Executive Team
Our executive team consists of John Newcomer, M.D., president and CEO; Steven Zuckerman, Senior VP and CFO, and Laura Naredo, Senior VP and COO. For a detailed leadership listing, go here.
Behavioral Health Services
Our behavioral health services department oversees all mental health and substance use treatment services across our system. For substance use treatment help, click here. For mental health treatment help, click here.
Adult System of Care
Our adult system of care manages both mental health and substance use treatment services for adults. For more information, click here.
Children’s System of Care
Our children’s system of care manages both mental health and substance use treatment services for children and youth. For more information, click here.
Contracts and Procurement
Our contracts and procurement group manages all contracts with providers across our system and offers procurement opportunities to the providers. For the contracts page, go here. For procurement, go here. For provider resources, go here.
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
Thriving Mind’s CQI team is committed to the development, implementation, and quality assurance of the network with priority given to those areas that impact individuals served and their families. For more information, click here.
Care Coordination
Care Coordination is the systematic management of the System of Care to ensure that individuals with the highest level of need are being linked to community-based care and provided the appropriate supports to ensure that their treatment needs are properly addressed.
Child Welfare Coordination
Child Welfare Coordination ensures consistent integration, coordination, and planning between the Managing Entity, Community Based Care Lead Agency and other child welfare stakeholders.
Communications
The Communications Department manages a variety of internal and external communications, marketing, social media, media relations, public relations, civic engagement and community relations opportunities. For more information, click here.
Finance
Our finance team is responsible for budgeting, funding allocations, accounts payable, invoice processing, and general accounting.
Housing
Thriving Mind’s Housing Department is committed to finding safe, affordable, stable housing for individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring diagnoses; Ensuring that these individuals receive the necessary support services to be successful in the community. For more information, click here.
Human Resources
Human Resources is responsible for providing financial, administrative, and clerical services, which includes processing and monitoring accounts payable, bank deposits and payroll. The Human Resources Coordinator administers a variety of human resources activities and programs, including those related to staffing, compensation, benefits ,training and workplace safety.
Data Performance and Information Technology
Data Performance and Information Technology Department manages data systems and reporting, provides IT support through Michell Group, and coordinates with Carisk for data management and reporting
Peer Services
Our Peer services team is available to assist the peer community to better serve our consumers. For more information, click here.
Prevention System of Care
Thriving Mind South Florida provides prevention of substance use and promotion of wellness (positive mental health) services in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties as part of a continuum of behavioral health care for individuals and their families. For more information, click here.
Research and Evaluation
Thriving Mind’s vision is that solid research and evaluation will help move behavioral health forward as a necessary and essential service for children, adults, families, and programs. Data is gathered at multiple levels and used to sustain programs and monitor fidelity. The team works with the network, community, and state partners to ensure measuring service provision for policy-relevant outcomes. The data-driven approach to manage funding to best meet the community’s needs. The evaluation data is used as a powerful tool for communicating with stakeholders. Through the use of data collection, evaluation, and analysis strategies, Thriving Mind strives to: Ensure financial strength and programmatic accountability to achieve performance outcomes and standards in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible Identify gaps in services and specialized needs Identify priority populations including, but not limited to criminal justice involved, child welfare involved, individuals served in need of trauma informed care, and co-occurring Use the collection and analysis of data to improve the network and network provider compliance and when necessary incorporate improvements into action plans.
Trauma Recovery
Thriving Mind South Florida’s Trauma Recovery Network offers a number of free services for adult and child victims of violent crime. Family members of victims can also receive services at no cost. All services are free to victims and their families thanks in part to a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The VOCA Fund was created by Congress in 1984 to provide federal support to state and local community-based programs to serve victims of crime.
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
- 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.
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 😊.
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.
