About Us
Our Story
Wee Care Pediatrics has been a staple in the community since 2001.
Founded by Dr. James (Tony) Bakerink, the practice was located on the outskirts of a rapidly expanding southwest area of the city at that time.
Although Dr. Bakerink grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, he was born in Elko, Nevada, and spent a lot of time there as a kid growing up. It was during this time, where he came to appreciate the small town values, that would lay the foundation for how the practice would evolve. Years later, while in his last year of medical school, he would go back to Elko, as a soon to be young doctor, and experience first hand what it was to be a small town country doctor. Although, after completing his residency in pediatrics, he returned to his family here in the Las Vegas community, he never forgot that time aged feel of what it was to care for your patients as if they were a part of your own family.
Years later, upon starting Wee Care Pediatrics, he learned and knew that “If we were going to hold true to our values, and create a pediatric practice with staying power, then we knew that our practice should focus, not just on the health and well-being of all of our children, but in addition, to humility, compassion, kindness and integrity. In essence, the humanity in all children”. So with these values in mind Wee Care Pediatrics was born.
We are so proud of what we have created. Holding true to these beliefs throughout our many years has served to sustain us and make us a pillar in our community.
We are so thankful for the unique opportunity to care for our wonderful children and families, and we hope to continue to care for them and watch them grow for many more years to come.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bakerink
Our Why
We are here because we have a unique opportunity to impact and change the lives of children through the creation of long-lasting human bonds.
We do not just take care of children. Through us, through even our smallest acts of kindness, we touch the lives of each child who comes through our doors and in doing so, we plant the seeds of joy and caring that we hope will foster within each of them, the same sense of kindness as they grow and enter into the world…
We touch lives.
Because of our children, we become better individuals. It is through them and because of them that we get to daily improve upon who we are. In this way we refine our art of being thoughtful, the skills of anticipating their needs, and reap the reward of which comes from cultivating the innocent beauty found within the hearts of all children.
Caring for our children the way we do, simply makes us better people.
We do not just talk about acts of kindness, but instead, thoughtfully and intentionally we create them. It is the essence of who we are.
We do not compete against others, but only amongst ourselves to become even better today than we were yesterday. This is our way. And in this way, the purpose of what we do is to become that small difference in a child’s life, that in turn, may make all the difference in a child’s life.
Meet
Dr. Bakerink
Hello, I am Doctor Bakerink.
I am very happy to welcome you to our website and to be able to introduce you to Wee Care Pediatrics. We have been in Las Vegas since I founded the practice back in 2001. Since that time, we have expanded to four Wee Care locations throughout the valley, as well as Over the Rainbow Pediatric Urgent Care.
I was born in Elko, Nevada and moved to Las Vegas as a child. I completed my undergraduate training at UNLV and attended the University at Reno for Medical school. I then went away for several years to UC-Davis, California, where I completed my residency in Pediatrics. I returned home, where I have practiced here locally since 1997. I am the proud Father of two wonderful children. Both of whom are UNLV alumni, with my son following in his father’s footsteps as a young Doctor currently in his Residency program in Iowa.
In addition to my full-time commitment to Wee Care Pediatrics, I have always been interested in serving underprivileged children. I am proud to have been part of developing the medical clinic within the women’s Shadetree homeless shelter, where I cared for homeless children for 10 years. I have served on international medical missions and currently at Wee Care, we are involved in several international projects helping children in Brazil, Africa and Haiti.
I am the author of The Simple Pediatric Series, specifically the book “Just the Basics, Baby”. Outside of Wee Care Pediatrics, I am an outdoor enthusiast. I enjoy hiking, camping, sailing and I travel as much as possible. I read extensively, play the drums and even used to be in a rock band (a long time ago).
I am very proud to welcome you. All of us here at Wee Care Pediatrics look forward to hopefully getting to know you and your children.
