Laura Adams serves as the Chief of the Sexual Battery/Child Abuse Unit which is a member of the Multidisciplinary Team at Kristi House Children's Advocacy Center. She has been with SAO since 1994. She holds a law degree from University of Florida and an undergraduate degree from University of Miami.

Brett A. Barfield, Esq.
Holland & Knight LLP
Member since 2008

Brett Barfield is a business litigation partner with Holland & Knight LLP. A native South Floridian, Brett co-leads his office's pro bono efforts and has won several pro bono legal services awards. Formerly a law clerk to the Honorable Edward Davis, Chief U.S. District Judge, he graduated valedictorian from St. Thomas University School of Law. Before practicing law, Brett spent several years in retail management as a territory supervisor with the Express apparel division of the Limited, Inc. He received his B.A. from Vanderbilt University. Since 2004, Brett has served on the board of directors of the Montessori Academy at St. John's, and currently is the board's chairman. He lives in Miami Beach with his life partner and their 5-year-old daughter.

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Mr. Eduardo Arriola, VP
Inktel, Inc.
Member since 2005

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Mr. Frederick W. Bredemeyer, II, President
Miami Parking Authority
Member since 2006

Fred Bredemeyer is Deputy Director for Operations for Miami Parking Authority. He oversees all facets of the authority's on-street and off-street parking operations which includes 22,000 parking spaces and 60+ parking facilities. Fred is a parking industry veteran with more than 18 years of experience. He is a graduate of Florida International University.

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Ms. Karelia Martinez-Carbonell
Carollton School of the Sacred Heart
Member since 2003

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Ms. Lindy Colson
Child Advocate
Member since 1999

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Susan K. Dandes, Ph.D.
UM Child Protection Team
Founding Board Member since 1996

Susan Dandes is in the Pediatrics Department at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. She is the Clinical Director of the Psychology Division and the Clinical Director of the Child Protection Team, a partner with Kristi House. Dr. Dandes evaluates the psychological and developmental status of children suspected of being abused or neglected.

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Stephanie Demos, Esq., Member At Large
Josephs, Jack, and Gaebe, PA
Member since 2002

Stephanie Demos is a civil trial lawyer with the law firm Josephs, Jack & Miranda.  She serves on the board of the Junior League of Miami, and is a past chair of the League’s Inn Transition South, a facility housing women and children who are victims of domestic violence. A Miami native, she received her B.A. in History from the University of Florida and her J.D. with honors from St. Thomas University.  Ms. Demos also serves as Attorney Ad Litem with Voices for Children America, which awarded her the John Edward Smith Child Advocacy Award in 2005. She and her husband Christopher Brown have a little girl.

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Nelson Diaz, an attorney in Miami with Becker & Poliakoff, is the former aide to Speaker of the House Marco Rubio. Mr. Diaz grew up in South Florida and earned his Batchelor of Arts from Florida International University. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Mr. Diaz currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute for Child and Family Health and is an advocate for the Teenage Parent Program of Miami-Dade County.

Melissa Dunn is Director of the Social Marketing Division of Circle of One Marketing a Miami-based, minority-owned agency rapidly growing in reputation for clever, results-producing marketing campaigns. Her former role as the Director of Community Health Initiatives and Health Systems for the American Cancer Society’s Manhattan Region and Logistics Manager for Warnaco/Calvin Kline’s New York City Operations prepared her to lead a new corporate initiative for the firm. Melissa joined “the Circle” in 2006 as the Project Manager for the then newly acquired Florida Medicaid Choice Counseling Program account in Broward County. In March 2008, she began the Circle’s program that systematically applies marketing techniques to social issues like adoption or anti-smoking through innovative, thought-provoking marketing campaigns that influence behavior and inspire change.

Mr. Jim Ellison
Child Advocate
Founding Board Member since 1996

Kristi House Board member James (“Jimmy”) Ellison has served on the Board since 1996, “nearly inception,” so he has witnessed Kristi House’s growth and continued demand for its services. In addition to Kristi House, Mr. Ellison is a board member for the Miami Light Project, presenters of contemporary visual arts and live performances, and for the Haitian Community Center Sant La, which he helped found in 2000. Mr. Ellison came to Miami in 1957 to attend the University of Miami. Over 40 years he grew his company, Cleanco, into a major laundry systems company, the biggest company of its kind in South Florida. He sold Cleanco in 1998. Mr. Ellison has been married to Janet for more than 25 years and they have three daughters and three grandchildren.

