José A. Ferreira, MD
Dr. Ferreira completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at the University of Connecticut and Yale University affiliated hospitals. Dr. Ferreira then moved on to complete his adult neurology training at Long Island Jewish Hospital and his pediatric neurology training at Schneider Children’s Hospital. He also completed a fellowship in epilepsy and electroencephalography at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Dr. Ferreira began his clinical research during his adult neurology residency, where he participated in a protocol involving a new treatment for stroke. While at the University of Miami, he started participating in clinical trials for antiepileptic treatments, including new medications and vagal nerve stimulator. To date, Dr. Ferreira has been principal investigator in over 60 multicenter clinical trials in the areas of epilepsy, migraine and neurobehavioral disorders in infants, children and adolescents. His participation in these multicenter research studies has provided significant information necessary for the FDA approval of more than 12 medications for treatment in these areas.
Since moving to the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Ferreira has been active in the community and has played a role as consultant to Children’s Medical Services (CMS); associate adjunct professor at the University of South Florida (USF) School of Medicine; Chief of Pediatric Neurology at St. Joseph’s Children's Hospital; attending physician at Tampa General Hospital (TGH); and as a member of the comprehensive epilepsy center at TGH/USF. His practice has always been actively involved not only in teaching medical students, residents and nurse practitioners, but also medical assistants and electrodiagnostics students from local schools. He continues to enjoy teaching through didactic lectures and hands on experience in clinical practice and hospital rounds. Dr. Ferreira has also served as examiner for the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology (ACNS).
In Practice Since:
1994
Primary Specialties:
Pediatric Neurology
Epilepsy
Medical Education:
Doctor of Medicine: 1986
Universidad Central del Este (UCE) - Dominican Republic
Pre-Med Education:
Bachelor of Science in Biology: 1982
State University of New York (SUNY), Old Westbury, NY
Residencies:
Pediatric Neurology: 1993
Schneider Children's Hospital/Long Island Jewish Medical Center, NY
Adult Neurology: 1991
Long Island Jewish Medical Center, NY
General Pediatrics: 1990
University of Connecticut and Yale University School of Medicine affiliated hospitals
Fellowship Training:
Epilepsy/Electroencephalography: 1994
University of Miami School of Medicine
Pediatric Neurology:
Schneider Children's Hospital/Long Island Jewish Medical Center, NY: 1993
Academic Appointments:
Associate Clinical Professor Pediatrics/Neurology: 1994
University of South Florida School of Medicine
Board Certifications:
American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology: 1997
Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology: 1994 with recertification in 2014
Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified in Epilepsy: 2014
Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Neurology
American Epilepsy Society
Child Neurology Society
Fellow member of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
Click here to view Dr. Jose Ferreira's CV.
Carmen I. Ferreira, MD
Dr. Carmen Ferreira has been practicing at PENS since 2005. Her specific areas of clinical interest are ADHD, headaches and autism, however she has treated children with a variety of neurological difficulties. She has vast experience working with culturally diverse families and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Dr. Ferreira also enjoys teaching both medical and nursing students.
In Practice Since:
2005
Primary Specialty:
Pediatric Neurology
Specific Areas of Interests:
Headache
ADHD
Autism
Medical Education:
Doctor of Medicine: 1994
Universidad Central de Este (UCE), Dominican Republic
Residencies:
General Pediatrics: 2000-2002
Nassau County University Medical Center
Pediatric Neurology: 2002-2005
Schneider Children's Hospital/Long Island Jewish Medical Center, NY
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
Click here to view Dr. Carmen Ferreira's CV.
Himali Jayakody, MD
Dr. Himali Jayakody is a board-certified pediatric neurologist, pediatric epileptologist and neurophysiologist. She joined Pediatric Epilepsy and Neurology Specialists in 2018 after completing her fellowship in Epilepsy and Neurophysiology. She has had extensive experience with complex epilepsy, including pre-surgical evaluations and advanced EEG monitoring as well as neuro stimulation. In addition, she also has experience in electrodiagnostic studies and neuromuscular diseases.
Dr. Jayakody completed her pediatrics and child neurology residencies at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. She completed fellowship in epilepsy and neurophysiology at the University of South Florida. She worked as an attending child neurologist at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital from 2014-2017. She is an adjunct Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Department of Neurology, University of South Florida. She works as an attending child neurologist at Tampa General Hospital and St Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. She is actively involved in teaching pediatric and neurology residents and clinical neurophysiology fellows at the University of South Florida. She continues to enjoy teaching through didactic lectures and hands-on experience in clinical practice and hospital rounds.
