Biography
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- Ed.D., Counseling Psychology – Argosy University
- MSW, Clinical Social Work – Barry University
- MA, Marriage and Family Therapy – St. Thomas University
- BA, Psychology - St. Thomas University
- AA, Psychology - Miami Dade College
- AS, Criminal Justice – Miami Dade College
- Certified Law Enforcement Officer (40 years, Miami & Coral Gables Police Department)
- Former Petty Officer Specialist, 8 years in U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (Gulf War Theater)
- Faculty appointments at Barry University, University of Miami, Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, and FIU
- NASW-FL - First Vice President - 2026 - 2028
- NASW - Political Endorsement Process Working Group - 2026 - 2028
- NASW - Political Action for Candidate Election Committee (PACE) Chair - 2026 - 2028
- NASW-FL - Political Action for Candidate Election Committee (PACE) Chair - 2026 - 2028
- NASW-FL - Past Chapter President - 2024 - 2026
- NASW-FL - Elected Chapter President - 2023 - 2024
- NASW-FL - First Vice President - 2022 - 2023
- NASW-FL - Recipient of the Social Work Lifetime Achievement Award - 2026
- NASW-FL/Miami-Dade Unit - Recipient of the Social Work Lifetime Achievement Award - 2026
- NASW-FL/Miami-Dade Unit - Recipient of the Most Influential Social Worker of Year - 2023
- NASW-FL/Miami-Dade Unit - Recipient of the Most Influential Social Worker of Year - 2022
- NASW-FL/Miami-Dade Unit - Recipient of the Social Work Educator of the Year - 2020
- NASW-FL - First Vice President - 2014 - 2014
- NASW-FL/Miami-Dade Unit - Unit Chair - 2013 - 2014
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)
- Baptist Health System/South Miami Hospital - Medical Social Worker of the Year (2013)
- Barry University Social Work Advisory Council - Social Work Member of the Year (2019)
- Barry University School of Social Work Innovative Social Work Professor of the Year (2017 - 2018)
- Barry University School Advisory Council - Social Work Member of the Year (2015)