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Ms. Barbara Hinterkopf
Kristine Michael
Member since 2000

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Mr. Glenn Huber
BNY Mellon Wealth Management
Member since 2008

Glenn Huber is a Senior Sales Director in the Miami office of BNY Mellon Wealth Management. Mr. Huber has 23 years of financial planning experience including five years with the firm. His previous experience includes 13 years as vice president and business development officer with Northern Trust Bank of Florida. From 1984 to 1989, Mr. Huber served in a number of capacities for Barnett Bank. Mr. Huber earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Florida State University and is a graduate of the American Banker’s Association National Trust School program at Northwestern University. He is a Certified Financial Planner earning his mark from the Certified Planner Board of Standards, Inc. and is working toward earning a designation as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. Mr. Huber is also a Board member of the Friends of WLRN and the South Dade Estate Planning Council. He and wife Jaye live in Miami with sons Ian, 14 and Garrett, 9.

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Kate Inman, Esq.
OPKO Health
Member since 2005

Kate Inman is Deputy General Counsel for OPKO Health, a healthcare company focusing on the commercialization and development of proprietary pharmaceuticals and instruments for the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmologic disorders. Prior to this position, she was an associate attorney with Holland & Knight in their Corporate and Securities practice area. Ms. Inman is a graduate of University of Florida College of Law where she earned her J.D. degree in 1998 and ranked #1 in her class. She enjoys traveling, diving and snowboarding and resides in Miami.

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Detective Gary Jackson
Miami Police Department, Sexual Battery/Child Abuse Unit
Founding Board Member since 1996

Gary Jackson is a Police Detective with 25 years of experience in investigating sexual and physical abuse cases. Mr. Jackson has been a Kristi House Founding Board Member since 1996. He is a Miami native and a graduate from Barry University. Mr. Jackson has two children, ages 15 and 20.

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Dr. Rubye Nell Johnson
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Member since 2004

Rubye Nell Johnson received her Doctorate in Social Work from Howard University, her MSW from Tulane University and her Bachelor’s from University of South Florida, majoring in Psychology. Dr. Johnson joined CTRADA in November 2006, as a Senior Research Associate, to participate in the planning phase and to become the Project Director upon the implementation of A Girl’s Place, a Children's Trust-funded project under the direction of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. Dr. Johnson is an expert on African-American families and women in crime. She has worked extensively with abused and neglected children and their families.  Recently she worked as a Mental Health Court Liaison at a local community mental health center, managing and coordinating agency court cases heard in the 11th Judicial Circuit Court. 

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Ms. Bobbie Jones-Wilfork
Miami-Dade Aviation Department
Member since 2006

Bobbie Jones-Wilfork is an Assistant Aviation Director for Administration at the Miami-Dade Aviation Department where she has management oversight responsibility for the Administrative Services/Employee Development Division, Information Systems Division, Technical Support Division, Commodities Management Division and Contracts Administration Divisions. Mrs. Jones-Wilfork is a graduate of Florida State University and possesses both a Bachelor’s degree in Government and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She is President of Dade County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service sorority and board member of both Family Christian Association of America and the Haitian Heritage Museum.

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Ms. Tricia LeClair
Child Advocate
Member since 2006

Tricia LeClair has been involved with Kristi House for five years prior to her joining the Board of Directors. She and another generous volunteer have planned, hosted and arranged all the underwriting for Kristi House’s annual holiday party, a favorite tradition for Kristi House families. Ms. LeClair holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Virginia Tech. She grew up in Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina, has been a resident of Miami for the past seven years. She and her husband enjoy boating, spending many weekends on excursions to the Everglades.

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Mr. Andy Louis-Charles, Member-at-Large; Nominating Chair
W&R Properties, Inc.
Member since 2003

Andy Louis Charles received a Bachelors of Industrial & Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech where he was inducted into the ANAK Society, the highest senior honor. He graduated cum laude from the University of Florida College of Law, and in 2001, he won Harvard Business School's AASU - Entrepreneurial Ventures Business Plan Competition.  Since 2000, Andy has focused on bringing innovation and "collective wisdom" to real estate investment and economic development. He is the Founder and Managing Director of the Landist Society Ltd. Co., a private equity / real estate holding company. Andy serves as Kristi House's Nominating Chair. He lives in Coconut Grove.

