PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Children’s Harbor has been awarded a $25,000 emergency response grant from The Jim Moran Foundation, which strives to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Like most non-profit organizations, Children’s… Continue reading Children’s Harbor Receives $25k Emergency Response Grant
Our PR firm, Pierson Grant, coordinated an opportunity for Children’s Harbor to be showcased on CBS 4’s “Caring for the Community” segment last Friday night.
Shenica is a Licensed Clinical Therapist at Memorial Healthcare System. In her career as a social work professional, she has focused on the creation and implementation of trauma-informed programming for Black and Brown communities. Shenica also enjoys creating space for underserved populations to build their vocational capacity through exposure and mentorship in niche career fields.
Paul Jaquith
Paul Jaquith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Professional with over 40 years of experience in the field of Social Work. He is an experienced clinical professional who has provided services to adults and children dealing with the challenges of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse. He was appointed as the President/CEO of Mental Health America of Southeast Florida in September 2012. In his role, he takes great pride in being the voice of individuals who have dealt with effects of mental illness. His role is to educate the public about the stigma associated with mental illness and to ensure the message that good mental health is a goal for everyone.
Partnership Advisor at FTL United FC, a professional football club. Spencer brings the club-level perspective on what really matters when it comes to youth development.
Dedicated to growing FTL United FC’s corporate sponsorships with strategic initiatives to educate, inspire, and create win-win partnerships. Additionally, working with the team to enhance season ticket holder value and ticket sales.
20+ years of experience working with small and large healthcare-based technology companies. Roles varied across marketing, sales, operations, and managerial positions. Worked in a number of healthcare industries such as health system/provider care, health insurance/actuarial modeling, and fintech/patient financing.
Longtime football coach and seasoned sales pro. I’ve been mentoring high school athletes for over two decades and have seen it all—from hype to heartbreak.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, I’m the oldest of four brothers—all of us growing up immersed in sports. That early love for athletics set the tone for a lifelong involvement in football, both on and off the field. I began coaching in 1996, just a year after graduating high school, starting with my youngest brother’s team. Since then, I’ve coached youth and high school football for over two decades, working with players aged 12 through high school.
My coaching journey included 11 rewarding years at American Fork High School, followed by a memorable season at Lone Peak High School, where I was part of the coaching staff that won the 2011 State Championship. While coaching was a passion, sales was my profession. I’ve worked in sales most of my life, and the flexibility it offered—when goals were met—allowed me to remain on the sidelines for many years.
In 2020, my wife Jo and I took on a new challenge by purchasing Law Firm Sites, a digital marketing company specializing in web development and online services for law firms. This exciting venture eventually pulled me away from coaching full-time, but I remain actively involved with the local football program—attending games, helping with media, and supporting team websites whenever I can.
https://lawfirmsites.com/
Lauren Bernheim
As a seasoned entrepreneur with several thriving businesses in the law, technology, and consulting industries, Lauren Bernheim brings an unparalleled level of perspective, expertise, and professionalism to each initiative she leads. After learning about the profound impacts of traumatic brain injury on mental health, Lauren became passionate about mental healthcare.
With a results-driven approach and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Lauren was determined to bring advanced treatment solutions to the market. She soon discovered Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of depression and other severe mental health conditions.
Drawing upon her decades of business success, Lauren embarked on a journey to establish a TMS practice that would redefine the standard of mental healthcare. She began by investing in the most advanced TMS device on the market, one that boasts the most precise treatment capabilities and leads the industry in delivering optimized results with an unsurpassed level of comfort and safety.
Beyond clinical objectives, Lauren is committed to delivering a first-class and exceptional patient experience from start to finish. From the elegantly appointed office to the carefully curated team members and the comprehensive treatment process, every detail has been meticulously planned to deliver an unparalleled patient experience—one that Lauren intends to bring to struggling patients nationwide.
Rebecca Thompson was elected to the School Board of Broward County in November 2024 to represent District 2 which includes Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Southwest Ranches, and parts of Davie and Cooper City. With over a decade of experience in community social work and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, she is the first social worker on the School Board. She has worked in various settings, including as a school social worker for Broward County schools, a residential counselor at an emergency teen shelter, and Program Director for a parenting program. Ms. Thompson is a mom to three young Broward students and a resident of Pembroke Pines. She is dedicated to improving the district’s mental health system, supporting schools, and providing A-rated services to students and families.
