Education

FAU undergrad 2002
FAU biomedical masters 2004
NSU med school 2008
PBCGME at Palms West Peds residency 2011

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What do you enjoy about pediatrics? There are so many things I enjoy! From being part of a brand new baby’s welcoming “committee” to being part of that special “team” that will keep that baby healthy and safe for years to come. I truly enjoy seeing babies grow into funny toddlers then bright eyed little kids that then transition into adolescents…I am humbled by the trust that parents put on me and always strive to keep their babies healthy while trying to make them smile or laugh a little.

What do you enjoy doing when your not at work? I truly enjoy spending time with my family and going to the beach is our favorite thing to do. I also love yoga, gardening, cooking traveling and art

If you only have 3 words to describe yourself what would they be? Kind, proactive and loyal.

Tell us about your family. I was born in Venezuela. My mom was Dutch/Venezuelan and dad is Peruvian. Grew up there with my very loving parents and 4 siblings (I’m the oldest) until we moved to the US when Venezuela was becoming a very dangerous place to live…I was 16 years old (that move was so haaaaard as a teen!!). Went to High school at Marjory Stoneman Douglas where I met my high school sweetheart (also Venezuelan) and got married in 2003. We have 4 kids- Sophie, twins Valentina and Mariana and Ricardo. Oh! And our pup Luna who is also part of our busy soccer and beach life.

What is an interesting fact about yourself? I had a very rare type of measles when I was 12 because the vaccine I had received was expired!

If you could be a Disney character which would it be? Moana.

If you weren’t in the medical field what would you be? A chef, a cartoon artist or an architect.

An interesting story about your childhood? I was able to meet Pope John Paul II and have a rosary he gave me.