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.
Slyllia Thompson is a Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of demonstrated nursing experience, spanning dynamic healthcare settings; in areas of Primary Care, Research, Assisted Living Facilities and Home Health. She graduated from Barry University in Miami with a BSN degree and went on to pursue her MSN degree at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She believes in patient centered care and optimizing the best healthcare outcomes for her patients. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending her kids sporting events, traveling, volunteering in her community and a home cooked meal.
Dr. Denise Dvorquez earned her medical degree from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador in 2007. She began her medical career as a primary care physician in the Galápagos Islands, where she served the local community for one year. Driven by a passion for public health, she was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and completed a master's degree in public health at Johns Hopkins University.
Following her graduate studies, Dr. Dvorquez returned to Ecuador to teach at her alma mater before relocating to the United States to pursue her residency in Internal Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. She is board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and also holds certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Dr. Dvorquez has since practiced primary care in both Washington State and California, with a strong commitment to preventive care and chronic disease management. Outside of medicine, she enjoys the ocean, outdoor adventures, and camping. She values quality time with her son and loves playing soccer with him. Dr. Dvorquez is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Yana Gofman, D.O. is a board-certified physician with extensive experience in primary care, geriatric medicine, and preventative healthcare. She graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she ranked in the top 10% of her class and was the recipient of the prestigious A. Alvin Greber Cardiology Award.
Dr. Gofman earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2007, where she received the Outstanding Student Award. She began her academic journey at Ferris State University, demonstrating early on a strong commitment to excellence in her studies.
Her medical training includes completing an internship and residency in osteopathic internal medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL, from 2011 to 2014. During this time, she gained a robust foundation in managing complex medical conditions across diverse patient populations.
Dr. Gofman has over a decade of professional experience as a primary care physician. Her clinical focus is on treating adult and geriatric patients, emphasizing personalized care and preventative medicine to enhance patient outcomes. Dr. Gofman is deeply committed to fostering long-term patient relationships and empowering individuals to achieve their best health through proactive, comprehensive care.
Dr. Gofman is fluent in both English and Russian, which enables her to effectively communicate with a diverse range of patients. Beyond her professional endeavors, she values spending time with her family, exploring travel opportunities, and enjoying the outdoors. Her multifaceted interests and dedication to patient care exemplify her holistic approach to medicine.
Dr. Fernando A. Laracuente is our clinical director and leading medical provider at our offices. Dr. Laracuente received a degree from Nova Southeastern University with a specialization in Exceptional Education/Special Services and Nursing Education. He received his Master’s Degree in Nursing as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practice in Family Health and a Master’s of Science in Education in Family Therapy/Marriage Counseling with a Minor in School Counseling. Recent achievements include a post-masters graduate certificate in psychiatric mental health throughout the lifespan.
Dr. Laracuente is a pioneer, as he opened a nurse-operating full functional clinic under Florida's law of autonomous practice. His practice is holistic in that he emphasizes that wellness can only be achieved through balance between our bodies and our minds. His integrated approach can be seen in his ability to manage both primary care and psychiatric conditions.
In our clinic, we treat patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. We provide both primary care and psychiatric services for people of all ages. Dr. Laracuente has attained three distinguishable National Board Certifications through the ANCC and AANP – Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health, respectively. He has a license in Florida and New York.
Dr. Laracuente has been a teacher for more than 20 years. He has taught at major universities, such as Nova Southeastern University, Miami-Dade College, and Universidad del Turabo (part of the Ana G. Mendez University System). Both Miami-Dade County Public Schools and private medical clinics have used him to evaluate the abilities of children with disabilities, as well as the need for services for children and adults. He is considered one of the founders of the Master's in Child Protection at Nova Southeastern University. His research led to the development of a course that is required to get this graduate degree.
Dr. Laracuente has served in leadership and investigative roles for the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the NYC Administration for Children's Services, where he specialized in neglect, physical, and sexual abuse. He specializes in various forms of trauma as a therapist and provider.
Dr. Laracuente has extensive experience conducting psychiatric assessments required for bariatric weight loss, as well as early intervention. Additionally, he regularly conducts comprehensive developmental evaluations to assess developmental disorders in children (i.e., language delays, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities) and has become instrumental in ordering early services for these children.
At LHA, we feel that all of our patients are members of our family, and we treat you as such. We look forward to helping you achieve your health goals!
“Dr Fernando Laracuente is very helpful and and trying out a new medication that will for two weeks. I try out the other patients that it helped them. He’s very nice. He was hear what you have to say and will explain everything to you. I recommend everybody to see him very professional and staff ”
Dr. Fernando Laracuente, APRN
Nurse Practitioner
1250 E Hallandale Beach Blvd
#1004
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Margarita Armas believes in developing strong relationships, in order to provide personalize care, tailored to meet each patient’s specific needs. By utilizing an advanced array of testing and holistic thinking together she can help optimize your health. She enjoyed 10 years of emergency and critical care at the bedside for Mount Sinai Medical Center. She has had the privilege to work alongside South Florida’s top physicians. Including top Internist, Cardiologist and Infectious Disease specialist. With over 15 years’ experience both in the emergency room and private practice, treating patients of all ages makes her knowledge widely based. She enjoys getting to know her patients on a personal level in order to build strong relationships. She received her Master’s degree from Keiser University as well as many certifications in Anti-Aging medicine. She has a passion for helping people by increasing her knowledge continuously and educating herself on innovative medical treatments.
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.
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.
Sean Del Grego, DMSc, PA-C is a Doctorate level III Advanced Practice Practitioner (APP) coming to us from Northwest Florida. He graduated with honors in 1998 from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio through the United States Army. Dr. Sean is a retired Army field grade officer whose last duty assignment was with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion (RTB) at Eglin Air Force Base. He is also a Bronze Star medal recipient for his actions while serving in the Iraq theater of operations, where he supported combat missions and gained over 36 months of combat medical experience.
In 2018, Sean earned a Doctorate of Medical Science specializing in Family Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, he has been an adjunct clinical professor at South College since 2021 and previously held a similar role at Florida International University (FIU). He has extensive experience practicing medicine and a passion for teaching, making him a valuable addition to our team.
