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Stephany Matallana is a dedicated and compassionate Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in pediatrics. She is currently based at the Julington Creek location and works full-time, bringing her expertise and passion to the field.

Stephany's journey in pediatric care began almost a year ago, and she is driven by her strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Her commitment to this field was further solidified during her time as a medical scribe in a pediatric emergency room. She finds it incredibly rewarding to contribute to a child's development and overall well-being.

Stephany's academic background is impressive, with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Florida International University, accompanied by a minor in Chemistry. She continued her education at Florida International University, where she earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies with Honors.

In her PA-patient relationships, Stephany places great importance on building connections with children and their families. She values qualities such as patience and trustworthiness, which help foster a comfortable and nurturing environment for her young patients.

Outside of her professional life, Stephany enjoys a variety of activities during her free time. She has a passion for movies and often spends quality time with her husband and their beloved puppy, Max. Traveling, swimming, and exploring new places are also among her favorite pastimes.

Stephany is proud to be fluent in Spanish and hails from Colombia, a part of her cultural heritage she deeply cherishes. In her downtime, she indulges in unique hobbies, such as couponing, and she is an avid movie enthusiast who frequents theaters to catch the latest releases.

Stephany's interests extend beyond the realm of medicine. She has a penchant for watching spooky movies and has a favorite quote that reflects her outlook on life: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game," a sentiment shared by the legendary Babe Ruth.

If she could have a superpower, Stephany would choose teleportation, allowing her to be anywhere in an instant and bypass the hassles of traffic. Her love for exploration and adventure aligns perfectly with this choice.

In addition to her medical profession and unique interests, Stephany has a furry family member named Maximus, a shnorkie (half yorkie, half schnauzer), and she recently celebrated her marriage in Colombia with her wonderful husband.

Stephany Matallana brings not only her medical expertise but also her vibrant personality and diverse interests to the world of pediatrics. Her dedication to children's well-being, combined with her love for family, adventure, and unique hobbies, makes her a valuable addition to the medical community and a delight to those who have the privilege of knowing her.

Nicole earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Florida and currently serves as a Psychometrician at Angel Kids. She brings a broad range of experience supporting children and families, along with a strong background in crisis intervention. Nicole previously served as a Care Coordinator within the organization, and her professional background also includes work in rehabilitation settings and providing ongoing, one-on-one support to families navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. She plans to continue her education and ultimately pursue a PhD, and is currently exploring the path that best fits her long-term goals.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her animals—including her cats and chameleon—being outdoors, going to the gym, and taking beach trips and vacations. She is excited to bring her diverse experience to the Angel Kids team and is committed to providing compassionate, dedicated care to every family she serves.

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.

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.

Stephany Matallana is a dedicated and compassionate Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in pediatrics. She is currently based at the Julington Creek location and works full-time, bringing her expertise and passion to the field.

Stephany's journey in pediatric care began almost a year ago, and she is driven by her strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Her commitment to this field was further solidified during her time as a medical scribe in a pediatric emergency room. She finds it incredibly rewarding to contribute to a child's development and overall well-being.

Stephany's academic background is impressive, with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Florida International University, accompanied by a minor in Chemistry. She continued her education at Florida International University, where she earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies with Honors.

In her PA-patient relationships, Stephany places great importance on building connections with children and their families. She values qualities such as patience and trustworthiness, which help foster a comfortable and nurturing environment for her young patients.

Outside of her professional life, Stephany enjoys a variety of activities during her free time. She has a passion for movies and often spends quality time with her husband and their beloved puppy, Max. Traveling, swimming, and exploring new places are also among her favorite pastimes.

Stephany is proud to be fluent in Spanish and hails from Colombia, a part of her cultural heritage she deeply cherishes. In her downtime, she indulges in unique hobbies, such as couponing, and she is an avid movie enthusiast who frequents theaters to catch the latest releases.

Stephany's interests extend beyond the realm of medicine. She has a penchant for watching spooky movies and has a favorite quote that reflects her outlook on life: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game," a sentiment shared by the legendary Babe Ruth.

If she could have a superpower, Stephany would choose teleportation, allowing her to be anywhere in an instant and bypass the hassles of traffic. Her love for exploration and adventure aligns perfectly with this choice.

In addition to her medical profession and unique interests, Stephany has a furry family member named Maximus, a shnorkie (half yorkie, half schnauzer), and she recently celebrated her marriage in Colombia with her wonderful husband.

Stephany Matallana brings not only her medical expertise but also her vibrant personality and diverse interests to the world of pediatrics. Her dedication to children's well-being, combined with her love for family, adventure, and unique hobbies, makes her a valuable addition to the medical community and a delight to those who have the privilege of knowing her.

