staff

Julie Baker, M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Baker has been a member of The Carithers Pediatric Group since 1983. She grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended Duke University for her undergraduate education. She earned her medical degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, and then completed her pediatric residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Board-certified in pediatrics since 1983, Dr. Baker loves all ages of pediatrics and enjoys seeing her patients grow up from babies to adults. Her special interests are in caring for complex medical patients and learning disabilities. Dr. Baker lives with her husband, Duncan, and her children, Catherine and James, in the Avondale area of Jacksonville. She is an active volunteer in the community and her church. She has been involved in the Children's Home Society having served as a pediatrician for their foster care program since the mid 1980s. She is on the board of the Sulzbacher Center. Her outside interests include watching ACC basketball and Jaguar's football, gardening (especially roses), and playing tennis.

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Robert Colyer, Jr., M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Colyer joined The Carithers Pediatric Group in 1977. He was born in Jacksonville and after attending local schools, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his Medical degree from Emory University, and then completed his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt University before returning home to practice. Board-Certified in Pediatrics since 1979, he has been actively involved as a Pediatric leader in the community. Dr. Colyer was a past president of the Florida Pediatric Society, the Youth Crisis Center, and the Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville. He was also a past president of the Medical Staff at Wolfson Children's Hospital and the Rotary Club of Jacksonville. Dr. Colyer is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Florida and enjoys all aspects of general pediatrics, including clinical teaching, and he also has a special interest in sports medicine and injury management. Dr. Colyer lives with his lovely wife, Donna, in the Venetia neighborhood of Jacksonville and is extremely proud of his grown children Charlie, Catherine and Brent, as well as there spouses, and more importantly his three grandchildren "Wren", "Brodie" and "Grey". "Dr. Bob" loves to hunt, fish, play golf and relax at the beach and the farm with his family and friends.

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James Cheek, M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. James Cheek has been a member of the Carithers Pediatric Group since 1990. A native of Asheville, NC, Dr. Cheek received his undergraduate degree from Davidson College. He earned his medical degree at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he met his wife, Sheri. He completed his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and spent an additional year there doing a fellowship in Adolescent Medicine. Board-certified in pediatrics since 1989, Dr. Cheek has a special interest in adolescent issues but loves seeing children of all ages. He has served in various positions of leadership in the local pediatric community. He is a former Chief of Pediatrics at St. Vincent's Medical Center, has served on the Medical Board at Wolfson Children's Hospital and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Partnership for Child Health. He has served a term as president of the Northeast Florida Pediatric Society and also as Regional Representative for the Jacksonville area in the Florida Pediatric Society. Dr. Cheek lives with his wife Sheri, and children, Brad and Allison in the Ortega section of Jacksonville. He is active in his church, is an avid runner and enjoys Jaguar football, Tar Heel basketball, cooking and yoga.

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Thomas Connolly, M.D. F.A.A.P. The Carithers Pediatric Group was proud to bring Tom Connolly on board in October 2002, Tom returned to his hometown after spending over four years overseas in the U.S. Air Force. He served as a military pediatrician for two years in Japan and then two years in Italy. Tom grew up in Jacksonville graduating from Bishop Kenny High School followed by a biology degree from Jacksonville University. He attended Emory University Medical School on a military scholarship. He completed his pediatric residency at Travis AFB near San Francisco, California. From there, the Air Force sent him to Yokota AB near Tokyo, Japan for two years followed by a two-year tour at Aviano AB near Venice, Italy. His currently volunteers his time as a guest lecturer in AP biology at Bishop Kenny as well as volunteer as an assistant coach on the varsity boys' basketball team. He is looking forward to giving guest talks and/or lectures at Jacksonville University and University of North Florida. He is married to Mequel and they have a son, Jacob. He also has a son, Brandon, who primarily lives with his mom in Pennsylvania. He enjoys staying busy with various sports and spending time with his big family, which includes two brothers, five sisters and many nieces and nephews.

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Kim Dal Porto M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Kim Dal Porto graduated from Stetson University and then earned her medical degree from at the University Of South Florida College Of Medicine. She completed her residency in Birmingham, AL at UAB. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Kim has two children, Kyle and Alyssa, and they reside in the Southside area. She married Jeff Dal Porto in April 2008 and now has four new step-sons! She finds her greatest fulfillment in her relationship with God, and she especially enjoys exploring His creation with her children - their favorite places being mountains, waterfalls and beaches. She enjoys being an active member of Chets Creek Church and has been going on medical missions with them for years.

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Anne Egan M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Egan joined the Carithers Pediatric Group in October 2003. She grew up in Jacksonville, Connecticut and Hong Kong. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate education and Yale University School of Medicine for her medical education. She completed her internship and residency in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and was board certified in pediatrics in 1995. Before moving to Jacksonville, Dr. Egan practiced for eight years with Allegheny Pediatrics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She also served as an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Dr. Egan lives with her husband, George, and their twin boys and twin girls in Ortega where they are active in their church. When not driving carpools or cooking, Dr. Egan enjoys Florida weather and all its activities. Anne Egan M.D., F.A.A.P.

