parent and parents need to know that they are doing the best job in that stage of their child’s life. I love to laugh and smile so if I can make half of my patients and families leave each day with one of these, then I guess I have been successful for that day.
Holly Prather, C.P.N.P.
I chose pediatric medicine because I adore children and their resilience despite illness. I enjoy interacting with children and adolescents and hope to empower parents to play an integral role in diagnosing and treating their children.
Keeping my patients physically and emotionally healthy as they grow, learn, and achieve is very rewarding. I am honored that parents trust me with their most prized possessions — their children — and feel privileged to be a part of my patients’ families.
I joined Community Choice Pediatrics in February 2019. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Avila University while playing collegiate volleyball. Before returning to graduate school, I worked at The University of Kansas Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a registered nurse. I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree from Saint Louis University and am certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my husband and young daughter, spending time with family and friends, and staying active.
I look forward to meeting you!
Julia Meagher, DNP, RN, C.P.N.P.
I’m a Kansas City native, born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. I received my nursing degree from the University of Kansas. I was fortunate to start my nursing career working as a pediatric intensive care unit nurse at Children’s Mercy Hospital. I learned a great deal about courage and grace from the children and families I cared for.
I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where I specialized in pediatric primary care. I was thrilled to join the Community Choice Pediatrics team in the summer of 2019.
There is not a moment I can pinpoint where I decided to go into nursing or pediatrics — it just truly never occurred to me to do anything else! I’m passionate about this profession for so many reasons. Children are hilarious, resilient and wise. They teach me something new every day. I enjoy developing relationships with parents, as we work together to support their kiddos’ health and well-being.
In my free time, I enjoy cheering on the Chiefs and Jayhawks, spending time with my family and loving on my golden retriever, Rooney.
I look forward to meeting you and caring for your child as they grow!
Raintree
Jennifer M. Sauer, M.D.
Recently, I was asked if I had not become a pediatrician, what type of medicine would I have chosen. I did not have an answer because pediatrics has always been my choice. My mother who was a pediatric nurse and my own pediatrician that I saw as a kid had profound influence on my career choice. I witnessed how they cared with such compassion for me as well as for children that were not their own.
My Mom worked with chronically ill children while she herself dealt with her own chronic illness, Multiple Sclerosis. Dr Higgins was in the ER, waiting for my brother after he lost his hand in an accident and provided comfort for my family. With these influences, I knew they were who I wanted to emulate in my career.
My undergraduate education started at Wayne State College in Nebraska and my Medical Degree is from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In 1998, I was drawn to Kansas City by Children’s Mercy Hospital for my pediatric residency. Mind you, I am a small-town girl so trying to navigate I-35 traffic as a brand-new MD was part of my education.
My husband, Andy, has always been my rock and has been there through college, medical school, and residency. As our time for residency was coming to an end, we had fallen in love with KC and Lees Summit. So, with a 1-year old daughter at home, we started our next adventure when I started at Community Choice Pediatrics (Lees Summit Physicians Group) in November 2001.
From the beginning, the practice fostered a culture that allowed me to be both a Mom and a pediatrician. My babies, Abby and Adam, are now mostly grown but they still teach me every day how to communicate with their generation.
As I reflect on my years as a pediatrician, no two days have been the same. It may be checkups with baby snuggles or ear infections one day while, other days, there is a rare diagnosis made where I am the one providing comfort for a family. But my favorite part of my career is sharing memories with families where I had the privilege of being their pediatrician — and being witness to the childhood-to-adult transformation of my patients.
My passion outside of pediatrics includes playing golf, exercising, gardening (influence from growing up with a farmer dad), watching Nebraska volleyball and football, hanging out with friends and family and all things Disney. So, given the chance of who I would choose to spend a day with, it would be Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, but my family would be invited, too.
And if I were not a doctor, I would be a photographer, capturing moments of our life in still frames. Photography and pediatrics have a lot in common, they both are about documenting moments.
Allison Henschel, M.D.
Dr. Henschel graduated from medical school in 2000 from the University of Kansas Medical School, and completed her residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2003. Dr. Henschel joined Community Choice Pediatrics (formerly Lee’s Summit Physicians Group) in 2003.
