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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Alina Benitez, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

FL License # ARNP9264955

Hello there! My name is Alina Benitez and I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. I grew up in Ohio and moved down to Florida in 2007. I have almost a decade of experience working as a Registered Nurse in critical care at a local hospital in central Florida. I obtained my Masters Degree from The University of Central Florida in 2015 and have worked for the last 4 years in dermatology and aesthetics.

I have extensive experience in Botox and various dermal fillers. With my dermatology background I am comfortable and confident in finding a successful skin care regimen that is individually formulated to fit each clients needs and wants. I am thankful to have found a career in which I can help my patients restore their confidence and well-being. I am very excited and proud to be joining the office of nationally recognized Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Edward J. Gross and the entire Primera team.

I have lived in central Florida since 2009 and love it here. I also love to travel, attend sporting events and spend time with my family.

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Olivia Eckel, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

FL License # ARNP11019805

Hello! My name is Olivia Eckel and I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. I have over a decade of experience working as a Registered Nurse in emergency medicine and in surgery, which is where I fell in love with plastic surgery and aesthetics. For the past several years, I have had the privilege to work with nationally recognized Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Edward J. Gross, in his OR as part of the Primera Surgery team. With my master certified training in Botox, dermal fillers and lasers, I’m excited to spend more time with our cosmetic team, helping our patients create personalized plans to achieve their desired aesthetic results, for a naturally vibrant and youthful enhancement.

My credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, and a Master’s degree in nursing from South University based out of Savannah, GA. I’m delighted to dedicate my extensive experience in bedside care and service, to continue the high-quality concierge care that our Primera patients deserve.

22 years ago, I moved to Lake Mary, FL with my family, and I am so grateful that my husband and I can raise our children in the same town where I grew up. Outside of work I love reading and spending time with my family; biking, paddle boarding, and going to the beach!

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Surgery Team

Doug Deszell, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist

FL License # ARNP 1453122

Hello. My name is Doug Deszell, and I am an Anesthetist at the Primera Plastic Surgery Center.

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 am a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and certified in advanced cardiac life support.

More than 15 of my 30-plus years of working as an anesthesia NP have been devoted exclusively to working with plastic surgery patients having 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 Schaefer, Registered Nurse

Hello! I am Sara Schaefer, Registered Nurse. 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, where I stayed for 6 years. In September 2012, I found a home at Primera working in the O.R. closely with Dr. Gross to give our patients the best recovery care. I really enjoy helping people to look and feel their best as they go through their enhancement process. I am proud to work in a place that does so many things for the community.

I also continue to work part time at Orlando Health, caring for critically ill patients. I am 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

Kevin Goins, Practice Administrator

Hello! My name is Kevin Goins, I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. I joined the military right after high school, serving 6 years in the Army. I was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY then attended University of Tennessee, where I majored in Psychology and Sociology.

After working for 32 years for CenturyLink_® as a Central Office Technician, focused on business/customer service, I also served as Treasurer and Finance Director for Communication Workers of America Union.  With this leadership background in representing employees, I look forward to achieving a high level of partnership between the practice and the patient! I am excited to join the Primera Plastic Surgery team and help continue the excellence in patient care, leading technology, and unparalleled aesthetic results for our patients!

I enjoy travel, photography and cooking with my wife Sara! As well as spending time with my 4 children, 2 stepchildren, 6 grandchildren and my 2 Labradors!

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Shalyn Murray, LPE Patient Care Coordinator

Hello! My name is Shalyn Murray and I am honored to be a team member of Primera Plastic Surgery. I have been in the cosmetic industry for over 13 years, starting as a Paramedical Aesthetician, helping patients achieve healthy, radiant skin. I’ve assisted Plastic Surgeons, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants with various cosmetic and medical treatments such as Injectables, Laser Treatments and Outpatient Surgical Procedures. As well as coordinating events, marketing and acting in an administrative managing role throughout my career.

This clinical, aesthetic, marketing, and administrative expertise in the cosmetic industry, where my passion to help facilitate and assist patients with the surgical and cosmetic enhancements they desire, has given me a well-balanced 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 have built and continue to maintain as the Patient Care Coordinator. Coupled with continued education and my experience 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 changes and grows.

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

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Ashley Combs, Patient Care Coordinator

Hello! My name is Ashley Combs and I am really excited to have become a 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 on where we wanted to start a new journey!

I have been in the cosmetic surgery field for 4 years and I have to say the best part about it has been seeing the joy we bring to a patient’s face after their cosmetic enhancement. I find myself becoming more knowledgeable each day and adapting quickly to the constantly developing world of facial plastic surgery.

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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Kyn Logan, Front Office Coordinator

Hi, my name is Kyn Logan. I am 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 have been in the Wellness field for 25 years as a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor. I bridged the gap between health/fitness to medical assisting 6 years ago, taking a position as the Post-Operative Medical Assistant for a facial plastic surgeon. After moving to Central Florida 2 months ago, I decided to stay with cosmetic surgery, procedures and treatments and finding my home with Primera.

There can be many emotions when a patient decides to do enhancements with either cosmetic treatments or facial plastic surgery. My passion lies in assisting my Provider or the Surgeon to help build confidence for the patient with wonderful, natural results they love. This rewarding experience has been seeing a patient in the office weeks post recovery and/or treatment and see that they are feeling good about themselves, inside and out! I am excited to offer my care throughout the experience and am looking forward to assisting you through yours as well!

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

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Terri Quartarella, Front Office Associate

Hello, my name is Terri Quartarella, and I am honored to be one of the members of the Primera Plastic Surgery team!

I grew up in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and moved to Florida in 1990. I’ve been married 35 years and have been blessed with two children.

My 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 to them!

During my free time 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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Emily Kiesling, Front Office Associate

Hi, everyone! My name is Emily Kiesling, and I’m proud to be part of the Primera Plastic Surgery team. Born and raised in Central Florida, I’ve lived in the Sanford/Lake Mary area since I was five years old. I graduated from Florida State University with a BA in English Literature, and it was during a study abroad semester through FSU that my wanderlust flourished. My favorite places to travel are the United Kingdom and Italy. Since college, I’ve worked for an academic library and two online editorial companies as a freelance copy editor. I also completed a young adult novel in 2020.

Although new to the arena of plastic surgery and aesthetics, I have over ten years of customer service experience and strive to offer each patient a seamless experience, whether in person or over the phone, with kindness and professionalism.

In my spare time, you can find me traveling, reading, or binge-watching the latest British TV series.

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MedSpa

Tami Lindner, 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 am 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 relaxing and soothing touch. I have completed advanced hands-on training and I 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 Dichiara, Medical Aesthetician, Cosmetologist, + Massage Therapist

Hello, my name is Cath Dichiara. Orginally from New England, I came to Florida to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. I am a dual licensed Medical Aesthetician and Massage Therapist practicing at Primera Medical Spa. I have 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 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 and soothing 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 of mind and body.

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

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