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
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.
Lisa M. Calvo, MD
Pediatric Neurologist
Dr. Lisa Calvo joined PENS in 2023 as a board-certified pediatric neurologist with special qualifications in child neurology. She completed her residency in Child Neurology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and earned her medical degree from Universidad Central del Este (UCE) Facultad de Medicina in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Calvo is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for pediatric patients with a focus on epilepsy and neurological disorders.
Dr. Calvo is passionate about advancing pediatric healthcare and is committed to providing exceptional care to her patients. Her expertise in pediatric neurology and epilepsy, coupled with her dedication to patient education and quality improvement, makes her a valuable asset to the PENS team.
In Practice Since:
2023
Primary Specialties:
Pediatric Neurology
Medical Education:
Doctor of Medicine: 2017
Universidad Central del Este (UCE) Facultad de Medicina, Dominican Republic
Residencies:
Child Neurology: 2023
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Board Certifications:
Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology
Academic Activities:
- Quality Improvement Project: Epilepsy Clinic - Quality Measures, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- PedNIHSS Performance Improvement: Teaching pediatric/adult neurology residents and implementing the use of PedNIHSS in pediatric stroke codes
Research Experience:
- Co-investigator, International Pediatric Stroke Study, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Patient recruitment, consent and enrollment, data collection
Honors and Awards:
- Top score poster award at the 146th Annual American Neurological Association meeting
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
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
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
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
Katharine Quinn, DNP, APRN, CPNP
Ms. Quinn is a dedicated Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in neurology, with a profound commitment to providing compassionate care to children and adolescents. Since joining PENS in 2017, she has been instrumental in delivering comprehensive care to pediatric patients facing neurological challenges.
With a Doctorate in Nursing from the University of South Florida, Ms. Quinn brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the management of sleep issues in children with autism, demonstrating her dedication to improving the quality of life for children with complex neurological conditions. She is a recognized expert in ADHD management, offering invaluable support to families navigating this condition. In addition to her clinical role, Ms. Quinn serves as a Pediatrics Instructor at the University of South Florida, where she shares her knowledge and passion with the next generation of nurses.
Ms. Quinn is known for her warm and empathetic approach to patient care. Understanding the challenges that families face, she takes a holistic approach to care, addressing not only the child's medical needs but also supporting the entire family unit.
In Practice Since:
2017
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
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
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
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
Carron M. Schweiger, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
Carron Schweiger joined PENS in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in pediatric neurology and pediatric neuromuscular disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Carron is passionate about patient-centric care, leading nursing teams, and implementing innovative medical treatments.
Professional Experience:
Carron has an extensive background in pediatric care, having worked at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Better Health Medical Center, and The Docs, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolic Specialists. She has managed a diverse range of patients, conducted inpatient rounds, supported outpatient clinic care, and participated in significant research studies. Her skills in physical assessment, care planning, and patient education are complemented by her ability to speak Spanish proficiently.
In Practice Since:
2023
Undergraduate School Education:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education, Minor in Spanish
Saint Norbert College, De Pere, WI
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
Graduate School Education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN
Board Certifications:
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (CPNP-PC)
Other Languages Spoken:
Spanish
Jessica Zahran, APRN
Bio coming soon.