Name: Shaymaa Abdrabou

Thriving Mind Title: FDC Care Coordinator

Department: System of Care

Education: BA in Psychology from Florida International University & MS in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University

Credentials/certifications: Master’s Degree, Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager

What do you at Thriving Mind? Care Coordinator for the Florida Department of Corrections Reentry Program grant

How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders? I assist with coordinating care for individuals (adults) being released from prison with severe & persistent mental illness.

Why is this work important to you? I get to help underserved populations receive the treatment and services they need.

Previous employment (title/employer): Fellowship House – Forensic Case Manager (9/2022-5/2024) and then Assistant Team Leader/Substance Abuse Specialist for the FACT program (5/2024-3/2025)

Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include): I enjoy reading fiction books/novels, watching movies, spending time with family & friends, and cuddling with my dog 😊.

Joanna Cardwell directs and coordinates activities of Thriving Mind for which responsibility is delegated to further attainment of goals and objectives. She is responsible for the management of all quality improvement and quality assurance processes within the agency, for the data support and analysis. She develops, leads, facilitates, and advises internal committees in regard to quality improvement, quality assurance, utilization management and risk management activities. She maintains knowledge of federal and state regulatory conditions and integrates into the internal QI/QA systems and ensures continued compliance with such regulations. She identifies opportunities for performance improvement and establishes corrective action plans. She is responsible for the preparation and the maintenance of national accreditation. She monitors services to ensure they meet organizational guidelines and stakeholder needs. She serves as one of the single point of contact for complaints and grievances. She serves as the Corporate Compliance Officer.  

Name: Anny Cartagena

Thriving Mind Title: Assistant Controller

Department: Finance

Education: (College/Degree) Master of Accounting and Financial Management with a CPA concentration

Credentials/certifications: MAFM

What do you at Thriving Mind? Support the financial operations of TMSF by managing accounting functions, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations, and assisting with budget preparation and financial reporting. Responsibilities include overseeing accounts payable and receivable, preparing journal entries, maintaining the general ledger, and supporting audits. The role also involves collaborating with program managers to ensure proper allocation of funds and accurate grant reporting.

How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders? The role of the Assistant Controller plays a critical role in ensuring accurate tracking of program funding, grants, and reimbursements. This includes working closely with program staff to monitor spending, allocate resources appropriately, and ensure financial sustainability of essential services that support vulnerable populations.

Why is this work important to you? This role is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to combine my financial expertise with a mission that I care deeply about—supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders. By helping ensure that funding is used effectively and responsibly, I contribute to the stability of the network that provides life-changing care and support to those in need.

Previous employment (title/employer): Tax Auditor IV, Florida Department of Revenue

Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include):

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two beloved Yorkies, who keep me on my toes and bring daily joy to my life. I also have a passion for nurturing plants, especially succulents and orchids, which offer a peaceful and rewarding balance to my professional responsibilities.

Name: Melissa Chwast, LMHC

Thriving Mind Title: Lead Care Coordinator

Department: Care Coordination

Education: (College/Degree) NOVA Southeastern University master’s in counseling.

Credentials/certifications: MS, License Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

What do you at Thriving Mind?

As lead care coordinator I work with our team to support our community providers to provide care coordination, which is a short-term, focused service designed to support individuals living with mental health and/or substance use challenges, especially those who are not yet connected to the care they need. I play a critical role in helping people transition from high levels of care (such as psychiatric hospitals, detox programs, or crisis units) back into their communities by serving as a consistent point of contact. This service helps individuals navigate complex systems, whether that’s healthcare, housing, education, employment, or the legal system. The goal is to ensure that each person is connected to the most appropriate services and support, with guidance every step of the way.

How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders?

The Care Coordination team serves individuals who face serious and persistent mental illness (SMI), substance use disorders (SUD), serious emotional disturbances (SED), or co-occurring conditions. Many of these individuals have frequent contact with emergency or inpatient services and need structured support to access long-term, community-based care.

