1130 Commerce Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88011
ABOUT US.
Welcome to Little Steps Pediatrics. I am delighted you stopped by! I focus on promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children and their families in the greater Las Cruces region.
OUR TEAM
Meghan Robinson, PNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
I have been in healthcare for 20+ years. Prior to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, I worked in various areas including; ER, Pediatric ICU, postpartum, and NICU. In addition, I worked as a lactation consultant for several years.
​
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet your family and participate in meeting your family's healthcare needs.
Natalia Gomez DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Dr. Natalia Gomez is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in both Primary and Acute Care, with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing. She brings over eight years of pediatric critical care experience, including work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), with a clinical focus on trauma, neurology, congenital heart surgery, and complex chronic conditions.
Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Gomez is committed to providing compassionate, family-centered care that blends evidence-based medicine with a holistic approach to wellness. Her professional interests include pediatric neurorehabilitation, rural health access, and innovative care delivery models to improve outcomes for underserved communities. In addition to her clinical work, she volunteers internationally on pediatric cardiac surgery missions and enjoys traveling with her husband.
Kristin Thornsberry, CPNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Kristin has over 10 years of experience working in healthcare with pediatrics. She has been working in pediatric primary care for the past 7 years, but previously worked in a pediatric emergency department. Kristin received her master's degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. ​
​​​​
Kristin currently lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with her partner. They love rock climbing, hiking, diving, and traveling around the world together. Kristin is passionate about care that involves the family as a whole and looks forward to meeting your family!
Dr. Krissa Vieth
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Krissa is a dedicated and compassionate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specializing in pediatric care, with a focus on primary care (CPNP-PC). Krissa earned her DNP degree from Baylor University. Her doctoral research focused on increasing the awareness and identification of eating disorders in the adolescent population, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field of pediatric healthcare.
With seven years of clinical experience, Krissa has honed her skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric conditions, from routine wellness exams to acute illnesses. She is known for her ability to establish rapport with young patients and their families, creating a supportive and comforting environment. She is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continued education and professional development.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Krissa enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, playing outside, or going hiking.
Shimon-Thomas CPNP-PC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Shimon has ten years of experience in pediatrics. She found her passion for pediatrics in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she provided specialized care to newborns and their families. Driven by her desire to make a greater impact and expand her scope of practice, she pursued her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas, El Paso, as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Outside work, she enjoys traveling with her family, cheering on her 3 boys at football games, or supporting them at jiu-jitsu tournaments. She also finds joy
in cooking and staying active through exercise.
Ruby Barquist CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Ruby is a dedicated Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to children and their families. She is currently completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, with doctoral work focused on promoting early childhood speech and language development through nightly reading routines. Her commitment to helping children thrive developmentally extends beyond physical health and into the foundations of communication and learning.
​
Before becoming an NP, Ruby proudly served in the military and gained diverse clinical experience in labor and delivery and the operating room. These roles strengthened her clinical skills and shaped her holistic, family-centered approach to pediatric care.
Known for her warm and approachable demeanor, Ruby values building strong relationships with families and creating a supportive, welcoming environment at every visit.
​
She lives in El Paso, Texas, with her two children and two dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, reading, and spending quality time with her family. Ruby looks forward to caring for your child and supporting your family’s health journey.
Melissa Morales, RN, CLC
Pediatric Registered Nurse
Melissa has been a nurse for 13 years. At our clinic, she plays a vital role in managing patient triage calls and supporting families by answering health-related questions and concerns. Melissa also leads staff and parent education, ensuring that our team provides safe, consistent, and evidence-based care every day.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two children, cheering on her kids at soccer games, and enjoying family activities together.
Kim Smetzer, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
Kimberly is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, (IBCLC) Kimberly and her husband moved to Las Cruces in the summer of 2008. Since then, she has worked as a lactation consultant and nurse in a Las Cruces Hospital. Kimberly has also worked as a clinical nurse consultant with New Mexico Breastfeeding Task force.
Kanisha Blanco
Office Manager
Kanisha has worked in the medical field for over 8 years. She started as a receptionist then workedtowards her phlebotomy and medical assistant certifications. She has worked as a pediatric officemanager for a total of 3 years.
She enjoys working with kids and strives to make sure the office runs smoothly while ensuring it is a funsafe environment for children.Kanisha was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. When she is not in the office you can find her at her kidssporting events with her husband and 3 kids.