Meet the dedicated volunteers who make up our esteemed Board of Directors. We’re proud and grateful to have this high level of professional leadership directing our organization.

Jodi Reichman, Board Chair

Jodi, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, is a passionate advocate with over 30 years of experience in the HIV/AIDS field. After retiring from the Florida Department of Health, she took on the role of Transgender Program Coordinator, working directly within the transgender community.

Her accomplishments include:

Creating the South Florida Transgender Medical Consortium, which hosts an Annual Transgender Medical Symposium; Educating medical providers, community organizations, and AIDS service providers on culturally sensitive care for transgender individuals; Serving as an active member of the Safe to Be Me Coalition, addressing GLBTQ youth needs; and Advocating for equitable health treatment through her work with the HIV Planning Council and NASTAD. Jodi continues to lead and inspire, ensuring that vulnerable voices are heard and respected.

Mitch Bloom

Mitch Bloom, a Fort Lauderdale banker originally from South Florida (Miami Killian High School), spent 21 years in southern California before returning to his roots in 2001 to be closer to family. Since 2005, he has been an integral part of Wells Fargo in Wilton Manors. Recently honored as Volunteer of the Year by Wells Fargo, Florida, Mitch’s advocacy efforts have significantly benefited the center, securing thousands of dollars. When he’s not making a difference, Mitch enjoys a captivating Broadway show and embraces a vegetarian lifestyle.

 

Julie Carson, Treasurer/Secretary

Julie A. Carson brings over 35 years of experience as a real estate and transactional paralegal to her role as Treasurer. Currently serving as a Paralegal at Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC, Julie coordinates legal matters surrounding the acquisition and leasing of cellular and radio towers. With a background in real estate law, Julie has facilitated transactions ranging from property acquisitions to real estate closings.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Julie has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, serving as a City Commissioner in Wilton Manors for a decade. She is actively involved in various community organizations including Mental Health America of South East Florida and the Wilton Manors Historical Society.

Julie’s dedication extends to advocacy for marginalized communities, for which she has received numerous awards and accolades. An accomplished athlete, Julie has completed over 150 triathlons and enjoys spending time with her family and beloved pets.

Dr. Precious Skinner-Osei, Director

Professor Precious Skinner-Osei is an Adjunct Professor at the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University, where she brings a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience to her students. A native of Pompano Beach and current resident of Coral Springs, Professor Skinner-Osei is deeply committed to bridging the gap between classroom learning and community engagement.

With a background in Community Organizing, Policy, and Research, Professor Skinner-Osei champions the importance of experiential learning. She has seamlessly integrated Poverello into her social work curriculum, providing students with hands-on experiences that enrich their understanding of social services and community development.

What began as a single visit with 17 students has evolved into a meaningful partnership between Professor Skinner-Osei’s classes and Poverello. Her dedication to Poverello’s mission is evident as she continually exposes her students to the organization’s vital services and fosters a deep appreciation for its impact on the community.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Skinner-Osei actively involves her students in Poverello’s fundraising events and activities, further instilling a sense of social responsibility and compassion. Her commitment to service extends to her own family, as she involves her children in volunteer efforts, instilling values of empathy and community engagement from a young age.

Professor Skinner-Osei’s collaboration with Poverello exemplifies the power of education and community partnerships in creating positive change. Her unwavering dedication to her students and the broader community serves as an inspiration to all.

Jose Camino, Director

Jose Camino brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our board. With a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from St. Thomas University and currently pursuing his Master of Science in Management, Jose has a strong foundation in both academia and practical application.

As an insurance agent and former account executive at the Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, as well as AT&T’s “Las Verdaderas Pajinas Amarillas,” Jose has demonstrated his proficiency in various industries. Currently serving as the Community Relations Manager for United Healthcare and Simply Healthcare/Clear Health Alliance, Jose plays a pivotal role in connecting organizations with resources and fostering community partnerships.

Jose’s commitment to community service dates back to the late 80s, and his collaboration with Poverello has been invaluable. From fuel pack distributions to sponsorships, Jose has been instrumental in supporting our mission and initiatives. His dedication to leveraging resources, including those from the Anthem Foundation, has significantly contributed to our success.

We are privileged to have Jose Camino as a member of our board, bringing his expertise, passion, and dedication to serving our community.

