NORTH REGION

Deltona

Leonita Bray, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Bray was born and raised in Ghana. She graduated from the School of Medical Science-Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Inspired by her godmother, she moved to New York City to pursue her pediatric residency training at Woodhull Medical Center, NYU School of Medicine in Brooklyn, NY. This has made her childhood passion in pediatric healthcare a reality and expand her medical knowledge. She is very interested in neonatology and preventive care. She also enjoys classical music, spending time with family and friends, exploring different cuisine and going to the beach.

Nazym Bashkenova, M.D.

Dr. Bashkenova is a compassionate pediatrician born in Kazakhstan, holds a medical degree from Turgut Ozal University in Ankara, Turkey, and has conducted stem cell research at Columbia University. Her dedication to child health led her to complete her pediatric residency at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia, PA, where she developed a deep commitment to preventative medicine, growth and development monitoring, and refugee care. Beyond her medical career, she is a devoted wife and mother, finding joy in family time, beach trips, and exploring new places. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Turkish, and Kazakh, she is a caring, multilingual pediatrician dedicated to the well-being of children from diverse backgrounds.

Kady Pryde, APRN

Kady Wise is a certified pediatric Physician Assistant. She was born in Texas, but as an Air Force kid, she moved around a lot. She went to Wayland Baptist University in Texas to study Biology and Religion with an emphasis on missions and a minor in Spanish. She then received her master’s in physician assistant studies at Harding University in Arkansas. She spent the last 6.5 years in a pediatric rural health clinic in Sebring, Florida. When Kady is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband outdoors, hiking and kayaking or traveling, as well as spending time with their three dogs and one cat. She speaks English and Spanish.

Longwood

Josue H. Cortes, M.D., FAAP

Josue H. Cortes graduated from medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in southern California. He completed his residency at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. He then moved to Florida in 2004, where he has been practicing as a Board-Certified Pediatrician. Dr. Cortes is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish. He truly enjoys the time he spends with his patients and their families, and he loves practicing every aspect of pediatric medicine.

Sanford

Choyce Coe, APRN, CPNP

Choyce Coe is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Choyce knew from a young age she wanted to become a nurse. She attended the University of West Georgia and graduated Cum-Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Her passion for children initially drew her to a career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Following six years of dedicated focus, knowledge, and effort in the NICU, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Pediatric Medicine. She then became Board Certified in Primary Care and hopes to obtain her certification in Pediatric Mental Health. As a Board Certified Pediatric Primary Care NP, she loves the joy it brings her to care for children and their families. She enjoys cooking, traveling, kayaking, and doing puzzles. Choyce and her husband have relocated to Orlando and are excited to get to know the community.
Part-time

Chantal Soobhanath, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Soobhanath was born in Trinidad and Tobago. Since childhood, her dream was to one day become a pediatrician. She received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in Biology. Throughout this time, her passion for medicine grew, so she returned to the Caribbean to complete medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. Her journey in medicine brought her to Florida to complete residency training at Adventhealth for Children, where she finally accomplished her dream. She has a passion for preventive pediatrics and advocating for underserved children. In her free time, Dr. Soobhanath enjoys movies, traveling, exploring Orlando, and spending time with her husband and son.

Sussi Vivar, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Vivar, a board-certified pediatrician, was born in Peru and spent most of her life in the northeastern part of the U.S., where she volunteered and worked with migrant farm families. She received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York, completing her residency at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

Dr. Vivar enjoys working with children and families from various cultures and backgrounds. She explains that “it feels there is always something to be learned and cherished from other human beings.” In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to other cities and countries, eating different cuisine, and when she is not traveling, relaxing with her husband and two cats. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Winter Springs

Joanne Dela Pena Arce, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Joanne Dela Pena Arce was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines. She earned her medical degree from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland. She then completed her pediatric residency at the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine Chattanooga. She has a special interest in providing preventive and anticipatory guidance during well visits, and loves spending time with her husband and family. Dr. Dela Pena is board-certified and is fluent in English and Tagalog.

