Our Care Providers & Staff

At Primera Plastic Surgery’s Orlando office, everyone on our team takes great pride in the work they do. Dr. Edward J. Gross has hand-selected each member of his medical team and holds them to the same high standards he has set for himself. Our staff is not only known for their vast training and knowledge of the cosmetic surgery field, but also for their compassion and warmth toward each of the men and women they treat. While our exceptional results certainly make our patients happy, the personal care our staff provides is what keeps them coming back.

When you come to Primera for a procedure, you will undoubtedly be impressed by how qualified, professional, and comforting each person on our team will be.

To get to know our medical team personally, schedule a consultation with us. Request your appointment online, or call our office at (407) 333-3040.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

—Maya Angelou

Our Care Providers

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Joy, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

FL License # APRN 11018797

Hi there! My name is Joy S. Ancheta, and I’m a board-certified nurse practitioner. I grew up in Charleston, SC, and moved to Florida with my family in 2004. Since 2005, I have worked as a registered nurse primarily in surgical services at Advent Health Winter Park and Veterans Affairs in Lake Nona. I later obtained my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty from South University, where I’m a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. I also received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from AdventHealth University, graduating magna cum laude.

Seeing firsthand the positive impact that self-care can have on patient outcomes and overall well-being, I found that my passion is to help patients be the best version of themselves. My goal is to bring my aesthetic skills to the highest level for our patients, creating beautiful, natural enhancements that match their cosmetic desires. I’m very proud to work alongside the nationally recognized board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edward J. Gross and the entire Primera team!

In my personal time, being a foodie at heart, I love to explore different restaurants. I also love to travel and spend time with my husband and two boys doing outdoor activities, especially exploring Florida’s beaches and parks.

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Kristine, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

FL License # APRN 11024156

Hi, I’m Kristine, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, originally from New York City. I earned my Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner (MS FNP) from Long Island University, graduating magna cum laude. I also received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain College of Nursing and my Associate Degree in Nursing from LaGuardia Community College.

I’ve spent over 12 years as a registered nurse working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, holding senior staff positions at NYU Langone Health and New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University. My healthcare journey as a nurse practitioner began in dermatology, where I completed an advanced practice provider fellowship, training with top providers and gaining experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Now transitioning into cosmetic plastic surgery, I’m excited to use my skills to help patients enhance their natural beauty and achieve results that boost their confidence.

What I love most about my work is partnering with patients to provide personalized care that truly meets their goals. I believe in creating beautiful, subtle enhancements that reflect each individual’s unique aesthetic vision.

When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my family, exploring new restaurants, or traveling to new destinations. Having recently relocated to Florida, I’m excited to discover all the great dining spots and scenic locations this area has to offer!

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Surgery Team

Doug, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist

FL License # APRN 1453122

Hello! My name is Doug Deszell, and I’ve been an anesthetist at Primera Plastic Surgery for the past 15 years.

My job is to ensure that during your surgery, you will be safe, comfortable, and completely asleep while under the anesthetic. I will remain with you throughout your surgery, monitoring vital signs and titrating the anesthesia to make certain that all goes well.

I have been a certified registered nurse anesthetist since 1983. I attended the St. Vincent Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurses in Toledo, Ohio. I’m a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and certified in advanced cardiac life support.

More than 25 years of my 40-plus years of experience have been devoted exclusively to working with plastic surgery patients undergoing outpatient surgery. When not doing plastics, I have done anesthesia for most other types of surgery, including open-heart, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, OB/GYN, robotic-assisted, urology, major vascular, endoscopy, and most other inpatient and outpatient surgeries.

It is a pleasure to work at the Primera Surgery Center, where everything is so organized and runs smoothly, both for the medical team and the patients.

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Sara, Registered Nurse

FL License # RN 9253674

Hello! I’m Sara Schaefer, registered nurse here at Primera Plastic Surgery for the past 12 years. I graduated from Valencia College in 2006 with my Associate Degree in Nursing Sciences. I began my nursing career in critical care at Winter Park Memorial Hospital in the ICU, where I stayed for 6 years. In September 2012, I found a home at Primera working in the O.R. closely with Dr. Gross, giving our patients the best recovery care as they achieve their desired cosmetic results. I really enjoy helping people to look and feel their best as they go through their enhancement procedures. I am proud to work in a practice that creates wonderful experiences throughout each patient’s recovery process and one that gives back to the community through various charities.

