Jennifer Holmgren, DO, FAAP, CLC

What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?

As a child I loved "The Lion King." One of my favorite animated movies/series now is "How to Train Your Dragon."

What is your favorite children's book and why?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I loved all of the colors and items he ate through. I loved flipping the pages and seeing all of the different colors and designs. I also loved watching him grow and turn into a beautiful butterfly.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

I can't remember a specific favorite childhood toy but I could always be found riding my bike, skating, playing with my "skip-it", walking on stilts, or building a fort. I also loved board games like "Clue" or "Sorry."

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

I don't have one specific person who inspires me but a multitude of people who have influenced me on my journey. My parents, husband, children, sister, extended family, friends and co-workers have all left marks - both big and small - on my life, influencing my journey in life. They support me, encourage me, and remind me that I am enough, but I can also be better. I appreciate their strength, compassion and influence in all areas of my life.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I enjoy gardening - specifically growing fruits and vegetables. Growing my own food tastes so good compared to store bought foods. There is also significant physical and mental health benefits that come with spending time outside and getting your hands dirty.

I enjoy reading books. You can typically find me carrying one around. Whenever I have a free minute I can be found with my nose in a book!

I also enjoy camping with my family. We love exploring nature and getting out into the great outdoors. We try to travel with our travel trailer to various places around the united states. Our goal is to eventually visit every state in the United States.

I have an interest in photography and often take thousands of pictures trying to capture the right moment.

Last, but most-definitely not least, I love all-things chocolate! Mostly milk chocolate or dark chocolate. However, if something contains chocolate I have to try it! It is my one vice in life!

What inspired you to work in pediatrics?

I always knew I wanted to be a pediatrician. I love kids and I love helping them. I could always be found babysitting or entertaining kids when I was younger. I suffered through my own health scare at a young age and was determined to never let another child suffer like I did.

I am passionate about children with special needs. My own sister has special needs, my husband had a brother with special needs, and now we have a son with special needs. I love helping families understand their rights and options when it comes to services and supports. I love interacting with children with special needs as many people are afraid to. Each child is unique in their own way and has their own strengths. They deserve the best care which includes love, respect, and kindness.

What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?

I enjoy working with children with special needs. I completed specialized training by Phoenix Children's Hospital specifically on Autism and confirming an Autism diagnosis. This, along with my family history, has given me a skill set to help support families who have children with special needs, not just those with autism.

I completed breastfeeding training in residency to help new mothers with breastfeeding concerns. I meet and assist mothers with breastfeeding struggles at all stages.

I believe in a team approach to medicine. I am not the boss, but a champion for a child. I like parents to be involved in their child's treatment plan. I often give families options in the treatment plan so they are part of the decision making. I like to educate families on their diagnoses so they can understand why something caused their child to have certain symptoms.

I love preventative health. If I can prevent a disease process, then I have done my job. I encourage healthy diets and exercise, family time, safety, and immunizations. Preventative health is the foundation of what pediatricians do.

How do you accommodate patients with special needs?

I completed special training to diagnosis and treat children with Autism. I am very comfortable navigating the system - therapies, ABA, DDD, ALTCS, IEP's, 504 plans.

We have ADA compliant doors, offices, restrooms.

We have quieter offices or times of day when we encourage parents to bring in children with sensory needs who may be overwhelmed by the noise in a medical office. I try meet the child where they are at so they are comfortable.