Mike Hernandez
Vice Mayor
Vice Mayor Hernández has over 20 years of experience in the fields of Communication and Public Affairs. He has spent parts of his career working as a senior executive in government and as a c-suite consultant in the private and non-profit sectors. For four years, Hernández was the Director of Communications for Miami-Dade County government and Senior Advisor to its mayor. In that role, Hernandez led communication efforts for Miami International Airport and Port Miami, as well as the water & sewer and emergency management departments. He was the mayor’s only official spokesperson and chief communications officer for the 25-department government and managed crises such as the impact of Hurricane Irma and the outbreak of the Zika virus. From 2019-2024, he appeared on NBC 6 and Telemundo 51 as the political analyst for both stations, providing commentary and information on the political process in Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, and South Florida for viewers in English and Spanish. Earlier in his career, Hernández worked as a consultant to heads of state, presidential and congressional candidates, political parties and organizations in the United States and 10 other countries throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East while a Senior Director at Washington, D.C. based Penn Schoen Berland, a global research consultancy.
A 15-year resident of Pembroke Pines, Hernández is married to the former Christine Cento. They have two children who attend local public schools. Originally from Miami and born to Cuban-American parents, Hernández is a proud graduate of Florida International University (FIU) where he earned two degrees — a Master’s in Public Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He has served as the president of the university’s 300,000-member alumni association and is currently an adjunct professor for the School of International & Public Affairs and College of Communication. Hernández also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the economic development nonprofit organization Prospera in Orlando.
I have always believed in the importance in advocacy and seen how having someone in your corner makes all the difference. Children’s Harbor is the place where I want to be an advocate and it is these children’s voices I want to make sure are heard above the rest.
Victoria Tuffy
Chief Human Resources Officer / Community Care Plan
Before starting my career in human resources, I worked with troubled children and adolescents, a role that instilled in me a deep passion for helping young people heal and flourish. I joined the board of Children’s Harbor because I believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive. I am committed to supporting their mission to strengthen families and give children the opportunity to build bright, hopeful futures.
Kelley Maple, APRN, FNP-BC
Kelley Maple is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and the founder of The KM Health Collective, a platform dedicated to helping women feel strong, confident, and connected to their bodies through every stage of life. Known for her honest, compassionate approach, Kelley specializes in hormone health, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic care—guiding her patients through physical changes with science-backed strategies and heart-centered education.
With more than a decade of clinical experience, Kelley is passionate about changing the conversation around body image, health, and aging. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Medical Anti-Aging, a leading clinic in South Florida, and is a proud advocate for personalized care that meets people where they are—at any age or stage.
Outside the clinic, Kelley is a mom, daughter, a friend, an athlete, a Women’s Health Ambassador for a personalized nutrition company and a passionate advocate for empowering women to reclaim their health and self-worth. Her work is deeply informed by her own journey and a belief that when people feel good in their bodies, they show up more fully in every part of life.
Alex Ayodele is the CEO and Founder of Balcony People, a premium wellness concierge dedicated to detoxing the body, home, and lifestyle. A former track athlete at the University of Colorado, Alex has always been passionate about holistic health and wellness—both on and off the field. She began her career as a licensed esthetician and natural beauty expert, specializing in problematic skin, where she discovered the deep connection between skin health and gut health.
Feeling called to a greater purpose, Alex transitioned from the beauty industry to become a licensed integrative nutrition health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Today, she helps clients detox their bodies, lives, and lifestyles while guiding them in cultivating sacred, sustainable self-care practices. With a heart-centered approach, Alex empowers individuals to understand who they are, meet their unique needs, and overcome the obstacles that block their growth. Through Balcony People, she is creating a movement rooted in restoration, self-discipline, and holistic transformation.
As a Commercial Relationship Manager at City National Bank, Ryan Winker partners with privately held businesses to provide strategic financial guidance and tailored banking solutions. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing middle-market companies, Ryan specializes in helping clients optimize cash flow, access capital for growth, and streamline treasury operations.
He works closely with business owners and executives across all industries to deliver a high-touch, relationship-driven banking experience. Known for his responsiveness, industry insight, and long-term approach, Ryan is a trusted advisor who aligns each client’s banking strategy with their broader business goals.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, playing hockey, hitting the golf course, and catching a baseball game. Whether on the ice, the green, or in the stands, he values the camaraderie and connection these passions bring – both personally and professionally. He believes the best relationships are built on trust, shared values, and a genuine interest in helping others succeed.
