Dr. Federico Frias received his Doctor of Medicine degree with honors Cum Laude from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena in the Dominican Republic and completed his Pediatric residency training at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, a primary affiliate of Albert Einstein School of Medicine (Yeshiva University).

When I was a child I wanted to be: A superhero!

I love: Education, establishing and building relationships, to serve others

My favorite childhood memory is: Picking eggs with my Grandfather, spending time at my grandmother’s house.

My favorite place: Sitting by the sea. Still today, I love to sit by the sea… it brings me peace.

My favorite food: Fish and plantains

Dr. Rippy is a Board-Certified Pediatrician. He received his undergraduate degree in Zoology at the University of Oklahoma. He attended medical school at St. George's University, with training in New York City. He graduated from Pediatric Residency at the University of Oklahoma, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr Rippy joined APC in June 2016.

When I was a child I wanted to be a: A Ranger or biologist. As a child I loved to explore, and observe birds and animals, and then study and learn about them. My interest in nature turned to studying medicine so that I could serve and help people.

I love: Growing, learning and playing with my kids.

My favorite childhood memory is: Meeting Heather, now my wife, in 3rd grade.

My favorite place is: Near the edge of the ocean. Things are always more peaceful and playful, or reflective and dreamy.

My favorite food is: Sushi, it is such a fun and healthy experience.

Dr. Marino Gonzalez is a Board-Certified Pediatrician. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Instituto Superior de Ciencias Medicas de la Habana Cuba and completed her Pediatric Residency training at Bronxcare Health System, a medical school affiliated with Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. She has been actively serving in other communities in the state of Florida and is joining APC Pediatrics in Spring 2025.

When I was a child I wanted to be: A teacher, like my parents. However, helping my mother in the neighborhood when people were unwell—visiting their homes to measure their blood pressure and bring medications— nurtured my love for medicine. Now, as a pediatrician, I have the best of both worlds. I practice medicine while also serving as a teacher for parents and children, guiding them towards healthier lives.

I love: Spending time with my family and friends—it recharges me.

My favorite childhood memory: Playing hide-and-seek in the neighborhood with my friends. To this day, we still talk about those cherished times.

My favorite place: The countryside. I adore the mountains and the lush greenery.

My favorite food: Chickpeas and guacamole.

Dr. Magner earned her undergraduate degree in Science summa cum laude from The Ohio State University, where she distinguished herself through academic excellence. She went on to attend the West Virginia School of Medicine, where she developed a passion for pediatric care. Following medical school, Dr. Magner completed her Pediatric Residency at the Johns Hopkins University/All Children's Hospital gaining extensive training in comprehensive child health. In the summer of 2025, Dr. Magner joined APC Pediatrics where she is committed to providing care for the pediatric population.

When I was a child I wanted to be: A ballerina, then a doctor

I love: fostering animals, watching movies, traveling, DIY projects

My favorite childhood memory: Waking up on a snowy Christmas morning and spending the day with my family relaxing, opening presents, cooking.

My favorite place: Costa Rica - my favorite vacation I've ever been on!

My favorite food: My mom's eggplant parmesan

Dr. Armstrong earned his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cellular Biology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champain, where he distinguished himself for his dedication to the sciences. He went to St. George’s University School of Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Medicine, cum laude. Following medical school, Dr. Armstrong completed his Pediatric Residency at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University, NJ, gaining extensive training in comprehensive child health and evidence- based care.

In the summer of 2025, Dr. Armstrong joined APC Pediatrics where he is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for children and families in the community.

When I was a child I wanted to be: A Doctor

I Love: Sports! Especially baseball, it is my favorite

My Favorite Childhood Memory is: Going to Wisconsin Dells for family vacation as a kid

My Favorite Place: Universal Studios in Orlando, FL

My Favorite Food: Anything my Mom makes

Mayrelis Silva is board-certified by American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She received her Nurse Practitioner Degree at Miami Regional University. Mayrelis is originally from Cuba where she completed her Medical Doctor degree and her Masters of Science in Emergency Medicine at the Instituto Superior de Ciencias Medicas Habana, Cuba. Mayrelis has been in the United States servicing different communities in the healthcare field while completing her highest education. She recently moved to Lakewood Ranch to get closer to families and friends

When I was a child I wanted to be: A doctor.

I love: Reading about interesting topics in Healthcare, Science, Astrology.

My favorite childhood memory: Spending time at the farm with my grandparents.

My favorite place: Are the Beach and Mountains and areas that have both settings together.

My favorite food: Mediterranean cuisine

Mary is board-certified in pediatric primary care. She received her BSN and MSN from the University of South Florida. She has been working in nursing since 2004 and has specialized in pediatrics since 2016. Her focus has been emergency care, but since becoming a nurse practitioner, she has worked in primary care.

When I was a child I wanted to be: ER Nurse

I love: Reading, crocheting, spending time with my family, kids, grandkids, and my cats. (dogs too, but I am a cat person!)

My favorite childhood memory: Sitting on the front porch shucking corn or snapping green beans with my grandmother.

My favorite place: Connecticut in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.

My favorite food: Lobster and my grandfather's homemade New England Clam Chowder.