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Originally from Richmond, VA, I did some time in the Army and ended up in Texas, where I met my wife. Our young family decided to move back to Florida get back to the beach and culture. I enjoy procedures, acute and chronic care, and working together with patients to achieve their goals. I enjoy working with patients to prevent and correct any health concerns they may have. I enjoy any hiking and camping, tinkering in the garage, and going to the beach.

Cassie Harrison, RN, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Paradise Family Practice in Orange City, Florida, offering compassionate, evidence-based care with over 23 years of nursing experience. She brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and leadership to a full-spectrum family care practice that emphasizes wellness, prevention, and personalized care.

Cassie earned both her Master's and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Herzing University. Her journey in healthcare began at Eastern Florida State College, where she obtained her associate degree in nursing, LPN, EMT, CNA, and a childcare degree—underscoring her lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Her clinical background spans primary care, women’s health, concierge medicine, aesthetics, trauma, and surgical nursing. She has served as a nurse practitioner and practice manager in internal medicine and held critical roles in hospital-based care, including Med-Surg, First Flight, and trauma units. Cassie also has extensive experience in preceptorship and leadership, mentoring future nurse practitioners through NP HUB.

At Paradise Family Practice, Cassie is proud to deliver holistic, patient-centered family care rooted in advocacy, education, and long-term wellness. She holds certifications in BLS, ACLS, PALS, aesthetics, and maintains multi-state RN licensure.

As a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses Association (ANA), and other professional organizations, she remains committed to clinical excellence and lifelong learning. New patients are welcome at Paradise Family Practice—come experience care that puts your family’s health first.

Dr. Kennessa Hugger is a physician serving patients across FSCDR’s North Florida locations, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Panama City. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals living with sickle cell disease, with a focus on improving health outcomes through education, prevention, and comprehensive treatment support. Dr. Hugger is committed to ensuring patients throughout North Florida have access to quality care and resources close to home.

Gershwin Blyden, MD, PhD, FCP, FACP, is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and medical director of The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, with locations in Homestead, Orlando, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Tallahassee, and Hollywood, Florida. With more than 40 years of diverse experience, Dr. Blyden is an esteemed physician in his field.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in plant science from the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1967, Dr. Blyden earned a PhD in pharmacology from prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1976. Just three years later, he also earned his medical doctorate cum laude from Yale University.

In 1985, Dr. Blyden completed an internal medicine internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. That same year, he also finished his hematology/oncology and clinical pharmacology fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. 

After graduating and completing his training, Dr. Blyden worked as an adjunct professor for the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Florida, an associate clinical professor of hematology and oncology at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, and as an associate professor of clinical pharmacy and director of the Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit at Florida A&M University’s Miami location.

Today, Dr. Blyden is a leader in the field of sickle cell treatment, case management, and research. He provides comprehensive care for chronic diseases, with a special emphasis on sickle cell anemia. 

Dr. Blyden offers a variety of infusion services, school individualized education program (IEP) support, transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, and more.

Dr. Ronoel Penalver is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician serving patients at FSCDR’s Hollywood, Florida location. He provides comprehensive care focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and improving long-term health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Penalver contributes to clinical research efforts that support the advancement of treatment options and patient care. He is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while helping expand access to innovative therapies and medical resources for the communities FSCDR serves.

About Us

The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research (FSCDR) is a renowned organization solely focused on medical care and clinical research opportunities for those living with Sickle Cell Disease. FSCDR has locations across the State of Florida. Its Flagship is in Hollywood, Florida.

As the only organization in the United States with standalone sickle cell Centers of Excellence, The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research welcomes patients from all over the world. The team of physicians, specialists, care coordinators, case managers, and social work professionals combine to provide all-inclusive care for children and adults with sickle cell disease.

Their stated mission is to tirelessly research, inform, hear, respect, treat, and support all individuals with sickle cell disease, and to make the disease a livable, non-threatening condition. In addition, they do innovative diagnostic testing, such as transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, X-rays, and medical treatments, including infusion services.

The team at The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research works with other medical and education professionals to ensure that their patients of all ages receive the care and support they need to thrive, ranging from vaccinations to medication management and social work services.

Along with school individualized educational plan (IEP) support, disability application assistance, and case management, they help patients work through the social determinants of health to ensure patients receive the proper support they need.

To schedule an appointment with The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, call or book online today.