Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Committee August 19, 2026 - Thriving Mind | South Florida

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Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Committee August 19, 2026

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Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Committee

The Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) Committee will hold a meeting from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, August 19th, 2026, Online only.

Agenda is available here.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/257781870308702?p=AeFGLD8HmS4MQ4dG0v

Meeting ID: 257 781 870 308 702

Passcode: we3Jx3mj

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Thriving Mind’s Laura Naredo, President & CEO, and

Thriving Mind’s Laura Naredo, President & CEO, and Nivia Dexter, VP of Data Performance & IT, recently attended a Miami’s Community News networking event featuring Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.

Sheriff Cordero-Stutz shared key accomplishments, current priorities, and her vision for strengthening public safety throughout Miami-Dade County. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with leaders from across our community and hear firsthand about the issues and initiatives shaping our region.

Among those in attendance were State Senator Alexis Calatayud, Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, former U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Victoria Mallette, and many other government officials, business professionals, and community leaders.

Thriving Mind values opportunities like these to strengthen relationships with our community partners and local leaders. Collaboration across behavioral health, law enforcement, government, and community organizations is essential to building a safer, healthier, and more resilient Miami-Dade County.

Thank you to Miami’s Community News for bringing together leaders from across our community for an engaging and meaningful conversation.

Miami's Community Newspapers @miamidadesheriffsoffice @alexis_calatayud @The Homeless Trust @robjgonzalezfl @roslehtinen

#ThrivingMind #MiamiDade #CommunityPartnerships #BehavioralHealth #PublicSafety #CommunityLeadership #StrongerTogether #MentalHealth

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Instagram post 17938425573340380

On August 8, 2026, Thriving Mind team members Esth

On August 8, 2026, Thriving Mind team members Esther Serrano, Children’s System of Care Specialist, and Virginia Lopez, Care Coordination Specialist, were proud to participate in the Back-2-School & Community Health Fair at Jackson North Medical Center.

The event brought families together for a day focused on health, wellness, and preparing children for a successful school year. Families had access to valuable resources, including free backpacks and school supplies, pediatric vaccinations, blood pressure and glucose screenings, and a variety of fun activities for children. Attendees also enjoyed complimentary food, drinks, and desserts throughout the day.

Thriving Mind is grateful for opportunities like this to connect directly with the families we serve, share information about available behavioral health resources, and collaborate with community partners working to support the health and well-being of children and families across our community.

Thank you to Jackson North Medical Center and everyone who helped make this wonderful community event possible!

#ThrivingMind #BackToSchool #CommunityHealth #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityPartnerships #ChildrenAndFamilies #MiamiDade Jackson Health System @jacksonhealth

The Thriving Mind Care Coordination Team recently

The Thriving Mind Care Coordination Team recently hosted its Quarterly Care Coordination Meeting, bringing together community providers, network provider care coordinators, and local resource partners to strengthen collaboration and ensure our provider network remains informed of the latest care coordination initiatives, resources, and best practices.

The meeting featured informative presentations from the Thriving Mind Peer Services Department, Dr. Edward Suarez of IDEA Exchange, and Wilfredo Pantoja of Hope Florida, who shared valuable updates on available services, referral pathways, and collaborative opportunities to enhance care coordination and improve outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.

These quarterly meetings provide an important forum for building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the coordinated system of care across our community. We appreciate everyone who participated and contributed to another successful and meaningful event.

@ideaexchangemiami

#ThrivingMind #CareCoordination #BehavioralHealth #CommunityPartnerships #IntegratedCare #PeerSupport #HopeFlorida #Collaboration #MentalHealth #StrongerTogether

Sometimes the best moments happen between the agen

Sometimes the best moments happen between the agenda items.

From meaningful discussions and site visits to candid conversations and shared laughter, our July Board Meeting in the Florida Keys was a reminder that strong partnerships are built through connection.