Kristy Kurz, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC

Kristy is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner who has been practicing pediatrics since 2006. After completing her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Central Florida, she began her nursing career at Arnold Palmer Hospital in post-partum/neonatal and the pediatric emergency department. Shortly after, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing degree and obtained her pediatric nurse practitioner license. Kristy went on to spend time working in primary care pediatrics in the Orlando area, as well as teaching pediatrics at Seminole State College. She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Kristy loves to empower patients through education, prevention, and disease management. She was born in New York, but raised in Florida. Kristy enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and cheering them on at all their sporting events.

Part-Time

EAST REGION

Alafaya

Mariella Cabrera Quijada, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Mariella Cabrera was born in Venezuela and graduated from medical school at La Universidad Central de Venezuela, in Caracas, Venezuela. In 2015, she moved to Texas. From there Dr. Cabrera moved to New York City and completed her residency at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family, reading, and drawing. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Salisha Mohammed, M.D.

Dr. Mohammed was born and raised in Queens, NY. She earned a bachelor’s in chemistry and Sociology at the City University of New York, Queens College. She received her master’s in medical sciences at the University of South Florida and graduated from medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. She then completed her residency at Bronx Care Health System in Bronx, NY. Dr. Mohammed advocates for children and their families, particularly interested in preventative medicine, nutrition, and social determinants of health. She loves caring for children of all ages and building strong and meaningful relationships with her patients and their families. Outside the clinic, she enjoys baking, going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Lee Vista

Helen Young, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Young is a Board-Certified Pediatrician. She received her medical degree at the University of the Philippines and later completed pediatric residency training at SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Young has over ten years of private practice experience, and she is certified with the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition to English, she also speaks Mandarin and Tagalog.

Sorangel Diaz Arias, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Diaz was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. During her childhood and adolescent years, she had the opportunity to work in the family business: a pharmacy, where her interest in medicine began to grow. She graduated from medical school at Universidad Iberoamericana in the Dominican Republic. After medical school, while working in the pediatric unit of IDEV, she realized pediatrics was the field she wanted to pursue. Dr. Diaz completed her pediatric residency at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. She is interested in preventive pediatrics and helping communities in need and enjoys spending time with family, reading, and sightseeing. Dr. Diaz is fluent in both Spanish and English.

Oviedo

Allison Klimis, M.D.

Dr. Allison Klimis joins the FCP family with over 12 years of experience in general pediatrics. She received a full-ride scholarship for volleyball to the University of Alabama, where she graduated with a degree in biology and a minor in Spanish. Later, she did her medical schooling at the Medical College of Wisconsin, near where she grew up in Wauwatosa, WI. With special training and emphasis in pediatric genetics, Dr. Klimis completed her residency at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston. This busy pastor’s wife and mother of six loves Jesus, spending time with her family, watching her kids play sports, going to church, working out at the gym, traveling, crafting, and drinking great coffee. She is fluent in Spanish and has a special place in her heart for her Hispanic patients. Dr. Klimis is excited to care for your children with a mother’s touch and is happy to see and accommodate large families.
From Dr. Klimis: “God bless you, and I look forward to meeting you.”

So Yeon Oh, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Oh was born in South Korea and grew up in Southern California. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies, and completed her residency at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, New York. She served active duty in the U.S. Army as a pediatrician and afterward transitioned to federal service as a civilian pediatrician. She has 10 years of experience and she is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She enjoys helping children and their families in growth and healing, and she is thankful for the privilege of caring for them. In her spare time, she likes to sing, enjoy nature, and spend time with family and friends.

Part-time

Semoran

Camille VanHoof, APRN

Camille VanHoof is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner. With extensive experience in NICU, PICU, and pediatric ER settings as a nurse, she has developed a deep understanding of how to provide compassionate and effective care to the most vulnerable of patients.

