About Kent Pediatrics Physicians
The staff at Kent Pediatrics is delighted that you have chosen us to work with you to keep your child healthy. As your medical home, we will provide comprehensive care for your children. Regular physical exams allow us to evaluate your child’s growth and development, immunize your child, discuss nutrition, safety and disease prevention and answer your questions. In addition, we will also care for your children when they are sick.
As your medical home, we know you. We have records of medications, allergies, and health issues. We ask that you call us before taking your child to a med center or emergency room. Often we can answer questions, save time and money, and provide excellent care with consistent follow-up.
We, the physicians at Kent Pediatrics, have similar practice standards and styles, and we encourage you to get to know all of us. However, if you have a preference, you may make an appointment with a specific physician, especially if scheduled well in advance. Obviously, this may be more difficult for sick visit appointments.
Kent Pediatrics' Doctors
Dr. Carissa Chase
Dr. Chase grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan and received her undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University. She completed her medical education at Wayne State University in Detroit and her pediatric residency at the University of Arizona in Tucson. She worked for a community health center in Tucson for 4 years before moving to Grand Rapids in June 2015. She started practicing at Kent Pediatrics in September of 2015. Dr. Chase is board certified in pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Chase spends her free time with her husband and three young children. She enjoys reading, traveling and running half marathons.
Dr. Gary VanDyken
Gary VanDyken received his undergraduate degree from Calvin College where he played on the golf team. He went to Medical school at Wayne State University. He did his residency at Butterworth hospital and is a board certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is also an associate clinical professor for Michigan State University.
He and his wife, Kent Pediatrics nurse Sandy, have 5 grown children. He enjoys golf and is currently working on running a marathon in every state!
Dr. Janette Morin Sims
Dr. Sims received her undergraduate degree from University of Michigan and Medical degree from Michigan State College of Human Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital.Dr. Sims is a board certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a clinical professor of pediatrics at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She has been practicing at Kent pediatrics since 1995.
She grew up in Alto Michigan. She is married with three young adult children. She enjoys, gardening, reading and yoga.
Dr. Joanne Peterson
Dr. Peterson grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Calvin College and University of Michigan Medical School. She returned to West Michigan to do her pediatrics residency at DeVos Children’s Hospital. She then worked as a staff pediatrician at Cherry Street Health Services for 5 years before joining Kent Pediatrics in 2007. Dr. Peterson is board certified in Pediatrics, and she is an Associate Clinical Professor at MSU College of Human Medicine, teaching medical students and residents in the office setting.
Dr. Peterson is married and has two school-age daughters. She enjoys volunteering with their school and church activities. She also enjoys reading, knitting, and golfing.