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Dr. Judy McCleary, Immediate Past President (2004-2006)
Clinical Psychologist
Member since 1998

Dr. Judy McCleary is immediate past president and long-standing member of the Kristi House Board. While Dr. McCleary’s private practice is as a clinical psychologist for adults, her volunteer devotion has long been kids. In her service on the Kristi House Board she has provided mental health expertise to the leadership team for several years, and during her two-year presidential term, put  the steps in motion for the organization’s next decade of growth. She and her husband, George, have two teenage children, and live in Coconut Grove. Read full article from Kristi House News.

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Michelle D. Morales, Esq.
Cole, Scott & Kissane PA
Member since 2005

Michele D. Morales is a partner with Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. where her practice includes complex litigation involving medical malpractice, nursing home defense and professional liability. Ms. Morales earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and Religion from Florida State University, a Master in Health Administration degree from University of Florida and her J.D. from UF’s College of Law. She has lived in Florida all her life with the last 25 years in South Florida. She is a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer.

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Edie Murphy is Vice President/ Trust Advisor for Wachovia Trust in Miami. She serves as both Trust Specialist for the general bank, primarily in the Wealth area, and as Relationship Manager on designated accounts. Ms. Murphy’s previous experience has consisted of relationship manager for Northern Trust Bank of Florida N.A. in Miami as well as convention services manager for Grove Isle Club & Resort in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ms. Murphy holds a B.S. degree from Florida International University and earned a Certified Financial Planner Certificate from University of Miami. Ms. Murphy has been a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters since 1999.  

Ms. Margaret Nee, President
Pointe Group Advisors
Member since 2003

Margaret Nee is vice president of a development for a Miami company and active in many community organizations. She served as Kristi House president 2006-2008, in 2005 she chaired the Touch A Heart Dinner & Auction while serving as vice president and as a member of several other committees, including the Program Committee. She has a keen understanding of Kristi House through her hands-on involvement. She has served on the Boards of Pet Rescue, Access Now, and the Junior League of Miami. She lives in Coconut Grove with Fredric and her three beloved dogs.

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Ms. Carol Novak, Secretary
Child Advocate
Founding Board Member since 1996

Carol Novak is committed to building a stronger and healthier community for children and at-risk families in Miami-Dade through her volunteer work. In 1993, she served on a Governor's Task force to evaluate the system of care for children in our community. After the study, in 1995, Ms. Novak left to form the Child Advocacy Center as a full-time volunteer. Ms. Novak is a Kristi House Founding Member and has served on the Executive Committee since 1996. She has also served on the Board of Friends of Sylvester, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Board for the Statewide Network of Child Advocacy Centers. Ms. Novak is a graduate of FlU with a BS in Social Work. She has lived in Miami for 30 years and currently lives in Pinecrest with her husband. They have three grown children.

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Jeanette Nuñez, a Miami native, is Vice President of Government Relations for Jackson Health Systems. Ms. Nuñez has extensive involvement in health care advocacy, and recently, through Leadership Miami, created a scholarship program for homeless children. Ms. Nuñez received her BA in International Relations & Political Science and her MPA in Public Administration from Florida International University. She lives in Miami with her husband and three children ages 8, 6 and 1.

Sheri Orlowitz is the founder and principal owner of Shan Industries, LLC, a holding company that currently operates two manufacturing companies. Prior to Shan Industries, Sheri was a litigator with the Miami office of Greenberg Traurig. She also worked at the United States Department of Justice, and was a participant in the Attorney General's Honors Program. Ms. Orlowitz is a frequent speaker on all aspects of entrepreneurialism, mergers and acquisitions and accessing capital and spends a significant amount of time supporting and mentoring other women business owners. Among other causes she supports Ms. Orlowitz is a founding member of the Orlowitz- Lee Children's Advocacy Center.

Dr. Zandra Rucker
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Member since 2001

Dr. Zandra Rucker is currently the Director of the Teenage Parent Program (TAP), District Regional Center Operations, Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Under her leadership the Teenage Parent Program provides specialized services to assist pregnant and/or teenage parents to obtain a high school diploma and to continue their education and pursue a college degree or vocation. Dr. Rucker has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Lincoln University of Missouri, and Master and Doctorate degrees from Nova Southeastern University. She is active in several community organizations, including serving as President of the South Florida Chapter of Lincoln University of Missouri Alumni and as a board member for Children’s Psychiatric Center, among others.

