In Memory of of our Chief Executive Officer

In Memorial of our late CEO

The Poverello Center, Tom Pietrogallo had led the organization in transforming from a traditional AIDS Service Organization, completely dependent upon Federal Funding to a broader, more sustainable service mission. At the Poverello Center, he had led the improvement of Nutritional Services in our Grocery Programs, increased participant nutritional education opportunities, created youth ‘healthy fuel packs’ for under resourced teens helping them avoid weekend food insecurity and led the organization toward the implementation of a Poverello Pop Up food pantry that goes into area food deserts to distribute healthy groceries (including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables). Under his leadership, the organization has grown programming to serve over 3500 families with chronic/critical illness and food insecurities throughout south Florida. He haf an MSW from University of South Florida, obtained his clinical social work licensure in 2001 and received his MBA from Florida Atlantic University in 2003.  He was a member of the National Association of Social Workers, represents Ryan White Part A on the HIV Integrated Workgroup And Named in Honor of his memory and dedication he was tasked with monitoring and providing feedback on Broward County’s Integrated HIV Care and Prevention Plan and participates on the System of Care Committee for the Broward Ryan White Part A Care Council.

His Vision will live on and be treasured by all those at Poverello and our communitoes

Medical Director

Dr. James Luckett The Poverello Center, Inc. is honored to have Dr. James N. Luckett, a revered physician whose comprehensive expertise and empathetic approach to care have significantly benefited the Fort Lauderdale community. A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine (MD), Dr. Luckett has over 20 years of experience in internal medicine, focusing on adult health issues such as chronic diabetes, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, and a subspecialty in HIV/AIDS medicine.

Dr. Luckett’s postgraduate journey includes a rigorous residency in Internal Medicine at Methodist Hospital/Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana, from June 1996 to July 1999. This foundation has equipped him with a profound depth of knowledge and skills, enabling him to offer specialized and compassionate care to his patients.

With his practice located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and affiliations with prestigious institutions like Holy Cross Health-Fort Lauderdale and Imperial Point Medical Center, Dr. Luckett is committed to making healthcare accessible and inclusive, demonstrated by his participation in the Medicaid program. His office, known for its patient-centric approach and in-house lab services, and his staff, celebrated for their professionalism and warmth, contribute to making patient experiences exceptional.

Patients and colleagues praise Dr. Luckett for his genuine listening, dedication to spending time addressing concerns, and creating a healthcare environment where individuals feel valued and understood. His educational background and professional training underscore his ability to provide the highest standard of personalized care.

Dr. Luckett’s role at The Poverello Center, Inc. underscores our dedication to enhancing community well-being through outstanding medical care, accessibility, and an unwavering commitment to patient health and happiness. His educational achievements and extensive professional experience make him a distinguished member of our medical team, poised to make a lasting impact on the lives he touches.

Any providers not listed, but interested in participating, contact tpietrogallo@poverello.org for more information on participation.

Psychiatric-Mental Health- MD, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

Javier Enrique Garcia Ruiz is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with extensive experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care in psychiatry, primary care, internal medicine, and infectious disease. He also earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree with a specialization in Family Medicine, providing him with a strong clinical foundation.
Mr. Garcia currently provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy for adolescents and adults through Headway Telehealth and his private practice, Javier Garcia Psychiatry & Wellness Center, where he focuses exclusively on outpatient behavioral and mental health services. He treats a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, and other serious mental illnesses using a patient-centered, evidence-based approach.
In addition to his psychiatric practice, Mr. Garcia has extensive experience in family medicine, internal medicine, HIV care, chronic disease management, and preventive healthcare. He is committed to delivering culturally sensitive, compassionate, and high-quality care in both English and Spanish while improving access to mental health services for diverse and underserved communities.

