In 1996, Dr. William S. Barnes of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church was vacationing in Sanibel Island, Florida. During one of his regular walks along the beach, Dr. Barnes was thinking and meditating when he felt a divine calling. God was instructing Dr. Barnes to aid individuals and families without access to medical care. Trusting that God would guide him when the time is right, Dr. Barnes shared the message with his congregation. Within six months, thanks to a staff of volunteers, the first Shepherd’s Hope Health Center opened its doors on February 14, 1997.
As news spread about the new volunteer-based healthcare center, the response was overwhelming. Families were driving long distances to receive free, quality, medical care from the licensed medical provider and general volunteers.Partners in the community, hospitals, faith organizations, corporate sponsors, saw the need and responded as well. Because of these powerful partnerships, today, Shepherd's Hope operates four medical health centers in Central Florida.
Shepherd’s Hope patients have income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, are uninsured, and are not eligible for government-assisted health care programs. Utilizing these criteria, Shepherd’s Hope has provided more than 330,000 free medical visits and patient services since first opening in 1997.Patients receive access to acute and specialty care and wellness programming to help aid in their health journeys. After treatments, our patients receive case management to ensure their health needs are met as we work to assist the patient in finding a permanent medical home. Area hospitals accept our patient referrals without compensation for routine laboratory and radiology services. These partnerships also allow for advanced care in areas such as neurological or orthopedic consultation, and even surgery.
Our healthcare servicesThe Board of Directors is comprised of distinguished individuals dedicated to our shared mission to provide free, quality healthcare to the uninsured. We are here to serve those in need.
By providing accessible healthcare, we are building healthier and more vibrant communities.
William Mullowney, ESQChair
Tom WilliamsChair-Elect
Rick AllenTreasurer
John Miller, CPAImmediate Past Chair
Alandus Sims
Angel Thompson, MHA, BSN, NEA-BC, CCRNCaryl LucarelliCedrick WilliamsCharles Roberts
Cherlette McCullough, LMFTDave Riley
Dr. Jeffrey KuhlmanDr. Jeffrey NelsonJeremy Vanwagden
Jody McClureNancy Molello
Dr. Nazeema Khan-Assad, FAAP
Robert Epstein, Col (ret), USAF
Wendy BrandonAt Shepherd’s Hope, we are privileged to have a dedicated and compassionate team committed to advancing our mission.
Dr. Steven M. Gallas, DOMedical Director
Donna J. WalshPresident & CEOBarbara ChiorazziVice President of Finance
Abby RiceVice President of Operations
Rosie MillerVice President of Philanthropy
Monica VanGundyDirector of Development & Communications
Khadesia BrownDirector of Community ProgramsAyesha ButtDirector of Foundations, Trusts & Grants
Alexandria VelezCase Management Manager
Sandra AllenHealth Information Data AnalystRachael OneyDevelopment CoordinatorLibby AllenDevelopment CoordinatorCarla ReevesHealth Center Manager, LongwoodShirley FernanderHealth Center Manager, Longwood
Zamona BacchusHealth Center Manager, Winter Garden
Tamara ShadeHealth Center Manager, DiebelNicole ClarkCase Manager, Longwood
Genesis RiveraCase Manager, Diebel/Winter Garden
Emily MosqueraCase Manager, DowntownTricia ChavezHealth Insurance Marketplace Navigator (PCAN)Jocelyn UlloaFront Desk Receptionist
Myles HendersonHIM Coordinator, Longwood
Manasi JosephHIM Coordinator, LongwoodAdrian Rodriguez HIM Coordinator, Winter GardenLindsay SchrammHIM Coordinator, DiebelMariana ValdezHIM Coordinator, DowntownTresutile ZamorFacilities Management Attendant