Marcia Gayoso, M.D., F.A.A.P., was born in Brazil, where she attended medical school at the University of Rio De Janeiro. She moved to the U.S. in 1993 and finished her residency at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She practiced in Indiana where she worked for three years in underserved areas, helping multicultural communities. Returning to Orlando in 2002, she partnered with Central Florida Pediatrics for six years and then in 2009 founded iKids Pediatrics. Today, as the president and senior director of iKids, she enjoys her multicultural practice as well the doctors and staff she works with. Above all, she loves being married to her husband of 35 years and being a mother to two sons that are now college graduates.

Cavelle Benjamin-Arias, M.D., F.A.A.P., is originally from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She attended Florida International University in Miami and University of South Florida in Tampa for her undergraduate degree. She graduated from University of South Florida College of Medicine in 1998 and pursued her pediatric residency training at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. As a Board Certified Pediatrician, she has been in private practice since 2001. Dr Benjamin-Arias joined iKids Pediatrics in 2011. She also has been a volunteer at Shepherds Hope community center for 11 years. She and her husband James have two daughters, Elyse and Adeline. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and reading.

Heather Ashler, A.R.P.N., is a native Floridian. She graduated from Florida State University in 2000 with her BS in nursing. She worked in a variety of settings as a RN. She completed her MS in nursing in 2007 from University of South Alabama. She is board certified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She is married with two children. She enjoys exercising, reading, spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Ashler joined IKids Pediatrics in 2016.

Melissa Jimenez, P.A.-C, graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida in 2014. She completed a Master’s of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies with Honors at Nova Southeastern University in Orlando, FL in 2019. Shortly after completing her education, she joined the team at iKids Pediatrics, where she currently still practices. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Laura Diaz de Ortiz, M.D., F.A.A.P. is a board-certified pediatrician originally from the Dominican Republic who believes great pediatric care starts with listening and building trust with families. She earned her medical degree from Universidad Central del Este, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and completed her pediatric residency at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Medical Center, affiliated with Cornell University. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Diaz cares for newborns through adolescents, with interests in preventive care, healthy growth, asthma, mental health, and pediatric skin conditions. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is currently learning Portuguese. Outside the office, Dr. Diaz is a wife and mom to two daughters who enjoys crafts, gardening and listening to music.