Meet the Team

"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 af...More

Melinda is an ANCC board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with several decades of clinical experience dedicated to advancing patient care. She received both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of South Florida, graduating magna cum laude and earning membership in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI). Throughout her career, Melinda has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care that supports not only physical health but...More

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 in...More

Christina was born and raised in Tampa, FL and has 25 years of nursing practice in conventional medicine. Her career journey includes emergency medicine, critical care, cardiology, pain management, and traditional cancer treatments. Because of her experience, she possesses exceptional IV and central line access skills, putting our patients at ease by effortlessly starting their daily infusions. After years of frustration with the bureaucracy found in conventional medicine, Christina discovered Utopia Wellness and Cancer Center. At Utopia, patients are treated with respect and dignity. As a n...More

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

Peggy is a key part of the Utopia team with over 27 years of experience in massage therapy. Her capabilities are numerous including manual lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy and neuromuscular work. She focuses her energy and manual techniques from a position of respect and caring. Peggy is passionate about holistic healthcare while balancing a fulfilling life at home. She treats everyone who comes to her as a family, always and forever.

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.

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

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 Cancer Center 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...More

Carolina is passionate about wellness, supporting others, and forming meaningful connections with people on their healing journeys. She proudly serves as a Patient Care Coordinator at a holistic wellness center, where she combines her love for organization and compassion to ensure patients experience convenient, well-planned visits. In her role, Carolina manages scheduling, assists patients with their individual needs, and helps foster an environment where healing and wellness can thrive. She finds great joy in guiding others as they explore alternative healing methods and witnessing the posi...More

Kayleigh has always been passionate about the medical field, drawn to the continuous learning it offers, the opportunity to help others, and the ability to engage in meaningful research. She is driven by the desire to make a real impact in healthcare while growing both personally and professionally. Beyond her career aspirations, Kayleigh enjoys spending time with her two cats, Lucas and Loey, and has a deep love for music. She plays both the piccolo and the flute in her free time, finding joy and expression through her musical talents. Kayleigh is always eager to connect with others who shar...More

Jazmine is our Patient Care Coordinator and Nutritionist here at Utopia wellness and Cancer Center and plays a crucial role in the treatment team for all of our patients. As an athlete, she learned early the importance of wellness, balance, and proper fueling for both performance and everyday life. Her passion for food and its powerful impact on the body inspired her to become a nutritionist. Beyond nutrition, she enjoys expressing herself through dance and staying active with energizing and challenging workouts. Helping others find their path to health and happiness is more than just a care...More