RISE Pediatrics: Medical Weight Management Clinic for Kids

05/01/2026

Adding Pediatric Direct Primary Care to RISE has been on my heart since day one.

From the very beginning, I’ve wanted to create a way to stay more connected to families… not just during visits, but in all the in-between moments where questions come up, routines shift, and real life is happening.

This new blog post is a look into that vision. What Pediatric Direct Primary Care is, how it works, and why I believe it can be such a meaningful way to support kids as they grow.

If you’ve ever wished for a little more consistency, a little more access, or just a provider who really knows your child over time, I think this will resonate with you.

This is something I’m so excited to bring to RISE soon, and I’d love for you to read more about it on the RISE blog.

https://www.risepediatricsmd.com/blog/pediatric-direct-primary-care-in-annapolis-a-more-connected-way-to-care-for-your-child

04/30/2026

Summer is coming… and if you're already hearing “I’m bored” 😅...I’ve got you covered.

Check out my friends at MacaroniKID, the go-to webpage packed with local summer camps + fun things to do so you don’t have to spend hours searching. (You may also spy a familiar face in the sidebar 😉)

Less stress for you, more fun for them. ☀️

Macaroni KID provides local activity guides & news for parents & families. Find your family fun things to do. Find out about events & activities, calendars, articles, giveaways, and resource guides for your area. Find out about summer camps, great parks, and more in Annapolis, MD

04/21/2026

Please give a warm Chamber Welcome to our newest Member -
RISE Pediatrics: Medical Weight Management Clinic for Kids!

April Maloney began her career in healthcare in the emergency room, later advancing into pediatric trauma care at Children’s National Medical Center. While she valued the fast-paced, life-saving work, she felt increasingly drawn to prevention. After earning her Master’s in Nursing from The Catholic University of America, she eventually specialized in pediatric obesity medicine through the IDEAL clinic at Children’s National. In her practice, April partners closely with families to uncover root causes, connect the dots, and build sustainable, personalized plans. She combines evidence-based medicine with a more holistic, thoughtful approach, focusing not just on weight or symptoms, but on the whole child.

Thank you April for joining the Chamber!!

❤️

04/15/2026

One of the questions I’ve been getting more often lately is about GLP-1 medications.

And the truth is, they can be a really helpful TOOL.

For some kids, things finally start to feel a little easier. Hunger isn’t as loud. There’s less of that constant push and pull around food. For families who have been trying for a long time, that shift can feel like a relief.

But I don’t look at medication as the whole answer.

Because your child is still in the middle of learning their body.

What it feels like to be hungry.
What it feels like to be full.
What helps them feel steady during the day and what throws things off.

That kind of awareness doesn’t come from a prescription.

So if we decide medication makes sense, it’s folded into a much bigger picture. We slow things down, look at patterns, and make small adjustments that actually fit your child’s life. Nothing extreme, nothing unrealistic.

Over time, that’s what starts to stick.

The goal isn’t just to see change right now. It’s to help your child grow into someone who understands their health and knows how to take care of it. Let’s encourage lifetime wellness, not just weight loss!

04/15/2026

I opened a book today while sitting at the dentist office, and this quote was on the page:

“First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits, or they’ll eventually conquer you.”

I couldn’t help but reflect—not only about my own life, but about the families I work with.

So much of our health isn’t about one big decision… it’s about the small, daily habits that quietly shape our lives over time.

The encouraging part? Those habits can be changed. And when they do, everything else begins to shift 💜

Reflect. Integrate. Self-actualize. Embrace.

04/08/2026

I recently had the honor of being interviewed by Voyage Baltimore Magazine, whose mission is to highlight the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities...something that deeply resonates with the work we’re doing at RISE.

I’ll be honest, this one felt a little vulnerable to share. But I hope it offers a glimpse into the heart behind RISE and why this work means so much to me.🤍

https://voyagebaltimore.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-april-maloney-of-rise-pediatrics

04/07/2026

I have a lot of families come in feeling stuck.

They’ve heard “just focus on health, not weight.”

They’ve also been told they should be more concerned.

And somewhere in the middle of all that… they’re not sure what to do next.

That’s usually where our conversation starts.

Because both things can be true.

Your child deserves to feel comfortable in their body.

They deserve care that is respectful, supportive, and free of shame.

And… if their body is showing signs that something isn’t working well underneath the surface, that deserves attention too.

My care plan does not ignore weight.
But I also don’t center everything around it.

We look at what’s actually going on.

✨Growth patterns
✨Metabolism
✨Sleep
✨Stress
✨Hunger cues
✨Labs

We figure out why your child’s body is responding the way it is… and what it needs.

Most parents don’t need more opinions.

They need help understanding how this kind of support actually fits their child.

That’s the space I try to create here.

If you’d like more information, visit my website to learn more and schedule a Discovery Call.

04/01/2026

What are you waiting for? Today’s the day! I can’t wait to speak with you 💜 https://www.risepediatricsmd.com

03/31/2026

A lot of parents I meet have been thinking about their child’s health for a long time before they ever reach out.

There’s usually a mix of concern, second-guessing, and trying to piece together advice that never quite feels complete. It can be hard to know what actually matters and what to focus on.

This is where the idea of Health at Every Size can be helpful. Not as a label, but as a way to step back and look more closely at what’s really going on with your child’s body.

In this post, I share how I think about HAES in pediatric care and how it fits into a more thoughtful, individualized approach to health.

If this has been on your mind, I hope it gives you a clearer starting point.

Read about it here: https://www.risepediatricsmd.com/blog/health-at-every-size-haes-for-kids-in-annapolis

03/25/2026

For all my followers with teens and/or tweens…your welcome 😉

ATTENTION parents of teens and tweens 👀

The Teen Savvy Parent Summit is BACK for one weekend only — March 29–30.

You’ll get 48 hours to watch 16 incredible interviews with experts covering everything from:

• Parenting your ADHD teen
• Money and financial responsibility
• Discipline that actually works
• Teen mental health and screens
• Managing your own stress
• Breaking generational patterns
…and so much more

💡 It’s completely FREE to save your spot.

If you’ve been wanting guidance, reassurance, or just to feel less alone in this phase of parenting… this is your chance.

👉 Head to the link in my bio
Then click “Teen Savvy Parent Summit”
Save your seat for FREE!

Or comment "Summit" and I'll send you the link directly.

No time this weekend? I’ve got you.

There’s also a VIP Pass available that gives you lifetime access to all 16 interviews PLUS bonus content from every speaker.

And for a limited time, it’s back to pre-summit pricing (over 50% off).
Use code: ENCOREMARCH26

Come join us. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

03/11/2026

Today I’m celebrating the completion of my training through the Pediatric Health Coach Academy and becoming a Certified Pediatric Health Coach. 🎉

This journey was deeply personal for me. After nearly 20 years in pediatric healthcare, I wanted to grow in a way that ensures I am providing the very best support to the children and families I serve. Chronic disease isn’t just about medications or treatment plans, it requires meaningful behavior change, and I truly believe health coaching is one of the most powerful ways to support that change.

Health coaching focuses on partnership, empowerment, and helping children discover their own strengths. Rather than simply telling kids what “healthy” looks like, this approach helps them learn how to create it for themselves.

At RISE, I will continue integrating this strength-based approach with every family who joins our community. My goal is to help children not only understand optimal health, but to build the confidence, self-efficacy, and resilience needed to thrive in today’s world.

When we build on a child’s strengths, we give them the greatest opportunity to become their most authentic, capable selves.

I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter and grateful for the families who trust me to walk alongside them on their health journey. 💛