Sincerely,
James (Tony) Bakerink MD
Dr. Bakerink’s
Awards
Best of Las Vegas – Gold (2025)
Best of Las Vegas – Silver (2024)
Best of Las Vegas – Bronze (2023)
Desert Companion Magazine-Top Doctors (2022)
Nevada Magazine-Top Pediatricians (2021)
Vegas Inc. Magazine-Top Doctors (2020)
Desert Companion Magazine-Top Doctors (2020)
Vegas Seven Magazine-Top Doctors (2017)
Certificate of Commendation-Silver Syringe award (2016)
U.S. Senatorial Recognition-Outstanding Physician Champion (2016)
American Red Cross Everyday Hero (2016)
Outstanding Physician Campion-Silver Syringe Award (2015)
America’s Top Pediatricians (2009)
Las Vegas Life Magazine-Top Doctors (2006)
Las Vegas Life Magazine- “The Best Doctors” – Honorable mention (2006)
Summerlin Magazine- “Top 100 Doctors” (2005)
Summerlin Magazine- “Top 100 Doctors” (2004)
Las Vegas Life Magazine- “The Best Doctors” – Honorable mention (2000)
Our Providers
We take extraordinary pride in our team, and we are proud to say that we select our staff for their compassion, friendliness and dedication to providing only the best care for your children. At Wee Care Pediatrics, our staff are vigilant at maintaining that high level of quality care and kindness that we are so well known for.
Our special team approach is reflected in our Core values that, as a practice, is integral to creating a warm and unique experience for all who come through our doors, whether big or small.
Our Providers are all highly trained professionals, who are accredited with each of their boards specifically. All of the providers are specialists in the field of Pediatrics from the ages of birth all the way through eighteen years of age. Each provider is mandated to maintain a program of continued education, so that your child will always receive the most up to date and accurate Pediatric care available.
Dr. Tony Bakerink
Pediatrician
Dr. Bakerink, also known as Dr. B, is the founder and owner of Wee Care Pediatrics. He got his undergraduate start at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and went on to attend the Medical School at University at Reno. He then completed his pediatrics residency at UC Davis. Afterward, he returned home to Las Vegas to begin practicing pediatrics in 1997. Four years later in 2001, he would start his practice, Wee Care Pediatrics.
Dr. B, in addition to his full-time dedication to Wee Care Pediatrics, has been passionate about giving to underprivileged children and has participated in international projects in Brazil, Africa, and Haiti.
He is a proud father of three and is an outdoor enthusiast, often going on runs, hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors.
Dr. Maria Muyot
Pediatrician
Dr. Maria Muyot has been working as a Pediatrician for over 20 years, is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a proud Fellow of The American Academy of Pediatrics.
She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of the Philippines. She later got into med school at the University of the East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. After living and practicing in the Philippines, Chicago, and Mississippi, she moved to Las Vegas to work at Desert Pediatrics.
Over these past 20 years, Dr. Muyot describes her work in the pediatrics field as: “A very fulfilling and rewarding experience caring and advocating for children”.
She continues to aspire to work together with families and the medical community to build a strong and healthy foundation for future generations.
But wait, there’s more! When she’s not busy caring for the kids at Wee Care, Dr. Muyot enjoys movies and concerts, proving that even superheroes need some downtime.
Dr. RICHARD POWELL
Pediatrician
Dr. Powell has had a long and varied career as a pediatrician. He has worked as a hospitalist, outpatient general pediatrician, telemedicine pediatrician, and civilian pediatrician caring for the children of the United States military personnel. Dr. Powell is the newest pediatrician to join the Wee Care family.
Dr. Powell is originally from Chicago, Illinois and he received his medical degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Powell also obtained a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Functional Medicine to further his understanding of how our nutrition and environmental exposures affect our health. After living and practicing in Miami and Chicago he started his civilian, military career working on a submarine base in Groton, Connecticut, and at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
While working for the United States military, Dr. Powell worked with the pediatric fitness team to help children with weight and nutrition challenges, taught pediatric advanced life support (PALS) courses, and was the medical director of the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) which helped to ensure that the military family members with special needs would be placed in locations that could care for all of their medical issues. Dr. Powell relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada three years ago to enhance his love of the great outdoors. When not working, Dr. Powell enjoys hiking, exercising, playing tennis, and skiing at local resorts.
Dr. Natasa Mihic
Pediatrician
Dr. Natasa Mihic is a board-certified Pediatrician and a fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics and serving our community for over fifteen years. She received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2000 graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors.
She spent time volunteering in the community including at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada and Catholic Charities. Dr. Mihic subsequently attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine where she received her MD in 2007 with honors. She completed her Internship and Residency in Pediatrics at the University of Arizona, Tucson in 2010. She has also been an adjunct faculty at Touro University, as well as working closely with the Family Residents from the Valley Health System.
She enjoys spending time with her family, and traveling in her free time.
Ian Childs
Physician Assistant
Ian has been practicing as a certified Physician Assistant in pediatrics since 2010. He completed his undergraduate pre-medical education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Studies. Ian completed his medical education at the University of New England and received a Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies where he graduated in the top of his class. He is a PA member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Society of Physician Assistants in Pediatrics.
