Meet the Team

Carlos M. Garcia, MD is the Director of Medicine at Utopia Cancer Center. His passion about 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 Physician...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 af...More

Sydney is a Certified Physician Assistant here at Utopia Wellness. 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. Go Gators! Returning to her roots in Illinois, she attended Southern Illinois University where she obtained a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. In her free time Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, a Boxer and Bernese Mountain Dog. Sydney’s passion and enthusiasm for healthcare makes her a huge asset to the pa...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

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 Cancer Center 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) Wh...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.

Kirsten has always had a passion for holistic healthcare and has over 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse.  She was born in Michigan and moved with her family to Dunedin Florida as a child. After graduating from Dunedin High School, Kirsten enlisted in the United States Air Force where she served 20 years as an Information Manager.  She then followed her passion for health and wellness and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from South Dakota State University.  Kirsten takes great pride in her innate ability to make people feel comfortable, informed and encourages them to advoca...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

Mari has over 13 years of experience in the medical field and serves as a Patient Care Coordinator at Utopia. Starting in women's health as a medical assistant for an OBGYN, she demonstrated a commitment to compassionate patient care. Transitioning to a Surgical Coordinator for a prominent spine surgeon, she honed her organizational skills, ensuring flawless surgical procedures. In her current role as a Patient Care Coordinator at Utopia, Mari has seamlessly blended her years of experience in the medical and technology fields with her ability to make the patients feel truly cared for. In her f...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

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