We Rise By Lifting Others.
You might wonder why we have a balloon as the symbol of our company. The reason is really quite simple. Have you ever noticed the way a child experiences a balloon? All at once their precious face comes alive with joy, wonder, and amazement.

"Sometimes the smallest things 
take up the most room in our hearts."

While that line is borrowed from the lovable character Winnie the Pooh, it is possibly the truest statement ever made. As a parent of a baby with medical needs, your heart is filled with the desire to love, comfort, and protect your child.

At PediCare, we are constantly aware of the passion of parents. Our job is to provide the individual medical attention that matches your love and devotion through In-home Pediatric Care.

More than a specialty, it's our calling.

In-home Pediatric Care is a specialized nursing market that typically requires more care and detail than adult nursing. At PediCare, we staff only Board Certified Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses. We take great responsibility in choosing the nurses we send to your home.

When you call PediCare, you will speak directly to a licensed pediatric nurse or nurse practitioner, never a call center.

Moreover, we believe in staffing only nurses that share our passion. The educational and clinical experience of our nurses is impeccable, and equally important, our nurses believe that caring for children is their true calling in life.

Our Staff

Melissa Flanagin, NNP-BC

Founder/CEO

Melissa is the heart and brain behind PediCare. Her compassion, dedication, and educational background serve as a strong foundation for her role as a leader in pediatric healthcare. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi College in 2009. She continued her education at Vanderbilt University, completing her Master of Science in Nursing in 2012, followed by becoming Board- Certified as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. 

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Over the past 14 years, Melissa has had the opportunity to work in every NICU throughout the greater Jackson area, providing her expertise as both an RN and NNP. Bearing witness to the limited resources and challenges faced by NICU families upon discharge, combined with her experiences as a new mother, Melissa felt called to make a difference in the lives of these children and their families. In 2017, after thorough research and planning, and with support of her husband, Drew, she founded PediCare. When asked what it is that drives her love of the company and the work she is able to do through PediCare, Melissa said, "Being able to tell a mother we can help, that she's not alone- that's why I do this. There is no greater feeling than seeing these children grow, thrive, and do things they were told they never would." When she is not working, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, being a mom to her two beautiful children, and caring for their two dogs, two horses, and cat. She loves traveling, reading, and learning anything new.

Brandi Young, RN

Clinical Director

The experience, personality and dedication Brandi has made her the perfect fit for PediCare. She can best be described as the glue that holds us all together. She is dedicated to giving her best to every patient, family, and nurse. Brandi received her nursing degree from Hinds Community College in 2010 and continued her education at The University of MS, completing her Bachelor of Science degree in 2013.

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Brandi has experience in many areas of pediatric nursing including intensive care, transitional care, prescribed pediatric extended care and private duty nursing and received her Pediatric Certification in 2014. You can feel how much Brandi loves her job when she talks about it. She says, “I love seeing the interactions between our nurses and our patients – watching them celebrate milestones, providing education and support to the family, and going above and beyond each day to provide the best care possible.” In addition to her work, Brandi loves spending time with her family, traveling and painting.

Shanda Walenta, RN

Nurse Supervisor

With over 30 years of experience in pediatric nursing, including roles in Pediatric ICU, newborn nursery, school nursing, and as a nurse educator, Shanda brings unparalleled expertise and compassion to PediCare.

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A proud graduate and President of her Class from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (1994), she holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a lifelong passion for caring for others.

When she’s not dedicating her time to pediatric care, Shanda is a proud mom to three wonderful sons, a loving pet parent to a French Bulldog and an indoor pot-bellied pig, and a devoted wildlife rehabilitator. From nurturing baby squirrels and raccoons to providing expert nursing care, her heart for all of God’s creatures shines in everything she does. Shanda’s blend of professional excellence and personal dedication makes her an invaluable part of the PediCare family.

Christina Kamper, RN

Nurse Supervisor

Christina has a genuine love for her patients and brings positive energy to the team. She is great at multitasking and faces a challenge head on. When asked what her favorite part of working with PediCare is, she said “there is nothing more rewarding than seeing our patients thrive due to the combination of excellent nursing care and parents who feel supported in the process of helping their child thrive.”

Read more about Christina

Christina received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MS University for Women. She has experience in the areas of respiratory care, geriatrics, psych care and pediatrics. Initially, Christina joined PediCare as a nurse providing direct patient care. When an opening for a Nursing Supervisor became available, her exceptional care, reliability and dedication made her the obvious choice!

