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 350,000 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.
The 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
Robert Epstein, Col (ret), USAFSecretary
John Miller, CPAImmediate Past Chair
Alandus Sims
Angel Thompson, MHA, BSN, NEA-BC, CCRN
Caryl LucarelliCedrick Williams
Charles Roberts
Chris Kay
Dave Riley
Jeffrey Kuhlman, MD
Jeffrey Nelson, DO
Jeremy VanWagnen
Jody McClure
Nancy Molello
Nazeema Khan-Assad, MD, FAAP
Wendy BrandonAt Shepherd’s Hope, we are privileged to have a dedicated and compassionate team committed to advancing our mission.
Kevin M. Klauer, DO, EJD, FACEP, FACOEPPresident and CEO
Kathy TurnerVice President of Philanthropy
Abby RiceSenior Director of Volunteer Services and Strategic Partnerships
Susan Eklin, RN, MBASenior Director of Clinical OperationsSteven M. Gallas, DOMedical Director
Erin Jacobson Director of GrantsJennifer CoeDevelopment Coordinator
Alexandria VelezDirector of Case ManagementSandra Allen, MBA, BSHAHealth Information Management Data AnalystStephanie LaBoyVolunteer Engagement Coordinator
Carla ReevesHealth Center Manager, Longwood
Shirley FernanderHealth Center Manager, Longwood
Zamona BacchusHealth Center Manager, Winter Garden
Tamara Shade, BSHAHealth Center Manager, Downtown
Genesis RiveraCase Manager, Diebel/Winter Garden
Myles Henderson, BSLead HIM Coordinator, LongwoodLindsay SchrammHIM Coordinator, DiebelTresutile ZamorFacilities Management Attendant