About
Meet Our Medical StaffOur Staff
What We Stand For
At Independence & Lee’s Summit Pediatrics, we are a well-rounded team of Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Staff that are dedicated to the health and well-being of our patients. We appreicate that you have entrusted us with the healthcare needs of your children.
Our Staff
Our Doctors, Nurses, and Staff
Weldon Harris, M.D., FAAP
Dr. Harris received his medical degree from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has been with Independence Pediatrics since the 1970’s.
Sheela Ananth, M.D., FAAP
Dr. Ananth received her medical degree from the University of Mysore and completed her pediatric residency at Rush Presbyterian — St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, IL. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has been with Independence and Lee’s Summit Pediatrics since 1998.
James Steffen, M.D., FAAP
Dr. Steffen received his medical degree from the University of Virginia and completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin hospital and clinics. He serves as an assistant professor for the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Dr. Steffen is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has been with Independence Pediatrics since 2007.
CAITLIN SUNDERMAN, PA-C
Caitlin Sunderman MPAS, PA-C received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Psychology in 2011 from Northwest Missouri States University and her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in June of 2014 from Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine. Due to a strong interest in Pediatrics, after graduating, Caitlin began working in Primary Pediatrics in the Kansas City area. She joined Independence and Lee’s Summit Pediatrics in October 2017. She strives to provide high quality care, managing both acute and chronic illnesses. Her interests include preventative medicine, wellness, and acute care. Caitlin loves watching her patients grow and having that continued relationship with their families.
Caitlin is from SW Iowa, GO HAWKS! Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. Being a Mom is her current passion and how she spends the majority of her time but she also enjoys exercise and a good movie.
Deana Raby, RN, MSN, CPNP
Deana received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri Western in St. Joseph, Missouri. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from University of Kansas. Go Jayhawks! Deana has been a certified Nurse Practitioner since 1981
SHAUNI LAWRENCE, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, CBC.
Shauni graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2021 and started working as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner shortly after. She is passionate about helping kids become healthier versions of themselves mentally and physically and supporting their growth as individuals.
Tamatha (Tammy) Alexander, M.S., C.P.N.P.-P.C
Tamatha (Tammy) Alexander, M.S., C.P.N.P.-P.C. is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Independence Pediatrics in Independence, Missouri.
Tammy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governor’s University, and her Master of Science for Advanced Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to her career as a pediatric nurse practitioner, Tammy worked as a registered nurse in the NICU, OR, Pre and Post Op Departments at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Her experience as a pediatric nurse practitioner includes both pediatric primary care and pediatric urgent care.
Tammy lives in Blue Springs, Missouri with her family. She loves spending time with her husband, children, their spouses, and five amazing grandchildren.
Caring for the community, Tamatha (Tammy) Alexander is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Independence Pediatrics and rounds at the newborn nursery at Centerpoint Medical Center. She provides high-quality comprehensive care, including well-child visits, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, and support in managing chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies. Practitioner Alexander enjoys partnering with her patients and their families in caring for their health.
RHONDA LUSTER, CPNP-PC, CNOR
Rhonda earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Missouri and her Master of Science in Advanced Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Before becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, Rhonda worked as a registered nurse in the Pediatric Operating Room at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Her pediatric nurse practitioner experience includes pediatric primary care and pediatric acute care. She is board-certified in pediatric primary care and is a certified perioperative nurse (CNOR).
Rhonda is married and the proud mother of two children. When not at work you can find her spending time with her family, building furniture in her wood shop, or planning a trip to Disney.