The other loves in her life are her husband, two sons and two dogs! She also enjoys crafting and antique shopping when she has a little free time.

Drew Flanagin

Human Resources Director

Drew Flanagin graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration and brings exceptional expertise in the field of Human Resources to PediCare. His deep understanding of business operations and his talent for fostering strong, supportive workplace environments make him a vital part of the PediCare team.

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Drew's leadership and strategic thinking have been instrumental in helping the organization thrive.Drew is passionate about helping PediCare thrive by supporting its incredible team of professionals. He takes pride in ensuring that the organization operates smoothly, allowing the focus to remain on what matters most—helping children and families.

Outside of work, Drew enjoys spending time on his farm, caring for his horses, and spend time with his family. Whether working the land or cheering on his children’s activities, Drew finds joy in the simple, meaningful parts of life.

Rachel Monaghan

Admissions

Rachael Monaghan brings over a decade of experience in the healthcare field and has been an integral part of PediCare for more than three years. She is passionate about supporting the incredible staff and ensuring the organization runs smoothly, helping PediCare fulfill its mission of serving children and families with excellence and compassion. Her commitment to teamwork and her heart for others make her a valued member of the PediCare family.

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Born and raised in Jackson, MS, Rachael has called Brandon home for over 25 years. She and her husband of 25 years share a beautiful life with their two daughters, who are the lights of their lives. A devoted sports enthusiast, Rachael loves cheering on the Atlanta Braves and rooting for Ole Miss athletics. When she’s not enjoying sports, you can often find her soaking up the sun and making memories at the beach—a place that brings her great joy and relaxation.

Rachael’s life is deeply guided by her faith, which serves as her foundation and source of inspiration. For over a decade, she and her family have been active members of Pinelake Church, where they’ve found a loving and supportive community. Rachael is deeply grateful for the role her faith and church family play in shaping her personal and professional journey.

Jennifer Wagner

Human Resources Specialist

Jennifer Wagner is an accomplished HR professional with over 12 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As an HR Specialist at PediCare, Jennifer is passionate about providing valuable support to the organization and its dedicated staff.

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A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her education and expertise have equipped her with the skills to navigate the unique challenges of HR in the healthcare field, making her an essential part of the PediCare team.

Outside of the office, Jennifer cherishes spending quality time with her family and caring for her beloved pets. Whether enjoying quiet moments at home or making memories with loved ones, she values the balance between her professional and personal life. Jennifer’s dedication to her work and her commitment to those around her make her an integral part of the PediCare family.

Tim Townsend

Operations Administrator

When asked what he loves most about his role at PediCare, Tim shared, "Being part of a team that is truly dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our work helps families feel supported and hopeful drives everything I do."

Read more about Tim

Over the course of his career, Tim Townsend has built an extensive background in healthcare advertising and business development. He has had the privilege of working with diverse healthcare organizations, creating innovative strategies to help them grow and better serve their communities. Witnessing the challenges families face navigating the healthcare system, Tim felt inspired to use his expertise to make a meaningful impact. When he joined PediCare, he saw an opportunity to combine his passion for relationship building and his commitment to improving healthcare access for children and their families.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time with his family, sports with his kids, and his two dogs and 5 chickens. A lifelong learner, he is always looking for new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Our Beloved Marcie

Marcie Errington was a beloved member of the PediCare family whose unwavering dedication and compassion left an incredible mark on everyone she encountered. Her passion for helping the special needs children of Mississippi was nothing short of extraordinary, and her kind heart and free spirit were a source of inspiration to us all. Though we think about her contstantly, her legacy will live on in every life we touch. At PediCare, we are committed to honoring Marcie’s memory by carrying forward her mission of care, love, and support for the children and families she held so dear. Her spirit will forever guide our work as we strive to make a difference, just as she did every single day. Marcie’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and dedication, and we are humbled to continue her mission in her honor.

Latest News

July 26, 2022
Private Duty Nursing vs. Home Health: What's the Difference?

As parents, we quickly learn that caring for a child is a team effort, and this is especially true for children with special needs.

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September 23, 2021
Our Amazing Nurses of PediCare

Often times we find ourselves chatting about our fantastic nurses at PediCare and how so many of them go so far beyond what is called for. Private Duty Nursing is already a field that requires a little more patience and dedication

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December 4, 2020
Find Some Happiness in a COVID Quarantine World.

We’re just going to go ahead and say it…we are soooo over 2020. As if the flu season and RSV wasn’t enough to worry about this time of year...

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PediCare
200 East Government Street,
Brandon, MS 39042
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