Dr. Kathleen Shaffer has been working with families at Johnson County Pediatrics for three decades. Dr. Shaffer came to the practice in April of 1982.

“I love working with families,” Dr. Shaffer says. “Child development is a favorite subject of mine.”

From St. Louis, Dr. Shaffer received her undergraduate degree in biology and medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She conducted her pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital from 1979 to 1982.

Her love of families is why she became a pediatrician, Dr. Shaffer says.

When parents are looking for a pediatrician they should find someone they are comfortable with.

“They should find someone they can relate to,” she says. “They need someone who listens to what they say.”

Her advice to new parents would be to “Rely on each other, keep a sense of humor and have date nights.”

Dr. Shaffer is the administrator of Saint Augustine’s School in Maniche, in the southern part of Haiti, where she has volunteered for more than 25 years. She travels to the school each year. The school serves about 200 students in pre-school through sixth grade.

Her hobbies include long distance running and cooking. She has been married to her husband, Dr. Stan Shaffer, for 33 years. They have a son, Chris, who practices pediatric anesthesia, and a daughter, Brynn, who is currently doing her pediatric residency. The Shaffers also have two grandchildren.

Dr. Shaffer is accepting new patients. She offers appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Dr. Shaffer offers evening hours on Mondays.