Poverello is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors and a staff leadership team with decades of combined experience in HIV care, nonprofit operations, and community health.
Board Chair
Jodi Reichman brings more than four decades of experience in accounting, nonprofit leadership, public health, and HIV/AIDS advocacy. Born and educated in Chicago, she attended the Art Institute of Chicago on scholarship before studying humanities at UC Berkeley. She later expanded her expertise through accounting and management studies at Broward Community College and received corporate mentorship from Arthur Andersen in cost accounting, mergers, acquisitions, and organizational management.
Her professional career has spanned both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where she has held leadership and management positions overseeing operations, finance, program development, community outreach, and organizational growth. Throughout her career, Jodi has served with numerous community-based organizations and public health institutions, including CenterOne, Community Health Care, Care Resource, The Pride Center and Shadowood II, a housing facility serving individuals experiencing homelessness and dual diagnoses. She also received specialized training through the Broward County Health Department as a First Responder and Shelter Special Needs Assistant. During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Jodi worked on the front lines as a volunteer advocate, helping develop hospital-based support programs that provided direct patient care, family assistance, and compassionate services to those affected by HIV/AIDS. She also was educated by Dr. Gary Morey with pre- and post-test counseling and community education initiatives during a critical period in the public health response. Jodi has proudly served on The Poverello Board of Directors for more than eight years and currently serves as Board Chair.
Jodi's previous leadership included supporting major fundraising initiatives such as AIDS Walk Miami, Dining Out For Life, Art for AIDS, and the White Party, helping generate significant funding for HIV/AIDS service organizations. She founded the South Florida Chapter of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and coordinated large-scale public displays that honored those lost to HIV/AIDS while raising awareness and reducing stigma. A dedicated advocate for equity, inclusion, and cultural diversity, Jodi has worked extensively with youth-serving organizations, community coalitions, and gender-diverse populations. As a Florida Department of Health Program Coordinator, she educated healthcare professionals and AIDS service providers on culturally competent care and treatment developing a nationally accredited annual medical symposium that, for more than 14 years, trained providers to deliver respectful, informed, and patient-centered care to gender-diverse individuals. Her lifelong commitment to advocacy and community service has earned numerous honors, including the PWA Advocate of the Year Award, the Unsung Heroes Award, the Gender Equality Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her vision, leadership, allyship, and decades of dedicated service to underserved communities.
Vice President
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.
Secretary / Treasurer
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.
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.
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 currently serving as the Community Relations Manager for 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.
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.
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, oncology, and wound ostomy symposiums.
Chief Executive Officer
Brad Barnes serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Poverello Center, bringing more than 40 years of experience in HIV/AIDS services, advocacy, program development, quality improvement, and nonprofit leadership. He has been with The Poverello Center since 2000.During his tenure, Brad has held several leadership positions, including Chief Quality Improvement and Program Development Officer. His extensive experience in quality improvement, health outcomes, grant compliance, and program development continues to guide his approach to executive leadership and his commitment to high-quality, client-centered services.
Brad has a long history of leadership within the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. He has served as Chair and member of the Ryan White Broward/Fort Lauderdale Part A EMA Health Services Planning Council and in leadership roles with the Broward HIV Planning Council’s Priority Setting and Resource Allocation Committee. He has also participated in Broward’s Integrated HIV Prevention and Care planning, the Florida Comprehensive Planning Network, Palm Beach County Ryan White planning and quality committees, and the Food is Medicine Coalition.Since 1987, Brad has worked with The NAMES Project Foundation/AIDS Memorial Quilt. He served as Chapter Program Coordinator in Atlanta in 2005 and worked on the Clinton Foundation Quilt Display at the Clinton Presidential Library from 2009 through 2015.
Earlier in his career, Brad worked for the Close Up Foundation in Washington, D.C., from 1983 to 1996 as Supervisor of Special Needs, supporting the inclusion of students with visual, hearing, and multiple disabilities in educational programming.
Brad has served on the Host Committee and as faculty for the United States Conference on HIV/AIDS. His community involvement has also included ACT UP, the Provincetown AIDS Support Group, and AIDS Action in Boston.
Brad has been recognized nationally, statewide, and locally for his contributions to the HIV/AIDS community, including recognition from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
As CEO, Brad is committed to advancing The Poverello Center’s mission through compassionate leadership, strong community partnerships, responsible stewardship, quality services, and respect for the dignity and lived experiences of the people the agency serves.
Chief Financial Administrative 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 Coordinatorhis 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.
Medical Director
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.
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.
Nutrition Manager
Dr. Rufus Theophilus serves as the Nutrition Program Manager at The Poverello Center, where he supports the delivery of Medical Nutrition Therapy, nutrition education, and medically tailored nutrition services for clients living with HIV and other chronic health conditions. He holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Florida, an M.S. in Nutritional Sciences from Texas Tech University, and a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dr. Theophilus brings experience across clinical nutrition, community nutrition, food and nutrition program development, and nutrition-related research. His work has focused on evidence-based nutrition care, diet-disease relationships, infant nutrition, gut microbiome research, antimicrobial resistance, and nutrition strategies that support improved health outcomes. He is passionate about translational research and using nutrition as a practical tool to improve quality of life, strengthen food access, and support medically vulnerable communities.
Nurse Practitioner — 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 in a dialysis clinic providing bedside care, performing and supervising hemodialytic therapy, and training technicians and other support staff.
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.
Thrift Store Manager — Wilton Manors
Gabriele Silva, known as Gabby, is originally from Brazil and moved to the United States in 1998 after graduating in Nutrition and Dietetics from Sao Camilo University in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The journey from Brazil to the United States has given her the opportunity to grow professionally, embracing new challenges and dedicating herself to serving others.
She became part of the Poverello team in June 2020 when she started as an Assistant Manager. Our CEO Thomas Pietrogallo (in memory) and now our Deputy of Operations Jose Castillo recognized her dedication, leadership skills, and passion for helping others, which has helped her grow within the retail business. Being multilingual has helped in communicating with the diverse clientele.
Today, she proudly manages the Poverello Center Wilton Manors Thrift Store, where she leads the team, supports the mission, and helps provide resources for the community through our nonprofit work.
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.
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.
Tom Pietrogallo helped transform The Poverello Center from a traditional AIDS service organization largely dependent on federal funding into a broader, more sustainable organization serving individuals and families throughout South Florida.
Under Tom’s leadership, Poverello expanded its nutritional services and grocery programs, increased nutrition education opportunities and developed innovative programs to address food insecurity. These efforts included healthy fuel packs for underserved teens facing weekend food insecurity and the development of Poverello’s Pop-Up Food Pantry, bringing healthy groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables directly into local food deserts.
Tom also led the expansion of Poverello’s programming to serve more than 3,500 families living with chronic and critical illnesses and food insecurity throughout South Florida.
A licensed clinical social worker, Tom earned his Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida and received his clinical social work license in 2001. He later earned his MBA from Florida Atlantic University in 2003. He was a member of the National Association of Social Workers and was deeply involved in Broward County’s HIV care and prevention efforts, including the Ryan White Part A system of care.
Tom’s leadership helped shape Poverello into the organization it is today. His vision, compassion and commitment to serving others will continue to live on through Poverello, the people we serve and the communities whose lives he helped change.
Interested in serving on the Poverello Board of Directors? We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to food, health, and dignity for South Floridians living with HIV and chronic illness.
To apply for board membership, contact us at (954)-561-3663
