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)