About Dr. Sarah, DNP & the Evolution of Balanced Kids

Your Balanced Kids Pediatric Healthcare Provider, Dr. Sarah Slater, DNP

Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Slater, DNP, CPNP-PC—a pediatric nurse practitioner, wife, mom of two, and the founder of Balanced Kids, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) pediatric practice based out of Prior Lake, Minnesota.

My mission is simple: to provide high-quality, relationship-based pediatric care that fits into real life without rushed visits, long wait times, or insurance-driven limitations. I believe children thrive when care is personalized, accessible, and delivered with intention, not urgency.

Balanced Kids was created to give families a different experience. One where your child’s provider knows them, has time for questions, and meets you where you are, literally and figuratively.

Where It All Began

I was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, in a family rooted in hard work, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Those early values shaped both my approach to healthcare and my desire to eventually build something of my own.

After earning my nursing degree from California State University Bakersfield, I moved to Colorado to begin my pediatric career at Children’s Hospital Colorado, one of the most respected children’s hospitals in the country. There, I cared for medically complex children across a wide range of specialties and developed a deep appreciation for family-centered care.

My early clinical experience included caring for children with:

• Neurologic conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and brain tumors

• Congenital urologic conditions, including spina bifida

• ENT and general surgical patients undergoing tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, appendectomies, and complex orthopedic surgeries like spinal fusions and more

  
  

Those years solidified my passion for pediatrics and the relationships that grow when families feel truly supported.

The Start of a Journey

Wanting to expand my clinical exposure, I transitioned into travel nursing, working at nationally recognized institutions including:

• Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford

• Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego

I also worked in community-based hospitals, including Memorial Hospital in Bakersfield, which gave me valuable insight into how pediatric care looks outside of large academic centers.

Across these roles, I worked in:

• Pediatric medical and surgical units

• Pediatric intensive care units (PICU)

• Hematology-Oncology

• High-acuity inpatient settings caring for children with complex, life-threatening conditions

Eventually, life led me to Minnesota, where I had accepted a three month travel RN position at Children's Hospital & Minnesota. But a 3 month stay quickly turned into a lifetime, as this is where I eventually met my husband.

Once I knew I would be staying in Minnesota for the long term, I tried out a new role as a school nurse in a federal 4 setting where I supported children with complex behavioral conditions; however, I craved the intensity of the hospital setting and quickly rejoined Children's Minnesota where I accepted a position in the pediatric cardiovascular ICU (CVICU). In this role, I cared for critically ill children with congenital and acquired heart disease before and after cardiac surgeries. I loved this role and stayed in it for 5 years while simultaneously planning the next steps of my career.

While working in the CVICU, I pursued my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Minnesota. This was a season marked by incredible growth: the birth of my two children, and the loss of my father within the 3-year span of earning my Doctorate. These experiences profoundly shaped how I move through life's challenges while navigating the complexities of work and family.

Oncology, Advocacy, and Advanced Pediatric Care

After completing my doctorate, I began working as a Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse Practitioner, caring for children with cancer and complex blood disorders. A significant portion of my practice involved caring for children with leukemia, where I worked closely with families through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

My role included performing and managing:

• Lumbar punctures (spinal taps)

• Bone marrow biopsies and aspirates

• Chemotherapy education and administration

• Symptom management and supportive care

• Long-term follow-up

This work required precision, compassion, and the ability to support families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. It remains some of the most meaningful work I have ever done.

During this time, I began to see significant limitations within a healthcare system that often prioritizes volume over meaningful connection and leaves little room for nuanced or complex conversations about care options. Visits felt rushed, and families needed more time, education, and continuity than the system was designed to provide.

I knew there had to be another way.

Why I Created Balanced Kids

Balanced Kids was born out of a desire for something better—for families and for providers.

As a direct primary care pediatric practice, Balanced Kids operates outside the traditional insurance model. This allows me to offer:

• Longer, unhurried visits

• Transparent, upfront pricing

• Same-day and flexible scheduling

• In-home and virtual care options

• Personalized guidance that extends beyond a single appointment

Whether it’s well-child care, sick visits, school and sports physicals, chronic condition support, or integrative wellness conversations, my goal is to meet families where they are and support the whole child—not just the diagnosis.

Life Today

Today, I live in Prior Lake, Minnesota, with my husband Matt, our two children, and our dogs. As a family, we love spending time outdoors—boating, swimming, exploring, and trying to enjoy the simple moments that make childhood special.

This season of life feels balanced in a way that aligns with my values, and that balance is what I hope to offer every family I serve. Pediatric care should feel calm, supportive, and accessible—not stressful, rushed, or confusing.

Why Families Choose Balanced Kids

Families choose Balanced Kids because they want care that feels different—and better.

• Personalized, relationship-based care

• Flexible scheduling without clinic pressure

• Transparent pricing with no surprise bills

• A holistic, whole-child approach

• Care delivered in your home, virtually, or wherever life happens

Let’s Connect

If you’re looking for a pediatric provider who values time, trust, and thoughtful care, I would love to connect. Balanced Kids exists to support your family with pediatric care that is convenient, compassionate, and centered around what truly matters—your child.

Because at Balanced Kids, your child’s care is never rushed, never transactional, and always personal.

Book a phone call or a virtual visit with Sarah to learn more.

Schedule Here