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. Acebal received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Boston College. She attended Medical School at Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico, and completed her Residency in Pediatrics at University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Acebal has devoted her professional career to work in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, as well as private pediatrics practice. Dr. Acebal relocated to Bradenton/Sarasota area in May 2018 and shortly thereafter joined the APC Pediatrics team.

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

I love: I love kayaking, hiking, and going to the beach with my kids.

My favorite memory is: Seeing my kids playing in the snow for the first time.

My favorite place: My favorite place is San Juan.

My favorite food: Paella

Heather Lucero joined APC Pediatrics in 2011. She attended the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Florida, in which she earned her Masters of Science degree in Nursing.

When I was a child I wanted to be: a race car driver

I love: medical research

My favorite childhood memory is: Playing with friends, riding bikes, sleepovers, and never going inside until it was dark outside

My favorite place is: Home

My favorite food: Anything homemade

Originally born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Alexandra moved to the Philadelphia area in 2003 to attend nursing school at Villanova University. She started her nursing career at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia before returning to Villanova to continue her nursing education. She joined APC Pediatrics in December 2015.

When I was a child I wanted to be a: Veterinarian! I loved animals and still do. At some point I realized that kids are much more fun!

I love: Doing pretty much anything outside! I love to swim at the beach, golf, bike, and play tennis. Moving to Florida from Philadelphia has made that possible all year!

My favorite childhood memory is: Summers in Ocean City, New Jersey. Some of my favorite memories include eating pizza and funnel cake on the boardwalk, playing mini golf and body surfing in the ocean.

My favorite place is: Since moving to Florida, my favorite place is Anna Maria Island! I spend most of my free time at the beaches there. I don't think that will ever get old to me, it is so beautiful!

My favorite food is: I can't say "no" to pizza! The best is Manco & Manco Pizza in Ocean City, NJ. Tastes best if eaten on the Ocean City boardwalk, of course!

Sara received her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Virginia and worked for several years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She then received a Masters degree from Columbia University in NYC before returning in 2016 to Bradenton, where she had been raised since the age of 5. She joined APC Pediatrics in November 2022.

When I was a child I wanted to be: an FBI agent or Forensic Investigator. But for school projects, I just kept it simple and said “Pediatrician".

I love: Reading (mostly thrillers) and watching true crime documentaries.

My favorite childhood memory is: Spending long days at the beach and/or pool and riding Jet-Skis with my dad.

My favorite place is: Germany! I love the people, the culture, and, of course, the food!

My favorite food is: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and Publix tiramisu.