We work closely with healthcare providers, community agencies, and other stakeholders to:

• Identify gaps in care and bridge them quickly
• Reduce risk and respond to urgent needs
• Promote consistency in diagnosis and treatment through shared information
• Help individuals build a stable foundation for recovery and improved quality of life

This collaboration extends beyond behavioral health, involving partners in housing, physical health, the court system, peer support, and more to create a safety net that is responsive and person-centered.

Why is this work important to you?

I’m passionate about this work because I believe in the power of knowledge, connection, and early support. Care Coordination gives individuals the opportunity to access the right help at the right time, something that can make a life-changing difference.

When communities and providers are informed and connected, stigma is reduced, care is more accessible, and individuals are more likely to engage in their recovery journey. I find purpose in helping people feel seen, supported, and understood during what can be one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. This work also strengthens our systems. By fostering collaboration among providers, we create a more effective and compassionate network of care—one that supports not just recovery, but long-term wellbeing.

Previous employment (title/employer):

The eleventh Judicial Criminal Mental Health Project (Jail Diversion Program)

Forensic Specialist South Florida Behavioral Health Network.

Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include)

Wife and mother, I enjoy my work deeply, and  love to make memories with my family in new places.

Karol Diaz is responsible for developing and overseeing a housing initiative that expands the permanent supportive housing options to individuals who experience behavioral health challenges. He works collaboratively with housing/homeless initiatives and representatives from Housing Finance Agencies, Department of Children and Families, Homeless Coalitions, other non-profit agencies, the faith-based community and other non-traditional and private partners in Miami-Dade and Monroe County.  

Nisermy Ferro is a dedicated human services professional with over a decade of experience in mental health, substance use, social work, and systems-level support for vulnerable populations. Her journey began with a powerful commitment to children—volunteering in dependency and immigration shelters, where she provided care and guidance to youth navigating complex and traumatic circumstances.

Motivated by a passion for justice and recovery, she then shifted her focus to the criminal justice system, assisting adults in jail and delivering evidence-based treatment to individuals with substance use disorders. Her expertise expanded when she returned to child welfare as a Child Protection Investigator. Nisermy’s leadership quickly advanced, becoming a Full Case Manager and ultimately managing the entire department responsible for comprehensive case management services for children and families.

Her advocacy for youth deepened through her role at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where she served as the Director of Case Management & Transitions for high-risk level commitment programs—developing and overseeing strategies that helped young people reintegrate into society with structure, support, and opportunity.

In 2021, Nisermy joined Thriving Mind South Florida as the Children’s System of Care Specialist, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening the network of care for children impacted by mental health challenges and trauma. Her work ensured that children across South Florida received access to the services and supports they needed to thrive.

Most recently, in April 2025, Nisermy was promoted to Prevention Coordinator, where she now leads efforts to innovate and expand prevention services across the region. She will collaborate closely with community stakeholders, schools, and service providers to foster awareness, provide education, and promote early intervention. Her vision reflects her dedication to making a meaningful and lasting impact.

Nisermy is also a skilled coach, life skills facilitator, and case management expert. Her work reflects a deep commitment to community wellness, justice reform, and the long-term empowerment of individuals and families.

Name:   Toneka Finch

Thriving Mind Title: Adult System of Care Administrative Assistant

Department: FDOC

Education: (College/Degree) B.S in Psychology from Florida Memorial University

What do you at Thriving Mind? I screen returning citizens from prison for program eligibility

How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders? I help individuals with mental illness/ substance use disorders by making sure they are in the right program and successfully re-enter into society.

Why is this work important to you? This work is important to me because I have people very close to me that have been in the prison system, suffered from mental illness and substance abuse.

Previous employment (title/employer): Henderson Behavioral Health / Family Advocate

Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include): I love traveling, spending time with my children and fishing.

Maria Guajardo holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and brings over a decade of dedicated experience in the behavioral health field. Since joining South Florida Behavioral Health Network (now Thriving Mind) in 2013, Maria has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving systems of care for individuals across the lifespan.

