AdventHealth for Children

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World-Class Primary Care for Kids

We believe a healthy childhood creates a foundation for lifelong wellness. AdventHealth Medical Group pediatricians and family medicine providers are here for your child at every age and stage, from infancy to adolescence.

Making sure your child can grow up healthy and happy is our top priority. We treat everything from sniffles to serious conditions, offering same-day sick visits, extended office hours and, in some locations, weekend appointments. We also evaluate physical, emotional and behavioral developmental milestones at well-child visits. Our board-certified pediatricians offer care that includes:

Comprehensive Pediatric Expertise for Your Family

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The Support You Deserve Through Every Age and Stage

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Get a Healthy Start With Back-to-School Checkups

At AdventHealth, our network of pediatricians and family medicine providers is ready to help parents with back-to-school checkups, including annual and sports physicals. Any child enrolled in school for the first time in Florida must have proof of a physical examination within the past year. Certain vaccinations are required for all kids entering Florida public schools at different levels, and your child’s back-to-school physical is the ideal time to get caught up on those shots. 

Who needs an EKG screening?

Students in select Florida counties who plan to participate in sports or specific activities are now required to have an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening. Most of our AdventHealth Medical Group offices are able to provide this screening onsite. AdventHealth for Children pediatric cardiologists review all EKGs and, if necessary, provide recommendations for further evaluation.

Our providers are directly linked to the state-of-the-art facilities at AdventHealth for Children, which has been nationally recognized for maintaining exceptional quality and safety. Our standards are high because we’re committed to caring for your family like our own.

National Leader in Newborn Care

For the fifth year in a row, AdventHealth for Children is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a national leader in newborn care.

Our Biggest Achievement Is Caring for Your Child

For the second time, the American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted AdventHealth for Children Magnet® recognition, which establishes the hospital as a national leader in nursing and patient care.

ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®

  • Behavioral and developmental evaluations and treatment, if needed
  • Care for minor illnesses like the cold and flu, allergic reactions and more
  • Direct access to pediatric specialists
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG) screening
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Recommended immunizations and vaccines
  • Regular health checkups
  • School and sports physicals
  • Treatment for minor injuries
  • Well-child care

Meet Our Team  Dedicated to You

Our AdventHealth Medical Group providers deliver the latest in pediatric care, using forward-thinking techniques and a personalized approach to care. With convenient office locations throughout Central Florida, our team is here for you, close to home.  

Most major insurances are accepted across the AdventHealth Medical Group network.

Get Personalized Guidance From Health Navigation

Our Health Navigators are specially trained registered nurses who offer complimentary, personalized clinical assistance as well as educational, emotional and spiritual support. They can:

Expertise Backed by AdventHealth for Children

If your child should experience a serious illness or injury, find peace of mind knowing you have access to a leading children’s hospital with a full spectrum of services. AdventHealth for Children provides award-winning care in a welcoming and safe environment. You'll be supported by an experienced team of advanced pediatric specialists throughout Central Florida. From a Level III NICU to world-class cancer care, our facilities and teams are prepared to treat the center of your world like the center of ours.

Our expert team is ready to guide you through newborn care to adolescence and beyond. We’ll reply to your appointment request within 48 hours.

  • Help you find a care provider (pediatrician, family medicine provider and/or specialist) within your insurance plan
  • Answer your health care questions
  • Assist with scheduling appointments and annual exams
  • Coordinate your care among multiple providers and facilities
  • Connect you and your family with resources and support

Domonic "Lane" Westergaard, APRN

Lane Westergaard, APRN, is a certified pediatric nurse with many years of medical experience. She earned her undergraduate degree at Valdosta State University in Georgia and her graduate degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Central Florida Advanced Nursing Practice Council, the Central Florida Pediatric Society, the National Association of Pediatric Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Majda Behani, MD

Majda Behani, MD FAAP, is board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine at the newly established AdventHealth Medical Group Pediatrics at Apopka, where she is seeing patients from birth to age 19. Her special interests include obesity care. She received her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. She went on to complete a residency in pediatrics at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in Bronx, NY. Dr. Behani is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Behani is dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality patient-oriented care.

Michelle Norden, MD

Michelle Norden, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified pediatrician. She graduated with highest honors from the University of North Florida and earned her medical degree at Florida State University. Dr. Norden went on to complete her pediatric residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and now helps train residents there. She is currently on the faculty of both the UCF and Florida State University medical schools. She is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and a recipient of the Merritt Ryals Clements, MD, Award for Excellence. As a mother, Dr. Norden has an intuitive understanding of parents' concerns regarding their children's development and health status.

