Step by Step Pediatrics staff with smiling children

Our Story

Step by Step Pediatrics was formed in 2004. While working at a large pediatric practice, we decided we wanted to provide more personal care in a smaller setting. Over the last few years, medicine has continued to evolve into fewer choices for patients. Practices are becoming larger, combining clinics, and in some cases selling to large corporate hospitals. The era of the private clinic, where you get personal care, is getting harder to find. At Step by Step Pediatrics, we remain dedicated to being your personal health care provider.

We continue to provide personalized care for your children and want to be your pediatricians, step by step.

Providers

Abigail Alviar, D.O., F.A.A.P.

While my childhood classmates were dreaming of becoming astronauts, I was thinking about how cool it would be to be a doctor for kids. Although passionate about pediatrics, I expanded my knowledge base by minoring in Art History at the University of California, Irvine and pursuing research and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, MO. I subsequently completed my medical school education there and moved to Arizona in 2009.

I completed residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital-Maricopa Medical Center’s Pediatric Residency Program where I was lucky to work alongside Dr. Bishop for my last 2 years of training. The experience was incomparable and I’m excited to be a part of the team.

Courtney L. Bishop, M.D., F.A.A.P.

After one of my many ear infections at the age of six, I told my mom that I wanted to be a doctor. The rest is history! I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland and went on to medical school at the University of Arizona.

I followed my husband to Phoenix and completed a residency at the Phoenix Hospitals Affiliated Pediatrics Program.

I am a board certified pediatrician and have enjoyed practicing the art of pediatric medicine in a private practice setting since 1998.

Aseema Pani Maher, M.D., F.A.A.P.

I adore children and knew from a young age that I would be a teacher or pediatrician. I am originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was pursuing a career in elementary education at LSU (Geaux Tigers!) when I fell in love with science. I graduated from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and subsequently moved to Arizona. I completed my residency training at Phoenix Children’s Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center where I was a pediatric chief resident from 2004-2005.

I am board certified and previously had been teaching and working in the academic setting for over 10 years. My husband Jeremy and I have 2 adorable girls, Mila and Ava. I look forward to meeting and taking care of your children!

Sarah Nguyen, M.D., F.A.A.P

I have always been fascinated with the growth and life stories of humans and all living creatures, which led me to major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology as well as Psychology at Rice University. However, I have always enjoyed being around children the most and learning about them. I decided to become a pediatrician as I wanted to help nurture children to reach their fullest potential in life.

I graduated from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and ventured out of Texas for the first time to complete my pediatric residency at Phoenix Children's Pediatric Residency Program Alliance. Now that I am here at Step by Step Pediatrics, I am excited to meet your children, listen to their stories, and help them grow to live their most healthy and fullest lives!

Theresa Lindstrom, P.A.-C

I grew up in the East Valley and graduated from Dobson High school. I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Knowing that I had a passion for medicine, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in physician assistant studies at the Arizona School for Health Sciences. Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As a PA in pediatric practice since 1999, I conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, and write prescriptions.

I am certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants, and a member of the state and national PA organizations. I am married with two sons, Trent and Eric.

Beth Jaco, C-PNP

I am originally from the Boston area, and came to Arizona after high school to attend the nursing program at Arizona State University. I knew long before graduation that I wanted to work in pediatrics. After completing my Bachelor's Degree in nursing, I worked at Phoenix Children's Hospital and Banner Desert Medical Center, working in both neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. In 1997 I completed my Master's degree in Pediatric Nursing. Since that time I have worked as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in a variety of settings.

I am certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and am a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. I am married with two very active boys, Trevor and Brennan.