LaRae Hansen, MSN, BSN, RN, CPNP-PC

What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?

My favorite animated movie is Moana. I love that she’s a chief, not a princess, and the music is great. The movie captures the beauty of Hawaii, my favorite place in the world, and I can’t wait for the live-action version!

What is your favorite children's book and why?

My favorite children’s books were the Little House on the Prairie series. Growing up in Minnesota, I felt a special connection to the stories and the landscapes in the books. I loved both the books and the show as a kid, and I still enjoy them as an adult. Reading the series again with my daughter and son was a wonderful experience, and it was so fun to see them get hooked on the stories just like I did.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

My favorite childhood toy was my bike. As a child of the ’80s, I rode it everywhere with friends and loved the freedom it gave me. No phones or GPS, just the promise to be home by dark!

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

My greatest inspiration has been the pediatric oncology patients I had the privilege of caring for during my 14 years at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Their determination, courage, and resilience were truly remarkable. Even while facing challenges that most people will never experience, these children found joy in the smallest moments and taught me powerful lessons about strength, gratitude, and hope. Caring for them deeply shaped who I am as a Nurse Practitioner and as a person, and they continue to inspire the compassion and perspective I bring to my work every day.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family—whether it’s going to the beach, hiking, camping, or traveling. We enjoy exploring California, going to Hawaii, and visiting my home state of Minnesota to see extended family and friends, spending time on the lake I grew up on—fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating. These moments allow me to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories with my two kids.

What inspired you to work in pediatrics?

I have always known I wanted to work in pediatrics. Caring for children brings unique challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding and fun—kids are resilient, honest, and often hilariously themselves. Over time, my passion for pediatrics only grew, especially after having my own children. Becoming a parent showed me just how important it is to have a pediatric provider you truly trust.

After spending 16 years working in hospitals, I felt called to shift my focus to prevention and wellness. I am dedicated to keeping kids healthy, supporting families, and helping children stay out of the hospital whenever possible. It is a privilege to care for children and partner with parents during such an important time in their lives.

What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?

What sets me apart as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is my strong nursing background and my genuine passion for caring for children and their families. I love building long-term relationships and being part of each child’s journey as they grow. One of my favorite parts of pediatrics is meeting new parents with their first newborn, watching that baby grow, and then welcoming the family back with a new sibling and partnering with the whole family as they grow together—it’s incredibly rewarding to care for families over time.

I build positive rapport by creating a relaxed, supportive environment where kids feel comfortable and parents feel heard. I take the time to listen, explain things clearly, and connect with children in a fun, age-appropriate way so families leave each visit feeling confident and cared for.

How do you accommodate patients with special needs?

I believe that every child has unique personalities and needs, and I tailor my approach to meet each patient where they are. My background caring for very sick children in the hospital has taught me compassion, patience, adaptability, and the importance of humor—especially when a medical visit feels overwhelming.

For children with special needs, I focus on creating a calm, supportive experience. I take extra time when needed, get down to the child’s level, and communicate in ways that are age-appropriate and comforting. I talk with children about their interests, explain what I’m doing in simple terms, and use reassurance to help ease anxiety. Just as importantly, I listen closely to parents and caregivers, as they know their child best. By working together and building trust over time, I aim to make the doctor’s office a safe and positive place for every child and family.