Kare Kids Functional and Integrative Pediatric Care

Kare Kids Functional and Integrative Pediatric Care

The health of our children has never been more important—or more at risk. In today’s world, children face more health challenges than ever before, from rising rates of chronic illnesses to increasing behavioral and developmental concerns. At Kare Health & Wellness, we believe our kids deserve better.

That’s why we’ve expanded our pediatric care and launched Kare Kids – Functional & Integrative Pediatrics, a dedicated pediatric department designed to provide a different, more effective approach to children’s healthcare.

Why Pediatric Care Needs a New Approach

The statistics are alarming. Childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s, with nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. now classified as obese.

Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult-only disease, is now on the rise in children. Asthma, autoimmune disorders, ADHD, and anxiety are more common than ever before.

In fact, about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. has a developmental disability, and mental health issues among kids have skyrocketed in the last decade.

With conventional medicine often focusing on managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes, many parents are left searching for better solutions for their children’s health. That’s where Functional and Integrative Pediatric Care comes in.

What Makes Kare Kids Different?

Kare Kids is not just another pediatric clinic. It’s a revolution in children’s healthcare. Our approach goes beyond the traditional model of treating symptoms with prescriptions.

Instead, we focus on uncovering why children are experiencing health concerns in the first place.

Using advanced diagnostic testing, nutrition-focused treatments, and natural therapies, our team works to address underlying issues that contribute to common childhood conditions like:

  • Frequent Illness & Immune Dysfunction
  • Chronic Ear Infections & Allergies
  • ADHD
  • Anxiety & Behavioral Disorders
  • Digestive Issues & Food Sensitivities
  • Obesity & Metabolic Disorders
  • Hormonal Imbalances & Early Puberty
  • Autoimmune Conditions & Inflammation

We recognize that no two children are the same. That’s why every child at Kare Kids receives a personalized approach to healthcare, designed to support long-term wellness and growth.

Meet the Kare Kids Team

Kare Kids with Swayze Functional Integrative Pediatric Care in Springfield MissouriJennifer Passanise, FNP-BC, leads our pediatric team with nearly three decades of experience in both conventional and functional medicine. Her background includes psychiatric pediatrics, school nursing, pediatric neurosurgery, and university teaching, giving her a deep understanding of complex pediatric conditions.

Jennifer is passionate about going beyond “quick fix” medicine to help parents understand the root causes of their children’s health issues. Whether it’s chronic digestive problems, immune system dysfunction, or behavioral concerns, she works closely with families to develop individualized treatment plans that get real, lasting results.

Supporting her in this mission is Jessi Jewell, WHNP-BC, a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with expertise in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum health. She plays a key role in ensuring that both moms and babies receive the care they need for a strong, healthy foundation.

Our dedicated clinical assistants, Mollie Hardin and Sunny Sigman, help create a warm, welcoming environment for families, ensuring that every child feels comfortable and cared for. And, of course, we can’t forget our furry team member—Swayze, our therapy dog—who provides comfort and emotional support to our pediatric patients!

Functional Medicine for Every Stage of Childhood

At Kare Kids, we provide care beyond the basics—helping families navigate every stage of a child’s health, from preconception through adolescence. Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, managing a newborn’s wellness, or guiding a teenager through hormonal changes, our team is here to offer expert care and support.

We Offer:

  • Preconception & Pregnancy Support – A healthy child starts with a healthy parent. We offer guidance for expecting and new parents to optimize prenatal health.
  • Newborn & Infant Care – From breastfeeding challenges to sleep support, we provide holistic strategies to ensure optimal early development.
  • Toddler & Childhood Health – As children grow, we focus on supporting their immune systems, gut health, and emotional well-being.
  • Teen & Adolescent Wellness – With the rise in hormonal imbalances, mental health struggles, and metabolic disorders, we help teens establish habits that set them up for lifelong health.

Making Pediatric Care More Accessible

We know that finding high-quality pediatric care can be overwhelming, especially for families looking for an alternative to conventional medicine. That’s why we’ve made our services as accessible as possible with flexible payment options to fit your family’s needs.

Membership Plans – A cost-effective way to access high-quality pediatric care with built-in perks and predictable costs.

Fee-for-Service Visits – Pay per visit for flexible, on-demand care when your child needs it.

Whether you’re looking for primary pediatric care or support for a specific health concern, Kare Kids offers options that work for every family.

The Future of Pediatric Healthcare is Here

We believe every child deserves the best possible start in life. In a time when children’s health is more at risk than ever, we’re committed to providing comprehensive, integrative care that helps kids thrive—not just survive.

If you’re looking for a different approach to your child’s healthcare—one that focuses on long-term wellness rather than short-term fixes—Kare Kids is here for you.

Now Accepting New Patients

Ready to take the next step in your child’s health journey? Click here to learn more about how to become a Kare Kids patient.

Keri Sutton - RN, MSN, ANP-C, AGPCNP-BC

Keri is a Nurse Practitioner and founder at Kare Health & Wellness. Keri's pursuit of personal answers to her own health issues landed her in the top of Functional Medicine. As she utilized functional Medicine to get her own health and life back, she made it her life's work to bring this empowering form of healthcare to as many people as she can.

About Us

Our mission is to transform lives by inspiring hope, empowering our patients and encouraging wellness to prevent, and ultimately cure, disease.

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