Robert Chong, MD

Dr. Chong is an experienced pediatrician who has been practicing medicine in Central Florida since 2003. He provides comprehensive pediatric care including preventive health screenings, vaccinations, well-child exams, school and sports physicals, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses as well as minor injuries. A graduate of Rollins College and the University of Miami School of Medicine, he also holds a Master of Biomedical Sciences degree from Barry University in Miami. Dr. Chong is a past president of the Central Florida Pediatric Society and a Fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics. He is also a certified instructor in pediatric advanced life support (PALS).

Carlos Fernandez-Maymi, MD

Dr. Fernandez is a board-certified pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics with more than 30 years of experience. He joined AdventHealth Medical Group in Florida from Grand Haven, MI, where he was chief of pediatrics for the North Ottawa Community Health System. Prior to that, he was president and medical director of an esteemed pediatrics practice in Puerto Rico for 26 years. He earned his medical degree at the respected Universidad Central del Este in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency at Bayamon University Hospital in Puerto Rico. He speaks English and Spanish and loves all sports, especially baseball, which he has coached at all age levels.

Francesca Castan, PA-C

Francesca Castan, PA-C, is a highly experienced physician assistant. She earned her Master of Health Sciences degree in physician assistant studies from Pace University. Francesca is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the New York State Society of Physician Assistants. She strongly believes in the importance of establishing healthy communication with her young patients and their families.

Thomas Alber, MD

Dr. Alber is a well-established pediatrician and clinical researcher with decades of experience, including service as a hospital pediatrics department chairman. He earned his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his internship and residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children in Orlando, serving his final year there as Chief Resident. As a longstanding member of the AdventHealth pediatrics team in Lake Mary, he provides comprehensive primary and preventive health care services along with access to clinical trials. Some of his most recent research has focused on the development of new vaccines and asthma therapies for children.

Analise Casey, MD

Analise Casey, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician. Dr. Casey graduated with honors from Duke University and attended medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. During residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Dr. Casey was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which recognizes students, residents and faculty who are exemplars of compassionate patient care. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Mark Roque, MD

Dr. Roque is an experienced pediatrician and clinical researcher who has been practicing medicine in Central Florida since 2001. In addition to providing pediatric care including preventive health screenings, vaccinations, well-child exams, school/sports physicals, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, he serves as a sub-investigator for clinical trials aimed at finding improved therapies for a variety of childhood diseases and developing improved vaccines. A graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School in Virginia, Dr. Roque carried out his pediatric residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. He holds certifications in both pediatric and neonatal advanced life support.

Michael Baker, MD

Dr. Baker is an experienced, board-certified pediatrician practicing since 1990. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a Section Member of Developmental Pediatrics. He earned his medical degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and completed a pediatric residency at Emory University. He also had developmental pediatric training at the University of Virginia. After his pediatric residency, Dr. Baker headed a community health clinic pediatric program and held academic positions at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Baker later practiced in Ocala, attended a developmental pediatric program at the University of Virginia and returned to Mount Dora to practice.

Lorraine Mitchell, MD

Lorraine N. Mitchell, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with over 20 years of experience and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. After graduating from Cornell University, Dr. Mitchell received her medical degree from Albany Medical College. She then went on to complete a pediatrics internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and a pediatrics residency with The National Capital Consortium at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Valerie Thomas, MD

Valerie Thomas, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician in Tavares. She graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham and completed her pediatric residency at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. Dr. Thomas is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She provides general pediatric care for infants, children and adolescents. She also serves as the team physician for the Lake Sumter State College athletic program.

Denis Diaz, MD

Dr. Diaz is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in patients with special needs. He previously served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics for Duke Children’s Primary Care. He graduated from the University of South Florida College of Medicine and completed residency training at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia. During service as an attending physician at the Naval Hospital/Camp Lejeune, he received Outstanding Young Pediatrician and Specialty Teacher of the Year awards. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and his dedication to patient care is matched by his advocacy for children’s health. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Kristy Beron, APRN

Kristy Beron, APRN, is an advanced practice registered nurse whose goal is to make her community a healthier and happier place. She brings a wealth of knowledge and variety of medical experience in caring for children, which she learned at some of the state’s most prestigious medical facilities. Her special interests include preventive health, acute and chronic illness management, test administration and interpretation, cardiac medicine and urgent care. Kristy earned both her Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She also holds associate degrees in both nursing and emergency medical services.

Kattya Antenor, MD

Kattya Antenor, MD, graduated cum laude in 2006 from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in microbiology and cell sciences. She earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Since completing a pediatric residency, she has worked as a pediatrician at Growing Together Pediatrics in Orlando. In 2020, she was named a top physician by Orlando Family magazine. Dr. Antenor is a fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Christian Medical Dental Association, the National Medical Association and the Central Florida Medical Association. She speaks English and Haitian Creole.

