Welcome to the "Beach House"
Experience the genuine care and compassion of our team at Country Creek Pediatrics, affectionately known as "The Beach House." Our dedicated staff is committed to your child's well-being, providing expert care in a warm and welcoming environment.
La Sharon Samuels, MD, FAAP
I have wanted to be a pediatrician since I was 8 years old. My childhood pediatrician was magical. Children came in crying and always left smiling. My love for children and the desire to protect and nurture childhood led me to become the pediatrician that I am today. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Tulane University in New Orleans. I attended medical school at University of Wisconsin-Madison and received my Medical Doctorate degree in 1996.
I completed my pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan where I excelled and nurtured my talents and interest for well child care, child development, asthma, allergies, and childhood obesity
I enjoy a myriad of activities with my husband and two wonderful sons. We are very involved in our local communities and sports teams. We enjoy Michigan’s beautiful summers and spend lots of time riding bikes, swimming and exploring state parks and trails. We also love to travel, meet new people and experience different cultures. I speak some French and Korean. I look forward to meeting you and helping care for your precious children as they grow.
Nicole Boucher PhD, RN, CPNP-PC
Nicole is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years’ of primary care experience. She has always practiced in a primary care office and has always worked with children and their families.
Nicole loves working with children of all ages. She sees patients from birth until 21 years of age. Additionally, Nicole is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing where she is the primary lead faculty for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program.
Catherine Stoddard, APRN, FNP-C
Meet Catherine Stoddard, APRN, FNP-C, the newest Country Creek Pediatrics team addition. Hi, my name is Cat, and I am so excited to be the newest provider at Country Creek Pediatrics. I am originally from upstate New York, where I attended State University of New York at Brockport for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and I graduated at the top of my class. I continued my education here in Michigan at Oakland University and graduated with my Masters of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner degree.
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I have always had a love for children. You could say I have been practicing for a career in pediatrics all my life. As one of seven kids, babysitting was naturally part of my wheelhouse. This role transitioned into that of a mentor when I was the operating director of a YMCA day camp for multiple summers. My experience with children and love for preventative medicine has thankfully led me into the outpatient pediatric realm.
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My goal is to care for all my patients from a holistic, whole-body viewpoint with an emphasis on prevention. Promotion of health and wellness, starting at a young formative age, helps to build the foundation for a long, healthy and happy life. Outside of work, I try to stay active, so you can find me at the yoga studio practicing or taking care of the two mini golden doodles that my husband and I shamelessly call our girls. I would love the opportunity to get to know you and your children!
Mariam Zara, CPNP
Hi parents and kiddos! My name is Mariam Zara, and I am a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner as well as the most recent addition to the Country Creek pediatric team! You may remember me as a student, I completed two pediatric rotations with our very own Dr. Samuels.
I began my nursing journey at Oakland University and completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After gaining experience as a nurse, I then attended the University of Michigan and obtained my Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in Pediatric Primary Care.
I always say I knew I wanted to take care of kids when I was a kid myself! I got my first doctors kit at five years old, and my mind was made up. I have cared for patients of all ages in my years as a nurse, but my pediatric patients have always held a special place in my heart. I believe in fostering positive interactions between children and healthcare to empower children to make healthy choices throughout their lives.
When I’m not at the office I am probably with my nieces and nephews, I am an auntie to seven who I love as my own! Thank for the opportunity to care for your kiddos, and I can’t wait to meet you!
PATIENT CENTERED MEDICAL HOME
What is a Patient Centered Medical Home?
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a Pediatric Medical Home shall:
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Provide medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults and should be accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective.
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Deliver health care services by well-trained providers who help to manage and facilitate all aspects of pediatric care.
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Assure the provider be known to the child and family, and be able to develop a partnership of mutual responsibility and trust.
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