Dr. Maya Okafor
Founder & Lead Pediatrician
Maya founded Little Steps with a vision for kinder children's healthcare. She loves turning nervous first visits into high-fives.
Our Story
Built by parents, for parents
When Dr. Maya Okafor opened Little Steps in 2007, she had one goal: to create a children's clinic that felt less like a hospital and more like a friendly, reassuring extension of home.
Nearly two decades later, we've grown into a team of nine pediatric specialists and nurses — but our heart hasn't changed. We still believe every child deserves unhurried, compassionate care, and every parent deserves to feel heard.
- Caring for the Maplewood community since 2007
- Recognized for excellence in family-centered care
- Thousands of children grown up healthy in our care
What Guides Us
Our promise to your family
A few simple values shape everything we do — from the front desk to the exam room.
Kindness First
Every interaction is gentle, patient, and respectful — because anxious kids and worried parents deserve nothing less.
Expert & Evidence-Based
Our care follows the latest pediatric guidelines, delivered by board-certified specialists who never stop learning.
Partners in Care
You know your child best. We listen, explain clearly, and make decisions together — no rushing, no judgment.
Meet The Team
Our caring pediatricians
Experienced, warm, and genuinely fond of their littlest patients.
Dr. Liam Carter
Newborn & Infant Care
Liam guides new parents through those bleary-eyed early weeks with calm, practical advice and endless patience.
Dr. Priya Nair
Allergy & Asthma
Priya helps kids with allergies and asthma breathe easy, building simple plans families can actually stick to.
Dr. Daniel Brooks
Development & Behavior
Daniel specializes in development checks and behavior, always ready with a reassuring word for parents and a sticker for kids.
Dr. Ana Velez
General Pediatrics
Ana sees patients of every age and has a gift for making teens feel comfortable and truly listened to.
Sofia Reyes, RN
Lead Pediatric Nurse
Sofia runs our nurse line and makes shots a breeze. Parents say her bubble-blowing distraction trick works every time.
Our Approach
A clinic kids actually love
We designed Little Steps around how children really feel about doctors. That means bright, playful rooms, books and toys in every corner, and a team trained to explain things in kid-sized words.
- Cheerful, sensory-friendly waiting and exam rooms
- Comfort techniques and distraction kits for vaccines
- Stickers, high-fives, and a "you were so brave" every time
- Separate sick and well waiting areas to keep germs at bay
We'd love to meet your family
Book a visit and see the Little Steps difference for yourself.