Deb Winburn-Antovoni MD, FAAP
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a doctor. Growing up on a small farm in Northeast Missouri, lambs, cats, dogs, and calves were some of my first patients. As I grew older, I realized that I not only loved my interactions with people, but also possessed a deep passion for helping those in need. After high school graduation, I entered the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s 6 year medical program. It was a perfect match for me! Upon graduation, I served 9 years of active duty in the United States Navy.
Through that experience, I was able to experience living on the east coast, overseas in Japan, and finally, in Chicago. I was able to practice medicine as a Pediatric Intern, an Emergency Medicine Physician (General Medical Officer), and an Assistant Team Director in the Medical Clinic and the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. All three experiences contributed to my overall ability to treat the whole patient as a primary care resource, and to my deep sense of patriotism for the United States and for the men and women who serve to protect it. One type of unique overseas medical experience afforded by my time in the Navy was my participation in Combat Casualty drills. I learned that I possess the ability to remain calm in situations literally overflowing with chaos. What better training for a life as a mom and Pediatrician! Following my military experience, I returned to Children’s Mercy Hospital where I finished my Pediatric Residency.
Hands down the best “learning” opportunity of my life has been motherhood! I have 4 great kids-Sarah, Andrew, Chris and Mila. It is hard for me to believe that my daughter is already 25, and that I have been in Primary Care for nearly 25 years now. I still marvel at how much I love my job, and how much there is left to learn! Trying to balance the challenges of parenting with a full-time practice has not only stretched me to new limits, but also is deeply satisfying. I cannot imagine doing anything else!!
I hope that I bring a unique combination of diverse past practice opportunities, knowledge of current scientific research, the practical experience of being the mom of 4 kids-one with special needs, and the integration of what you my patients and families have taught me. Thank you so much for the privilege to partner with you in care of your kids!
– Deborah K. Winburn-Antovoni MD, FAAP
Todd Bush MD, FAAP
Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, I knew I loved medicine at a young age. As a child I struggled with allergies and asthma (“attacks” as they were called back then). Frequent visits to the doctor’s office, emergency rooms and two hospitalizations left a big impression on me. Health is not something to be taken for granted. I experienced first hand just how critical it is to have compassionate and knowledgeable doctors and nurses looking out for me.
After college at the University of Nebraska, I went on to UNMC in Omaha for medical school. A rural pediatrics rotation in Hastings Nebraska, taught me that being a pediatrician doesn’t stop when the office closes. These doctors were dedicated to their community as well. Providing access to patients is critical, because medical needs don’t always happen during “banker’s hours”. This is why I choose to work a full time schedule (and beyond!) to meet my patient’s needs.
Residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital introduced me to how expansive and complex pediatric medicine can be. I have a great many mentors from that hospital that are now just a phone call away, available to help understand this ever changing specialty. I take pride in staying abreast of the field of pediatrics and have continued to learn the art of medicine for over 20 years from my colleagues, my parents, and most of all my patients!
Children’s Mercy also introduced me to my lovely wife, Teri. She was working as a nurse when I had the good fortune to rotate through the Neonatal ICU. Raising four children puts life and work into perspective like no other experience. Perhaps, unique to being a father is the shared understanding I have with my parents of the trials and tribulations of parenthood. It’s never easy being a parent, but such an important role and responsibility! Empathy for the families I care for will be woven into all that I do as your pediatrician.
Compassion for my patients, commitment to my community, access for my families, and knowledge of the specialty of pediatrics are what I have to offer as your child’s pediatrician. Thank you for considering me, and I hope to see you soon!
– Todd Bush MD, FAAP
Sarah Jensen MD, FAAP
From the age of five, I have dreamed of becoming a Pediatrician. My mother, a NICU nurse and single mom, was my inspiration and my biggest supporter. She always encouraged me to reach for the stars and dream big. In middle school and high school, I started working in the summertime. I would always choose jobs working with children: babysitting, lifeguarding, and giving swim lessons. I knew that working with these fun little people was the right path for me!
In high school I learned of UMKC’s six-year medical school. It was an honor to be accepted into the program. Completing an accelerated bachelors and medical school was probably the most challenging experience of my life, but I believe it prepared me for the challenges ahead. I became not only a great student, but also a better clinician thanks to the time I spent in the hospitals and clinics at such an early place in my career.
For residency I attended the University of Kansas Pediatric Residency Program. In a partnership with Children’s Mercy Hospital, I completed educational rotations at both hospitals. I believe this combined experience helped me see many sides to healthcare and allowed me to better navigate both hospital systems. My favorite part of residency was witnessing the resiliency of children that are ill. No matter what they have been through, they have a smile on their face. It truly inspires me to be the best doctor and person I can be!
I grew up in the Kansas City Northland and moved to Johnson County in 2015. My husband and I fell in love with the area and made this our home. Our son Jack was born in 2020 and we navigated parenthood in the time of a pandemic. Our daughter Claire was born in 2022 and Kate in 2024. We are enjoying raising them and watching them grow. I appreciate working closely with parents and partnering with them in their child’s health and wellness. It is such an honor to care for each and every child. I have a special interest in breastfeeding and tongue ties and hope my personal and professional experiences can help other families with feeding concerns. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your lives, and I look forward to meeting you!
