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Our Center
ABOUT US
We are a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC), licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Here at G&D, we have created a friendly and welcoming environment that provides alternative-site health care services for medically complex, technologically-dependent and behaviorally challenged children.
Our mission is to maintain the highest level of child and family wellness through our dedication to individualized, family-centered care in a safe nurturing and progressive environment.
Our staff of board-certified pediatricians, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and therapists are highly trained to provide each child with the highest quality of life. Our services are extended for patients ages birth to 21 years of age and widely accessible due to our multilingual and culturally diverse staff.
Every Child is special, and as our motto, we want all of them to succeed to their fullest potential with our care and dedication.

PPEC SERVICES
Pediatric Physician
Pediatric Nursing Care
Transportation
Nutritional Food Program (Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack)
After School Program
Recreational Activities
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Respiratory Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Special Educational Programs

Our Team

Dr. Gerardo Diaz
President and CEO
Dr. Diaz began his career as a Doctor in Havana, Cuba in 1990 where he specialized in Pediatric Medicine and graduated from an Intensive Care and Pediatric Fellowship in 1999. Upon his arrival in the United States, he reestablished his medical and pediatric career, graduating from Lincoln Medical and Mental Center in New York City in their Pediatric Residency Program. With more than 20 years of experience with Children, Dr. Diaz strives every day to be a better Doctor and to offer the best care for his patients, and by doing so he honors what he loves the most: being a Doctor.

Dr. Roberto Carpio
Medical Director
Dr. Carpio graduated as a Medical Doctor in Havana Cuba in 1986 and proceeded to obtain a fellowship in Pediatric Medicine in 1992. Once in the United States, he received his Medical license and graduated from the Pediatrics Residency Program from Lincoln Medical and Mental Center in New York. He has worked in many different centers and hospitals involved in pediatric and Children's care. As of today, he is an Emergency Physician at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and our Medical Director, where he keeps doing what he loves taking care of children and making them feel better.

Minerva Calzado
Director of Nursing
Mrs. Calzado graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, in 1997 in Havana, Cuba. Once in the United States, she earned her Florida State Registered Nurse Licence in 2004. She has worked in different areas of the nursing field, but in the last few years, she has focused her efforts to work with children with special needs. She works every day to offer her patients an atmosphere of love and support, so they can have the confidence to explore and reach their maximum potential.

Josue Raul Garcia
Registered Nurse
Mr. Garcia initiated his studies in Havana, Cuba and graduated as a physician in 1985. In 1995 he obtained an Internal Medicine Fellowship and worked for more than 20 years. Upon his arrival to the United States, he obtained his Florida State Registered Nurse License and has been working with Special Needs Children ever since, giving him a lot of experience in their care. He strives each day to make sure his patients are well-taken care of.

Marcelo Leon Castillo
Center Administrator
Mr. Leon graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in 2015. Since then, he has worked as an entrepreneur, which has given him the experience needed to successfully develop a team devoted to children. With his support, we promise to deliver a service that will promote a collaborative environment where your child will feel supported by all members of GD Pediatric Care.
What is a PPEC?
Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers allow eligible children to receive continual medical care in a non-residential setting.
When approved, children can attend our PPEC up to 12 hours per day while receiving nursing services, personal care, developmental therapies.
Additionaly, caregivers will receive appropriate training that will allow them to better care for the child at home.
What are the Benefits?
Parents can go back to work with peace of mind, while patients receive the care they need.
Patients get to socialize with other children, reducing the isolation of home care services.
We provide therapies, educational programming, nursing services, and close interactions with onsite Pediatrician.
Who Qualifies?
Children from the ages of birth to 21 years old, who need special nursing care every day, due to their medically complex conditions, and who are unable to have their needs met by a typical school or daycare.
Examples of Conditions that Qualify:
-Premature Birth
-Seizure Disorders
-G-Tube Feeding and Care
-Colostomy Care
-Supplemental Oxygen
-Ventilator dependency
-Severe asthma
-Diabetes
-Cystic fibrosis
-Wounds
-Spinal Cord Injuries
-Brittle Bone Disease
-Cardiac Abnormalities
-Cardiopulmonary Conditions
-Congenital Abnormalities
-Downs Syndrome
-Gastrointestinal Disorders
-Metabolic Disorders
-Tracheostomy Care
Who Pays for these services?
PPEC Services are fully covered by Medicaid at no cost to parents, once recommended by the child's pediatrician through a prescription or letter of medical necessity. We also accept insurance and private pay. Our staff is happy to assist you with the enrollment process.