Jeffrey Yannette, M.D.
Dr. Yannette graduated from medical school in 1998 from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Pediatrics at the University of South Florida in 2001. Dr. Yannette joined Community Choice Pediatrics (formerly Lee’s Summit Physicians Group) in 2006.
Laura Salitros, D.O.
I knew that I wanted to be a pediatrician while I was still in high school. I graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Nutritional Sciences before attending medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
I found myself in Indiana during the last two years of medical school, where I met my husband, Craig. With the help of Kansas City barbecue, I lured him home to KC, where I completed my residency at Children’s Mercy in 2015. I joined Community Choice Pediatrics straight out of residency because it felt like a practice where I could spend my career.
My favorite part of being a pediatrician is getting to know my patients and their families. I enjoy partnering with them on a journey toward health and wellness. I commit myself to working hard, welcoming questions, explaining my thought process and finding answers when I don’t know them. I will always do my best to guide you in making the best decisions for your children to optimize their physical, mental and emotional health. In the process, you’ll find me drawing from my medical knowledge as well as my personal experience as a mom.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Craig, and our two sweet boys, Paul and Danny. Our favorite things involve anything outdoors, but especially sporting events and visits to the park. When I get a quiet moment to myself, I enjoy reading, running, working in the yard and completing home improvement projects.
Amanda Martin, M.D.
I became a pediatrician to help children develop healthy habits, so they can live long, healthy lives. In medical school, while working with adults, it quickly became clear that it was much easier to never start an unhealthy habit rather than to unlearn one.
I have always enjoyed watching my patients grow, learn and thrive. As a new mom, seeing my daughter do the same is my greatest joy.
In addition to spending time with my daughter, husband, and multiple pets, I also enjoy running, reading, and playing musical instruments.
Kevin Meilak, M.D.
I chose pediatrics because kids are joyful, resilient and constantly surprise me. Pediatrics focuses on preventing illness from occurring, which is especially important for children. Developing healthy habits and learning to care for yourself at an early age leads to a healthy life, and it is my privilege to walk with families as we create these "futures" together.
My favorite part of pediatrics is partnering with my patients and their families. As a doctor and parent, I bring both medical training and firsthand knowledge of all of the joys and challenges children create for their parents. I believe in educating patients and their families, so they feel empowered regarding their health and their children’s health.
Outside of work, I love to spend time with my wife and son. He loves to explore the outdoors and tells me all about the birds, squirrels and other animals we see.
I grew up in Southern California and moved to the Midwest for medical school and residency training. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Biology before going to medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine. I completed my residency training at Children’s Mercy Hospital. My wife and I love Kansas City and decided to stay and raise our family here.
Angie Stott, C.P.N.P
I have been a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) at Community Choice Pediatrics since 2010. My nursing experience before becoming a PNP was all pediatric. I spent more than 10 years in the pediatric intensive care unit, emergency department, primary care clinics and medical-surgical inpatient units. I also taught BSN nursing students and worked in nursing administration. Taking care of healthy newborn babies through critically ill teenagers (and everything in between) prepared me well for my role here as a PNP.
When my family moved to Missouri from Nebraska in 2007, a neighbor recommended this practice for my children’s care. I brought my kids in for their well-child visits and was so impressed with the office that I applied for a job to work as a part-time nurse.
A few months later, one of our other PNPs encouraged me to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. Being a PNP is my favorite nursing role. I love seeing how much kids grow and change through normal well-child checkups and empowering parents to care for sick children.
Outside of work, my family and I love to travel and be anywhere on the water. Our children are older now, so I have been through all the parenting stages (the great and the not-so-good!). I am always happy to talk about the joys and challenges of raising kids.
Tiffany Vitt, C.P.N.P.
For as long as I can recall, I wanted to work in pediatrics. The journey started when I became a staff RN at Lee’s Summit Physicians Group (now Community Choice Pediatrics) in 2009 after obtaining my Bachelor of Science in nursing from St. Luke’s College.
