Meet The Providers

David J. Malis, MD, FACS, FAAP

Dr. David J. Malis received his undergraduate training at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and his medical doctorate from The Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He then entered active duty in the U.S. Army and received his residency training in Otolaryngology at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas; this was followed by Fellowship training in Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital & Health Center, San Diego, California. Dr. Malis served over 15 years on active duty in the U.S. Army culminating in his last duty assignment as Chief, Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. Throughout his military career, Dr. Malis had the honor of providing medical care to active duty service members and their families, from infants to military retirees. Dr. Malis is proud to have been able to serve and provide for the Otolaryngological needs of the entire military “family” and of all branches of military service.

Dr. Malis is Board Certified in Otolaryngology and is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); additionally, he is an active member of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO), the Society of Ear, Nose, Throat Advances in Children (SENTAC), and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck  Surgery (AAOHNS). Dr. Malis is Brevard and Indian River County’s only Fellowship-trained Pediatric Otolaryngologist and is here to meet all of your family’s ear, nose, and throat needs…“from 2 to 102.”

Ariel D. Ascroft, PA-C

Ariel D. Ascroft received her undergraduate degree in Microbiology from the University of West Florida. After graduating, she began working in research as a Research Associate at Moffitt Cancer Center. While there, she conducted clinical research studies in cervical and colorectal cancer. After three years of working closely with cancer patients, Ariel made the decision to have more of a direct and personal impact on the health and well being of patients and chose to become a Physician Assistant. In 2012, Ariel was accepted into the Physician Assistant program at Nova Southeastern University Orlando and graduated with her Masters in Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies; Ariel passed the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants state boards certifying her as a Physician Assistant.

Ariel has a great deal of experience in Pulmonary Medicine, to include obstructive sleep apnea and sleep studies, and has received extensive additional specialized training in Otolaryngology for both adults and pediatrics since joining Dr. Malis. She works directly with Dr. Malis in providing the same high quality care that Family ENT has been known for in our community. Ariel is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and is also a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA).

Ariel is a native Floridian and enjoys a healthy lifestyle to include cycling, kayaking, and crossfit.

Jenny K. Pilkey, APRN

Jenny K. Pilkey studied health sciences at the University of Florida and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Jenny then worked as a registered nurse in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, followed by the

intensive care unit (ICU) at a community hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Furthering her education, Jenny then received a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and holds an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license through the Florida Board of Nursing and a family nurse practitioner certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Before moving back to Florida, Jenny worked as a nurse practitioner in an outpatient internal medicine clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she was responsible for diagnosing and treating acute illnesses along with managing recurrent and chronic medical problems in the adult patient population.

Jenny is a mom to 2 young, energetic boys. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their sons, exercising, and being outdoors.

Rachael Kennedy Au.D., CCC-A

Dr. Rachael Kennedy is a native of Melbourne, Florida. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University, then went on to receive her Doctorate in Audiology from the University of South Alabama. Dr. Kennedy also holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-