Our Compassionate Team Serving You

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Derys at the Doris Ison Health Center

Kettley Derys

Kettley Derys has been a dedicated Patient Advocate at CHI for 30 years. As an advocate, she works directly with patients to ensure that their medical needs are met. This includes providing emotional support to patients, offering transportation assistance to CHI health centers and helping them schedule their appointments. Based at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Clinica Campensia Center, Derys also travels to other CHI locations and attends OB/GYN appointments and births at Homestead Hospital. Over the past 30 years, she has enjoyed interacting with patients and helping those who are in need. Derys is passionate about helping others, especially through the COPE program that assists teenage mothers who are still in school. Derys cherishes time with her family, enjoys swimming, and loves to read.

Dr. Mitra Shafieian joined CHI in 2015

 

Dr. Mitra Shafieian

Dr. Mitra Shafieian is a board-certified pediatric doctor at CHI’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Clinica Campesina Center. Dr. Shafieian got her start at CHI in 2015 at the Tavernier Health Center before transferring during the pandemic. She provides care to patients ages newborn to 21 years old, mostly serving the migrant population. She prides herself on being a bridge to comprehensive care for her patients when they visit CHI. It gives Dr. Shafieian great satisfaction to serve others who may be uninsured or underinsured and have nowhere else to go. She values working not only as a team but as a family with fellow staff. Dr. Shafieian grew up and studied medicine in Iran and has two loving sons whom she loves dearly. When she is not serving her community, she spends her time walking, reading and cooking.

 

Bright Futures, Generous Hearts: Teens Give Back To Their Community In A Big Way

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Ean Wells holds his favorite childhood book, “Holes,” in front of books he collected for CHI’s pediatric department.

South Florida teens, Ean Wells and Sofia Araoz have more in common than just being in high school. They also share a passion for giving back and connecting with their community in a meaningful way. Amidst the challenges of navigating college plans and balancing their studies, they took the time to create an opportunity to help those in need.

Last summer, Sofia participated in CHI’s Youth Volunteer Program. During the 6-week program, she collected gift bags for patients being treated in CHI’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. These thoughtful packages, filled with items like fidget spinners, coloring books, and puzzles aimed to provide comfort and alleviate anxiety for patients in the unit.

“We collected 19 packages for patients, and they were super grateful to receive them,” said Araoz. “They said thank you and a lot of them immediately started opening their gifts.”

Araoz, a high school senior with an interest in pursuing a career in law, was excited to take advantage of her time last summer working in the Risk Management department at the Hammocks Health Center. She learned the foundations of malpractice in the medicine field, as well as assisted staff in registering patients on MyChart, an online portal that allows patients to manage their health information in one place.

Eans Wells displays the note that young readers will see when reading one of his donated books.

“The whole experience was fulfilling. I felt like I helped a lot of people,” she said. “Patients were glad to hear about MyChart because everything is more accessible. I was happy to show them a new way of accessing their health information.”

High School Junior, Ean Wells, found his own unique way to contribute to the community by sharing his childhood passion: reading. This Spring, he generously donated 300 books to CHI’s Pediatrics department that will be delivered to several CHI health center locations.

Wells reflected on reading some of his favorite books like “Holes” and “Because of Mr. Terrupt” as a child.

“Reading was the base for my education growing up and it has helped me so much,” he said. “Giving the same opportunity to other kids to develop good reading skills, I hope they can benefit from it as well.”

Sofia Araoz delivers gift bags to the Crisis Stabilization Unit staff to hand out to patients.

Wells rallied his fellow classmates and friends at school to join his cause, effortlessly collecting additional books to donate. An assignment that he says he pulled off with ease.

“I have a lot of friends, and everyone has books from when they were kids,” he said. “Most people were willing to help!”

Wells plans to organize another book drive within his school community this Spring.

Swinging for a Cause: Golfers Experience Rare Solar Eclipse While Supporting Child Mental Health

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(From left to right) NBA legend Glen Rice, Former NBA star Jason Richardson, friend, and Ryan Katz, look to the sky as they watch the solar eclipse.

Nearly 100 golfers gathered on April 8th for CHI’s Annual Golf Tournament at the picturesque Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club. However, this was not just any ordinary day on the green. Participants were treated to an awe-inspiring partial solar eclipse! The spectacular event provided golfers with a unique opportunity to look up at the sky with special solar eclipse glasses to view the rare sight of the moon passing directly in front of the Sun. NBA All-Star legend, Glen Rice, was blown away by the celestial spectacle.

“I have never seen it like that,” he said. “I put the glasses on and it’s dark and suddenly, I spot the sun and the moon having their little intertwine. That is amazing!”

Golfers did not just observe history on this day—they also contributed to a wonderful cause of supporting children in the community. More than $100,000 was raised and will directly aid children who are facing severe mental health crises.

“The community has wanted the Children’s Crisis Center for as long as I have been at CHI, which is almost 20 years,” said CHI President and CEO, Blake Hall. “To make this finally, almost a reality, is wonderful. Construction is underway and the metal pillars should be arriving within the next month!”