As my love for pediatric primary care grew, I then chose to return to school to complete my Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and began working as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at our Raintree office in 2014
What I love best about being a PNP is getting the opportunity to form lasting relationships with the patients and families I see in my office each day. If there’s one thing I believe whole-heartedly in when it comes to pediatrics, it is that pediatric primary care is never just about the child. It’s about caring for and educating the whole family.
In my free time, I’m a huge sports fan and enjoy cheering on my favorite local teams, the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. I also love chasing after my sons, random date nights with my husband, running on my treadmill and reading on my Kindle late into the night.
Here’s a fun fact about me: Before becoming a PNP and starting a family, my husband and I lived in Colorado for a couple of years and spent nearly every weekend in the mountains snowboarding. I hope to teach my boys to snowboard someday.
Valerie Monroy, C.P.N.P.
I have always been driven to help others, especially children. I grew up on a farm in central Kansas. After high school, I attended the University of Kansas, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During that time, I worked with children in the Special Olympics.
I studied abroad in Spain and Argentina and learned to speak Spanish. After graduation, I worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital for five years, where I provided specialized care for the tiniest and most critically ill patients.
In 2011, I obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from UMKC and started my career in primary care pediatrics. I joined Raintree Pediatrics (now Community Choice Pediatrics) as a nurse practitioner in 2016 and have been practicing here since. I enjoy watching families grow and providing support and care for both well and sick children.
I’m married and a mother of three (two daughters and a son). My husband is also a nurse practitioner who is originally from South America. I enjoy spending time with my family, visiting new places and cooking.
Annie Bennet, C.P.N.P.
I grew up in Washington, Missouri, where I first developed my passion for caring for children. I volunteered at the local hospital reading to children before their appointments. After high school, I went to the University of Missouri to study nursing and graduated with my BSN in 2014. My first nursing job was at University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where I worked for one year before moving to Kansas City.
After moving to Kansas City, I accepted a job at Children’s Mercy Hospital on a medical-surgical floor specializing in neurology, endocrinology, and cystic fibrosis. Once at Children’s Mercy, I decided I wanted to return to school to become a nurse practitioner to further help the children and families in the Kansas City area. I graduated as a pediatric nurse practitioner in December 2018 and began working with Blue Springs Pediatrics (now Community Choice Pediatrics) in January of 2019.
I met my husband, Reese, while in nursing school, and we were married at the Red Barn Farm in Weston, Missouri, in 2016. Reese is an outpatient physical therapist with Athletico Physical Therapy. We currently live in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. We have a goldendoodle named Koda, who is a sweet and energetic boy.
My husband and I enjoy traveling to new and exciting destinations. In the past two years, we have been to Costa Rica, the Bahamas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hawaii and national park-hopping in Utah and Arizona. Hiking through the rain forest and zip-lining through mountainous Costa Rica has been our favorite trip so far. Reese and I enjoy spending time with family (I have an identical twin sister) and friends. We also enjoy cheering on the Mizzou Tigers, Royals and Chiefs.
I love working with pediatric patients of all ages and thoroughly enjoy educating patients and families. Increasing health literacy and empowering patients and families to manage their health is my passion. I enjoy promoting health and wellness in the greater Blue Springs area.
Blue Springs
Lisa B. Fletcher, M.D.
I love being a pediatrician! I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare as a young person and feel fortunate to serve as a pediatrician in the community where I was born and raised.
As a Blue Springs High School graduate, I identify with many of my local patients and their families and take pride in being a partner in their health and development, addressing not only the medical issues but also lifestyle, nutrition and social aspects.
I have a blended family with my husband and our three grown children — two daughters and a son, plus two goldendoodles! Lake Lotawana has been my home since age 15, and I’ve enjoyed being involved in several sailing fleets, ski clubs and tennis programs.
When I am not at work, you can find me running the lake roads, sailing with my husband, working on my perennial garden and spending time with family and friends. I believe in the power of positive thinking. If you think you can, you will!
Bryan L. Phillips, M.D.
I grew up in Northeast Ohio. I was tired of the winters and snow in that part of the country. After medical school, I chose to do my pediatric residency in the warmer climate of North Carolina. While at Duke, I met my wife. (She’s also a pediatrician.) She is from Lenexa and wanted to be closer to her family, so here I am in the KC area. I’ve now been a pediatrician for more than two decades. Time flies!