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Ms. Gail Scott
Tribune Media Net
Member since 2006

For the past 10 years she has been active in the Junior League of Miami, serving as Vice President of Development and Vice President of Planning, as well as chairing several of the Junior League's community efforts with Habitat for Humanity and Done in a Day. Ms. Scott graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in Journalism, and is currently sales manager for the Florida office of Tribune Media Net.  She is responsible for selling print, broadcast and online packages into the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Newsday and eight other Tribune properties. She and Arturo Garcia have two girls, Bianca, 19 and Adriana, 23.

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Dr. Jon Shaw
UM/JMH School of Medicine
Founding Board Member since 1996

Dr. Jon Shaw is a founding board member of Kristi House and an internationally recognized expert on child sexual abuse. He has been a professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine since 1989. He currently serves as Professor of Clinical Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics and as Chief of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division as part of the Mental Health Hospital Center. Dr. Shaw served as Chief in the Department of Psychiatry for the U.S. Army in Germany and spent several subsequent years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry. He received his bachelor and master degrees in Psychology, and his medical degree from the University of Oregon in Portland. He is a published author and has helped secure several grants for funded research throughout Miami-Dade County. 

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Mr. Juan Trescastro
Royal Caribbean International
Member since 2007

Originally from Los Angeles, Juan Trescastro graduated from Columbia University and found his way to Miami where he is the Vice President of Guest Port Services at Royal Caribbean International. Mr. Trescastro was previously the Chairperson for Royal Caribbean’s United Way Campaign. He has a strong interest in helping children in the Miami-Dade community. When he is not working or volunteering, Mr. Trescastro enjoys spending time with his two children.

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Mr. Charles Vodicka, Treasurer-2004
InSource, Inc.
Founding Board Member since 1996

Chuck Vodicka is a Kristi House Founding Board Member with his tenure of service dating back to 1995. He has served as Treasurer for Kristi House since 2003. Mr. Vodika also serves on the board of directors for Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center and has consulted on risk management issues for several other non-profit organizations in our community. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Vodika has made Miami his home for the past 34 years.

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Ms. Sarah J. Washburn
Wilson, Washburn & Forster Insurance
Member since 2006

Sarah Washburn is an insurance agent at Wilson, Washburn and Forster Insurance, a Miami-based independent agency. Sarah graduated from Florida State University where she earned both a bachelor's in business communications and a master's degree in marketing. After graduation, she worked at General Motors in global sales and marketing. Following GM, Sarah returned to her home town to join the family business. Sarah currently enjoys the challenges of helping community businesses with all their insurance needs. With a focus on helping those in the non-profit sector, she is dedicated to representing excellent insurance companies and providing honest service. Sarah also enjoys being involved in many networking and community organizations, and is a recent Leadership Miami grad.

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Ms. Bonita Whytehead
Child Advocate
Member since 2003

Bonita Whytehead, a Miami native devoted to her hometown, works for the Children’s Home Society and spends most of her spare time as a community volunteer. She has served on the board of the Junior League of Miami for several years and currently holds the office of Vice President of Membership. Ms. Whytehead also serves as co-chair of the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament, and has worked for other community organizations including U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and United Way. She is an alumna of University of Miami.

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Mr. Antonio Zamora, CPA
Binstock, Rubin, Adler, Aldecoa & Ellzey, PA
Member since 2006

Antonio Zamora is a Certified Public Accountant and a Manager with Binstock, Rubin, Adler, Aldecoa & Ellzey, PA in Miami. He manages all aspects of client accounts, consulting, preparing corporate, partnership and individual tax returns.  He has 12 years of experience in the accounting profession in Miami. Tony holds a Master of Science degree in Taxation and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting both from Florida International University.

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Judy Zeder and her firm, "The Zeder Team" specializes in marketing premiere homes in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Pinecrest. Judy is committed to providing absolutely the best real estate representation, marketing and service to her clients, and has successfully represented clients ranging from professional athletes to Fortune 500 executives for nearly a decade. She is a member of the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. She has lent her marketing expertise to Kristi House and its "Breaking the Silence" campaign generating new support for Kristi House.