The Children’s Crisis Center is scheduled to open in 2025 and will be the first of its kind in south Miami-Dade.

Click here to check out more photos from the 2024 CHI Golf Tournament

The Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center Welcomes Newest Class With 10-Year Anniversary Match Day Celebration

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(From left to right) Some of the newest Teaching Health Center residents, Dr. Sulma Moredo Loo, Dr. Magny Sherlyne, Dr. Merin Abraham, Dr. Kyiana Haughton, and Dr. Nicolas Picaza, take their first photo together at the Doris Ison Health Center.

Dr. Farhana Yaqoob Khan smiled from ear to ear as she expressed her excitement about moving to Miami and joining Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) during The Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. Teaching Health Center’s 10-Year Anniversary Match Day celebration.

“I want to be a very compassionate and competent primary care physician,” said Dr. Khan. “This is a very good opportunity to give back to the community. This is what I see myself doing in the next few years!”

Dr. Khan was one of nine new residents who were warmly received at the Doris Ison Health Center. Those who could not be in attendance joined the celebration virtually to share the joy with their new fellow residents. Family and friends also gathered in support of the accomplishments of their loved ones.

It’s a celebration! Balloons and confetti rain down on Match Day, marking the thrilling start of these new residents’ journey into healthcare.

As the names of each incoming resident echoed through the halls, the air sparkled with falling confetti, marking the joyous beginning of their journey. This year’s Match Day is a special one as it signifies a decade of commitment to shaping the future of healthcare. Since its establishment in 2014, the Teaching Health Center has been the launching pad for 94 resident physicians’ careers. They each have gained invaluable experience in providing service in a community health center setting, particularly for underserved populations. CHI President and CEO, Blake Hall, shared his excitement about continuing the legacy with this newest class.

“We’re so excited to have this amazing class join us,” he said. “It means that you are committed to the community. It means that you are committed to South Florida, and we couldn’t be happier to have you!”

Teaching Health Center faculty and leadership wanted to kick off the tenth anniversary in a big way for the incoming class.

“As a young program celebrating its 10th anniversary, we wanted to make it grand and memorable,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Saint Anthony Amofah.

“We eagerly look forward to making this an amazing experience with these folks!”

President & CEO Message

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National Women’s Health Week is celebrated each year beginning on Mother’s Day, this year landing on May 12. It is a week to highlight and encourage women to make their health a priority. I am so grateful for the women in my life who have nurtured and poured love into me since I was a young child. I want to take the time to honor and thank them for their selfless acts of kindness. To the women we serve here at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI): You are the backbone of your families, ensuring that your children and partners are taken care of and guiding them to their appointments. This Women’s Health Week, I want to encourage you to prioritize yourself and your health. CHI offers comprehensive care, including primary care and women’s services. Make your appointment today at chisouthfl.org/appointment-requests. We would not be here without you, and we are so thankful!

This month, we celebrate another remarkable woman, Natalie Windsor, for her appointment as CHI’s Board Chair—the first woman to hold this position in CHI’s history. Windsor has dedicated 38 years to this organization, and no one is more deserving of this role. You’ll discover more about her inspiring journey in this newsletter.

In other exciting news, we had our annual Golf Tournament at the beautiful Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club on April 8. It coincided with the solar eclipse, offering golfers an exciting chance to catch the rare sight with their own eyes! By the end of the event, about $100,000 was raised to benefit children suffering from severe mental illness. I could not be prouder of the work that the CHI team has accomplished in turning this dream into a reality. Construction is now in full swing, and it is all thanks to you and your generous donations over the years. Let us continue to build towards a brighter future for these young lives and the South Florida community!

Yours Truly,

 

 

 

Blake Hall

Natalie Windsor Becomes First Female Chairperson of CHI Board of Directors

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Natalie Windsor, veteran CHI staffer becomes board chair

In nearly 40 years of service working on the CHI staff, Natalie Windsor has seen a lot. She was here after Hurricane Andrew ravaged South Dade.

“There were many employees who had nowhere to go after the storm,” remembered Windsor. “It was horrible, yet an impressive time to see how resilient our team was here at CHI. I had to manually type checks on a typewriter in urgent care because there was no electricity and the staff had to get paid.”

Windsor was recently voted in as Chairperson for the Board of Directors at CHI—the first time a woman has held the position in the organization’s more than 50-year history.

“I am very excited about this new opportunity,” she said. “I’ve served on the board now for years and enjoyed being part of the decision-making. I feel like I’m giving back to the community and that’s a great feeling.”

Windsor started at CHI in 1980 as an Executive Secretary to the Executive Director John Trenholm. Years later, she was promoted to Administrative Assistant by Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., the CEO at the time.

Over the years, she witnessed tremendous growth in CHI’s services, programs and centers under Hartley’s leadership.

