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
Why we are here?
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 three locations throughout the valley, and most recently, we have added our Pediatric urgent care named Over the Rainbow.
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
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 and Staff
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.
Ian Childs
Physician Assistant
Ian is proud to be at Wee Care Pediatrics team for the past 11 years. He 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.
Katie Kofford
Physician Assistant
Katelyn “Katie” has been practicing pediatrics as a certified attending physician since 2017. While growing up in Reno, NV, she earned a degree in kinesiology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2011. She was very involved in her school and community being a cheerleader for UNLV . She received her Masters in Medical Assistant Studies from Touro University Nevada. She has been practicing at Wee Care’s East office since opening in 2019.
Katie enjoys spending time with her family and staying active. She and her husband have 3 young children. She loves running and recently completed her first half marathon in the summer of 2021. She loves trying new restaurants, baking and hiking. She also loves trying out DIY craft projects.
She loves the relationships she has created with her patients and their families at Wee Care.
Vanessa Hernandez
Nurse Practitioner
Vanessa has been practicing in Pediatrics as a Nurse Practitioner since 2020. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Nursing Major in Family Nurse Practitioner from University of Phoenix in 2019. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at University of Batangas in the Philippines and started working as a Registered Nurse in Los Angeles, California. She moved back to Nevada in 2011 to be with her family. In her 13 years of Experience as a Registered Nurse she has worked in different fields of Nursing, which includes, NeuroSurgical Intensive Critical Care in a Level 1 Trauma Hospital, Adjunct Faculty/Clinical Instructor for Nursing Students, Urgent Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Medical Surgical, Skilled Nursing Facility, Outpatient Wound Care, and Pediatric Home Health Care.
She has been married to her husband for more than 21 yrs. She loves spending time with her daughter whom she considered her best friend. She is also a fur mom to her fur babies ( Memezu, Hermes & Charlie). Outside of work she likes to do Zumba, Karaoke, and Meditate as a form of relaxation. She tries to eat healthy but could never resist her favorite dessert which is the Banana Split from Baskin and Robbins.
Working with kids, Vanessa was reminded of many life lessons, such as enjoying life’s simple pleasures,celebrating little success everyday, and showing love in the purest form at all times. She believes that human kindness, and humility are the best virtues in life.
Cynthia Javier
Nurse Practitioner
Cynthia Javier is one of our newest additions to our Over The Rainbow group and has a love and passion for pediatrics. She was born and raised here in Las Vegas and a native to the Henderson community. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Nevada, Las Vegas and graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University as a Family Nurse Practitioner. With over 7 years of bedside experience, she has received countless Daisy Award nominations throughout her nursing career due to her commitment to providing compassionate care to patients and their family members. She is whole-heartedly invested in continuing to provide the best care and attention to your child and family as a Nurse Practitioner.
In her spare time, Cynthia is an avid baker and cook, writer, and loves to stay active through hiking, yoga, bootcamps, and indoor cycling. She is also a cellist and has played in UNLV’s Symphony Orchestra and chamber groups as a music performance major. Cynthia is happily married to her husband of 5 years and they have a rambunctious, energetic toddler together in addition to their two pups.
Cynthia has thoroughly enjoyed being part of Over the Rainbow and is here to care for the needs of your family and child.
Karissa Shields
Physician Assistant
Karissa started practicing in January 2015 in pediatrics. She received her Masters in Assisting Medical Studies at Touro University, Nevada in November 2014. She is originally from California but has lived in Las Vegas most of her life. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2011 from McPherson College in McPherson, KS. Since she has lived in Las Vegas most of her life, she went to Rancho High School for their medical program… Go Rams!
She is married to her high school sweetheart. They have two children and a dog, Petey. Her family does off-road racing in Class 5, and when they’re not racing, they enjoy driving other off-road vehicles for fun. She also enjoys reading and learning about investing.
Karissa is proud to be a part of this growing Las Vegas community. Las Vegas has been her home since she was 7 years old. She is honored to take care of our Wee Care children and watch them grow.
Lindsey Phillip
Nurse Practitioner
Lindsey is a Family Nurse Practitioner originally from Louisiana. She has been working in the nursing profession since 2011. She graduated from Touro University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Nursing. She received her undergraduate degree from UALR and Grand Canyon University. Lindsey started her Nurse Practitioner career initially in Family Practice. She is also a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She enjoys attending conferences, meetings, and various continuing educational opportunities to practice the most current, evidenced-based medicine. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her dog, family, and friends. She enjoys helping out in the community with various volunteer opportunities. Other passions include yoga, reading, hiking, traveling, dancing, and trying new restaurants. Grateful to be serving the Las Vegas community.
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.
Amanda Hellman
Nurse Practitioner
Amanda began her career in nursing working in orthopedics, emergency services, and occupational health. She received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Chamberlain University, in order to be more involved in the treatment process and help manage the care of her patients. She is originally from the East Coast, but the love of the warm, sunny weather brought her to Las Vegas. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenage children, and two dogs. When Amanda is not working, she can be found cheering on her son’s hockey team, hiking, or doing yoga with her daughter. She also loves going to sporting events and listening to live music. Amanda is excited to be working at Over the Rainbow Urgent Care, where she can foster her passion for helping others.
