
Biography
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- D., Counseling Psychology – Argosy University
- MSW, Clinical Social Work – Barry University
- A., Marriage and Family Therapy – St. Thomas University
- A., Psychology & A.A., Psychology – St. Thomas University & Miami Dade College
- S., Criminal Justice – Miami Dade College
- Certified Law Enforcement Officer (30 years, Miami & Coral Gables PD)
- Former Petty Officer Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (Gulf War Theater)
- Faculty appointments at Barry University, University of Miami, Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, and FIU
- President, NASW-FL (2024–2026); Past roles: President-Elect (2023–2024), Vice President (2022–2023)
Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice
- Clinical expertise in oncology, bereavement, crisis intervention, and behavioral medicine
- Medical Social Worker/Case Manager at Baptist Health – groups in prostate cancer, cardiac care, diabetes, and oncology
- Consultant to community mental health agencies, including Switchboard of Miami and Charter Behavioral IOP
- Specializing in disaster response, culturally responsive therapy with Latino populations, and PTSD care for veterans and first responders
- Facilitated court-ordered therapy groups (English/Spanish); delivered trauma-informed home health services
- Led psychoeducational workshops on suicide prevention, law enforcement stress, infidelity recovery, and abuse trauma
Commitment to Trauma-Informed Education
- Taught trauma-informed courses and seminars at Barry University, University of Miami, FIU, and Miami Dade College
- Developed curricula on crisis response, law enforcement trauma, ethics, and cultural competence
- Integrated trauma frameworks into field instruction, supervision, and classroom pedagogy
- Delivered instruction in adult education and mental health programs for ALF residents, the elderly, and the chronically mentally ill
- Designed and evaluated trauma-related training curricula and learning assessments
Publications, Presentations, Research, Awards
- Reviewer: Social Work Policy Practice (2024), Journal of Family Social Work (2024)
- Author: Numerous NASW and FAMFT publications on social work ethics, empathy, police suicide, supervision, and professional development
- Dissertation: Police Suicide: Acuity of Influence (2015)
- Awards:
- NASW-FL Social Work Educator of the Year (2023)
- NASW-FL Most Influential Social Worker of the Year (2022 & 2023)
- Barry University Adjunct Professor of the Year (2018 & 2019)
- Barry University Social Work Advisory Council – Faculty Advisor of the Year (2019)
- Baptist Health System – Social Worker of the Year, Bariatric Unit (2015)