We have three children and two dogs — a 15-pound chihuahua and a 175-pound mastiff. You can find us at the dog park every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, weather permitting.
I enjoy running and ran the Boston Marathon in 2016 — the highlight of my running career. I keep saltwater fish and currently have a 375-gallon full-reef aquarium in the basement.
I feel fortunate to have chosen pediatrics for my career and landing my first job as a pediatrician here at Community Choice Pediatrics (formerly known as Lee’s Summit Physicians Group) in 1998. I’ve enjoyed my time here, watching many patients grow from babies to adults with their own children. I admit it makes me feel a bit old to see some patients I’ve known since they were infants bringing their kids to see me!
Cynthia Marquelle Dean, D.O.
I am a board-certified pediatrician who graduated from the University of Missouri with my undergraduate degree in 2000. I then went on to Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience for medical school, where I graduated in 2005.
I did my pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. I finished residency in 2008 and started a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology. In 2009, with two young children, I decided general pediatrics was actually my passion. So, I transitioned to outpatient primary care and joined Lee’s Summit Physicians Group (now Community Choice Pediatrics), working primarily out of the Raintree location.
When the Blue Springs location opened in 2010, I began working full-time there. I’ve been lucky to work with amazing families who have been with me for more than 10 years!
I’ve been happily married for 18 years. My husband is a youth soccer coach, and we are both very invested in this community. I have four amazing and very busy children, so there is never a dull moment! I enjoy spending most of my time outside the office with my family, watching my kids’ sports activities and exercising with my husband.
“It takes a village to raise a child” is an African proverb that means that an entire community of people must interact with children for them to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. I feel privileged to be a part of my patients’ and their families’ “villages.” I love my job and the role I play in helping families navigate through the joys and trials of life in the healthiest, happiest way possible.
Andrew Huss, M.D.
I’m a board-certified pediatrician who joined Blue Springs Pediatrics (now Community Choice Pediatrics) in 2015. I graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 2012 and completed my pediatric residency training at Children’s Mercy Hospital in 2015.
I love pediatrics as it combines the science of medicine with the opportunity to educate and have fun, rewarding interactions with families. My goal is to help make things easy to understand for patients — and I ask you to call me out if you ever catch me using medical jargon without explaining it!
Outside of work, I enjoy soccer, photography, cooking and travel.
You shouldn’t trust everything you read on the internet, but here are what some patients have to say about working with me:
“Dr. Huss was AMAZING with my kiddos. I was able to book their appointment on the same visit, and he really tried to relate to them with their issues and goals. Recommend.”
“Dr. Huss was extremely informative! I am the type of mommy that needs to know everything and will always take suggestions!! I highly recommend this place!”
Kelly Fritz, PPCNP–BC, APRN
I’m a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who works primarily out of Community Choice’s Blue Springs location. I’ve worked for 25 years as a PNP, with 20 years being here with this great group. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.
Before I focused on a nursing career, I always knew it would be some sort of service through healthcare. My first experience with caring for a child was when I lived in Hawaii and was asked to babysit a one-year-old girl. I had never worked with or even been around little children, much less one with special needs. Her club foot was in a cast, and she had a cleft lip and palate, which required a special nipple to feed her.
Soon, I was hooked and knew healthcare was for me. But with my clinical experiences throughout my undergraduate degree and working, I never thought it would be in pediatrics — more so, adult nursing, but that was until I worked all three shifts in one week on the Orthopedic floor and the only opening was on Pediatrics. So, I took it — best move ever.
I received my undergraduate nursing degree (BSN) at CMSU in 1982. I then went on to graduate school, where I received my master’s degree as a clinical nurse specialist in the care of children (MSN) at UMKC in 1990. My post-graduate nursing degree was through a program at UMKC for pediatric nurse practitioners in 1995.
I am a single mother of three great adopted girls who are all adults now. Being a foster and adoptive parent has lots of challenges, and through them, I learned a lot about myself and the foster system.