She began her journey as the Children’s System of Care Specialist, where for three years she worked to coordinate and enhance services for youth and families. In 2016, she transitioned into the role of Housing Coordinator, leading efforts to expand access to stable, safe, and affordable housing for individuals living with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions.

In 2018, Maria returned to her roots in children’s services, stepping into the role of Children’s System of Care Manager. In this capacity, she spearheaded several initiatives aimed at system transformation, focusing on improving access to care for children, adolescents, and transition-age youth in both Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

In March 2025, Maria was promoted to Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Thriving Mind, recognizing her leadership, vision, and enduring impact on behavioral health systems. In this role, she continues to drive innovation and improve access to care in service delivery for some of the most vulnerable populations.

Name: Ana Harris

Thriving Mind Title:  Adult System of Care Specialist

Department:  Adult System of Care

Education: (College/Degree)  FIU/ Bachelors of Arts in Psychology

Credentials/certifications: B.A., CBHCMS, 701B, FARS, Person to Person Case Mgmt

What do you at Thriving Mind? Mainly review clinical documentation for referrals to mental health residential treatment programs, including for forensic placements and programs, plus oversee and track those referrals; provide initial and continued stay authorizations as per clinical documentation; assist callers with referral information/resources.

How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders? By linking them to services or providing resources

Why is this work important to you?  Have worked in mental health field for years and it is spiritually rewarding to help those in need.

Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include) my husband and I enjoy visiting our sons and spending time with friends.

Name: Aileen Lafont

Thriving Mind Title: Staff Accountant

Department: Fiscal

Education: (College/Degree) Bachelors Degree

Credentials/certifications:

What do you at Thriving Mind? Fiscal Dept.

How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders?

Why is this work important to you?

Previous employment (title/employer): Bet Shira Congregation

Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include) Married, 2 kids , son and daughter, a 3 year old grandson and soon expecting a new granddaughter. Mom and dad are both alive and well. Aged 86 and 91.

Carrie A. Liberante is an award-winning former newspaper journalist with nearly 30 years’ experience in communications, marketing, and grant writing. She has worked in newsrooms, medical schools and for nonprofits both on-staff and as a consultant. She uses her broad skill-set – writing, editing, design and outreach – to ensure our public-facing marketing efforts are understandable to our audience, visually engaging, accurate, and comply with all regulations set forth in our contract with the Department of Children and Families. 

Michelle Lüchau, MSM, is an experienced mental health professional currently serving as the Adult System of Care Specialist for substance abuse at Thriving Mind South Florida. In this role, she supports system coordination and treatment placement for adults navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Previously, she worked as the Psychiatry Department Manager at a community mental health center, overseeing clinical operations and multidisciplinary care. Michelle also has a strong background in reproductive health advocacy, having worked at a Miami-based nonprofit that helped women access essential healthcare. Michelle has a master’s degree in business management and is currently pursuing a second master’s in clinical mental health counseling, with an expected graduation in December 2025. In her time off, she enjoys unwinding with her beloved Doberman, Bosque.

Maria is a passionate mental health professional with a strong background in trauma-informed care. She has worked in a variety of roles, including as a Prevention Education Specialist in the child sexual abuse field, a Mental Health Case Manager, and a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Therapist. Her experience includes supporting individuals with mental health and substance use challenges, as well as working with incarcerated populations. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to helping people overcome trauma and build healthier, more empowered lives.

Derek Moore is a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and mental health advocate with over three decades in the field. He is also a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with various populations in many different capacities. He remains committed to the mission of breaking down barriers to mental health care and substance use disorders treatment.  

