Providers

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, I treated lambs, cats, dogs, and calves as 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 six-year medical program. It was a perfect match for me!

Upon graduation, I served nine years of active duty in the United States Navy. Through that experience, I had the opportunity to live on the East Coast, overseas in Japan, and finally, in Chicago. I practiced medicine as a pediatric intern, an emergency medicine physician (General Medical Officer), and an assistant team director in the medical clinic at the Naval Station Great Lakes training center. These roles contributed to my overall ability to treat the whole patient as a primary care provider, while deepening my sense of patriotism for the United States and the men and women who serve to protect it. A unique part of my overseas medical experience 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—excellent 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 four great kids—Sarah, Andrew, Chris and Mila. It is hard for me to believe that my daughter is already 32, and that I have been in primary care for over 30 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 not only stretches me to new limits but also brings deep satisfaction. 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 four 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

 

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 bachelor’s degree 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 hospitals and clinics at such an early stage in my career.

For residency, I attended the University of Kansas Medical Center’s 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 of health care and allowed me to better navigate both hospital systems. My favorite part of residency was witnessing the resilience of children who were ill. No matter what they had been through, they had 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. In 2020, our son Jack was born, and we learned to navigate parenthood in the midst 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

 

Sara Kuckelman, MD, FAAP (Accepting Patients August 2025)

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to work in a career dedicated to helping children. As soon as I was old enough, I took a babysitter course and began babysitting and nannying in my free time. I also spent time working as a counselor at a summer camp for children with special needs.

I attended college at the University of Kansas, initially intending to become a Clinical Child Psychologist. However, I discovered my love of biology while there and ended up obtaining a psychology degree while also completing pre-medicine coursework. I continued at the University of Kansas for medical school, where I cemented my desire to continue working with children as a pediatrician.

Residency at Children’s Mercy exposed me to a wide variety of conditions and I got my first chance to have my very own patients in my continuity clinic. I loved the ongoing relationship with patients and their families and determined primary care would be the perfect place for me.

I grew up overseas until 2007, when I moved to the Overland Park area. My extended family is all in the Kansas City metro area and I am excited to help little ones growing up in the same community I did. When not at work, you can find me with my husband, Mike, and cat, Jay. I also enjoy cheering on Kansas City sports teams and KU as well as listening to anything Taylor Swift. I love all ages and stages of child development and take special interest in infant concerns and mental health. Thank you for considering me for your child’s care, I look forward to meeting you!

– Sara Kuckelman, 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 eight 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 master’s 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 over 25 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 in New Jersey and spent much of my childhood there before 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 was always the first to volunteer for babysitting. I went on to tutor children and eventually pursued a career in health care.

Originally from Iowa, I moved to Kansas City to attain a nursing degree from MidAmerica Nazarene University’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 Regan, APRN

 

Maddie Ehlers, APRN

I was born and raised a Kansas City gal. If there are two things you should know about me, they are my love for travel and people. I recently visited my 5th continent and 37th country—and yes, Antarctica is on the to-do list!

Beyond acting as a second mother to my little sister, my journey with kids started at age 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 how much I would learn from the little ones. Soon after, I pursued a nursing degree at the University of Kansas—go Jayhawks! I continued my journey by caring for children in Guatemala and Peru on medical missions. The experiences taught me how to navigate language barriers, diversity, and limited resources. After that, I spent five years at the University of Kansas Health System as a bedside nurse, caring for adult patients across all medical specialties. Throughout this experience, I learned how to manage a variety of patient populations. As my passion shifted to primary care and further involvement in my community, I pursued 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 also 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

 

Todd Bush MD, FAAP (Retired February 2025)

Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, I knew from a young age that I loved medicine. As a child, I struggled with allergies and asthma (attacks, as they were called back then). Frequent visits to doctor’s offices and emergency rooms, plus two hospitalizations, left a big impression on me. Health is not something to be taken for granted. I experienced firsthand just how critical it is to have compassionate, knowledgeable doctors and nurses looking out for me.

After college at the University of Nebraska, I attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. 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 many great mentors from that hospital who are now just a phone call away, available to help me 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 30 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. Being a parent is never easy, but it’s 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