Nicole earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Florida and currently serves as a Psychometrician at Angel Kids. She brings a broad range of experience supporting children and families, along with a strong background in crisis intervention. Nicole previously served as a Care Coordinator within the organization, and her professional background also includes work in rehabilitation settings and providing ongoing, one-on-one support to families navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. She plans to continue her education and ultimately pursue a PhD, and is currently exploring the path that best fits her long-term goals.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her animals—including her cats and chameleon—being outdoors, going to the gym, and taking beach trips and vacations. She is excited to bring her diverse experience to the Angel Kids team and is committed to providing compassionate, dedicated care to every family she serves.

Dr. Othman moved with her family to Jacksonville in 2016 from Flint, Michigan. She completed her residency from William Beaumont and Hurley Medical Centers. Dr. Othman is a family practitioner who served many patients from Newborns to Geriatrics in Flint area. She also was a sub-investigator for multiple pharmaceutical researches.

She earned her medical degree in medicine and surgery from Cairo University, Egypt.

Upon the move to Florida, she decided to dedicate her medical experience to children. She joined Angel Kids Pediatrics in 2017 with devotion and passion.

She is blessed with 3 children who love Soccer, Martial Arts, Science and of course “the Beach,” and sharing beautiful moments with her Husband who is a Nephrology specialist in Jacksonville area.

Stephany Matallana is a dedicated and compassionate Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in pediatrics. She is currently based at the Julington Creek location and works full-time, bringing her expertise and passion to the field.

Stephany's journey in pediatric care began almost a year ago, and she is driven by her strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Her commitment to this field was further solidified during her time as a medical scribe in a pediatric emergency room. She finds it incredibly rewarding to contribute to a child's development and overall well-being.

Stephany's academic background is impressive, with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Florida International University, accompanied by a minor in Chemistry. She continued her education at Florida International University, where she earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies with Honors.

In her PA-patient relationships, Stephany places great importance on building connections with children and their families. She values qualities such as patience and trustworthiness, which help foster a comfortable and nurturing environment for her young patients.

Outside of her professional life, Stephany enjoys a variety of activities during her free time. She has a passion for movies and often spends quality time with her husband and their beloved puppy, Max. Traveling, swimming, and exploring new places are also among her favorite pastimes.

Stephany is proud to be fluent in Spanish and hails from Colombia, a part of her cultural heritage she deeply cherishes. In her downtime, she indulges in unique hobbies, such as couponing, and she is an avid movie enthusiast who frequents theaters to catch the latest releases.

Stephany's interests extend beyond the realm of medicine. She has a penchant for watching spooky movies and has a favorite quote that reflects her outlook on life: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game," a sentiment shared by the legendary Babe Ruth.

If she could have a superpower, Stephany would choose teleportation, allowing her to be anywhere in an instant and bypass the hassles of traffic. Her love for exploration and adventure aligns perfectly with this choice.

In addition to her medical profession and unique interests, Stephany has a furry family member named Maximus, a shnorkie (half yorkie, half schnauzer), and she recently celebrated her marriage in Colombia with her wonderful husband.

Stephany Matallana brings not only her medical expertise but also her vibrant personality and diverse interests to the world of pediatrics. Her dedication to children's well-being, combined with her love for family, adventure, and unique hobbies, makes her a valuable addition to the medical community and a delight to those who have the privilege of knowing her.

Nicole earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Florida and currently serves as a Psychometrician at Angel Kids. She brings a broad range of experience supporting children and families, along with a strong background in crisis intervention. Nicole previously served as a Care Coordinator within the organization, and her professional background also includes work in rehabilitation settings and providing ongoing, one-on-one support to families navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. She plans to continue her education and ultimately pursue a PhD, and is currently exploring the path that best fits her long-term goals.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her animals—including her cats and chameleon—being outdoors, going to the gym, and taking beach trips and vacations. She is excited to bring her diverse experience to the Angel Kids team and is committed to providing compassionate, dedicated care to every family she serves.

Nicole earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Florida and currently serves as a Psychometrician at Angel Kids. She brings a broad range of experience supporting children and families, along with a strong background in crisis intervention. Nicole previously served as a Care Coordinator within the organization, and her professional background also includes work in rehabilitation settings and providing ongoing, one-on-one support to families navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. She plans to continue her education and ultimately pursue a PhD, and is currently exploring the path that best fits her long-term goals.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her animals—including her cats and chameleon—being outdoors, going to the gym, and taking beach trips and vacations. She is excited to bring her diverse experience to the Angel Kids team and is committed to providing compassionate, dedicated care to every family she serves.