Nursing Staff
Vanessa Miller, MA
Vanessa is a graduate of St. Catherine’s University. She enjoys working with young children and their families, particularly families with twins as she has twins herself! Vanessa lives in Inver Grove Heights with her husband and 3 children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, coaching soccer, and going to her kids’ sporting events.
Margaret Edwards, RN
Margaret lives on Cathedral Hill, loves traveling and drinking coffee in new places. She graduated from Saint Kate’s and enjoys working as a pediatric nurse, especially because she’s one of the oldest of seven kids herself!
Elizabeth Ellis, RN
Originally from Pennsylvania, Elizabeth moved to Minnesota to pursue her love for pediatrics. Coming from a big family herself, she loves to be around kids. Before she was employed at Mendakota Pediatrics, she enjoyed a year of travel missionary work in 2021. Elizabeth graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2020.
Gavin Wier, CNA
Gavin is a CNA working on finishing up his BSN at Rasmussen University. Gavin is passionate about pediatrics and a strong believer in providing patient- and family-centered care. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, skiing, tennis, the Minnesota Wild, and spending time with his cat Ernie. Gavin and Ernie watch every Wild game together! Gavin is a former patient of Mendakota Pediatrics and is excited to be a member of your child’s health care team!
Front Desk Staff
Annette Cunningham
Annette lives in Mendota Heights, is married, and has 3 grown daughters. She attended Winona State university and received a degree in Social Work. She previously worked at Health Partners and Darts as a care coordinator with the elderly. She has also managed a small coffee shop in Mendota Heights (Fischerville) before starting at Mendakota Pediatrics. Outside of work Annette loves playing tennis and belongs to a couple women’s leagues. She also enjoys camping, hiking and concerts.
Kirin Lawson
Kirin lives in West 7th Saint Paul with her husband (Dr. Lawson) and their dog, Samson. She has worked with children most of her life as a performer, stage manager, and youth ensemble leader and advocate in children’s theatres across the country. She also teaches Music Together in the Twin Cities in her spare time. She is excited to help make the doctor’s office a fun place to go!
