Dr. Marylin Palackel James, D.O.

Founder & CEO | Dual Board Certified in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine | ABFM, AOBFP

“If health is lost, everything is lost”. That is what I would hear my grandfather tell his patients when I’m eavesdropping in his clinic located in our house in India. As a child, I grew up with this amazing human, Dr. Peter Puthenveetil, my idol, and saw the tremendous impact he had on others as a physician. I thought, if only I could be at least a little bit like him, I would consider my life fulfilled. It was this fire inside me, to be there for others at times of dis-ease, to inspire others to make better lifestyle choices, and serve as a conduit for healing that got me here.

I came to America as a teenager, and soon enough realized my calling to promote health and wellness among my peers and community. Throughout high school and college, I started various organizations to combat the current epidemic of obesity that is leading to various chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.

I understood the importance of addressing the root cause of these problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. I was a Junior in college then when I decided to become not just any physician, but a Family Medicine Physician. My mentor and cousin, Dr. Jennifer Spanier-Stiasny, D.O., then introduced me to the osteopathic world, and I immediately knew that my calling was to become a DO.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology, Loyola University, Summa Cum Laude
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Iowa
  • Family Medicine Residency, Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, Illinois
  • Outpatient Family Medicine Physician in Florida since 2019, various locations
  • Telehealth Physician, ADHD Online
  • 40 hr cranial course
  • Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Function, Dysfunction, and Treatment level I
  • 200 hr YTT (Yoga Teacher Training), Kovalam, India
  • Ayurvedic Coach, Kerala Ayurveda Academy, California

Victoria Sousa

Medical Assistant & Clinic Coordinator

Victoria brings warmth, skill, and a global perspective to the Haven Family Health team. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she connects effortlessly with patients from diverse backgrounds. Born in Orlando to Brazilian parents, Victoria has lived in Brazil, California, and Florida, giving her a deep appreciation for different cultures and communities.

In the clinic, you’ll find her checking vitals, administering injections, and supporting patients so they can feel their best.

Outside of work, Victoria loves to travel and dreams of one day exploring the world, experiencing new traditions, and learning from every culture she visits.

Her dedication, compassion, and adventurous spirit make her an invaluable part of our team — and a friendly face our patients love to see.

Dr. Edwin James, PharmD.

Clinic Manager | Clinical Pharmacist

Edwin is a pharmacist dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal wellness through personalized, compassionate care. He has been working behind the scenes since the conception of Haven Family Health, but is now officially joining the Haven team as our practice manager and clinical pharmacist.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science from the University of Florida, followed by his Doctorate of Pharmacy from Touro College in New York City. With over a decade of experience as a community pharmacist, Edwin has been recognized with multiple patient care awards for his commitment to improving lives through individualized treatment and education.

Beyond the clinic, Edwin is an automotive enthusiast and hobbyist, bringing the same curiosity and precision he applies in his profession to every aspect of his life. At the core of his practice is a simple philosophy: how to solve problems effectively and efficiently!

Dr. Ashley Dela Cruz, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy • Pilates Instructor • Mandarin Native

Dr. Ashley earned her Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Florida. She specializes in general orthopedics treating patients aged 16 and up, including the geriatric population. Certified in dry needling, she uses this powerful tool to help patients achieve rapid pain relief and restore optimal movement.

Ashley believes in treating the root cause of problems — combining her knowledge of PT and Pilates to deliver truly personalized, one-on-one care. A Mandarin native, she grew up right in this community, spent years as a travel and home health PT all over Florida, and eventually found her way back home with her husband and their dog Bronnie. When she’s not helping patients move better, you’ll find her at the beach or paddleboarding at the springs.

Annies James

Registered Nurse R.n.

We’re excited to welcome Doctor Edwin James’ mother, a highly experienced Registered Nurse, to the Haven Family Health team. With years of hands-on clinical expertise, she will be supporting our in-house IV therapy services, ensuring patients receive safe, compassionate, and attentive care.

Tais Sutters, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist

Tais Suttles, LMT, specializes in therapeutic massage, prenatal and postpartum massage, and assisted stretching. Tais takes a personalized, results-driven approach to help relieve tension, improve mobility, and support the unique needs of each client—especially during the transformative stages of motherhood.

​Originally from Puerto Rico, Tais is a bilingual licensed massage therapist with nearly 20 years of experience. She began her career in a spa setting, where she spent 12 years honing her skills in relaxation-based therapies. Over the past several years, her focus has shifted to rehabilitation and pain management—a space where she discovered her true passion: helping clients heal from injuries and chronic pain caused by everyday life and repetitive movements.

She uses a combination of deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), trigger point therapy, and other modalities to tailor each session to her clients’ unique needs, always working to address the root cause of discomfort. Outside of work, she enjoys landscape photography, art, and most of all, spending time with her family.