Denise Edwards, MD
Lead Physician

Dr. Edwards began her career as a medical student at the USF College of Medicine in 1997 and has been a faculty member practicing primary care at USF since 2005. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and has provided primary care to patients of all ages at the USF Health South Tampa Center for Advanced Healthcare, adjacent to Tampa General Hospital on Davis Islands.

Dr. Edwards is passionate about preventative medicine and weight management, which led her to develop and direct the USF Health Healthy Weight Clinic. This is an interdisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, and a dietitian, who work together to treat eating disorders and weight related issues in patients of all ages.

She has loved being a part of the Muma Center since its opening. Outside of work, she stays busy with her three teenagers and enjoys traveling with them as well. 

Jessica Battersby
Program Director

Working in television Jessica began to really see people through a camera lens. She realized her passion for the mental and physical wellbeing of people of all ages. She made a career change 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back. The healthcare system is complex, and every team member offers value for being unique in who they are. She recently published a children’s book, “Princess of The Plants.” Her favorite quote is “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein.

Elizabeth “Lili” Steffer
Office Manager

Lili joined the center upon opening and has 15+ years in the healthcare field. She holds a BA in Psychology from USF. Patient care is her passion. On her free time, she enjoys long walks, kayaking, and spending time with her growing family. Please reach out to her directly for any concerns: 813-250-2301 or email at esteffer@usftgp.org.

Aleida Valdivieso
Registered Nurse

Aleida (pronounced Ah-LAY-dah) has been an RN for 18 years, mostly in primary care and pediatrics. She worked with Dr. Edwards for several years prior to the opening of The Muma Center. She oversees clinic as our head nurse. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Tampa in 2003. On the weekends she loves spending time with family especially her 3 granddaughters. She also enjoys fishing, dancing, and going to the beach.

Tayler Zona
Clinical Care Coordinator

Tayler has been with the center since 2019. Currently her main role is assisting patients with scheduling needs and health maintenance. Tayler is engaged and has a 7-year-old daughter along with many fur babies. For fun she enjoys family game nights with her new blended family as well as crafting.

Patricia Laquerre
Licensed Practical Nurse

Patricia goes by “Trish”. She has been an LPN for 30+ years and aside from assisting in clinic her main role is to coordinate appointments for our members. Trish has been with USF Health for several years and has established quality relationships with other departments to better assist our patients. In her free time, she enjoys reading and attending Zumba class. Trish tries to find a little happiness in your day. 

Susan King
Medical Assistant

Susan’s responsibility includes triaging patients over the phone. She loves speaking to our patients and assisting with their needs. She has 30 years of experience in the medical field. Her education includes nursing school, CNA certification, and Registered Medical Assistant. Susan is a long-time employee of USF Health and worked with Dr. Edwards for many years prior to the opening of the Muma Center. She enjoys fixing things and loves the blues.

Shayla Fontaine
Registered Nurse

Shayla is an RN from New Hampshire where she worked on a Med-Surg Oncology Unit and Infusion Center for five years. She also has a master’s degree in Nursing. Shayla recently moved to Florida with her fiancé. She serves as our main triage nurse, and she has really enjoyed getting to know our patients. On the weekends, she enjoys going to the beach and exploring the Tampa Bay area.

Maria Davalos
Front Desk Specialist

Maria goes by her middle name, Seline. She provides office support by assisting the team with requesting medical records, scheduling appointments, and insurance verification. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She also has a cute cat named Luna.