“It was great to be part of the growth phase and know that we were expanding our reach to help even more people,” said Windsor.

Eventually, Windsor was promoted to Chief of Staff, a position she held until she retired in January 2018.

“I took a year off. But then I had to return,” joked Windsor. “Then I joined the board and that was surreal because for years in my role as Chief of Staff, I worked for the board. I knew every policy and procedure by heart, every bylaw. I could spout them off on demand!”

CEO Blake Hall said he looks forward to Windsor’s leadership. “Ms. Windsor has always been a rich source of information, almost like an encyclopedia on CHI,” said Hall. “She has demonstrated strong work ethic and devotion to CHI and we are so fortunate to have her still involved as the board chair.”

Our Compassionate Team Serving You

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Senior Deputy Chief of Security, Alfred Parker, outside the Doris Ison Health Center

Alfred Parker is CHI’s Senior Deputy Chief of Security and is otherwise known as “Chief Parker.” He began his career at CHI 21 years ago as a security officer. For two decades, he has dedicated his efforts to protecting staff and patients, creating a safe environment for all who walk through CHI’s doors. As Senior Deputy Chief, his duties include overseeing his security staff and reporting findings to the Chief of Security. Chief Parker thrives amidst the unique challenges of his job, finding joy in teamwork. With years of security experience, his role feels like second nature to him now. His primary goal is to advance CHI’s security department to better safeguard patients and staff members. Chief Parker enjoys working out, fishing and relaxing during his free time.

Alexander Guzman, RN, at the Doris Ison Health Center

Alexander Guzman, RN, serves as a registered nurse at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). He has worked at the Doris Ison Health Center for 4 years, initially starting as a volunteer. Guzman began his nursing career in 2018 after retiring from the hotel industry for 6 years. As a young child, he always had a desire to pursue nursing. He made that dream come true when he attended nursing school at Florida Career College and obtained his nursing license. Guzman is fulfilled knowing that he is working for an organization that takes care of the community and hopes to continue the mission that Doris Ison started more than 50 years ago. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Guzman spent a few years in New Jersey when he first immigrated to America. He enjoys traveling, skiing and being with family and friends.

 

Breaking the Chains: CHI’s Mission to End Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is the second most common criminal act in the Unites States behind drug trafficking.

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Giving Back: CHI’s Annual Event Provides Free Dental Care to Kids

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CHI dental hygienist, John Palacios, smiles with young patient Maggie Carrillo after her dental cleaning appointment .

CHI centers buzzed with excitement as children and parents eagerly awaited their appointments for Give Kids a Smile Day. This annual event offers free dental care to children ages 1-16 and this year 138 children received a range of dental services including cleanings, oral screenings, sealants and more. Since 2019, Give Kids A Smile Day has provided young patients with comprehensive care for their oral health needs. By offering these essential services free of charge, CHI proves its dedication to improving the well-being of the South Florida community.

CHI dentist, Dr. Malena Fernandez, saw firsthand the positive impact of dental education on these families.

“Many parents that come in are unaware that their children’s teeth should be flossed,” she said. “They are grateful for the information that we provide. We have a real opportunity to educate parents on improving their children’s oral hygiene.”

Dr. Fernandez also notes that about 90% of children and parents that come to this event are first-time patients of CHI. This creates an opportunity for patients to become familiar with CHI services and to consider it as their medical home.

“In the 5 years that I have participated in this event I always see patients return to CHI,” said Dr. Fernandez. “I just feel so grateful and happy that we could help these children with their oral health.”

President / CEO Message

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I am a patient here at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI). In fact, my wife and kids are also patients. When I think about the care that my family receives from the team at CHI, sometimes I get emotional. Our doctors, nurses and care team have watched my children grow from birth until now: at the ages of 11 and twins aged 9. They have been part of our lives through good times and bad, all the milestones and then some. The words “medical home” mean a lot to us. Oftentimes, as I’m out in the community, people approach me to tell me stories about how the team at CHI has made a difference in their lives and their families. It’s why I have built a career here as I know I am investing myself in changing lives. It’s a mission the team here believes in, and it shows in the care they provide.

March 29 is Doctors Day and it’s a time when we celebrate all our talented and dedicated physicians. Their path has not been easy to obtain all the knowledge and experience necessary to care for the rest of us. I hope you will take the time to thank your doctor for the high-quality, compassionate healthcare they provide to all of us.

Finally, you can be a part of ensuring access to care. I am hoping you will hit the green with me on April 8th at the world class, Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club for our annual golf tournament. You can register to play at chisouthfl.org/golf. It’s an event that you don’t want to miss as you can swing with celebrities and it’s all for a worthy cause. The money raised from the tournament will help us fund the Children’s Crisis Center, a place to treat kids with severe mental illness. We are already building this special place, and I’m enthusiastic about the progress and support. Let’s build together. We are investing in young lives. Little ones who will grow with us just as my family has and will continue to do thanks to the team at CHI.

Yours Truly,

 

 

 

Blake Hall