Stephanie Parker
Stephanie Parker serves as president of South Florida’s Condo-HOA Division. Stephanie joined FirstService Residential as vice president of strategy and operations in the South region in 2014. She then served as vice president of operations at a national level, with the oversight and efficient execution of major company initiatives, including the customer experience, process improvement, property operations and national procurement. Stephanie re-joined the South region in 2022 as the president of South Florida’s Condo-HOA Division, overseeing operations and growth initiatives for condominium and HOA communities in Southwest Florida and along the eastern coast from Miami to Vero Beach.
Stephanie has a robust 20-year background in working with leadership teams to improve operations, execute strategic company initiatives and elevate overall performance. Prior to joining FirstService Residential, she ran Sparker Consulting, worked at Managerial Design and served as Vice President of Organization Effectiveness at Real Matters, Inc., a global provider of financial services technology, and Solidifi, a residential real estate appraisal firm.
Stephanie holds an MBA from Schulich School of Business/York University in Toronto, Canada and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where she attained an Honors Bachelor of Music. Stephanie is a native of Ontario and serves as the Board Chair of the Board of Directors for Children’s Harbor. Outside the boardroom, she is a singer, writer, Ironman triathlete, devoted mother of two and an advocate for trust-based parenting. She believes the best boundaries—whether in communities or families—are built on respect, not control.
Erik Chafin is the Chief Development Officer at Children’s Harbor, where he leads strategic fundraising efforts to support teens and young adults impacted by trauma. Outside of the office, Erik is a proud dad to three teenagers, which means he’s no stranger to late-night talks, last-minute schedule changes, and the occasional group chat meltdown. Whether he’s leading a major philanthropic initiative or navigating the ever-evolving world of parenting, Erik shows up with strategy, heart, and a sense of humor that keeps it all grounded.
Tiffani Dhooge is the President & CEO of Children’s Harbor, a nationally recognized child welfare organization serving teens in foster care. As an award-winning advocate with over 25 years in the field, she’s spent the last eight fighting for the kids the system forgot. An Army mom and brand-new grandmother, Tiffani brings expert advice, hard-won strategies, and a whole lot of tenacity to the chaos of parenting teens.
Julie Khanna is the founder and owner behind two media companies: Khanna Connections, a public relations, strategic communications, and media marketing agency specializing in the medical, health, and nonprofit industries, and Khanna House Studios, a full-production YouTube, podcast, and content creation studio located in Wellington, Florida, that also provides in-studio and onsite videography. With years of documented experience and secured media placements, Khanna and her team successfully secure top-level local and national media coverage for their clients and provide executive thought leadership on increasing brand visibility. Keeping a pulse on all sides of media, Khanna is the editor-in-chief of The Well of PBC magazine, and a contributor for many outlets including Around Wellington, NewsBreak, Medium, and more.
Nick Sproul is a father of three (ages 4, 2, and a newborn) and the Designated Broker of Southwestern Real Estate, leading a high-performing team across Florida. Ranked in the top 1% of all agents in South Florida, Nick is a recognized Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with a reputation for results and relationship-driven service. In addition to his real estate success, Nick is deeply invested in his community—serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for both Children’s Harbor and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Cooper City Charter Review Board.
Michael D. Wild, Esq., is the managing partner of WFP Law, PA, and a leader in his community. He serves on the Boards of Directors of 2-1-1 Broward, HANDY, ARC Broward, Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, and the NSU Ambassador Board. He also sits on the Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council, is a Charter Fellow of the NSU Levan Center of Innovation, and has chaired the March of Dimes Signature Chef Gala, the 14th Annual Joint Tax and Estate Planning Seminar, and the 211 Broward Making Real Connections Breakfast.
Michael was named Small Business Person of the Year for the City of Plantation, nominated for Man of the Year by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and named one of Gold Coast Magazine’s Top 40 Professionals Under 40. He has also been listed in the Wall Street Journal as one of South Florida’s Top Attorneys.
Super Lawyers magazine has repeatedly recognized Michael as a “Super Lawyer.” This prestigious designation, selected by other lawyers in Florida, is bestowed upon less than 3 percent of all attorneys each year. Michael is among only two Rising Star Estate Planning Attorneys in Broward County.
Michael is designated with an “AV® Preeminent Rating” by Martindale-Hubbell. An AV® certification rating is the highest rating provided by Martindale-Hubbell – a testament to the fact that his peers rank Michael at the highest level of ethical standards and legal ability, based on legal knowledge, analytical capabilities, judgment, communication ability, and legal experience.