Sharon DiCristofaro, MD

Sharon DiCristofaro, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician skilled in providing compassionate, comprehensive care to young patients. She earned her medical degree from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia. Dr. DiCristofaro specializes in treating pediatric patients with minor illnesses, acute and chronic health problems, and growth and development concerns including ADHD, autism, and other complex conditions.

Alexa Heller, MD

Alexa R. Heller, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician skilled in providing compassionate, comprehensive care to young patients. She earned her medical degree at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, before undertaking a pediatric residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Heller is also the founder of H.E.A.R.T. (Healing Through the Arts), a non-profit program empowering children and adolescents affected by medical challenges through various avenues in the arts.

Sarah Li, MD

Sarah C. Li, MD, FAAP, CLC, is a board-certified and Ivy League-trained pediatrician in Winter Garden. Before moving to Central Florida, she was an award-winning physician in New York City where she earned recognition as a “Super Doctor Rising Star” two years in a row. Dr. Li earned her undergraduate degree with highest honors from Baruch College/City University of New York, her medical degree with recognition in neonatology research from Stony Brook University School of Medicine, and her pediatrics internship and residency at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a Certified Lactation Counselor with fluency in English and Cantonese.

Paulino Milla-Orellana, MD

Paulino Milla-Orellana, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with many years of experience providing compassionate, comprehensive care for newborns to age eighteen. He earned his medical degree at the University of El Salvador before undertaking a pediatric residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Milla-Orellana is a former visiting professor at the University of Florida Shands Teaching Hospital. He has a special interest in ADHD evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management. Dr. Milla-Orellana is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Ashwini Jasutkar, MD

Dr. Jasutkar is an experienced board-certified pediatrician who completed her general pediatrics residency at Thomas Jefferson University. She loves being able to care for her patients throughout the entirety of their childhood. Dr. Jasutkar is dedicated to provide quality care to her patients and their families.

Mihir Tolat, MD

Mihir Tolat, MD is a board-certified pediatrician. Dr. Tolat completed his pediatric residency at the University of Florida Shands Children's Hospital. He is originally from India but grew up in New Jersey. He believes that a great doctor is a great listener who takes time to provide highly personalized care to his patients.

Rebecca Archer, ARNP

Rebecca Archer, APRN, CPNP-PC, is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner born and raised in Central Florida. While a student-athlete at Indiana University, she joined several international medical missions that furthered her interest in caring for children and families. Upon graduating with honors, she worked at a pediatric surgery practice before pursuing her professional nursing degree at Vanderbilt University. She joined AdventHealth Medical Group from a local pediatric specialist office, where she focused on evaluating and treating kids with ear, nose, throat and allergy issues. She also gained experience on the interdisciplinary cleft palate team at Arnold Palmer Hospital.

Nicholas Constantino, PA-C

Nicholas Constantino, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant. He is highly experienced in caring for children up to age 18 and is a skilled provider of routine physicals, test and lab interpretation, and acute and chronic illness management. Nicholas received his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree from the prestigious physician assistant program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. An active community volunteer, he is dedicated to supporting and promoting good health for the children of Central Florida.

Dawn Ellis, PA-C

Dawn Ellis, PA-C, MHP, is a board-certified physician assistant who has been providing pediatric primary care for more than 25 years. In addition to conducting well-child exams and providing treatment for acute illnesses and minor injuries, she orders and interprets lab and radiologic tests, performs minor surgical procedures and writes prescriptions. Beyond her background in outpatient pediatrics, she also has experience in pediatric emergency medicine and specialized training as a neurosurgical physician assistant. She graduated with her Master of Health Professions degree and Physician Assistant Certificate from Northeastern University in Boston.

Kristi Germeroth, APRN

Kristi Phillips, NP, is an advanced practice registered nurse with AdventHealth Medical Group in Lake Mary and Orange City. Her special interests include newborn care, preventive health, acute and chronic illness management, test administration and interpretation, cardiac medicine and urgent care. Kristi graduated with highest honors from both Florida State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and the University of South Florida, where she earned her Master of Science in Nursing with specialization in pediatrics. A member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, she strives to provide compassionate treatment for young patients and families.