I’m married and a proud mother of three children, and that’s where I spend my time when I’m not with my Primera family. I love what I do and look forward to meeting you!

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Our Staff

Ashley, Office Manager

Hello! My name is Ashley Combs, and I love being part of the Primera Plastic Surgery team! I am originally from Annapolis, Maryland, born and raised. My husband and I have been in Central Florida since 2017 and are really happy here. We hated the cold, harsh winters back home, so Florida was the obvious choice when we wanted to start a new journey!

I’ve been in the cosmetic surgery field since 2014, and the best part about it has been seeing the joy we bring to a patient after their cosmetic enhancement. As the office manager, I thrive on leading a motivated team with a great company culture, so we can give our patients the best experience every time they are here. I look forward to continue creating new and innovative ways to meet our patients’ expectations, while we grow with the constantly developing world of facial plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and three cats! They are my children. I also love reading, exercising, and being outdoors! Life is too short not to enjoy the little things.

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Shalyn, LPE Patient Care Coordinator

Hello! My name is Shalyn Murray, and I am honored to be a team member of Primera Plastic Surgery. I’ve been in the cosmetic/plastic surgery industry since 2007, starting as a paramedical aesthetician, where I helped patients achieve healthy, radiant skin. I’ve assisted plastic surgeons, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with various cosmetic and medical treatments over the years. All this has been in addition to coordinating events, marketing, and acting in a practice managing role throughout my career.

This clinical, aesthetic, marketing, and managing expertise in the cosmetic industry, where my passion to assist patients with the surgical and cosmetic enhancements they desire, has given me the ability to act as “concierge” to my patients at Primera Plastic Surgery.

My high level of compassion and professionalism comes through in the long-lasting relationships I’ve built and continue to maintain as the patient care coordinator. As inside marketing manager, overseeing all aspects of advertising, events, social media, web, and brand management, I strive to lead with value and an amazing experience! Coupled with continued education and my knowledge as a proponent for beauty, I plan to further myself in this field as a strong advocate to our patients, as well as a valuable contributing team member of our practice, as this industry grows.

In my personal time, I enjoy travel, beach lounging, reading, trying new foods, yoga, volunteer work, and sharing time with family, friends, and my fur baby, Jax.

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Kyn, Front Office Coordinator

Hi, my name is Kyn Logan. I’m the front office coordinator for Primera Plastic Surgery and am very happy to be working with Dr. Gross and his team. I’m originally from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and I’ve been in the wellness industry since 1994 as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. I bridged the gap between health/fitness to medical assisting in 2011, taking a position as the post-operative medical assistant for a facial plastic surgeon. After moving to Central Florida in 2019, I decided to stay with cosmetic surgery, procedures, and treatments and found my home with Primera.

My passion lies in leading the administrative front desk staff and assisting our providers and/or Dr. Gross in helping patients through their individual journeys. It’s always gratifying to see a patient in the office weeks after a procedure or treatment and hearing how good they feel about themselves, inside and out. I’m excited to meet you and offer my expertise throughout your journey of rejuvenation!

I enjoy everything related to fitness and the outdoors, traveling, and going to concerts with my husband.

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Terri, Front Office Associate

Hello, my name is Terri Quartarella, and I am honored to be a member of the Primera Plastic Surgery team! I grew up in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and moved to Florida in 1990. I’ve been married since 1986 and have been blessed with two children.

My extensive background is in retail and home health care. I’ve always enjoyed working with people and making a difference. My emphasis is on coordinating and caring for patients, which is in line with Dr. Gross and his team, who do just that! It’s so exciting to see our patients’ aesthetic enhancements and the joy it brings them to look and feel their best!

I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, friends, and of course my fur babies! I also enjoy working out, decorating, and shopping!

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Karen, Medical Assistant

Hello, everyone! My name is Karen Gereda, and I’m absolutely thrilled to have joined the Primera team as a medical assistant! I was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I have lived in Florida since 2010 and have truly fallen in love with this state. I always knew from a young age that I wanted to work in a field where I can make people feel better every day, and I’m so happy I can do that here at Primera Plastic Surgery!

