The Heart Behind the Care
Thoughtful, relationship-centered care for children and families, rooted in connection, trust, and whole-child wellness.
Meet Dr. Amber
Operating Physician
Amber Nicole, MD, known to families simply as “Dr. Amber’, is an integrative pediatrician and mother passionate about relationship-based care that supports the whole child and the entire family. Her approach blends evidence-based pediatrics with thoughtful, personalized care designed to help children grow, thrive, and feel genuinely known.
Dr. Amber completed her medical training at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine and her pediatric residency at University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital. During residency, she also pursued additional training through the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, where she deepened her interest in integrative and whole-child wellness.
She has continued advanced training through the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs, with particular interests in ADHD, autism spectrum concerns, asthma, allergies, eczema, gastrointestinal health, nutrition, and supporting children with complex developmental and behavioral needs through individualized, family-centered approach.
Dr. Amber also has advanced training in breastfeeding medicine and is deeply passionate about supporting mothers and infants throughout the feeding journey with compassionate, evidence-based care. She believes early feeding relationships play an important role in both emotional connection and long-term health, and she strives to support families in a way that feels empowering, practical, and free of judgement.
As a mother herself, Dr. Amber understands firsthand both the beauty and the complexity of raising children. She believes healthy relationships are one of the strongest foundations for lifelong health and emotional well-being, and her goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe, parents feel heard, and families feel genuinely care for.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Amber enjoys time near the water, where she finds a sense of calm, reflection, and renewal - a reminder that peace often comes in waves. She loves exploring new places, spending time outdoors, and sharing everyday adventures with Annie and her two tuxedo cats, Alex and Thomas.
Her philosophy is simple: children thrive when families feel supported, connected, and deeply understood.
Meet Annie Pooh
Chief Comfort Officer
Annie is a gentle, intuitive presence within the practice and a beloved part of the care experience for many children and families. Affectionately known as “Annie Pooh”, she naturally gravitates toward people and has a calm, affectionate demeanor that helps children and families feel more relaxed and at ease from the moment they arrive.
Many children, especially those who may feel anxious, shy, overwhelmed, sensory-sensitive, or uncertain during visits, find comfort in Annie’s companionship and calming presence. Her patient temperament and natural ability to connect with people help create a sense of familiarity, emotional safety, and joy within the practice environment.
Annie has received specialized training focused on supportive companionship and calm, sensory-friendly interaction, particularly for children who benefit from gentle reassurance and emotional comfort. Whether quietly sitting nearby during a visit or happily greeting families at the door, Annie reflects the practice’s belief that caring for children extends beyond medicine alone.
Outside of the practice, Annie is just as adventurous as she is affectionate. She loves going to the beach, swimming, exploring new places, riding on trains and airplanes, attending football games, and spending time near the water. Once of her favorite things is splashing in the water and swimming alongside ducks whenever she get the chance.
At home, Annie also loves spending time with her tuxedo cat siblings, Alex and Thomas. While Annie and Alex love to wrestle and play together, Thomas is often her cuddle companion, and the two can frequently be found curled up together resting peacefully side by side.
Whether she’s curled up quietly during a visit, greeting families with excitement, or off on one of her many adventures, Annie brings warmth, connection, curiosity, and joy wherever she goes.
Families can also follow along with “Annie’s Adventures”, a collection of favorite moments, travels, and everyday experiences that reflect the playful, connected spirit behind the practice.
Annie is a hypoallergenic, non-shedding mini Goldendoodle and may be present during visits as part of the practice’s calm, family-centered environment of the practice. Families are always welcome to request time with Annie during their visit experience.