Miles Landis, MD

Dr. Landis has been practicing pediatrics in Central Florida since 1988. In addition to providing primary health care services for children of all ages, he serves as an investigator for clinical trials aimed at improving treatments for a variety of disorders diagnosed in childhood - including autism, asthma, and immunization preventable disease. An honors graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, he earned his medical degree at the University of Buffalo and continued at the Children's Hospital of Buffalo for his pediatric internship and residency programs. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Cynthia Walker, APRN

Cynthia Walker, MSN, MPH, NP, CLC, is a certified pediatric nurse who has been providing primary and in-hospital care to children across Central Florida and Pittsburgh, PA, for more than 20 years. She joined AdventHealth Medical Group’s pediatric team in Lake Mary in 2005 and is an integral member of the clinical staff who helps drive the practice's research and clinical trials. Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University and her Master of Science in Nursing from New York University. She also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Allison West, APRN

Allison West, MSN, NP, FNP-C, CPN, is a certified pediatric nurse who has been providing primary to advanced medical care for patients aged newborn to adolescent since beginning her career in a hospital fracture care unit in 2008. She next served two years in the pediatric progressive care/oncology unit of AdventHealth for Children followed by almost five years in the hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) as a staff RN, relief charge RN and flight team RN. Allison is a proud graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and of the University of South Florida, where she earned her graduate nursing degree.

Danuta Deeb, MD

Danuta Deeb, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician who has been caring for newborn to college-aged children for 30-plus years. Named one of America’s Top Pediatricians by the Consumers Research Council, she works with patients and their parents to help kids be as healthy as they can be. Her experience in the pediatric field gives her a unique understanding of how to communicate with patients and involve them in their health care. Dr. Deeb earned her medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine of Damascus University in Syria and completed her pediatrics residency training at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

Michael Davis, DO

Michael Davis is an experienced board-certified pediatrician providing care for pediatric patients in the city of Palm Coast and the surrounding areas. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Heather Elizondo Vega, MD

Heather Elizondo Vega, MD, FAAP, is an award-winning pediatrician, U.S. Army veteran and part of the pediatric and adolescent medicine team within AdventHealth Medical Group’s academic/teaching practice. She received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed pediatric residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. Dr. Vega specializes in acute illness treatment, chronic disorder/disease management, behavioral health, diet and exercise plans, growth disorders, gynecologic services, immunizations, school and sports physicals, and well care. She is a member of the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Anita Moorjani, MD

As a board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Moorjani is dedicated to serving her patients with exceptional care and expertise. Her experience includes private practice, outpatient care, community pediatrics, Level I/II NICU and teaching residents and students. Her specialty services include performing circumcisions, frenotomies, breastfeeding support, treatment of ADHD and other behavioral problems. She has presented research grounded in neonatal health at various conferences throughout Central Florida and currently serves as a Faculty Physician of Medical Education for the UCF College of Medicine and as Clinical Assistant Professor for the Florida State University College of Medicine.

Tiffany Tamse, MD

As a board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Tamse loves working with children. Her goal is to provide compassionate care to her patients, advocating for their best interests in the clinical setting. She works closely with specialists when necessary to achieve the optimal outcome for each of her patients and has been recognized for her empathetic bedside manner. As Associate Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program, she has the responsibility to educate future pediatricians and teach them the skills they need to be successful. She gives lectures to the AdventHealth residents and staff and is involved in quality improvement in pediatrics.

Sophie Thibault, MD

Pediatrician Sophie Thibault, MD, joined AdventHealth Medical Group from the esteemed pediatric residency program at AdventHealth for Children. An honors graduate of the University of Central Florida, Dr. Thibault earned her master’s degree in biomedical science at USF before returning to UCF for medical school. While earning her medical degree, she co-founded and coordinated a pre-clinical elective course in geriatric medicine focusing on improving students’ empathy toward the aging process and communication with older patients. During residency, she researched on ways to improve reporting of newborn health screens and on health disparities contributing to readmissions for childhood asthma.
Request an Appointment

Making sure your child can grow up healthy and happy is our top priority. We treat everything from sniffles to serious conditions, offering same-day sick visits, extended office hours and, in some locations, weekend appointments. We also evaluate physical, emotional and behavioral developmental milestones at well-child visits. Our board-certified pediatricians offer care that includes:

Comprehensive Pediatric Expertise for Your Family

  • Behavioral and developmental evaluations and treatment, if needed
  • Care for minor illnesses like the cold and flu, allergic reactions and more
  • Direct access to pediatric specialists
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Recommended immunizations and vaccines
  • Regular health checkups
  • School and sports physicals
  • Treatment for minor injuries
  • Well-child care

Get a Healthy Start With Back-to-School Checkups

At AdventHealth, our network of pediatricians and family medicine providers is ready to help parents with back-to-school checkups, including annual and sports physicals. Any child enrolled in school for the first time in Florida must have proof of a physical examination within the past year. Certain vaccinations are required for all kids entering Florida public schools at different levels, and your child’s back-to-school physical is the ideal time to get caught up on those shots. 

Who needs an EKG screening?

All high school students in select Florida counties who plan to participate in athletic programs are now required to have an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening. AdventHealth for Children pediatric cardiologists review all EKGs and, if necessary, provide recommendations for further evaluation.