Name: Yisel Morell

Thriving Mind Title: Care Coordination Manager

Department: Adult System of Care

Education: (College/Degree): Carlos Albizu University/ Master’s in Psychology

Credentials/certifications: MS, License Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

What do you at Thriving Mind? As the Care Coordination Manager, I oversee a team of 3 incredible Care Coordinators and together we link and assist individuals in the community to care coordination services. Care Coordination is a time-limited service that assists individuals with behavioral health conditions and substance use who are not effectively engaged with case management or other behavioral health services and supports as they transition from higher levels of care to community-based care. Care Coordination concentrates on educating and empowering individuals while providing a single point of contact until they are adequately connected to the care that meets their needs. Care Coordination connects systems including behavioral health, physical health, peer and natural supports, housing, education, vocation, and the justice system.

How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders?

The Care Coordination team serves individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorder (SUD), serious emotional disturbance (SED), or co-occurring disorders who demonstrate high utilization of acute care services, including crisis stabilization, inpatient, substance abuse inpatient detoxification, and the Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program (or equivalent out of state treatment). Through collaborative efforts with our community providers, we aim at efficiently linking individuals to treatment, provide resources to needs, effectively manage and reduce risk, and promote accurate diagnosis and treatment due to consistency of information and shared information. It is an approach that includes coordination at the funder level, through data surveillance, information sharing across regional and system partners, partnerships with community stakeholders (i.e., housing providers, judiciary, primary care, etc.), and purchase of needed services and supports.

Why is this work important to you? This work is important to me because it allows me to contribute and empower our community providers and individuals about available community services for mental health and substance use. Education is extremely important because it helps ensure that individuals receive the right support at the right time. When communities and providers are aware of the resources available, they can better identify needs, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention. This knowledge also helps individuals access the appropriate care quickly, which can lead to improved outcomes and recovery. Additionally, education fosters collaboration among different service providers, creating a more coordinated and effective support system for those struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Ultimately, it helps build a healthier, more informed, and compassionate community.

Previous employment (title/employer): 1. Citrus Health Network- Adult Case Manager

2. Douglas Gardens CMHC- Intake Coordinator/ Therapist

Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include): I enjoy traveling with my family and exploring new cultures around the world. One of our favorite destinations is Asia, particularly Thailand, which I have had the pleasure of visiting three times. Traveling allows us to create meaningful memories, experience diverse traditions, and gain a broader perspective on life, not to mention the delicious food.

Laura Naredo. MS, CHC, CHPC is the chief operations officer with over 20 years of experience at both the clinical and management level. She has also worked with both state agencies and non-profits in behavioral health care. She is responsible for managerial work planning and directing programs to ensure coordination and efficiency among administrative, programmatic and operational aspects of service delivery, reporting directly to the President/CEO. She is responsible for the management of all systems of care operations, quality improvement and quality assurance processes within the agency. She develops, leads, facilitates, and advises internal committees regarding system of care operations, quality improvement, quality assurance, utilization management and risk management activities. She maintains a knowledge of federal and state regulatory conditions and integrates into the internal QI/QA systems, system of care operations and ensures continued compliance with such regulations. She has direct responsibility for the development of the system of care teams, quality improvement and quality assurance programs within the network. She identifies opportunities for performance improvement and establishes corrective action plans. She assists the President/Chief Executive Officer and leadership team in the development of appropriate system of care programming, quality assurance programs and monitor quality control for all operational functions.  

John W. Newcomer, M.D. is President and CEO of Thriving Mind South Florida in Miami, Florida. Thriving Mind (contracting as South Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc.) oversees safety net mental health and substance abuse services for the population of 3 million people in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, serving approximately 220,000 individuals annually with an annual operating budget of $140 million, funded by the Florida Department of Children and Families as well as other Federal, State, County and private sources.

Dr. Newcomer is also Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. During two decades at Washington University, he served in research leadership roles including Medical Officer for the General Clinical Research Center and Medical Director for the Center for Clinical Studies. Dr. Newcomer has served as Principal Investigator on peer-reviewed federal research grants funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for over 30 years. He was Executive Vice Dean at Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. From 2007-2019 he served on the Metabolic Disorders Steering Committee of the Biomarkers Consortium of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, and in the public sector Chaired the Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Board for the State of Missouri for 13 years. In 2014 he was named to the Thomson Reuters List of Highly Cited Researchers.