– Sarah Jensen MD, FAAP
Carlos Morales, APRN
I am a Kansas native and come from a very large, close-knit family. My friends and family call me the “baby whisperer”, because I have a way with children. Early on, my grandma urged me to work with kids. I took her advice, and I’ve loved every bit of it.
After completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas, I spent several years working with chronically ill children including two years as a pediatric hospice nurse. For the next 8 years. I worked in a pediatric clinic as a staff nurse. In 2006, I graduated with honors from the University of Missouri Kansas City, receiving my Masters in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Since that time, I have worked in pediatric primary care — a great experience for me.
I have been married to my wife, Janet, for 26 years. We have two wonderful children: Morrigan and Logan. I look forward to getting to know each of you and building lasting relationships here at Premier Pediatrics. Hope to see you soon.
– Carlos Morales, APRN
Stacey Shoman, APRN
I was born and spent much of my childhood in New Jersey, prior to moving to the Kansas City area in high school. I never thought I’d remain in the Midwest, however, I have loved the sense of community that I feel here, and have stayed to raise my own family.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to work in medicine. This led me to Pittsburg State University, where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Desiring a career in pediatrics, I accepted a position at Children’s Mercy Hospital after graduation, where I would remain for 11 years. During my time at Children’s Mercy, I gained valuable experience and insight into many different acute and chronic pediatric illnesses. After obtaining my Master’s Degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in 2006, I decided it was time to go into primary care. I have worked in the community ever since, and have enjoyed getting to know my patients and watching them grow.
My husband, Andy, and I stay busy with our two children, Sam and Addie, and our three crazy dogs! We enjoy traveling, walking the dogs at the park, and even playing chauffeur to the many children’s activities we attend. I am excited to be a part of the Premier Pediatrics team, and look forward to getting to know you all soon!
– Stacey Shoman, APRN
Paige Regan, APRN
My passion for pediatrics started at the young age of six when I was blessed with my very own little brother. I loved caring for him and watching him grow up. To nobody’s surprise, I continued to be the first to volunteer to babysit, to tutor children, and to eventually pursue a career in healthcare.
Originally from Iowa, I moved to Kansas City to attain a nursing degree from MidAmerica Nazarene’s accelerated program. While I enjoyed all the different specialties within the program, I was especially drawn to the tiniest of humans, and began working in the NICU at Children’s Mercy. I spent six years caring for families during their most difficult and most exciting time, but always found myself wishing I could be there to see each of my patients develop into their own special personalities. This led me to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where I achieved a master’s degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with an emphasis on primary care.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Premier Pediatrics team, and look forward to working together to help your child be the happiest and healthiest version of themselves!
-Paige Mulgrew, APRN
Maddie Ehlers, APRN
I was born and raised a Kansas City gal. If there are two things you should know about me, it is my love for travel and people. I recently visited my 5th continent, 30th country and yes, Antarctica is on the to do list!
Excluding acting as a second mother to my little sister, my journey with kids started at the age of 11. Simply because that was the earliest age you could become a certified babysitter. After years of watching kids throughout the neighborhood, I became an assistant teacher at a local daycare. I had no idea I had so much to learn from the little ones. Soon after, I pursued a nursing degree at the University of Kansas – go Jayhawks! I continued my journey to care for children in Guatemala and Peru on medical missions. The experiences taught me how to navigate language barriers, diversity and limited resources. Since then, I have spent the past 5 years at the University of Kansas Health System as a bedside nurse, working with adults of all specialties. Throughout this experience I have learned how to manage a variety of patient populations. As my passion shifted to primary care and further involvement in my community, I sought out a degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. In my final semester at Maryville University, I completed my pediatric rotation at Premier Pediatrics. I left with not only clinical hours, but an entire office of mentors and friends.
I’m very excited to now be a part of this family! I’m grateful for the opportunity to leave a positive impact on your kids’ lives. I look forward to meeting each of you, caring for your kiddos and ensuring you always feel heard.
– Madison Ehlers, APRN
Ashlee Richardson, APRN
I have called Kansas City home since high school. I grew up in various areas in the country, as my father was in the Navy, and the military moved us often. I consider myself very lucky to have been exposed to many types of people and places. I have always had a love for education and caring for others, which led me on a clear path towards the medical field.
I completed nursing school at The University of Kansas. Through clinical experiences, I immediately fell in love with the NICU’s patient population and environment. Soon after graduation I started working in the NICU at KU. I was able to gain valuable experience for nearly eight years. The time I spent caring for the tiniest, but mightiest, patients was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I learned the importance of educating and empowering parents in their child’s care. I gained my passion for providing family-centered, preventative, and quality care. Eventually, I decided to further my education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and dreamed of working with the pediatric population as a Nurse Practitioner.
I am beyond excited to join the Premier Pediatrics Team! I consider it a great honor to participate in your child’s healthcare. Ensuring your children are seen, heard, and set up for complete wellness is my priority. I am thrilled to get to know you all soon!
-Ashlee Richardson, APRN