I became a KC Chiefs fan the second my father propped me up on a pillow in front of the TV at the age of two months. I enjoy hanging out with my grandchildren and our goldendoodle. There is never a dull moment around any of them, never knowing what they might say or do. They make me smile and laugh a lot.
Rebecca Coppage, C.P.N.P.
I graduated from Rush University in Chicago with my master’s degree in 2012. I joined Community Choice Pediatrics as an acute care pediatric nurse practitioner in 2019. Before working here, I spent seven years in critical care and three in primary care. I absolutely love to work with teenagers.
When I’m not working, I spend time with my family. My husband and I have a daughter and a son. We love to play games, do puzzles, watch movies, love on our dogs and spend time with our extended family. I also love to read, and any free minute I can find, I’ll catch up on a book I’m reading. My favorite right now is All the Light We Cannot See. It’s fabulous.
Some fun facts about me: I was a counselor at a summer camp when I was in college. I lived in Ecuador for a summer. I wrote and published two books. I would love to own a coffee shop.
A recent experience that made me a stronger person and a better nurse practitioner is having spine surgery. I’d had a lot of spine and pain issues for years, and this was my third surgery. It makes me more thankful for good health, excellent healthcare providers and my amazing, supportive family. I would never want to go through it again, but it has also made me a more understanding and empathetic healthcare provider.
Brooke Satterlee, C.P.N.P.
I’ve been a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2018. I received my undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University and my graduate degree from Maryville University.
My medical background is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Transplant Surgery, and Pediatric Primary Care. I was working at Washington University-St. Louis Children’s before coming to Community Choice Pediatrics in 2022.
I love and enjoy everything about working in pediatrics. From helping children feel better to giving parents the information, they need to make an informed decision on their child’s health.
I lost my son, Henry, in 2013. He inspired me to return to graduate school and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Experiencing such a significant loss gave me a deep understanding of how truly precious life is. I am beyond blessed and thankful to God for having such an amazing family and work family.
Outside of work, I love being with my family and my puppy. I enjoy traveling, baking, and hiking. The craziest thing I have done is probably a tie between skydiving and scuba diving! Both were amazing experiences! Just because something is scary doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing!
Elizabeth Vasquez MPAS, PA-C
I have been a PA for 13 years. I graduated with my masters in physician assistant studies from Missouri State University and have a background in and a passion for Psychology as well.
I have worked in primary care my entire career beginning in family practice and ultimately making the shift to entirely peds. I have worked in rural med and with immigrant and underserved populations my entire career, and have a true love for all of my patients and appreciate all their different walks of life.
The preventive aspect of pediatric medicine is so exciting for me and I make it a goal to spend that extra time with patients to focus on health and wellness goals to limit long-term conditions/complications. I have worked as a day camp counselor, pharmacy tech, psych tech, and substance abuse counselor, all prior to completing my medical education.
I am a yoga instructor on the side and actually teach goat yoga during the warmer weather months (make sure to ask me how you can participate). I was a prior member of Reach Out and Read KC and still volunteer when possible. I have completed the KC marathon twice and competed in bodybuilding in the past few years, and I still enjoy running and weight lifting.
My husband and I enjoy local food and events here in KC and dancing to good music with our busy toddler on the weekends.
Tara Nemero, NP-C
Born and raised in Kansas City, I am a dedicated Chiefs fan and a lover of good BBQ! I earned my BSN from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, where I played and coached rugby for four years.
I also spent a few months in the Philippines learning about healthcare overseas. Although I never mastered Tagalog, I gained insights into the ingenuity and dedication required to provide healthcare in a developing country.
I then went on to obtain my Family Nurse Practitioner degree (MSN) from Loyola University in New Orleans. My healthcare career has taken me from Missouri to Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and back home to Kansas City. While I’ve tested the medical waters and treated patients of all ages, pediatrics is my passion, and I am excited to work with you and your little ones!
When I am not at work, I spend my time adventuring with my husband, our two children, and our three fur-babies. We enjoy the lake, flying (my husband is a pilot), hiking, and watching our Chiefs win Super Bowls!
Behavioral Health Center
Hollee Muller, LCSW
I was born and raised in Independence, MO. I attended University of MO-Columbia (MIZZOU-RAH!) for undergraduate and grad school, finishing in 2002 with my Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Social Work. I have been married since 2000 and we have three kids.
