Village Pediatrics in Prairie Village
At Village Pediatrics, we believe that exceptional pediatric care begins with connection, compassion, and continuity. From your baby’s first visit to your teen’s last check-up, our experienced team is here to support your family at every stage. As an affiliate of Children’s Mercy Kansas City, we bring trusted expertise with a personalized, small-practice feel right in your neighborhood.
Mission
At Village Pediatrics, our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive healthcare for children in our community supporting families from birth through adolescence with evidence-based care, kindness, and a personal connection that lasts through every stage of childhood.
Vision
We envision a community where every child has access to nurturing, personalized pediatric care where parents feel confident, kids feel safe, and lifelong health begins in a place that feels like home.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Lance B. Slaymaker, DO, MHA, FAAP
Family Pediatrician
Lance B. Slaymaker, DO, MHA, FAAP
Dr. Slaymaker is in office Monday – Thursday.
Dr. Slaymaker completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, earned a graduate degree in Health Administration from Duke University, attended medical school at the University of Health Sciences, and completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy. Following residency, he worked urgent care at Children’s Mercy for three years while building a practice at Village Pediatrics, where he has had the privilege of practicing for the past 25 years.
“What I value most about my work is caring for patients in partnership with their parents. I believe the best care comes from working hand in hand with families, building trust, and supporting children through every stage of growth. It is incredibly fulfilling to care for newborns and then watch them grow through childhood, adolescence, and into young adulthood, developing lasting relationships with both patients and their families along the way.”
Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and their dogs, and he feels deeply grateful to do a job he truly loves.
Amanda Hostetler, MD, FAAP
Family Pediatrician
Amanda Hostetler MD, FAAP
Dr. Amanda Hostetler joined Village Pediatrics in the Fall of 2003. She is taking new patients and is in the office Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
She has always wanted to be a doctor, citing growing up with a special needs sibling as her inspiration. Given that her parents worked closely with a great team of doctors to keep her brother happy and healthy, she knew she wanted to be able to give families similar support as part of her career.
Dr. Hostetler graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at the University of California-San Francisco and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
“I love that children are so resilient. I enjoy the challenge of looking at the entire scope of a child’s life – social, emotional and physical – when helping parents solve a problem. And I very much enjoy how funny kids are – they make me laugh every single day.”
Dr. Hostetler and her husband, Jeremy have three children. She is a big sports fan and cheers for all KC teams, but especially the Jayhawks and Royals. She enjoys reading, owning too many houseplants and snuggling with her dog, Roger.
Paul Lively DO
Family Pediatrician
Paul Lively DO
Dr. Paul Lively joined Village Pediatrics in the summer of 2024. He currently sees patients on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Lively received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and then earned his Master of Arts degree at Denver Seminary. He graduated from the University of Health Sciences and completed his residency in pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. He is board-certified in Pediatrics.
His wife, Dr. Melanie L. Lively, also a pediatrician, teaches school and together they have four adult children.
Dr. Lively has special interests in dermatology, asthma/allergies, behavioral conditions, and infectious diseases. He enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and extended family, following sporting competitions of any type, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. He is very happy to be joining Village Pediatrics!
Lara Sullivan, MD, FAAP
Family Pediatrician
Dr. Lara Sullivan MD, FAAP
Dr. Lara Sullivan joined Village Pediatrics in the spring of 2018. She is our ugent care and walk-in physician on Wednesday and Thursday from 4–7 p.m., Friday all day, and select Saturdays.
Dr. Sullivan joined Village Pediatrics in the spring of 2018. She is our urgent care and walk-in physician in the evenings and on the weekends.
Dr. Sullivan was raised here in Kansas City and has lived most of her life in Prairie Village and Leawood. She attended Miami University (Ohio) for undergraduate school and then got her medical degree at the University of Kansas. She did her residency at Children’s Mercy and has been doing Pediatric Urgent Care ever since.
“I found out I was pregnant with my daughter on the first day of medical school, and knew pretty quickly that I enjoyed being with and caring for the little ones! Kids are resilient and fun and they have much cuter feet!!”
Dr. Sullivan and her husband, Brogan, have 4 grown kids and have just recently had the joy of becoming grandparents. When she isn’t working, Dr. Sullivan loves being with the grandkids, reading, traveling, trying new restaurants and playing Mahjong.
Janna Willhaus, APRN, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Janna Willhaus
Janna is in office Monday(am), Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Janna Willhaus is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, receiving her certification from the National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses. Janna received her training from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, where she graduated with honors, and received her Master’s in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in 2000. Her undergraduate work was completed at Truman State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She graduated Summa cum Laude and was president of her class.
Janna spent two years on the infant and toddler unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital, completed an internship at Children’s Hospital in Dallas, and served several years on the local board of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
Janna loves sports, now mostly watching rather than playing! She’s an active member of her church, is involved in community activities and volunteers at a local pregnancy clinic.
Kim Ogden, MSN, APRN, BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Kim Ogden
Kim is in office Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kim Ogden is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children from infancy through adolescence. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from University of Kansas and is board-certified in Family Primary Care.
With a background in both clinical nursing and advanced practice, Kim brings 22 years of healthcare experience to the team. She is passionate about child development, preventive care, and partnering with families to promote lifelong health and wellness.
Outside of the office, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys and is an avid fan of all their sporting events.
Kristen Wastler, PNP-BC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Kristen Wastler
Kristen is in office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Kristen Wastler, PNP-BC, has devoted her career to caring for children and families—spending 20 years as a pediatric RN at Village Pediatrics before becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, a role she has enjoyed for the past 7 years. A Maryville University graduate and board-certified PNP, Kristen combines decades of experience with a warm, approachable style that helps kids (and parents) feel at ease—whether through clinical expertise, a reassuring smile, or the occasional sticker.