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Dr. Amy Hardman joined the practice in October 1998. She grew up in Ocala, Florida, and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. She earned her medical degree and residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, she spent one year in Houston, Texas doing fellowship training in pediatric cardiology. Dr. Hardman has been board-certified in pediatrics since 1997. She has a special interest in children with congenital heart disease, but enjoys taking care of children and adolescents with a variety of needs. Dr. Hardman lives with her husband, Robert, and their two children, Marc and Holly. She has always been an equestrian enthusiast, is involved in church and other activities in the Beaches community.

Amy Hardman M.D., F.A.A.P.

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Raoul Sanchez M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Raoul Sanchez joined the Carithers Pediatric Group in 1997. A native of South Florida, he has enjoyed making Jacksonville his home since that time. He received his undergraduate degree from Stetson University and then his medical degree from the University Of South Florida College Of Medicine. Following medical school, he entered into residency at the University of Alabama and graduated in 1997. Prior to coming to Jacksonville, he worked in the Birmingham Health Department for two months. Dr. Sanchez is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Sanchez enjoys exercise and reading. He loves the outdoors, particularly Jacksonville's beautiful beaches. He also enjoys time with his children, Kyle and Alyssa, and finds fulfillment in his local church.

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Wendy Sapolsky M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Sapolsky joined the practice in July, 1995. Originally from the North, Dr. Sapolsky moved with her family to Jacksonville in 1980. After high school, she attended Tulane University for undergraduate studies. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida, where she met her husband, Jeffrey. They moved together to Winston Salem, North Carolina to complete her pediatric residency at Wake Forest University/Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After moving back to Jacksonville, Dr. Sapolsky settled in the Mandarin area, where she now lives with her husband and three children, Marni, Brooke and Gil. In her spare time, Dr. Sapolsky likes to scrapbook and travel. She especially enjoys outdoor activities with her family including boating and camping.

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Andreae Shaw M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Andreae Shaw joined the practice in October 2008. Dr. Shaw was born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida. After high school, she attended Florida State University. She subsequently earned her medical degree from the University Of South Florida College Of Medicine. She spent her pediatric internship in Tampa, at All Children's Hospital and the University of South Florida. She completed her residency at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. After marrying her husband, a Jacksonville native, she moved to Jacksonville in 2008. She currently lived in San Marco with her husband John. Dr. Shaw is a board certified pediatrician. She has a special interest in asthma, but enjoys infants and children all alike. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time on the lake, relaxing with friends and family, and watching her husband grill. You can also find her cheering on Florida State and Jaguar football!

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Trudy English, ARNP Trudy English joined The Carithers Pediatric Group as a board certified practitioner in February of 2010. She attended The University of Akron where she received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and her Master's of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. She spent nine years working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Ohio State University Medical Center and most recently at Pittsburgh Pediatric Associates in Pittsburgh, PA. Trudy lives in Saint Augustine with her husband Bob and their three children, twins Will and Grace and daughter Annie. When not busy with her three children, Trudy enjoys running and reading.

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Katie Mershon, ARNP Katie Mershon joined The Carithers Pediatric Group as a board-certified practitioner in April 2008. Growing up in Jacksonville, Katie was a patient of The Carithers Pediatric Group for many years. Katie graduated from Paxon School for Advanced Studies. She went to nursing school at the University of North Florida where she received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. She spent three years working as an RN at Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, while studying to receive her Master's of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida. After completing her masters, she received her certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Katie lives in Jacksonville with her husband and daughter Lilly. Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends during her time off and loves cooking and entertaining, especially during Gator football season!

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Leah Copham, ARNP Leah Copham joined The Carithers Pediatric Group as a board-certified nurse practitioner in January 2008. Growing up in Jacksonville, Leah was a patient of The Carithers Group for many years and graduated from St. John's Country Day School. She went to nursing school at the University of Florida where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and was the recipient of the Meredith Lewis Glover Memorial Scholarship to complete her Master’s of Science in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She completed clinical rotations during that time at Carithers and worked closely with her mentor, Dr. Julie Baker. Leah’s admiration for Dr. Baker’s dedication to pediatrics, inspired her to one day become a part of the group. After receiving her degree, Leah moved to Los Angeles, CA where she practiced for 3 years with Salimpour Pediatric Medical Group before moving back to her hometown in 2007. Leah lives in the Avondale area of Jacksonville with her husband, Brian. She is involved in her church and loves spending time with her family and friends. Leah is a pilot and enjoys flying during her time off. She also enjoys exercising and spending time on the water. During the fall you can find her at the JU soccer field cheering on her husband’s team and in the Swamp cheering on the Gators!

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Cari Trappe, ARNP Cari Trappe joined The Carithers Pediatric Group in January 2012. She is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Cari grew up in Panama City, Florida and received her undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation from Clemson University. She then attended Vanderbilt University where she received her Master's of Science in Nursing. Cari enjoys working with children of all ages and their families and is thrilled to be a part of the Carithers family. Cari loves anything outdoors and dabbles in a variety of activities. She is triathlete who has competed in several Ironman competitions around the world but enjoys hometown races the most. She is involved in her church and relies on her faith for strength. When it comes to football, she is a proud Alabama fan! Currently living in the Riverside area, Cari loves discovering all that Jacksonville has to offer.

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