Michael was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2006. Before obtaining his law degree from the University of Florida – Levin College of Law, Michael earned his B.A. in Political Science, with a minor in Sports Management, also from the University of Florida. In addition to earning his undergraduate and law school degrees, Michael has worked as a Financial Associate with Alliance Bernstein and as an Operations Assistant with the Miami Dolphins.
With a genuine enthusiasm for his work, Michael frequently speaks to advisors and clients on estate planning, wealth transfer, probate administration, and asset protection. He prides himself on implementing a holistic approach to planning, treating his clients like family, and working with them instead of talking at them.
Jason Zembuch Young is a high school theatre teacher and was the 2023 Tony Award Winner for Excellence in Theatre Education. He has been teaching for 27 years and has worked with teenagers his entire career. He and his husband, Michael, are soon to celebrate their 30th anniversary. They have fostered over 30 children and have a teenage daughter who they adopted from foster care. Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Directing for the Stage.
Dr. Brandy Pidermann, DSW, LCSW-QS
Licensed Psychotherapist & Mental Health Expert
Dr. Brandy Pidermann is a licensed psychotherapist, clinical social worker, and the founder of Changing Tides Therapy. She has over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, specializing in mental health, emotional resilience, and family dynamics.
In addition to her private practice, she leads a clinical team overseeing a therapeutic program for foster care youth, ensuring underserved teens receive the structure, support, and interventions they need to thrive. She has also taught clinical social work courses at Florida Atlantic University, helping train the next generation of mental health professionals.
Her work extends beyond direct practice—she has contributed to youth mental health research, particularly in suicide prevention, and has developed programs supporting families, schools, and healthcare systems. Passionate about mental health education, she helps parents and caregivers better understand teen behavior, strengthen communication, and build emotional resilience in today’s world.
Dr. Andre Caruso
Dr. Andre Caruso, affectionately known as ‘The Doctor’ or ‘Doc’, is a psychologist, speaker, and expert in behavior and mindset with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations evolve and optimize performance. Doc is a Performance Alchemist, blending psychology and science with real-world experience to transform complex concepts into practical, actionable strategies.
His career spans industries from hospitality and executive leadership to clinical psychology, where he has designed and led programs focused on leadership, communication, and behavioral change. As co-founder of IVOLVE Performance and Development and IVOLVE + Thrive, he helps professionals and business owners refine their decision-making, strengthen their leadership, and cultivate the soft skills essential for long-term success. Rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions, his approach is highly tailored, aligning with each person’s unique challenges and goals.
Beyond his work with individuals and teams, Dr. Caruso is a sought-after speaker known for blending science, storytelling, and humor to make behavioral concepts engaging and accessible. He emphasizes that “more than one thing is true at the same time,” challenging conventional thinking and helping people expand their perspectives, recognize the trade-offs of success, and evolve in ways that elevate both their performance and well-being.
Romi Wallach began working in Financial Services in 2017. In early 2022 she joined NOW CFO as a Business Development Representative in the South Florida market. Romi’s background working with business owners and decision makers has allowed her to expand and provide even more resources and support to the large community of business owners and professionals that she has served over the years. In November of 2023 she became the Director of Business Development for ISA – an organization that provides innovative solutions to business owners looking to grow and scale their business by leveraging remote Global Talent.
In 2021, she Co-founded The Daily Drip, a media platform providing content, resources, programming, and community to support South Florida businesswomen on their journey to maximum potential. The Daily Drip is a thought leadership platform amplifying the voices of the modern female business professional. From Palm Beach to South Beach, they are now a community of 4,000 and growing!
Romi serves as a member of the Joe DiMaggio Planned Giving committee, a Board Member for Piper’s Angels Foundation, a 3 x Crossing Crusader in the Crossing for CF, Mentor for the Crossing for CF, Core Committee Member for the Crossing for CF, member of Women Know Y, Club 211 Broward Lifetime member, Circle of Wise Women and Co-President for IBDPros..
Melia Arnett-Archie, Esq.
Founder of Modern Creators Law Firm, PLLC, VoiceBox Podcast & Creators Studio, LLC, and Co-Founder of B. Her Collective, LLC
I am Melia Arnett-Archie, a proud mother of two beautiful girls, Hannah, 19, and Aliza, 5. Alongside my roles as a wife and mother, I am also a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to empowering creative minds in the digital age.
Through my journey as the founder of the Modern Creators Law Firm and VoiceBox Podcast & Creators Studio, I’ve discovered the power of combining legal expertise with creative expression.
At the Modern Creators Law Firm, I offer personalized legal strategies tailored to the unique needs of creative entrepreneurs, content creators, and influencers. From business formation to intellectual property protection, I ensure that my clients are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving landscape.