Camille earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has a particular passion for working with infants and newborns, and takes great pride in helping new mothers navigate the challenges of motherhood. Her approach is always grounded in evidence-based practice and tailored to the unique needs of each individual patient. When she’s not working, Camille enjoys going for bike rides and spending time at the beach with her husband and two sons.

Part-Time

Grace Kim-Lu, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Kim came to First Choice Pediatrics from Long Island, New York, where she practiced pediatrics for over 10 years. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College, and completed her residency at North Shore University Hospital. Dr. Kim is a devoted wife and mother of identical twin girls. In her free time, she enjoys playing the guitar, playing tennis, and getting lost in a great book. Because of her love for children and fascination with the sciences, Dr. Kim feels that being a pediatrician fulfills a lifelong dream: “Every child is created and gifted in many ways. I find great joy in interacting and discovering the uniqueness of each child. My hope is that as a pediatrician, I can be a small part of enabling each child be the best they can be.”

Liliana Buitrago, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Buitrago was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, where she earned her medical degree at El Bosque University. She later completed her pediatric residency at BronxCare Health System in the Bronx, NY. Dr. Buitrago has special interests in nutritional concerns in young children, gastrointestinal conditions, and volunteering in underserved communities. She loves working with children of all ages, and her goal as a pediatrician is to help families build strong foundations in their efforts to raise healthy and happy children. In her spare time, Dr. Buitrago enjoys hiking, traveling with her family, and learning about different languages and cultures. Dr. Buitrago is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Lilly Dao, D.O., M.P.H., FAAP

Dr. Dao was born in Boise, Idaho, but grew up in Orlando. She completed her bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences at The University of Florida, then moved to California where she earned her master’s degree in public health at Touro University. Dr. Dao subsequently completed medical school at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and finished her pediatric residency at The Children’s Hospital at Palms West in West Palm Beach, FL. Dr. Dao truly enjoys guiding families as they welcome their little ones into the world. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, sight-seeing, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband and family.

Shannon Osorio, PA-C.

Shannon is a board-certified physician assistant who has been practicing pediatrics since 2009. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University Of Notre Dame in Indiana, she went on to graduate with her Masters in Clinical Medical Studies as a Physician Assistant from Barry University in Miami Shores in 2008. Aside from her passion for pediatrics, Shannon is a lactation education counselor and is currently working to obtain her certification as an IBCLC. She has also shown a strong interest in international health and has participated in medical mission trips to Quito, Ecuador to provide pediatric care to local communities. Shannon is fluent in both English and Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, baking, and exploring local parks and lakes with her son and her Boston Terrier puppy. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Tolulope Adebanjo McKenzie, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP

Dr. McKenzie is a double board-certified physician in pediatrics and preventive medicine and a CDC-trained epidemiologist. She received her Master of Public Health and medical degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed her pediatrics residency, including her chief residency, at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. Dr. McKenzie is also a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service, which provides two-year training in applied epidemiology, and she completed a preventive medicine residency through CDC.

Dr. McKenzie has special interests in public health, diversity in medicine, health equity, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on health. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children and traveling.

Part-Time

Vaishali Khetarpal, M.D.

Dr. Khetarpal is a board certified pediatrician and a fellow of AAP. She began her medical journey with an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, and residency at Hurley Medical Center/Michigan State University. She then received her medical degree from Gujarat University, India. Dr. Khetarpal has been practicing pediatrics for about 7 years and her specific interests include newborn care, asthma, and allergies management. She believes in building relationships with her patients and their families and cherishes seeing her patients grow physically and developmentally over time. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young children, traveling and exploring new places, and going to beaches.

