Meet our friendly, experienced pediatricians and staff at Lighthouse Pediatrics. Our entire team is dedicated to helping you and your child feel welcome and at home in our office. We desire for you to feel God's presence and love from the moment you walk in the door. Our staff works together, plays together, and most importantly, prays together.
Debbie Shepard, MD
Naples, FL. - Pediatrician
Lighthouse Pediatrics of NaplesDr. Shepard is currently Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at NCH and has admitting privileges for newborn patients. She serves on the advisory board of the Safe & Health Children’s Coalition of Collier County, where she also co-chairs the Safe Sleep Committee. Dr. Shepard practices her Christian faith in community through co-leading a neighborhood bible study and playing piano in the music ministry at Center Point Community Church. She has a very supportive husband and 2 young adult children. After hours, you may find her enjoying her empty nest era on the water or greenways of Naples.
Alex Fernandez, MD
Naples, FL. - Pediatrician
Lighthouse Pediatrics of NaplesKnown for his compassionate approach to evidence-based practice, Dr. Fernandez believes in the importance of open communication and collaboration with families to foster healthy development from infancy through adolescence. Dr. Fernandez grew up in the Catholic faith tradition and now practices a more non-denominational approach to Christianity. His faith inspires a commitment to serving others with compassion and integrity, reflected in his dedication to care for children and families. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Fernandez cherishes time spent with his wonderful wife, Larissa, and their two daughters.
Traci Viau, APRN
Lighthouse Pediatrics of NaplesTraci was born and raised in Naples and is a Barron Collier High School graduate. She is a proud Florida Gator, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master's of Nursing at the University of Florida. She graduated as a pediatric nurse practitioner in 2008 and remained in the Gainesville area for another 8 years where she practiced in a rural pediatric practice and in the Pediatric Neurology Department at UF Health. We were thrilled that she chose to join Lighthouse when her family returned to Naples in 2016.
Blanca Hernandez, DNP
Lighthouse Pediatrics of Naples
Blanca is also a Naples native, and a graduate of Golden Gate High School. While pursuing her nursing education, Blanca worked in many pediatric settings including the school nurse program and pediatric extended care program. She received her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate of Nursing practice at FGCU prior to joining Lighthouse in 2022. Blanca is also fluent in Spanish.
She has a very supportive husband; Agustin, and they have two children. She is a practicing Roman Catholic and an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, where her children are altar servers. Blanca enjoys spending free time with her family and watching her children participate in sports and band.
Dulce Dudley, MD - Emeritus
Lighthouse Pediatrics of Naples
Dr. Dudley co-founded Lighthouse in 2015 and officially “retired” in fall of 2022. You may see her on occasion covering for the doctors, and we are grateful for her continued support!