I live with a horse, two donkeys (one is a mini), a cat and a dog. I love reading, napping, coaching, COFFEE and coffee shops, cheering for my kids, travel, advocacy and softball. I also love cute boutique shopping and am always looking for new places!
I am thrilled that we have started the integrated behavioral health program. I believe in utilizing trauma informed care (TIC) with every interaction. I base my therapy on TIC, strengths perspective, play therapy and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). I pull from a wealth of experiences working in many environments to find the most unique fit for what works with each child and family. Mental health support for children is such a massive need and I am excited to start making change in our community!
Nina Petersen, LCSW
I was raised in Sedalia, Mo and graduated from Park University with a degree in Social/Psychology. I worked with children in foster care for Missouri Alliance as a Foster Care Case Manager for several years. I currently live in Lees Summit, Mo with my son who is a Junior in high school and my daughter who is out of college on her own. I have two beautiful Persian cats who have decided they are in charge. Sir Puffins and Callie are pure entertainment and enjoyed by all who meet them.
I attended graduate school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I did an internship at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, and I worked full time as a school counselor. After graduation I did several contract positions for the military. I served as the Director of Psychological Health at the headquarters in Jefferson City for the Army National Guard. I started my own practice in 2014 and have been serving children and young college students since the inception of Transformative Effects, LLC. I see a wide range of mental health needs from ADHD to Gender Dysphoria. I have always enjoyed working with children and young adults. I also taught as an adjunct part time at University of Central Missouri, Central Methodist University, and State Fair Community College. I am a proud ally to the LGBTQIA community and enjoy working with all populations and demographics.
My happy place is Destin, Florida on the beach with a book. I also enjoy making jewelry, painting, attending concerts, and yoga. I am a lifelong learner, so I enjoy learning period. The brain fascinates me and all its facets. My kids love playing what does this part of the brain do even as a teenager and young adult. This game provided us hours of entertainment while driving.
I am grateful to have a career that I enjoy every day. I love watching the light come on in children’s eyes and helping restore hope and skill sets that will enable them to live happy productive lives in their schools and communities. I am an advocate for positive affirmations. My home is filled with quotes from different people who have inspired me through the years.
One of my favorite quotes is, “I am not the darkness that surrounds me, I am the light that refused to surrender”-author unknown.
Kendra Cardin, LCSW
I was raised in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2004 with a degree in Psychology, and earned a Masters in Social Work from KU in 2007. I volunteered with foster children during undergrad and because of that experience, I knew I always wanted to work with kids and families who are trying to make their world better.
I’ve lived in north Overland Park since grad school and love the big trees and parks everywhere! I’m married with two darling kiddos, and our newest family member is Chloe, a 6 month old Golden Retriever/Lab mix who is the absolute light of our lives! She is so darling and such a stinker!
During grad school, I worked full time at a child care and social service agency in Kansas City, MO called Operation Breakthrough. I worked primarily with single mothers surviving generational poverty, and learned about resilience and perseverance from an entirely new perspective.
I worked at Children’s Mercy for 10 years primarily in the Cancer Center. I was embedded in each family’s primary medical team and followed families as their Social Worker providing emotional support and resources throughout treatment. The strength, grit and love I witnessed every day dramatically changed how I see the world and my place in it.
My favorite things are reading (I’m a founding member of a book club that was started in 2008!), dinners with friends or anything involving cooking or food. I love to bake and got into bread making during Covid. I lead an active Girl Scout Troop—21 girls!!—and love being outside and tromping around nature with the girls!
I’m eager to start meeting kids, giving them space to determine what they need to grow and flourish, and supporting their parents along the way.
Our core values
Compassion
We place ourselves in the shoes of our patients and parents as we mindfully listen, observe, and examine judgment-free.
Collaboration
By continually sharing information and seeking the advice and opinions of each other, our patients receive the benefit of the combined knowledge, skill, and experience of all the healthcare professionals who work in the practice.
Community
A safe and healthy child makes a community stronger, and a strong community produces safe and healthy children.