Part-Time

Wendy Singletary, PPCNP-BC, MSN

Wendy is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and has been practicing in pediatric primary care since 2013. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Bethune Cookman University and her Master of Science in nursing from the University of Central Florida. Wendy enjoys seeing patients reach their highest potential of health and wellness through the encounters she is able to have with them. She originally from Orange Park, Florida, but Orlando is now her home. She is married and a mother to 3 children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Part-Time

WEST REGION

Apopka

Euripides Roques, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Roques was born and raised in the Dominican Republic where he attended Medical school at Universidad Iberoamericana UNIBE. He moved to New York City to complete his pediatric residency training at the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Weill Cornell Medical College in the Bronx, NY. He has a special interest in preventive medicine and research. Dr. Roques completed a research fellowship under the ECRIP program at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Dr Phillips

Maralee Bisono, M.D.

Dr. Bisono was born in the Bronx, NY, and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She moved overseas to the Dominican Republic for high school but stayed in the country to attend medical school as well. Since childhood, Dr. Bisono had always dreamed to one day be a pediatrician. Her heart is always filled with joy when taking care of children of all ages and their families. Her dream had come true. Dr. Bisono graduated from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) and completed her residency at Lincoln Medical Center in Bronx, NY. She is an advocate for children and their families and enjoys being of service. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, dancing, meeting new people, and exploring different cultures. She is also a big believer in self-care and engages in practices such as meditation, yoga, or even just reading a really good book. Learning new languages, learning how to play the piano, and exploring all that Florida has to offer are some of the things Dr. Bisono looks forward to in the future. She speaks English and Spanish.

Sandryn M. Taylor-Wysiekierski, DNP, CPNP-PC, MSN, RN.

DNP. Taylor is a nationally-certified (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board) pediatric nurse practitioner with 35 years of healthcare experience and 10+ years of experience as a nurse educator.

DNP. Taylor received her education at both Rutgers School of Nursing and University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ, obtaining her masters and doctorate degrees. Prior to joining Pediatric Associates, DNP. Taylor spent time at both Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ-Pediatrics and Hackensack University Medical Center of NJ. Due to her passion for teaching both nursing students and patients, she often shared clinic hours with her nursing students at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Additionally, DNP. Taylor is a member of the International Honors Society of Nursing and has served as president of NJ Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, Disney, and spending time with her family.

MetroWest

Amra Gavric, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Gavric is a Board-Certified Pediatrician through the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She graduated from the University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and completed her residency in general medicine at Clinical Center Kosevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. After relocating to the United States, Dr. Gavric received specialty training in pediatrics at the Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York Medical College in New York. She has been working as a pediatrician in private practice in the Orlando area since 2007. She has a special interest in infectious diseases and skin diseases, as well as in ADHD/ADD. In 2011, Dr. Gavric was recognized as one of America’s Top Pediatricians by a nationwide peer survey. She is fluent in English, Serbo-Croat, and Bosnian.

Winter Garden

Dhabia Al-Najjar, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Dhabia Al-Najjar is a Board Certified Pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In 2006, she earned her degree in medicine from the University of Baghdad. After completing her residency at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York, in 2014, Dr. Al-Najjar began practicing medicine at Fort Madison Community Hospital in Madison, Iowa. Later she settled in Winter Park, Florida, where she established her own practice. During her free time, Dr. Al-Najjar enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is fluent in both English and Arabic.

Vihieu Pham, DO.

Dr. Pham was born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida. He completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medical School in Bradenton. Later, he completed his pediatric residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Dr. Pham has a special interest in preventative pediatrics, as well as treating children with complex medical conditions. He also takes great pride in the opportunity to be able to give back to the Central Florida community in which he was raised. In his spare time, Dr. Pham is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys weight-lifting, running, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

SOUTH REGION

Lake Nona

Maria Owsik, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Owsik grew up in Venezuela, where she graduated Cum Laude as a surgeon from medical school at La Universidad del Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She moved to the United States in 2013, to continue her medical journey. During her time in New York, Dr. Owsik developed a passion for working with kids, which led her to a pediatric residency at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, and going to the beach. Dr. Owsik is fluent in English and Spanish.