Ariela Eshel, Director

Ariela Eshel serves as the Health Equity Director at Simply Healthcare Plans, where she has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives to enhance members’ health outcomes since 2014. With a robust background in public health and healthcare quality, Ariela brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

Prior to joining Simply Healthcare Plans, Ariela held positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention and quality management within Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Armed with a Master’s degree in Medical Anthropology, a graduate certificate in Public Health from Georgia State University, and certification as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Ariela possesses a deep understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing overall health.

As the Health Equity Director, Ariela leads diverse projects targeting critical health priorities such as maternal and infant health, chronic conditions, and behavioral health. She is dedicated to data-driven interventions that address disparities and remove barriers to optimal health outcomes. Notably, her leadership has led Simply Healthcare Plans to achieve prestigious accreditations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in Health Equity and Health Equity Plus.

Ariela’s commitment to advancing health equity aligns seamlessly with the mission and values of the Poverello Center. Her expertise in public health, grant writing, program evaluation, and strategic planning enriches the Board’s capabilities, reflecting her dedication to driving positive change in the community.

Justin Azpiazu, Director

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Justin Azpiazu is an experienced video producer and content creator with a deep understanding of the local culture. In addition to his video production skills, Justin has also honed his talents in podcasting, writing, and marketing, making him a well-rounded and versatile content creator.

Throughout his career, Justin has worked with brands to help them achieve their video, podcasting, and marketing goals from ideation to execution. His passion for storytelling has allowed him to capture and showcase the essence of the city through various mediums.

Justin’s experience in video production and content creation includes his current role as Senior Director of Editorial & Content at RockOrange – a creative agency in Miami, FL, where he leads teams in creating content for brands from pre-production to delivery. Prior to that, Justin worked as a Video Lead at the Miami Herald, where he developed and executed the newspaper’s video strategy with a focus on live video, news, sports, social media, and short-form documentaries.

Justin also owned his own video production company, JRA Sports Media, where he produced video highlight packages for high school sports in South Florida and led a team of 10 videographers. With his diverse background and experience, Justin continues to innovate and contribute to the creative industry in Miami and beyond.

Candy Sicle, Director

With over 25 years of accomplished experience in managed care, sales, and community relations, Candy Sicle brings a strategic vision to our organization’s mission. Her career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in achieving mission-driven objectives and enhancing community well-being.

As Vice President of Consumer Sales & Retention at AvMed, she spearheaded sales initiatives and crafted distribution strategies to propel company growth. Previously, as Vice President of Sales & Marketing – Strategic Planning at MMM of Florida, she orchestrated comprehensive sales strategies, solidifying strategic partnerships and driving market penetration.

In her role as Director of Medicaid Marketing at Anthem, she executed targeted marketing strategies to bolster membership growth and increase market share in Florida, underscoring a commitment to community health.

Beyond her professional roles, Sicle is deeply engaged in community organizations, serving on boards and committees aimed at fostering education, wellness, and social empowerment. She holds a Master’s degree in Medical Anthropology and a graduate certificate in Public Health from Georgia State University, complemented by a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification.

Her commitment to driving positive change, strategic acumen, and passion for community engagement make her an honored contributor to the board.

Andrew Sine, Director

Andrew Sine, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, is the Director of Ambulatory Nursing at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital. He received his diploma of nursing from George Brown College, Toronto, Canada, BSN from Chamberlain College of Nursing, and MSN from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.

Andrew began his nursing career on an infectious disease (AIDS)/oncology unit at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada. His career continued teaching at George Brown College. Andrew started his leadership career at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson, on a phase 1 clinical trial step-down unit, then oversaw a neurosurgery unit. Andrew is currently with Cleveland Clinic Florida as the Director of Ambulatory Nursing.

Andrew participates on numerous hospital committees and was instrumental in initiating the pride employee resource group at CCF Weston, FL. Since 2014 he has served as a course director and chair for the endocrinology, LGBTQ, oncology, and wound ostomy symposiums.

Michael Montejo, Director

Michael Montejo is an experienced senior manager in KPMG’s Audit practice.  He has over 9 years of expertise in providing financial statement audits and assurance services to large multinational companies primarily in the industrial manufacturing and consumer goods industries. He received his MAc and BS degrees from Florida State University.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael actively engages in various activities within KPMG as well as the community. He serves as a lead campus recruiter for Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring young professionals.

Furthermore, Michael takes on leadership roles within KPMG including leading the Southeast New Hire Onboarding efforts. He is also a local office training instructor. As a native South Floridian, Michael has supported and lead KPMG’s citizenship efforts centered on lifelong learning within the tri-county communities including volunteering experience with KPMG’s Family for Literacy.