VoiceBox Podcast & Creators Studio, shapes brand identities through compelling digital media content creation and comprehensive podcast production services. Our tagline, “Our Box. Your Voice,” embodies our commitment to handling the intricate aspects of content creation, allowing creatives and business owners to focus on what they do best: expressing their unique voice and vision. From crafting engaging podcasts to producing dynamic digital media content, we provide the tools and expertise needed to effectively communicate with your audience and elevate your brand presence.
Additionally, as the Co-Founder of B. Her Collective, LLC, I passionately work to arm Women of Color with the connections, practical tools, and educational enrichment necessary to ‘Change what they cannot accept.’ We are blowing up the status quo, activating genius, and crafting opportunities to ensure Women of Color can confidently seize opportunities and build success in every phase of their careers and entrepreneurial journeys.
As both a mother and an entrepreneur, I am committed to building a brighter future for my family and for all those I serve.
Dr. Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, LMHC
Dr. Julie Radlauer is a leading expert in the social influences of mental health and uses her experience to create impact within communities, systems, organizations, and individuals. She has extensive experience in behavioral health, public health, and organizational development and speaks internationally, is a TEDx speaker, and a published best-selling author.
Vice-President of Wealth Management | UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Ariadna Alvarez
Partner | Holland & Knight LLP
It is an honor to join an organization committed to improving the lives of children and teens in foster care by offering them a safe environment, stability, and tools that will help them get ahead. An investment in the residents of Children’s Harbor is an investment in the future of our community.
Jesse Bernheim
Founder, CEO, Trial Attorney | Bernheim Kelley
It means a great deal to me to be part of the Children’s Harbor team. Together, we will be their voice when they need it most.
Brenda D. Forman
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Children’s Harbor is a beacon of hope for kids who have endured the unfortunate experience of family-related trauma. It’s an opportunity to give them a safe place to call home, as well as the guidance they often need to make sense of life as young adults.
Clara Acero Smith
Executive Director | Kingdom Charitable Trust
Growing up in a single-parent household, I can relate to needing guidance and yearning for stability. Children’s Harbor provides that safe place for youth in our community struggling to find a home and is unique as it keeps siblings together. I am honored to be part of a heart-led, impactful organization.
Marleen Applebaum
VP of Business Operations | MA Construction Group
Each child should have a place to call home – a safe place where they are loved, nurtured, and taught skills to help them succeed in life. For many, Children’s Harbor is that place. I’m honored to part of this incredible organization whose professionals give of themselves every single day and every single hour to help children heal.
Karen Ross
Partner, Accountant, and Enrolled Agent | Palermo Landsman & Ross P.A.
What is happening at Children’s Harbor is so much bigger than me; serving among some of the most compassionate board of directors in the community is just one way to change the lives of our youth who’ve been impacted by trauma.
Martin J. Alexander, Esq.
Equity Partner | Holland and Knight
I believe that the most important part of our mission at Children’s Harbor is providing a place where there is love. I am most proud of the fact that we not only provide services but we do it in a way that lets our kids know and their families know that we truly care about each and every one of them.
Nicholas Sproul
Managing Broker | Southwestern Real Estate
Coming from a broken home and being orphaned as a teenager myself, I could see what a difference Children’s Harbor and Brown’s Harbor was making in the lives of these kids. From working my first Guardian Ad Litem case and being assigned to a set of siblings that was placed at Children’s Harbor, I could tell this facility was here to do something most group homes don’t have the ability to do and that’s to keep these kids together when they can only lean on each other. I’m truly honored to be able to serve on this board because it’s a cause that is dear to me and I believe it can make a huge impact.
Manolis Alevropoulos
Vice President of Celebrity Cruises | Marine Operations
Serving our community at Children’s Harbor is not only my internal need and obligation but a realization that the future depends on working together and supporting the young to carry a better future for a better world.
I chose to serve on this board because of the direct short and long-term impact this incredible organization has on children in the community.
Stephanie Parker
President, South Florida Condo – HOA | FirstService Residential
Children’s Harbor is unique in so, so many ways, but most importantly in how the leadership team, dedicated professionals and onsite team members manage to create a home and also a family for young people who may have never experienced that before. I’ve never seen anything like it and I am humbled by the youth, and the team, every single day.
A child needs a place to feel loved and safe in an environment that provides guidance and the tools to help them continue to grow regardless of the experiences and tragedies they have endured. Children’s Harbor is that place. I am privileged and honored to be part of such an amazing organization.
