The beginning of a new school year always brings a special kind of energy to the Taos Clinic for Children and Youth (TCCY). For the pediatric team, it means days filled with school physicals, checkups, and vaccinations as families prepare their kids for the classroom. But it also brings joy.
“We love seeing our long-term patients grow up and we are excited about meeting the new families coming in for the first time,” said Dr. Veronica Parker, Pediatric Medical Director at TCCY. “We are here to get to know you and your family, and we love our jobs.”
TCCY is currently accepting new patients, with most able to schedule their initial appointment within a week. While the clinic does not take walk-ins, established patients can usually schedule a same-day or next-day visit if a child is sick and care is needed quickly. Dr. Parker encourages families to call before coming in so the team can find the best time to help.
The pediatric staff at TCCY includes Dr. Keith Krist, Dr. Veronica Parker, Dr. Cliff Scott, nurse practitioner Marie Sanchez, and nurse practitioner Morgan Verkuilen, along with an experienced group of clinical and office staff. Together, the three doctors provide pediatric coverage not only in the clinic but also in the Labor & Delivery unit for newborns and in the Emergency Department for pediatric patients requiring admission to Holy Cross Hospital.
“We have an incredible pediatric team right here in Taos,” said Dr. Parker. “The team works really well together—from doctors and nurse practitioners to our office managers and clinical staff. We are really proud of the care we provide to families in Taos.”
Beyond routine care, TCCY offers support for families navigating behavioral or academic challenges. Children struggling with concentration, learning differences, or emotional well-being can be evaluated for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression. The clinic can diagnose and prescribe treatments, and when cases are more complex, they help families connect with specialists while continuing to provide local support.
The clinic also works with parents to understand and access school-based services, such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), so children receive the accommodations and support they need to thrive academically.
TCCY has years of experience caring for children with complex medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and mobility challenges. Many of these families rely on Medicaid, and the clinic keeps pace with changing insurance and coverage policies. “If anyone is worried about how to handle that, we’ll do our best to help guide patients with chronic needs,” Dr. Parker explained. “If there are children with chronic health needs, we are well equipped—we’ve been seeing them for a long time.”
2025 Vaccine Recommendations
The team at TCCY believes that vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable diseases. They not only reduce the chances of catching an illness but can also make cases less severe when infections do occur. At TCCY, the choice always rests with parents, but the clinic encourages vaccinations, and follows the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). TCCY’s goal is simple: keep the children of Taos as healthy as possible. TCCY is currently using the following guidance from the AAP.
Covid-19
The AAP continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for children, particularly those at higher risk for complications. For the 2025–2026 season, the vaccine is advised for all children ages 6–23 months and for older children with health conditions that make COVID-19 more dangerous. Families of otherwise healthy children may also choose the vaccine for added protection. TCCY is currently providing doses from the previous supply and expects updated vaccines to arrive at the end of the year.
Dr. Parker emphasizes the importance of this option: “We recommend the COVID vaccine especially for kids with asthma and other underlying conditions,” she said. “Getting your vaccine doesn’t keep you from getting COVID, but it reduces the intensity of your illness. We consider all children eligible and encourage families to talk with us about what’s right for them.”
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants. Protection comes from a single dose of nirsevimab, an antibody treatment given before or during RSV season (November-March). All babies under 8 months are eligible for this preventative treatment in their first RSV season, while children 8 months to 2 years old, with specific health risks, are also eligible. If a mother received the RSV maternal vaccine during pregnancy, most newborns will already have protection. TCCY expects the RSV vaccine to be available in November and encourages families to discuss the best timing with their pediatrician.
HPV
The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing several cancers. The AAP recommends starting the vaccine series between ages 9–12, when the immune response is strongest. Children starting before age 15 need just two doses, while those beginning later require three. The vaccine helps protect against many cancers caused by HPV, including reproductive tract and head and neck cancers, which without protection, can develop in early adulthood. TCCY encourages families to discuss options with their provider.
Flu
The flu vaccine remains a yearly option for children ages 6 months and older. While flu can be uncomfortable for most, it can be serious—even life-threatening—for infants, young children, and those with chronic conditions. A single dose each year provides strong protection, though children under 9 years old receiving the flu vaccine for the first time in their life need two doses, spaced 30 days apart. Both the flu shot and nasal spray version of the vaccine are considered safe, and families are encouraged to vaccinate early in the fall to ensure full-season coverage through the school year.
Families seeking pediatric care in Taos will find a welcoming home at the Taos Clinic for Children and Youth. With a dedicated team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and staff, the clinic provides comprehensive care for everything from newborn checkups to adolescent health, behavioral support, and chronic conditions. TCCY emphasizes its long-term commitment to families.
“We are excited to meet you and your family,” said Dr. Parker. “Our team looks forward to growing alongside you. We get to know your family deeply, and we love our patients.”
Taos Clinic for Children and Youth is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to growing with families in the community. To schedule an appointment, call (575) 758-8651 or visit www.taospeds.org.