She is actively involved in Epilepsy surgery conferences with the epilepsy teams at Tampa General Hospital and John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She also is involved in multicenter research studies in the areas of epilepsy, migraine and neurobehavioral disorders in infants, children, and adolescents.
In Practice Since:
2014
Primary Specialties:
Pediatric Neurology
Epilepsy
Neurophysiology
Medical Education:
Bachelor of medicine and Bachelor of surgery (MBBS): 2004
Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Residencies:
Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology: 2009-2014
University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, Iowa city, Iowa
Fellowship Training:
Epilepsy/neurophysiology: 2017- 2018
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
Academic Appointments:
Associate Clinical Professor Pediatrics/Neurology: 2016- current
University of South Florida School of Medicine
Board Certifications:
Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology: 2014
Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified in Epilepsy: 2019
Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified in Neurophysiology 2020
Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Neurology
American Epilepsy Society
Child Neurology Society
American Clinical Neurophysiology Society
Lisa M. Calvo, MD
Felicia Ferreira, DHSc, LMHC
"At P.E.N.S we care about our patients and their families". Felicia has been working with children and families for over 20 years. After furthering her education in clinical psychology, and as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor her interests continue to be working with children, adolescents, and families providing counseling to assist in improvement of their family relationship challenges within the dynamic. Felicia’s goal is to continue with lifelong learning to remain offering services that supports children and families in the community. She provides teaching, and supervision to students in the Master of Counseling Psychology, and Social Worker programs. Felicia is the director of the behavioral/mental health department at P.E.N.S. Preceding to joining P.E.N.S. Felicia worked with Child Protective Services for the New York State (NYS) Department of Children and Families (DCF). Felicia enjoys spending time with family, volunteering and mentoring underprivileges children in the Tampa Bay community.
In Practice at Since:
2003
Specific Practice Areas of Interest:
Autism
Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Undergraduate education:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.): 2001
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
Graduate School Education:
Master of Science in Business Administration (M.B.A): 2009
Minor: Health Care Administration
Argosy University of Tampa (AUT)
Master of Science in Psychology (M.S.): 2013
Minor: Mental Health Counseling
Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
Professional Education:
Doctor of Health Science (DHSc): 2015
Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
Board Certifications:
National Board for Certified Counselors: (NBCC) 2016-2026
Additional Psychotherapy Trainings
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents -
Beck Institute
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Albert Ellis Institute of NY
DBT
EMR
Mindfulness
Neurofeedback
Professional Memberships:
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA)
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
Marie D. Akers, DNP, APRN, PPCNP-BC
In Practice Since:
2003
Specific Practice Areas of Interest:
Epilepsy
ADHD
Autism
Undergraduate School Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 5/1998
University of Florida, Gainesville
Graduated with Honors
Bachelor of Science in Health Science Education: 8/1998
University of Florida, Gainesville
Graduated with Honors
Graduate School Education:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 2022
University of Florida, Gainesville
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 2002
University of South Florida, Tampa
Board Certifications:
American Nurses Credentialing Center
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2017
Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Association of Child Neurology Nurses
Other Languages Spoken:
Haitian Creole
Lizbeth Arroyo, APRN, NP-C
Lizbeth Arroyo joined Pediatric Epilepsy and Neurology Specialists in 2011. She graduated from the University of South Florida Family Nurse Practitioner program in 2010. She received her bachelor's degree and masters degree from the University of South Florida accelerated program. She has 6 years experience at Tampa General Hospital's surgical transplant step down unit, ICU rotation program, and emergency room nurse. Lizbeth and her husband Luis, originally from Puerto Rico, reside in Tampa Florida. She enjoys traveling, volunteering in the community for underprivileged families and spending time with her family.
In Practice Since:
2011
Specific Areas of Interest:
Epilepsy
ADHD
Graduate School Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Accelerated program: 2010
University of South Florida
Under graduate School Education:
Registered Nurse- Hillsborough Community College 2004
Board Certifications:
Family Nurse Practitioner: 2010
Languages Spoken:
English
Spanish
Adelene Soto, DNP, APRN
Adelene was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and moved to Florida in 2004. She worked as a nurse and certified diabetes educator for 17 years prior to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner in 2009. She completed her Master’s degree in nursing at University of Central Florida in 2009 and her Doctorate in nursing at the University of Florida in 2012. Adelene has a special interest in education and research. She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). Her goal is to provide patients and their families with the information and skills needed to lead healthy lives. She is happily married with three children. She enjoys scrapbooking, singing, and spending time with her family.
