Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
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.
Ashley Perenich is a highly skilled Physician Assistant at the Spine Institute of Florida, where she works closely with Dr. Nicholas Perenich and the rest of the surgical team to provide exceptional care to patients. Ashley earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine and has since specialized in orthopedics and spine surgery.
As a Physician Assistant, Ashley is responsible for performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and assisting in surgical procedures. She is passionate about helping patients understand their condition and treatment options, and works closely with them to develop personalized treatment plans that meet their unique needs.
Ashley is a member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in her field through continuing education and attending conferences and seminars.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, yoga, wakesurfing, and spending time with her husband, Dr. Nicholas Perenich, and their family.
Welcome to Balance Boost Wellness Clinic, where we aim to provide holistic, personalized healthcare. My name is Austin Parsons, FNP-BC, and I am honored to serve as your dedicated healthcare provider. With more than 10 years of experience in primary care, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity management, and mental health, my passion lies in empowering individuals to take control of their health and achieve optimal wellness.
I began my journey in healthcare by earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rockhurst University and then a Master's Degree in Nursing as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner with a Specialization in Family Medicine from Nova Southeastern University. Over the years, I have worked with diverse populations, addressed complex health concerns, and fostered long-term wellness through a whole-person approach.
At the heart of my practice is the belief that proper health extends beyond the absence of disease. I take the time to understand each patient's unique story, lifestyle, and goals, collaborating with them to create individualized care plans. My approach combines evidence-based medicine with innovative strategies that support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Outside the clinic, I am dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, regularly attending professional development courses, seminars, and National Congress meetings. In my free time, my first passion is my faith, followed by my family. I enjoy all outdoor activities in my free time, especially those on the water. I'm also passionate about cooking healthy meals and self-care, which aligns with my commitment to a balanced and vibrant life.
Thank you for trusting me with your health journey. I look forward to working together to help you thrive.
