Leadership

Carlos M. Garcia, MD is the Director of Medicine at Utopia Wellness. His passion for natural medicine and holistic healthcare did not come naturally. Dr. Garcia was born in Cuba and moved to the US when he was a young boy. He received his formal medical training at the University of Massachusetts, Medical School followed by an internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Anesthesia, both at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA. After moving to the Tampa Bay area in 1984, he began his practice as an Anesthesiologist at Bayfront Medical Center, Edward White Hospital, and Physicians’ Co...More

"Health and healing go well beyond the treatment of symptoms. Each person has a powerful innate capacity to achieve health and well-being through body, mind and spirit. - A Board Certified Physician for 23 years, with exceptional leadership qualities and a strategic vision focused on improving the future of healthcare; A physician dedicated to taking time with each valued patient to uncover the cause behind their stressors whether physical, emotional or spiritual in nature. An Iowa born native and Nova Southeastern University Alumnus, Dr. Nelson earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine aft...More

Sydney is a Certified Physician’s Assistant here at Utopia Cancer Center. A Chicago native, her family moved to Orlando when she was a young girl. She loves helping people and has always known she wanted to work in the healthcare industry. She attended the University of Florida where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. Returning to her roots in Chicago, she attended Southern Illinois University where she obtained a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Sydney’s passion and enthusiasm for healthcare makes her a huge asset to the patients at Utopia Cancer Center.

Mark is our Front Office Manager and our Admissions Counselor. He is often the first voice you hear when you call Utopia. He has been an invaluable member of our team since 2014 and has helped countless new patients navigate their treatment programs, organize their services, and putting them at ease. He attended St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida with an emphasis on the Sciences which led to work as a Wellness Coach, prosthetic and orthotic technician, and Personal Trainer. Working in the field of natural medicine was a perfect fit as it combines all of his interests ...More

Xochitl (pronounced So-Cheel) was born in Mexico and moved to Clearwater in 1989. She has been a medical assistant in the field of alternative and natural medicine for 25 years and a team member at Utopia Wellness since 2009 where she is truly valued for her skills and knowledge. She loves interacting with the patients and gets great satisfaction contributing to their health and making them feel at home in an unfamiliar place. Xochitl always greets the patients with a smile because she says it’s her biggest asset because she has big teeth and a big mouth! (she said that we didn’t) When she...More

Shanda is our Registered Nurse and plays a key role at Utopia. She was born and raised in Louisiana but has recently made the move to Florida where she enjoys gardening and anything involving nature. Shanda and her husband love camping, hiking, kayaking, and biking. She has spent over 30 years in traditional nursing but now is very excited to be at Utopia practicing holistically. Here, she can continue to do what she loves which is caring for people in need while they go through their whole-body healing journey.

Dan is our Mental Health Counselor here at Utopia Wellness. Dan attended Southern University in New York where is received his Master’s Degree in counseling. He has been practicing in the field for more than 30 years and loves his role in helping patients understand the mind/body connection. At Utopia Wellness, Dan assists the patients in their journey to identify areas of their lives that are obstacles in their ability to heal. He then empowers them to actively participate in their healing from the inside out by putting together the connection of their minds, bodies, and spirits.

Maryanne is a Licensed Massage therapist (#MA30615) and licensed Colon Therapist. Maryanne is a lifelong native of Florida enjoying half of her life in the healing fields. Surgical nursing, Urological Research Oncology Nursing, Registered Dental Hygienist, Lymphatic Drainage Specialist and Professional Ventriloquist. She has always been interested in natural and alternative healing from foods, oils, and herbs. She loves teaching and guiding others through their nutrition and detoxification and connecting body, mind, and spirit. The joys in her life include her daughter and grandson. In her fre...More

Sylviana is a Licensed Massage therapist with expertise in lymphatic manual drainage, neuromuscular trigger point therapy, and myofascial work. Certified in 2022 as a reiki master, she embraced the art of energy healing and manual techniques to provide optimal care. She is currently going to USF to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Her pursuit of knowledge has led her to work at chiropractic offices where she cared for personal injury patients. In her free time, she enjoys all forms of research and staying updated with the latest health advancements in her field. In addition to ...More

Sumayah is a Western and Traditional Chinese Clinical Herbalist with over 15yrs of study and clinical practice combined with several other healing modalities. As a Clinical Herbalist, she works one on one with our patients for in-depth health and wellness, allowing for a greater opportunity to support them throughout the process of their own personal healing journey. She is also a seasoned herbal medicine maker and finds great joy in formulating herbal products that are specific for each individual's needs.

Airam grew up in New Jersey where she was surrounded by a family who focused on using natural remedies and taught her the importance of healthy eating and how it affects one’s health. Her favorite part about working at Utopia Wellness is the opportunity to interact with patients and help them through their journey. On her days off she loves to eat food whether she prepared it herself or perhaps trying out new places. Some of her hobbies include painting, swimming, and playing hockey. While exploring new places she came across the state park, Weeki Wachee, and described it as “paradise.” She en...More

Mina is one of our patient care coordinators here at Utopia. She is also our Certified Holistic Nutritionist. She was born in New Jersey but spent her early childhood here in Tampa. Growing up she became accustomed to moving up and down the east coast, however, Tampa has always felt most like home. At an early age Mina was involved in several sports before finally landing on her favorite sport, volleyball. Being active at such an early age nutrition and natural remedies has always been an interest of hers. Having witnessed the effects of traditional medicine on her own family members who have ...More

Elizabeth is a Patient Care Coordinator at Utopia. She was born and raised in North Carolina where she worked as a veterinarian assistant as well as a volunteer at local animal shelters. After moving to Florida 3 years ago, Elizabeth was excited to find a home here at Utopia where she enjoys learning the diverse personalities of every patient while being able to help them in their journey of healing. She plans to start school for herbalism and expanding her knowledge of the healing sciences. Outside of Utopia she loves baking and cooking new and challenging recipes. She enjoys reading, going o...More

Jackelyn is one of our patient care coordinators here at Utopia. She was born and raised in Miami where she was surrounded by family and played basketball during her high school years. Jackie later decided to move to Tampa and found her home here at Utopia. She enjoys caring for others and always going above and beyond to ensure every patient has what they need. In her free time she is dedicated to her business as a skilled makeup artist, enjoying time with her family, trying new activities and restaurants, creating content, and traveling.

Charles is a true Floridian with family roots in Florida. Charles is a 20-year retired military member of the Air Force electrical-powered field. During his 20 years, Charles served as a depot-level system mechanic traveling all over the world. Charles always figures out the best way to complete jobs, while saving money. He attended SPJC where he took computer courses to enhance his IT skills. Charles worked for various companies before he set down roots with Utopia. He has been a member of our Utopia family since 1998. Charles started as an IT specialist. During his tenure, he has taken on du...More