In Practice Since:
2009
Specific Practice Areas of Interest:
Epilepsy
Migraine
Autism
Undergraduate School Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): August 2004
Valparaiso University, Indiana
Graduate School Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 2009
University of Centra Florida, Tampa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 2012
University of Florida, Gainesville
Honors
Board Certifications:
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2009
Professional Memberships:
National Association of Nurse Practitioners
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
Katharine Quinn, DNP, APRN, CPNP
Ms. Quinn joined PENS in 2017 and is a graduate of the University of South Florida Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program where she received her Master of Nursing degree in 2016. She received an undergraduate degree in Health Science at the University of Florida in 2008. Prior to starting at our practice, she worked as a clinical nurse in the areas of pediatric emergency and medical-surgical care. Ms. Quinn is a former elementary and middle school teacher and enjoys working with children and families in a wholistic manner to help them reach their fullest potential.
In Practice Since:
2017
Specific Practice Areas of Interest:
Headache
ADHD
Undergraduate School Education:
Bachelor of Science (Health Science) with Minor in Art History: 2008
University of Florida, Gainesville
Graduated Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 2014
University of South Florida, Tampa
Graduated Cum Laude
Graduate School Education:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 2022
University of South Florida, Tampa
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 2016
University of South Florida, Tampa
Board Certifications:
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: 2017
Kristin Fritch, APRN, CPNP
Ms. Fritch also joined PENS in 2017 and graduated from the University of South Florida Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program with a Master of Nursing Degree in 2016. She has four years experience working at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital as a clinical nurse and resource charge nurse on a pulmonary medical surgical unit.
In Practice Since:
2017
Specific Practice Areas of Interest:
Epilepsy
Undergraduate School Education:
Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior: 2011
University of Florida, Gainesville
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 2012
University of Florida, Tampa
Graduate School Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 2016
University of South Florida, Tampa
Board Certifications:
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: 2017
Juliana Arbelaez Estevez, APRN, CPNP
Ms. Arbelaez joined PENS in 2018. She graduated from the University of South Florida Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program with a Master of Nursing degree in 2016. She has 8 years of clinical nursing experience working at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital's float team providing comprehensive care to a variety of pediatric patients ranging from acute to chronic care. Ms. Arbalaez loves working with children and their families. She enjoys spending time with her family and participating in triathlons.
In Practice Since:
2018
Specific Practice Areas of Interest:
Headaches
ADHD
Autism
Epilepsy
Undergraduate School Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 2010
University of South Florida, Tampa
Graduate School Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 2016
University of South Florida, Tampa
Board Certifications:
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: 2017
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
Yazmin Davila, MSN, APRN, CPNP-BC
Ms. Davila joined PENS in 2022. She graduated from the University of South Florida Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program with a Master of Nursing degree in 2022. She has 10 years of clinical nursing experience between working at Moffitt Cancer Center and the United States Air Force focusing on adult and pediatric patients ranging from acute, chronic and post anesthesia care. Ms. Davila loves working with children and their families. She enjoys traveling and exploring different countries.
In Practice Since:
2022
Specific Practice Areas of Interest:
Headaches
ADHD
Autism
Epilepsy
Undergraduate School Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 2017
University of South Florida, Tampa
Graduate School Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 2022
University of South Florida, Tampa
Board Certifications:
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: 2022
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
Tiffany Martin, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Tiffany was born and raised in New York City and grew up in a bilingual household. She moved to Wesley Chapel, Florida in 2005. She graduated from the University of South Florida‘s family nurse practitioner program in 2022. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in 2015. She has 7 years of experience at Tampa General in the critical care rotation program rotating in several different intensive care units including the burn unit, cardiovascular ICU, vascular ICU and the neuroscience ICU. She was in the neuroscience ICU for 6 years. She has taken care of a number of diverse and complex neurological and trauma patients throughout her career. She has passion for the neuroscience field and for the Spanish speaking population. She studied abroad in Panama with the USF nursing college and developed a passion for taking care of children and families. Tiffany also enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
In practice since:
2022
Specific area of interest:
Epilepsy
Undergraduate Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 2015
University of South Florida
Graduate school Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):2022
University of South Florida
Board Certifications:
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)
Other languages spoken:
Spanish
Spanish
Carron M. Schweiger, APRN