954-561-3663 ext 101
jgarcia@poverello.org

Deputy Executive Director- Chief Business Operations Officer

Jose Castillo has been with the Poverello Center since 2014, starting his career in the non-profit sector as a volunteer in our Food Pantry, he quickly was elevated to a part time position as a client service representative helping the pantry clients with their orders and helping them navigate our systems and the Ryan White Programs, he continued to volunteer on the Pantry doing the purchasing ad developing new and enhanced programs for clients. in 2019 he was promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant followed in 2021 to Operations Manager and Fiscal Coordinator
his work ethic and experience for the past 36 years in management and sales is an asset for the Poverello Center.
Mr. Castillo is proud to be member of the Broward County HIV Planning Council and is serving on two of the HIVPC committees, Chair of the System of Care and munity And PSRA (priorities and setting re allocation) Committee. A Member of the Broward County EHE Advisory board

954-561-3663 ext 115
jcastillo@poverello.org

Nutrition Manager

Marcia Saint Victor’s commitment to fostering healthier relationships with food means she is a dedicated advocate for those seeking to improve their dietary choices. She demonstrated her commitment to this belief by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of North Florida. In her career, she has served in diverse roles within community nutrition, most notably at WIC, where she provided care to children and families grappling with complex dietary needs. With every client, Marcia is dedicated to enhancing their connection with food, offering family-centric, culturally attuned, and developmentally fitting support. At Poverello, she has already begun cooking and nutrition classes to instruct our participants in how to achieve their health goals through healthy choices.

Nurse Practitioner-MSN, APRN, FNP-c, HIVPCP

A Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Mr. Poltevien speaks Haitian/Creole and obtained his Associate in Science of Nursing (2008) at Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL then his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2011), and finally his Master of Science in Nursing (2015). In collaboration with our Medical Director, he is helping us reach those in our community not doing well in traditional healthcare.

Mpoitevien@poverello.org

Deputy Executive Director- Chief Quality Improvement & Program Develpment.

Brad Barnes has worked in HIV for 40 + Years. Brad has been with “The Poverello Center” since 2000. Chief Quality Improvement and Program Development Officer (CQIPDO) is responsible for achieving health outcomes and best quality of service and care for the clients of Poverello, achieving all grant requirements, starting new programs and maintaining current Client Programs.
Brad is former Chair and member of the Ryan White Broward/Fort Lauderdale Part A EMA Health Services Planning Council. Chair of Broward HIV-PC PRSA Committee, Member of Broward Integrated HIV Prevention Care working group, Chair of Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council. Member of the Florida Comprehensive Planning Network (FCPN) Co- Chair of FCPN Needs Assessment Committee. And a member of Ryan White Part A Palm Beach EMA Integration Plan, QMEC and Planning Committees. Member of the Food is Medicine Coalition
Brad also has been working since 1987 for The NAMES Project Foundation/AIDS Memorial Quilt. In 2005 he acted as the Chapter Program Coordinator in Atlanta, GA. From 2009 – 2015 Brad worked on the Clinton Foundation Quilt Display at the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Brad also worked from 1983 -1996 for the Close Up Foundation in Washington DC as the Supervisor of Special needs. Brad was responsible to mainstream the Visually Impaired, Hearing Impaired and Multiple Handicap High School student into the High School Program.
Brad has been on the Host Committee United States Conference on HIV/ AIDS and was Faculty for USCH/A. He has been involved with ACT UP, Provincetown AIDS Support group and AIDS Action Boston.
Brad has been recognized nationally, on the State level and locally for his work in HIV/AIDS. Most recently by the Broward County Board of Commissioners.
954-563-1299
bbarnes@poverello.org

Eat Well Center Manager

James has been with us for a number of years and has been promoted to Food Pantry Manager. Hard working, compassionate and helpful, James is understanding and sets the stage for all of the great food distribution that Poverello accomplishes.

Jstevenson@poverello.org

Nurse Practioner, APRN, FNP-C, AAHIVS

Guillermo Guerra is a Bilingual (EN/ES) Foreign Physician, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Disease Case Manager with broad experience as Surgical First Assistant in General Surgery, OB/GYN, Orthopedics, and Advanced Laparoscopy. Most recently he was a Disease Case Manager for HIV/STI Primary Care specializing in chronic comorbid conditions improving treatment adherence and overall well-being of patients. He previously worked as a Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse Dialysis Clinic providing bedside care, performing and supervising hemodialytic therapy, training technicians, and other support staff.

Gguerra@poverello.org

Thrift Store Manager Pompano Beach

In April 2019, David became a Volunteer in our Thrift Store. Since then, he has been an indispensable part of our thrift Store in Pompano Beach. From volunteer to cashier to assistant manager to manager. David has shown himself a competent and experienced manager.

954-302-8625

Jsppurk@poverello.org

Thrift Store Manager Wilton Manors

Originally from Brazil, “Gabbi” keeps the Wilton Manors store organized and manages its success.

954-686-6122

Gsilva@poverello.org