We were grateful for the opportunity to spend time with our Board members, staff, community partners, and the team at WestCare GUIDANCE CARE CENTER INC. as we learned more about the unique behavioral health needs of the Keys and the incredible work being done to support the community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this gathering both productive and memorable. Together, we’re strengthening relationships, sharing ideas, and advancing our mission to improve behavioral health services across South Florida. @wearewestcare @guidancecarecenter

#ThrivingMind #BehavioralHealth #FloridaKeys #CommunityPartnerships #MentalHealth Leadership Teamwork StrongerTogether

The Eleventh Judicial CIT Program recently hosted

The Eleventh Judicial CIT Program recently hosted a Crisis Intervention Team (C.I.T.) Peer Panel, moderated by Michelle "Mich" Fernandez, bringing together individuals with lived experience to strengthen understanding between first responders and the recovery community.

Thriving Mind Peer Services Manager Derek S. Moore joined fellow panelists Matt Racher and Walter Thompson in sharing their personal journeys of mental health and substance use recovery. Through honest conversations and lived experience, the panel offered valuable insight into the challenges individuals in crisis often face and the critical role that empathy, compassion, and person-centered responses play in effective crisis intervention.

By helping first responders see beyond the crisis to the person behind it, discussions like these build stronger partnerships, reduce stigma, and reinforce that recovery is possible. Every interaction has the potential to make a meaningful difference in someone's recovery journey, and we are grateful to the Eleventh Judicial CIT Program for creating opportunities to foster understanding, collaboration, and hope. @sfwnetwork

#ThrivingMind #CIT #CrisisIntervention #PeerSupport #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealth #SubstanceUseRecovery #FirstResponders #BehavioralHealth #CommunityPartnership #LivedExperience #RecoveryWorks

The Thriving Mind Peer Services Department is prou

The Thriving Mind Peer Services Department is proud to present the Quarterly Peer Excellence Award to Oronet Sanchez, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to service, advocacy, and the advancement of peer support in our community.

Presented by Derek Moore and Isabella “Izzy” Lopez, this award honors a Peer Specialist who exemplifies excellence and dedication to uplifting both the individuals they serve and fellow peers throughout our region. For 26 years at Banyan, Oronet has demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to recovery-oriented services, making a lasting impact on countless lives.

Oronet's dedication to strengthening the peer profession and supporting the growth of Peer Specialists embodies the values of this award. We are honored to recognize her outstanding contributions and proud to have him as a valued member of our peer community. Congratulations, Oronet, on this well-deserved achievement. @banyanhealth Banyan Community Health

#ThrivingMind #PeerSupport #PeerSpecialist #RecoveryWorks #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #RecoveryCommunity #Leadership #Congratulations

Thriving Mind's July Board Meeting was held in the

Thriving Mind's July Board Meeting was held in the Florida Keys, bringing together our staff, Board members, and community stakeholders. The meeting featured presentations from local leaders and a tour of GUIDANCE CARE CENTER INC.'s (GCC) Marathon location.

We are proud to serve the Keys community and to partner with GCC, one of our valued Network Providers, in delivering high-quality behavioral health services across this beautiful 121-mile rural region. Opportunities like these strengthen collaboration, deepen our understanding of local needs, and reinforce our shared commitment to improving access to care for the communities we serve.

@wearewestcare @guidancecarecenter WestCare Guidance/Care Center by WestCare

#ThrivingMind #BehavioralHealth #CommunityPartnerships #FloridaKeys #MentalHealth #HealthcareLeadership #StrongerTogether

Thriving Mind's most recent Breakfast and Learn wa

Thriving Mind's most recent Breakfast and Learn was facilitated by Nivia Dexter, VP of Data Performance and Technology and covered a wide range of Data, IT, and Communications topics.

Thriving Mind was honored to participate in the Fl

Thriving Mind was honored to participate in the Florida Department of Children and Families Regional Behavioral Interagency Collaboration for the Southern Region.

This gathering continues to grow, creating valuable opportunities for behavioral health and other community partners to connect, share best practices, strengthen relationships, and collaborate on solutions that improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

Thank you to our local DCF partners for bringing organizations together in such a meaningful way. We look forward to continuing these partnerships and seeing the lasting impact that strong collaboration can have across our region.

