ANKENY, IA — (June 9, 2026) — James Clinic, a leading functional and integrative multi-state medical practice, announced today that Dr. Annie Baker, MD, a board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of pediatric healthcare experience, has joined the clinic and is now accepting patients at the Ankeny, Iowa location several days each month, as well as through virtual consultations for families across Iowa, Missouri, and other eligible states.
Joining the James Clinic Pediatric team under Dr. Angie Farella, Dr. Baker brings extensive experience caring for children with developmental, behavioral, and complex medical conditions, with a particular focus on neurodivergent children, including those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections).
A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio College of Medicine, Dr. Baker completed her pediatric residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and spent more than a decade building and leading her private pediatric practice, Healing Hands Pediatrics, in Texarkana, Texas. In recent years, she has expanded her training and clinical focus to include advanced evaluation and care strategies for children with neurodevelopmental and behavioral concerns.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States is now identified with autism spectrum disorder, reflecting a dramatic increase in developmental and neurobehavioral diagnoses over the past two decades. Similar trends are being observed across Iowa and Missouri, where families often face long wait times and limited access to specialized pediatric developmental care.
“Families are increasingly looking for answers when their child is struggling with developmental, behavioral, emotional, or neurological challenges,” said Dr. Mollie James, founder of James Clinic. “Many parents feel frustrated after being told to simply wait, medicate symptoms, or move from specialist to specialist without a clear plan. Dr. Baker brings an incredible depth of pediatric experience and a thoughtful, root-cause approach that aligns perfectly with our mission. Her expertise allows us to better serve children and families who are searching for more comprehensive answers and personalized care.”
A Root-Cause Approach to Pediatric Development and Behavioral Health
At James Clinic, Dr. Baker’s approach begins with comprehensive evaluations that explore developmental milestones, nutrition, sleep quality, immune health, environmental exposures, gastrointestinal health, and potential underlying medical contributors that may impact behavior, learning, emotional regulation, and cognitive development.
Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, evaluations may include assessments for:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- ADHD and attention challenges
- Developmental delays
- Speech and communication concerns
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Anxiety and emotional regulation disorders
- PANS and PANDAS
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gut health and microbiome imbalances
- Chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction
- Environmental and metabolic contributors to pediatric symptoms
Dr. Baker also utilizes evidence-based developmental assessments and autism screening tools to help families gain a clearer understanding of their child’s unique strengths, challenges, and support needs.
“Every child has a story, and often that story is much more complex than a diagnosis or a behavioral label,” said Dr. Baker. “My goal is to take the time to truly understand the child, listen to the family, identify contributing factors that may be affecting development or behavior, and create a personalized plan that helps children thrive. Parents deserve answers, and children deserve care that looks beyond symptoms alone.”
Expanding Access to Specialized Pediatric Care
The addition of Dr. Baker represents another step in James Clinic’s ongoing expansion of pediatric services and its commitment to supporting families seeking a more comprehensive approach to children’s health.
Services available through Dr. Baker may include:
- Pediatric wellness and preventive care
- Developmental and behavioral evaluations
- Autism spectrum assessments
- ADHD evaluations and management
- PANS/PANDAS consultations
- Nutritional and metabolic assessments
- Functional medicine evaluations
- Gut health and immune health support
- Personalized treatment plans for complex pediatric conditions
Patients can schedule appointments at the Ankeny clinic or through virtual consultations, allowing greater access for families throughout the Midwest and beyond.
For more information about James Clinic or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Annie Baker, visit www.JamesClinic.com.
About James Clinic
Founded by Dr. Mollie James in 2021, James Clinic is a premier functional and integrative medicine clinic dedicated to filling the gaps in conventional healthcare. Based in St. Louis and Des Moines, the clinic combines functional medicine principles with advanced regenerative therapies to provide patient-centered, individualized care.
James Clinic serves patients facing chronic health challenges as well as those seeking performance and longevity optimization. Guided by integrity, transparency, and compassion, the clinic focuses on uncovering root causes rather than simply managing symptoms. Patients experience a modern, science-informed approach delivered with a welcoming, small-town feel.
For more information about James Clinic, visit www.JamesClinic.com
For media inquiries, contact:
Marketing@jamesclinic.com