Proud member of the

Children's Mercy Health Network
What it means

Partnering to Make a Difference

When Children’s Mercy, one of the nation’s best pediatric health systems, partners with the doctor you trust, you get the highest level of care for your child.

An integrated network of Kansas City’s top pediatricians, working together, sharing best practices in preventative medicine and the latest breakthroughs in research, and dedicated to making a difference in the health and well-being of your child. This is the Children’s Mercy Health Network.

We promise to remain...

Dedicated to keeping patients healthy

We are committed to...

Sharing best practices and improving care delivery

You are in great and well connected hands!

Connected to over 900 pediatric specialists at Children’s Mercy

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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.

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

Rachelle Buescher, NP

Elizabeth Vasquez,    PA-C

Caitlin Sunderman,   PA-C