Florida Department of Children and Families @@wearewestcare WestCare @villagesouthmentalhealth @newhopecorps @miamirecoveryproject @sfwnetwork @thevillagesouth

#BehavioralHealth #CommunityPartnerships #StrongerTogether #CommunityImpact #ThrivingMind

The Thriving Mind Peer Services department proudly

The Thriving Mind Peer Services department proudly honors Michelle “Mich” Fernandez as this quarter’s Peer Supervisor Award recipient. Presented by Derek S. Moore and Isabella “Izzy” Lopez, this award recognizes a supervisor who exemplifies excellence in service and uplifting peer specialists.

Mich’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to empowering her team and strengthening the community truly set her apart. We are proud to celebrate her contributions and grateful to have such a passionate leader serving our region. @sfwnetwork @South Florida Wellness Network

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Instagram post 18078681308655468

Recently, Thriving Mind's Nisermy Ferro, Preventio

Recently, Thriving Mind's Nisermy Ferro, Prevention Coordinator, and Esther Serrano, Children's System of Care Specialist, attended the Reunification Celebration at Jungle Island. Every reunification represents hope, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that families can thrive with the right support. Congratulations to all of the families that were celebrated and a special thank you to Citrus Family Care Network for putting together such a beautiful event. @citrusfcn @myflfamilies #PowerOfParents #StrongerTogether #nationalreunificationmonth

Thriving Mind CEO Laura Naredo and Nivia Dexter, V

Thriving Mind CEO Laura Naredo and Nivia Dexter, VP of Data Performance and IT recently attended Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's Civic Connections Summit. Throughout the day, residents, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, philanthropies, faith leaders, and public servants came together to discuss how we can strengthen civic participation, expand access to information, and create more opportunities for connection across our community. @miamidadecounty @mayordlc

The Thriving Mind team was honored to be a part of

The Thriving Mind team was honored to be a part of the First Peer Pinning Ceremony. Words cannot express how incredibly moving this moment was. Congratulations to the peers recognized at the event and thank you to all of those who made this day possible and a special shout out to Sandra McQueen Baker and Derek Moore for their leadership and to our local DCF partners for hosting! @myflfamilies @freshstartmiami @newhopecorps @jacksonhealth @fofmiami @sfwnetwork @miamirecoveryproject @jcssfl

Recently, Thriving Mind's Laura Naredo, CEO; Steve

Recently, Thriving Mind's Laura Naredo, CEO; Steve Zuckerman, Executive VP & CFO; Jessica Rodriguez, VP of Contracts & Procurement; and Jose Vempala, VP of Finance attended the celebration for Sylvia Quintana's retirement from her position as CEO at our sister ME, BBHC. Thank you, Sylvia, for your many years of dedicated, transformative service to our community. We wish you all the best! @browardbehavioralhealth

Thriving Mind staff participated in a Lunch and Le

Thriving Mind staff participated in a Lunch and Learn facilitated as a courtesy by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust.

The Thriving Mind team including Laura Naredo, CEO

The Thriving Mind team including Laura Naredo, CEO; Tracy Rodriguez-Miller, VP of CQI; and Nivia Dexter VP of Data Performance and Technology recently visited one of our Network Service Providers, Douglas Gardens. l We are proud of our partnership with Douglas Gardens and of the incredible work they do in our community. Douglas Gardens Community Mental Health Center

Thriving Mind Peer Services department, led by Der

Thriving Mind Peer Services department, led by Derek Moore and Isabella “Izzy” Lopez, delivered an engaging training for Chapman Partnership’s unhoused shelter case management staff on the Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC). The session highlighted the value of peer support, emphasizing how lived experience strengthens trust, engagement, and recovery outcomes. Trainers also guided staff in using recovery‑oriented language that promotes dignity and empowerment.

The training was lively and collaborative, with meaningful exchanges between presenters and staff. As Chapman Partnership moves toward integrating peer support services, this session provided an energizing foundation for adopting recovery‑focused practices.

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