When she’s not at work, Kristen loves traveling, hiking, and spending time with her husband, three adult daughters, and a close-knit circle of family and friends. She believes laughter is the best medicine (though bubbles and band-aids deserve honorable mention).
Jessica Hughes PNP-BC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Jessica Hughes
For more than two decades, Jessica has been patching up scraped knees, calming worried parents, and showing that compassionate, personal care makes all the difference. She has always enjoyed taking care of kids throughout their lifetime, from newborns to teens, and finds joy in supporting families as they grow.
Jessica earned her BSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln and her graduate degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and has been practicing pediatric care ever since.
Married and the proud mom of three sons, Jessica loves all things outdoors, from sports to sunshine. Whether at work or at home, she believes in the power of laughter, family, and fresh air.
Melanie Kramer APRN, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Melanie Kramer
Melanie comes from a medical background, working in her mom’s pediatric office during high school, and attended Saint Louis University for her BSN and her MSN after graduating from KU with a double degree in Human Biology and Psychology.
Melanie began her nursing career at Olathe Medical Center as an Adult Med / Surg nurse before moving to Children’s Mercy Hospital – Kansas as an inpatient nurse. Melanie obtained her Masters in Nursing and returned to Village Pediatrics, where she was previously a student obtaining clinical experience, in the summer of 2009.
“As I continue in my practice, I find that I really enjoy interacting with children of all ages, and helping support my patients and their parents during illness and health visits. Prevention practices and health education are very important components of my practice.”
Melanie lives in Lawrence with her husband, two elementary aged boys, and three dogs. She enjoys reading, gardening, pottery classes, Pokemon Go, volunteering with the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners, the PTA, and dragging her family on fun road trips.
Kara Jones, APRN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Kara Jones
Kara is in office Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
Kara previously worked as a nurse at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Born and raised in Kansas City, Kara attended Kansas State University before beginning her career in pediatric care. She’s known for her kind, approachable nature and her dedication to helping children stay happy and healthy. She works primarily urgent care hours.
Outside of work, Kara enjoys spending time with her two kids and three dogs. She loves family time, good dinners with friends, and vacations to new places. She loves all things KC and cheering on the K-State Wildcats!
Walk-in/Urgent Care
- Check symptoms first: When possible, start with the Symptom Checker on our website before calling.
- If your child needs care:
- You can visit us during or Walk-in or Urgent care hours.
- Walk-ins and Urgent Care are first-come, first-served and may close early if full.
- You may be directed to Children’s Mercy Urgent Care (for patients under 18) or the Emergency Room.
- Doctor on call: You can call our main number after hours to be connected to the Children’s Mercy Hospital Triage Line.
- Please save routine questions, prescription refills, and behavioral concerns for Mon–Fri regular hours.
Appointments
- Yearly Well Visits: Call to schedule your appointment for the best availability. Please call 4-8 weeks in advance to schedule, especially during the summer months!
- Late arrivals: Out of courtesy to our other patients, if you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment.
Well Child Visits
- Regular well exams are one of the most important ways to keep your child healthy as they grow. Even when your child feels fine, these visits give your pediatric provider a chance to monitor development, prevent illness, and address concerns early—before they become bigger problems.
Sick Child Visits
- Walk-in hours (sick visits only): Mon–Fri, 8 AM–12 PM, Urgent Care: Mon–Thu, 4–7 PM, Saturday 9-1 PM
- When more than one child needs to be seen, each child will need their own appointment time. We will not be able to add additional siblings to the same appointment time.
Policies
- If you are late 15 minutes or more from your scheduled appointment time, you will be asked to reschedule.
- Building management prevents us from having patients wait in the hallway. If you are here for a sick visit, please wait in the sick waiting room or in your car after checking in.
- Walk-In and Urgent Care: Depending on patient volume, it is sometimes necessary for us to cap walk-in and/or Urgent Care.
- Missed appointments: Please contact the office to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to avoid paying a fee of $40.
What our patients parents are saying…
Our greatest compliment is the trust our families place in us. From quick sick visits to long-term care, we’re honored to be a part of your child’s health journey. Hear from parents who’ve experienced our commitment to comfort, clarity, and comprehensive pediatric care.
“I have been very impressed with Village Pediatrics during my son’s first 7 months. 75-80% of the time we don’t have to wait more than 5-10 minutes for our appointment. All of the providers we have seen are knowledgeable and caring. The nurses did a great job with suctioning my son when he had RSV recently. I feel safe coming here and would recommend this practice.”
A Proud Mom
“We had our first visit to Village Pediatrics today for our 2 month old and couldn’t recommend it more! Our total visit time, including wait time, was maybe 45 minutes. The front desk staff and nurses we met with were super friendly, and the best part is that our pediatrician, Dr. Slaymaker, is very V-friendly and is a big pro-parent advocate when it comes to you deciding what is best for your child, as opposed to making you feel gaslighted if you challenge the standard V schedule. We can’t recommend this office/Dr. Slaymaker enough and are looking forward to our next visit. 😊”
A Proud Mom
We are a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). What does this mean?
A Patient-Centered Medical Home is a special kind of healthcare where:
- You have a main provider who knows you well and leads a team to care for you.
- Your healthcare is coordinated, meaning your provider makes sure you get the right care from specialists and other professionals when needed.
- The goal is to give you personalized, effective care that’s easy to access and affordable.