Yabin Chen, M.D.

Dr. Chen earned her medical degree from Sun Yat-sen University. She completed her residency with the University of Florida at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where she received the Clinic Rockstar award for her dedication to providing the best patient care. Dr. Chen LOVES her job! What she enjoys most about being a pediatrician is helping families along in their journey through life. Her special interests include newborn care, gastrointestinal problems, and ADHD management. She is fluent in both English and Mandarin. Dr. Chen is happily married and blessed with two children. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, doing outdoor activities, and attending church services.

Loop

Jeannie Paola Medina Paez, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Medina was born and raised in Colombia, where she earned her medical degree at Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota. After moving to the United States, she completed her pediatric residency at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. Dr. Medina is passionate about pediatric medicine and enjoys working with newborns, infants, and children ages 3-5 years old. She has previous experience working in cancer research at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Outside of work, Dr. Medina enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, and traveling around the world discovering new cultures. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Rosemarie Sison, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Sison grew up in the province of Pampanga in the Philippines. She graduated from the Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation in Manila, where she began her professional training as a pediatric resident. Later she pursued a Pulmonary Fellowship at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. After moving to the United States, Dr. Sison completed pediatric residency training at the Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, an affiliate with Texas A & M University. She is certified with the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Sison demonstrates a genuine love for children. She is married and has a daughter.

Raksha Taubeh, DNP, CPNP – PC, FNP –C

Raksha was born and raised in Winter Park, Florida. She attended college out of state at Rutgers University, earning a BA in Biology in 2006. She then went on to complete an accelerated bachelors in science in nursing at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in 2009. In 2011, Raksha returned home to Florida and attended the University of South Florida- Pediatric Primary Care to obtain a master’s in nursing in 2015. Following that, she obtained a DNP from the University of South Florida in 2018 and Post-Master’s Certificate in Family Practice in 2021. As a nurse, Raksha has always specialized and taken a particular interest in pediatric hematology and oncology. She has three daughters and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

After-Hours

Melbourne

Janet Jenkin, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Jenkin grew up in New Jersey and attended college and medical school at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She trained in pediatrics at Indiana University and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. After working in Indiana and then Wisconsin, Dr. Jenkin moved to Florida to get away from the cold. She enjoys taking care of children and has a special interest in asthma and allergies. When she is not working, Dr. Jenkin enjoys swimming, going to Disney, and spending time with her children.

Kasia Wallace-Shaw, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Wallace-Shaw is a native Floridian. She attended Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN and completed her pediatric residency at Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Dr. Wallace-Shaw is excited to be in Central Florida and to serve the families in our communities. She has a special interest in preventative medicine, mental health and providing anticipatory guidance. In her free time, Dr. Wallace-Shaw enjoys game nights with her family, reading, and going to Disney.

Poinciana

Anthonella Benitez Ojeda, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Benitez was born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela. She graduated from Universidad de Carabobo Medical School, and as her clerkships started, she developed her interest in Pediatrics. In 2013, Dr. Benitez and her husband, who is also a physician, moved to the United States to further their Pediatric career. She attended to the Pediatric Residency at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. Dr. Benitez has particular interest in Prevention of Diseases, namely the Well-Child Care and Developmental Pediatrics. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and her dog Bruce. Dr. Benitez is fluent in both Spanish and English.

Kamela Camon, M.D., FAAP

Dr. Camon was born in Germany, but she moved frequently because her father was in the military. She considers Valdosta, GA her home since this is where her parents settled down after her father’s retirement. Dr. Camon graduated from Our Lady of Fatima University School of Medicine in Manila, Philippines and completed her pediatric residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, NY. During residency, she developed a special interest for preventive medicine and obesity. She enjoys leading a healthy lifestyle and is passionate about encouraging children and families to do so as well. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and doing outdoor activities, such as snowboarding and paddle boarding. Dr. Camon is fluent in English and Tagalog.