When Ian is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and serving in his church community. He and his wife Alexis are proud parents of 5 children. Ian is an avid cyclist and can be found riding his bike to work a few days a week. Ian loves to be in nature, whether that be on his bike, hiking at Red Rock, or taking his family to the beach. Music is a passion for Ian. He enjoys playing guitar and enjoying music with friends and family.
Recently, Ian enjoyed an opportunity to bring his medical and french skills together to help provide medical care to under-served children in Port au Prince, Haiti during a medical mission trip.
Ian loves serving his little patients here in Las Vegas and has been privileged to watch them grow up healthy and strong over the past ten years that he’s been at Wee Care Pediatrics.
TISHA FUJINO
Nurse Practitioner
Tisha is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has spent her nursing career caring for children in Las Vegas. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNLV she spent 5 years as a Registered Nurse on the pediatric floor at Sunrise Children’s Hospital during which she completed her Master of Science in Nursing also at UNLV.
Her first position as a Nurse Practitioner was at Children’s Urology Associates where she spent 9 years in the Dysfunctional Voiding Clinic helping kids with incontinence and then the next 8 years at Desert Pediatrics before joining the family at Wee Care Pediatrics.
Originally from Hawaii, Tisha also holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition-Dietetics from the University of Hawaii and has worked as a Nutrition Counselor at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Honolulu.
In her free time, Tisha enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and going to sporting events including supporting her son at archery competitions and her daughter with travel hockey.
AMANDA KNOWLES
Physician Assistant
Amanda is a Las Vegas Native who received her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University in 2017. She has been practicing in pediatrics ever since. Before PA school, she worked in physical therapy and was the athletic trainer at Palo Verde High School for 4.5 years after graduating summa cum laude with her Bachelor in Athletic Training from Southern Utah University in 2010. Both careers have offered her the ability to watch her patients grow over time which is her favorite part of practicing medicine. She is excited to continue that trend with the patients at Wee Care Pediatrics.
When not in the clinic you can find her with her high school sweetheart of a husband and their 3 boys and little daughter. She loves crafting adventures for her family both in town and with fun travels domestically and internationally. She also decorates sugar cookies for special celebrations and loves listening to podcasts or audiobooks.
Teresa Baker
Physician Assistant
Teresa has been a certified Physician Assistant in primary care since graduating from the top of her class with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Touro University, Nevada in 2018. Prior to her career as a PA, she was active in the Las Vegas valley community for 15 years, and in Southern California for 15 years prior, with a particular passion for underserved and underrepresented youth.
She has worked or volunteered with the Laurel Foundation, serving children with HIV/AIDS, the Special Olympics of Southern Nevada, serving children and adults with mental or physical challenges, and The Shade Tree shelter for homeless women and children. During her training at Touro University, she was the volunteer coordinator, organizing opportunities for her classmates to engage with the community.
Teresa has a background in entertainment and hospitality, and has worked around the world. She has traveled to 47 states and US territories, and over 40 countries. This shaped her ideals and values, and influenced her decision to serve on a medical mission in Cambodia in 2018, that brought healthcare to thousands of men, women, and children who had never received care before. She is excited to bring that passion and dedication to Wee Care Pediatrics.
Jean-Pierre Petrel
Physician Assistant
Jean-Pierre Petrel II was born and raised in Henderson, Nevada. He completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University and his Master’s and Physician Assistant programs at Touro University, Nevada.
He started with Wee Care Pediatrics in May 2024 after graduating in November 2023. Pierre is fully bilingual in Spanish and English and teaches self-defense for kids at a nonprofit gym in Henderson. When he’s not conducting physicals on babies, Pierre is practicing jiu-jitsu, learning to golf, and mountain biking. He loves to travel and hike.
Emily Merchen
Physician Assistant
Emily is a certified physician assistant who grew up in Nebraska, where she received an undergraduate degree in biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Throughout college, Emily spent multiple summers working on a healthcare team at a summer camp where her passion for kids grew. She has volunteered at free health clinics, various youth science events, and events for people with disabilities.
Before PA school, she worked in vaccine research at the University of Michigan. She attended Des Moines University in Iowa for PA school and then moved to Las Vegas with her fiance, looking for a career in which she could provide care to young patients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and soaking up the Southwest sunshine.
