About Us
Dedicated to Providing Superior Care
Our History
Grow Pediatrics has served the Twin Cities community for over 30 years. Dr. Jane VanRoekel, the clinic's founding pediatrician, believed that healthcare should be delivered in a family-focused atmosphere where a strong relationship exists between provider and family.
That’s how we've quickly become one of the best pediatricians in St. Paul. Throughout our existence, Grow Pediatrics has always stayed small to truly provide that level service, especially when large corporations and private practices consolidated to increase profits at the expense of their patients.
In 2010, Lindsey Deeb, RN, CNP, Dr. VanRoekel's daughter-in-law, took over ownership and operation of the clinic and continues the tradition of family-focused healthcare. Not all pediatric providers in Minneapolis/St. Paul will strive to build a relationship with your family, but here at Grow Pediatrics it’s our top priority.
A Trusted Pediatric Clinic
As a parent, you want to ensure that your child gets the best pediatric care Minneapolis/St. Paul has to offer. As a trusted pediatric clinic, we are proud to say that we truly provide better care, shorter wait times, and a superior atmosphere than any other clinic in the state. Our comprehensive, low cost pediatric services include holistic checkups and urgent care
Meet the Team
Our Providers
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Lindsey Deeb
APRN, CNP
Team Member since: 2010
Lindsey is a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Educator.
Lindsey's past pediatric experience includes several years working with behaviorally and emotionally challenged children and adolescents, and several years working as an RN and case manager for children with cancer and heart problems.
Michelle Ohnstad
DNP, APRN, CNP
Team Member since: 2016
Michelle is a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Educator.
Her past pediatric experience includes several years as a Registered Nurse at Children's Hospital of Minnesota where she cared for patients in the cardiac intensive care unit.
Brett Mortenson
DNP, APRN, CNP
Team Member since: 2017
Brett is a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
He enjoys caring for children of all ages. His goal is to help children and families lead healthy and well-rounded lives. This includes being an advocate for mental and physical health.
Linnea Sorensen
DNP, APRN, CNP
Team Member since: 2021
Linnea is a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
and Lactation Educator.
Linnea's past pediatric experience includes several years as a Registered Nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Mayo Clinic.
She enjoys caring for patients of all ages with a focus on patient and family centered care.
Amber Benson
APRN, CNP
Team Member since: 2020
Amber is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Educator.
Amber’s past nursing experience includes working many years as an intensive care and medical surgical nurse. Most recently she has worked in pediatric primary care, providing well and illness care to newborns through young adults.
Nicole (O'Dell) Smith
DNP, APRN, CNP
Team Member since: 2025
Nicole is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner focusing on pediatrics and has 2.5 years of experience in pediatric primary care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Nicole is passionate about providing holistic, family-centered care and blends evidence-based medicine with integrative approaches to support each child’s health and development. She values strong, collaborative relationships with families and is committed to creating personalized care plans that meet the unique needs of every child.
Out of the clinic, Nicole enjoys life with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cooper. She loves spending time with family and friends, going on walks, and getting lost in a good book.
Jordan Mondt
DNP, APRN, CNP
Team Member since: 2023
Jordan is a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Jordan's past experience includes several years as an RN in the pediatric intensive care unit. More recently, Jordan has worked as an APRN at a developmental-behavioral clinic caring for children with Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges.
Meet the Team
Our Staff
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Nicole Thompson
Medical Assistant
Team Member Since: 2015
Favorite part about working here: My favorite part about working at Grow Pediatrics is our commitment to great patient care!
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Fun Fact: I have been working as a Medical Assistant in a pediatric setting since 2004. I have two amazing kids and we love being outdoors and spending time with family.
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Kao Song Yang
Medical Assistant
Team Member since: 2008
Favorite part about working here: Getting to know the families by name.
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Fun Fact: I played on a volleyball league where I was the tallest person on my team. (standing tall at 5' 2)
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Heather Cummings
Medical Assistant
Team Member since: 2017
Favorite part about working here: Meeting new families in our community.
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Fun Fact: I enjoy researching history and writing.
Jenny Crider
Front Desk / Administrative Assistant
Team Member Since: 2006
Favorite part about working here: Getting to know the families that come in on a more personal level. And of course, my coworkers!
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Fun Fact: I am married to the love of my life and we have 3 kids, all 5 years apart in age. We love having bonfires, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.
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Amy O'Neal
Medical Assistant
Team Member Since: 2023
Favorite part about working here: I love the people I work with and being able to witness little ones learn and grow!
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Fun Fact: I once read 80 books in one year! I have lots of hobbies including reading, graphic design, and drawing.
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Shaqel Davis
Medical Assistant
Team Member Since: 2022
Favorite part about working here: To work beside an awesome group of people and families.
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Fun Fact: I love to read, listen to music and be outdoors. I love a good BBQ. :)
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Emma Harrington
Registered Nurse
Team Member Since: 2021
Favorite part about working here: Having the opportunity to care for our community of littles and their families. It is a privilege to watch and be a part of our patient's growth and development.
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Fun Fact: I have been a nurse since 2018 and enjoy working with patients, both young and old, and seeing how similar they can be.
Sandy Xiong
Medical Assistant
Team Member Since: 2019
Favorite part about working here: I enjoy connecting, learning and growing with each family.
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Fun Fact: I enjoying hiking and sightseeing and one of my favorites was at Mt. Fuji and it is AMAZING!
Allie Morrissey
Registered Nurse
Team Member Since: 2025
Favorite part about working here: Getting to watch each kiddo grow and become who they're meant to be!
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Fun Fact: My dad is a pilot, and he taught me how to fly an airplane when I was super young. I used to have to sit on phone books to see over the dash!
Rebecca Fruncillo
Practice Manager
Team Member Since: 2023
Favorite part about working here: I love working for an independently-owned clinic with providers who prioritize individualized care and take the time to listen and get to know families. And I love watching those families grow!
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Fun Fact: My husband and I lived in an RV in California for six months, and then we drove it to Minnesota and continued to live in it for a short while here. It will always be my favorite “house.”