Steven Proctor, PhD, is Senior Program Director for Health Outcomes at Thriving Mind South Florida. He also serves as Program Director of Thriving Mind’s Trauma Recovery Network for violent crime survivors and their families. Dr. Proctor has been involved in a number of externally-funded research and evaluation projects at Thriving Mind totaling over $8 million in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Florida Blue Foundation. He holds a community-based faculty appointment at the rank of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery and has published extensively in this area. He is an Inaugural Fellow of Yale University’s NIDA-supported Innovation to Impact entrepreneurship fellowship program for addiction researchers. Dr. Proctor earned his PhD in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University. He completed his predoctoral clinical internship at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, California, and his postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, where he received specialized training in the Addictive Disorders Treatment Program.

Jessica Rodriguez, Vice President of Contracts and Procurement is a Florida Certified Public Manager with 19 years’ experience in contracting and procuring State of Florida publicly funded behavioral health services. Ms. Rodriguez’s contract and procurement career began at the Florida Department of Children and Families, Southern Region’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Office in 2004. At Thriving Mind, she oversees the Contracts and Procurement Department that currently manages approximately $141 million in contracts. Her department manages over 100 contracts and agreements. She is responsible for drafting all procurements, contracts, consulting agreements, memorandum of understanding, business associate agreements, data sharing agreements, and prepares budgets when requested. She participates, and at times, takes the lead in contract negotiations. She reviews and provides feedback on subcontractor’s budgets, develops and approves scope of work and review invoices submitted by vendors and subcontractors. She serves as the Single Point of Contact for person’s and/or companions with disabilities and limited English proficiency that need auxiliary aids to be able to communicate effectively during meetings and events at Thriving Mind. In 2018, she began her work as the Procurement Manager to a competitive procurement process that selected a general contractor for the renovation of a vacant hospital to a state-of-the-art mental health diversion facility for individuals diverted from the criminal justice system in Miami-Dade County.  In her eleven (11) years at Thriving Mind, she has never had a solicitation successfully challenged by an agency.  

Alisa Surenskaya, MSW, received her Master’s in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She has over ten years of experience in child welfare, adult and juvenile justice; focusing on enhancing access to mental health and substance use recovery services. Prior to her current role at Children’s System of Care Manager, she was the Child Welfare Integration Coordinator at Thriving Mind and also worked for the 11^th Judicial Circuit in Juvenile and Dependency Drug Court.

Jose Vempala is Vice President of Finance at Thriving Mind, where he has worked for 13 years. He previously was a budget manager at the Department of Children and Families.

Stephen Zuckerman is the chief financial officer. His role is to develop, initiate, maintain, and revise policies and procedures for the general operation of the Financial Program and its related activities to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct. He develops and periodically reviews and update Standards of Accounting to ensure continuing currency and relevance in providing guidance to management and employees. He collaborates with other departments to direct accounting and finance compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution. He responds to alleged violations of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and Standards of Conduct by evaluating or recommending the initiation of investigation procedures. Develop and oversee a system for uniform handling of such violations. He acts as an independent review and evaluation body to ensure that accounting financial issues/concerns within the organization are being appropriately evaluated, investigated, and resolved. He monitors and coordinates the financial and accounting activities of other departments to remain abreast of the status of all financial and accounting activities and to identify trends. He Identifies potential areas of financial vulnerability and risk; develop/implement corrective action plans for resolution of problematic issues and provide general guidance on how to avoid or deal with similar situations in the future. He provides reports on a regular basis, and as directed or requested, to keep the President/Chief Executive Officer, Finance Committee and Board of Directors informed of the operation and progress of accounting efforts. He monitors the performance of the Financial and Accounting Program and related activities on a continuing basis, taking appropriate steps to improve its effectiveness. He ensures the provider network follows the rules and regulations of regulatory agencies as it pertains to the contract with the provider, that agency policies and procedures are being followed, and that behavior in the organization meets the company’s Standards of Conduct.