Pediatrician

Dr. Jared Palfreeman, MD, FAAP

Meet Dr. P, our founding pediatrician! Dr. Palfreeman has been a pediatrician in Lee’s Summit since 2020, and he opened Wildwood Pediatrics in 2024. His vision for Wildwood started with a desire to provide a warm, welcoming place where each patient and caregiver is treated with kindness and feels that they belong.

So much of who Dr. P is as a pediatrician comes from being a dad himself. He knows firsthand that parenthood can be difficult, so he prioritizes supporting and empowering parents. He feels it is so important that each parent and child feels heard. He combines empathetic listening with his medical knowledge to collaborate and provide the best medical care for each child. The lasting relationships that are formed, combined with his love for medicine, are why he loves being a pediatrician.

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree: BS in Exercise Science, BYU
• Medical School: The University of Arizona
• Pediatrics Residency: Children’s Mercy Hospital
• Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics

Dr. P enjoys golfing, sports, cooking and baking, and spending time with his wife and three young kids. He’s chatty and outgoing, and he strives for excellence in all he does.

Pediatrician

Dr. Pooja French, MD, FAAP

Meet Dr. Pooja French, our newest provider! Dr. French has served the Kansas City metro area as a pediatrician since completing her residency in 2010, and she is excited to join our Wildwood team in Lee’s Summit.

Dr. French is a compassionate and thorough pediatrician who is deeply committed to providing personalized care for every child and family she serves. As a mother of four, Dr. French understands firsthand the joys and challenges of parenting. This perspective shapes her approach to care – she is sensitive to the unique needs of each child and family, offering thoughtful guidance and support at every stage of development. She finds great fulfillment in building long-term relationships with families from all backgrounds, and she deeply values the trust families place in her care.

Dr. French loves interacting with children and takes great joy in learning about them as individuals. She is genuinely curious about their personalities, interests, and needs, believing that each child is unique and deserves an approach tailored to them. In her practice, Dr. French emphasizes the importance of kindness, encouragement, and patience, knowing that these qualities can go a long way in fostering a positive environment for children to grow and thrive.

Dr. French is not just focused on the immediate health concerns of her young patients, but also on their emotional and social development. She wants to be alongside parents through their journey with their children, offering guidance and support not only in medical care but also in nurturing the overall well-being of the family. She believes in empowering parents with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the challenges of raising a child, and in creating a partnership that is built on trust and open communication.

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Liberal Arts, UMKC
• Medical School: University of Missouri-Kansas City
• Pediatrics Residency: Children’s Mercy Hospital
• Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics

Outside of the office, Dr. French enjoys spending time with her husband and children, as well as exploring her passions for music, gardening, and cooking.

Pediatric nurse practitioner and Lactation Consultant

McCall Barden
MSN, CPNP-PC, RN, IBCLC

Meet McCall, our Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultant. McCall brings over a decade of nursing experience, with more than five years dedicated to supporting families as a certified Lactation Consultant. Almost all of her professional journey has been spent at Children’s Mercy Hospital right here in Kansas City, where she has developed an extensive and well-rounded background in pediatric care.

McCall is deeply passionate about helping families achieve their breastfeeding and pumping goals, no matter how big or small. She finds great joy in guiding parents through their breastfeeding journey, providing personalized support to make sure each family feels confident and empowered. Beyond lactation, McCall is equally committed to educating children about their health and bodies, encouraging them to take charge of their well-being from a young age. She loves continual learning, constantly staying updated on the latest information to make sure she’s providing the best care and outcomes for her patients. 

As a mother herself, McCall understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with parenting. Her personal experiences allow her to connect with families on a deeper level, offering not just professional expertise but also empathy and understanding. McCall’s approach is all about meeting each family and child where they are, tailoring her care to suit their unique needs and helping them thrive.

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Truman State University
• Master’s Degree: Master of Science in Nursing, University of Missouri- Kansas City
• Board Certification: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board

McCall loves to spend time with her husband and daughter, attending Sporting Kansas City games, speed puzzling, playing board games, and woodworking (poorly).