Britney Simanek
Nurse Practitioner
Originally from Wisconsin, Britney and her family moved to Vegas for new opportunities. At a young age, Britney was blessed to care for her blind grandmother, which she wears as a badge of honor and would carry her forward in her healthcare career. She went to Nevada State University where she obtained her Bachelor’s in nursing and found a place where she belonged. Eventually, she obtained her Master’s degree at Touro University. Britney found her calling in pediatrics 6 years ago and has never looked back.
In her free time, she loves to read and cuddle up with her dogs. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, camping, dancing, and going to concerts.
Breanna Kennelly
Nurse Practitioner
Breanna is one of our Family Nurse Practitioners. She graduated from Chamberlain University in 2023 with her FNP and obtained double board certification with credentials from both the ANCC and the AANP. She also received a master’s degree in Executive Nursing with distinction in 2020 from Chamberlain University.
She initially started her nursing career in 2011 working in Pediatric Emergency/Trauma/Critical Care where she continues to specialize. She maintains current certifications in ACLS, PALS, TNCC & ENPC. Additionally, in 2024 she obtained certification through the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics for the administration of neurotoxins and dermal fillers for therapy and management of chronic conditions.
She enjoys quality family time with her family of 4. They enjoy travelling, boating, attending sports events like pro football and baseball, cooking, and family gatherings.
ALISON HILDEBRANDT
Physician Assistant
Alison is a certified Physician Assistant born and raised in California. She earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Dominican University of California, graduating top of her class and earning membership in the Pi Alpha Honor Society. Prior to PA school, Alison received a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from UCLA.
She has worked in urgent care since graduating Physician Assistant school in 2021. Her earlier career includes experience as a research assistant, contributing to several neuroscience publications and presentations. She is excited to continue her career working in pediatric urgent care.
In her free time, you can find Alison reading, trying out a new recipe, or spending time with her cat Luna.
Alisha taylor
Nurse Practitioner
Alisha Taylor is a compassionate and dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong passion for pediatric care. She brings over a decade of clinical experience in Women’s Services—including labor and delivery, nursery, and postpartum care—to her role at Wee Care Pediatrics.
Alisha began her nursing journey by earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Utah University in 2013. Her passion for education and growth led her to complete a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University in 2023, and she earned her Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate from Touro University Nevada in 2025.
As a proud mother of eight, Alisha combines clinical expertise with real-world parenting experience, offering a warm, understanding, and knowledgeable approach to caring for children and their families.
lINDSEY UGALE
Nurse Practitioner
Originally from Hawai‘i, Lindsey learned early in life the value of serving her community. She began her healthcare career in various roles before entering the nursing profession in 2013.
She earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Grand Canyon University and continued her studies to complete her Post-Master’s Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Touro University.
Lindsey finds great fulfillment in working with children and supporting their loved ones. She strives to create a welcoming, positive environment where care is both meaningful and enjoyable. It is her strong belief that empowering families through education and collaboration is essential to helping young patients thrive.
Lindsey brings a broad range of clinical experience, including acute care, primary care, and nursing education. She has also collaborated with community leaders to secure grants supporting patient education in chronic disease management.
Outside of the clinic, Lindsey enjoys traveling, going on food adventures, and spending quality time with her family.
Estela aguilar
Nurse Practitioner
Estela earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Touro University, where she developed a strong foundation in advanced practice nursing. Following her graduate studies, she has worked for pediatric clinics across the Las Vegas valley, where she has continued to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to children and families.
With a strong commitment to family-centered practice, Estela emphasizes building meaningful relationships with the families she serves. She has a special clinical interest in early childhood development and strives to support healthy growth and long-term well-being in every child. Estela is a proud member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and actively pursues ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest in medical research and practice.
Estela is committed to delivering high-quality care tailored to the needs of each family. She is honored to serve the Las Vegas community and remains deeply grateful for the trust placed in her by parents and caregivers.
In her free time she enjoys walking her dog, spending time with her family, and reading.
hannah imasa
Physician Assistant
Hannah is a board certified Physician Assistant who started her career in family medicine when she lived in New Jersey. She moved to Las Vegas in 2007 with her family and switched to pediatrics, and since then, she has been dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the little ones ever since.
Hannah earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Rutgers University. She later completed her Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies through a joint program with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Seton Hall University in 1998.
With a strong foundation in both family practice and pediatrics, Hannah brings a well-rounded, empathetic approach to healthcare, valuing education, preventive care, and building lasting relationships with patients and families.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and beloved Shih Tzu, Henri. She loves to travel—especially cruising—and cherishes opportunities to explore new places and cultures with her family.
