Meet Dr. Sarah Slater: Why I Created Balanced Kids

My parents Greg & Eva. Right to left: Sarah (little baby!), big brother Jeff, biggest brother Marcus.

Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Slater, pediatric nurse practitioner, wife, mother, and founder of Balanced Kids. I started this practice with one goal in mind: to bring high-quality, personalized pediatric care to families in a way that’s simple, stress-free, and centered around real life—not clinic schedules or insurance limitations.

Where It All Began

I was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by the values of hard work, family, and entrepreneurship. After completing my nursing degree, I moved to Colorado to gain independence and start my career at Children’s Hospital Colorado—one of the most respected pediatric hospitals in the country.

There, I cared for a wide range of pediatric of pediatric patients, including children with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and brain tumors requiring surgery. I also supported patients recovering from urologic procedures for congenital conditions like spina bifida, as well as those undergoing ENT procedure such as tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies. Appendectomies and complex orthopedic surgeries were also a routine part of my care. I loved every moment of this work and the deep relationships I built with families.

A Journey Through Pediatric Care

Craving more experience and variety, I began travel nursing, taking on roles in renowned institutions like Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, and smaller community hospitals back home at Memorial Hospital in Bakersfield. I worked across surgical floors, medical units, and pediatric intensive care units.

When I eventually landed in Minnesota, I continued to expand my skills—working as a school nurse, then joining the pediatric cardiovascular ICU (CVICU), where I cared for children with critical heart conditions, including those on ECMO life support. At the same time, I pursued my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Minnesota—a journey filled with growth, challenge, and resilience compounded by welcoming my two babies into the world and the loss of my father.

Proud mama on Graduation Day, with my babies Odin & Rhea!

A New Chapter: Creating Balance

After achieving my DNP, I started work as a Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse Practitioner and cared for complex children living with cancer and blood disorders. I loved my job, but over the years, I began to feel the weight of a system that often rushes care and limits how deeply we can connect with families. I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted balance—in my own life, and in the lives of the families I serve.

That’s why I created Balanced Kids. This practice gives me the freedom to provide personalized, concierge-style care without the limitations of insurance red tape or overinflated hospital costs. By operating as a cash-pay model, I can offer transparent pricing, longer visits, and more tailored support—whether it’s for school and sports physicals, same-day sick visits, or wellness consultations for children and their caregivers.

Life Today

Halloween Festivities with our little Dinos!

I now live in Prior Lake, Minnesota with my husband Matt, our two children, and our dogs. We love spending time outdoors—boating, swimming, and playing with our kids. I’ve found a sense of balance in this chapter of life, and I hope Balanced Kids helps bring that same peace of mind to your family. Because your child’s care should be convenient, affordable, and centered around them—not wait times, copays, or clinic chaos.