I have a passion for always making sure patients are taken care of to the best of my ability. I’ve been in the healthcare field since 2017 and have worked in many different medical settings such as home health, pediatrics, rehab, ICU, and now I’ve crossed over to the wonderful world of aesthetics! Having experience in so many different areas of the medical field has helped me provide compassionate, high-quality care to my patients not only on the cosmetic side but also with post-op surgical care. Being a medical assistant has made me extremely knowledgeable, empathetic, and willing to go the extra mile to help our patients. I plan on furthering my education to become an RN and ultimately working my way up to an APRN. One thing about this industry is you can never stop growing, learning, and evolving.

Outside of work, I’m always on the go as my daughter is in AAU track and AAU travel basketball. I love being a sports mom and wouldn’t change it for the world! When I manage to get some free time, I love to explore the outdoors, whether it’s a new beach, spring, or trail. I’m also a huge fitness enthusiast! I work out 4-5 days a week with a strength and conditioning coach and have a passion for cooking and nutrition.  

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Primera Med Spa

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Tami, Medical Aesthetician

Florida License #FB 0717330

Hello, my name is Tami Lindner, and I’ve been a licensed aesthetician since 1999. I joined the Primera family with a passion to care for my patients and their aesthetic concerns. I’m committed to the highest level of patient care and offer the latest in facial aesthetics through high-quality treatments and home-care plans.

My approach to each patient and his or her individual needs is one that encompasses all of my technical knowledge along with a soothing touch. I have completed advanced hands-on training and am certified with Pevonia®, DDF® Skincare, Medicalia®, Obagi, Environ™, DermaQuest®, and SkinCeuticals. Some of my professional affiliations are with the National Coalition of Estheticians Association (NCEA), Aesthetics International Association (AIA), National Rosacea Society (NRS), and the Esthetics Association of Florida (EAF).

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Cathi, Medical Aesthetician, Cosmetologist, + Massage Therapist

FL License #FB 9760156

Hello, my name is Cath Dichiara. Originally from New England, I came to Florida to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. I’m a dual-licensed medical aesthetician and massage therapist practicing at Primera Medical Spa. I’ve been making a difference in skin for over 10 years in addition to 25 plus years in the beauty industry, working for such brands as Victoria’s Secret.

My specialties include microneedling, chemical peels, waxing, customized facials, and a variety of skin rejuvenation procedures to help you meet your aesthetic goals. My passion and technical knowledge of skin care drive me, and I enjoy sharing this with my clients in a relaxing environment. With my belief in total body wellness, I not only care for the skin, but also use my massage skills to ensure my clients have a healthy balance between mind and body.

I am an active member of the Aesthetics Association of Florida and the American Massage Therapy Association.

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Katie, Medical Aesthetician + Cosmetologist

FL License #FB 9807895

Hi, my name is Katie Gomes, and I am so happy to be a part of the Primera Plastic Surgery and Med Spa team. You can find me in the Primera Med Spa or at the front desk on the cosmetic/surgical side.

I have a background in Marketing/ Public Relations, but have always had an interest in medical skincare, so I made the career change and am a proud Aesthetician at Primera. It’s a joy to be a part of our patients’ aesthetic journeys by performing pre- and post-op skincare treatments for our surgery patients. With my certifications in medical grade skincare products, chemical peels, and various medical grade treatment modalities, I am able to create a complete plan of care for our patients. I am also an active member of the Esthetics Association of Florida. I look forward to being a team member with our cosmetic and surgical departments to help all of our patients achieve the results they desire.

In my personal time, I enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time at home with my two cats.

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Lezly, Social Media Coordinator

My name is Lezly Perez, I’m the Social Media Marketing Coordinator, and I am so happy to be a part of the Primera team! I’m originally from West Palm Beach, Florida and moved here to Orlando in 2022. Since moving here, I have worked in Social Media Marketing, Advertising, and Graphic Design.

My Social Media Marketing experience has taught me how to use my creative and interactive skills with different backgrounds of people, to make them feel comfortable and to capture content that shows amazing results. I am excited to meet you and see your incredible transformations.

I attend the University of Central Florida and plan to graduate with a B.S. in Integrated Business. I am a member of The Women’s Network, which is the largest collegiate women’s networking organization in North America, where I am the Vice President of Marketing. With this rich background, I will aspire to create engaging content and continue to build the Primera brand and our marketing presence.

In my free time I like to spend time with my pets, a mixed chihuahua named Benji and my cat named Pebbles, that loves to play. I also enjoy going to the theme parks to ride rollercoasters and catching the latest films at the movie theatre.