Our Story

Shepherd's Hope Original Opening

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.

Dr. William S. Barnes

Through Community, We Have Blossomed

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.

We have provided more than 330,000 medical visits at no cost

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 services

Board of Directors

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.

Board of Directors

  • john miller headshotJohn Miller, CPAChair
  • Placeholder imageJamie Lynch, APRNImmediate Past-Chair
  • Placeholder imageWilliam Mullowney, ESQChair-Elect
  • Rick Allen headshotRick AllenTreasurer
  • Placeholder imageBrian Wagner, ESQSecretary
  • dr alberto torres headshotDr. Adalberto Torres Jr., MS, FAAP, FCCM
  • Alandus Sims headshotAlandus Sims
  • Angel Thompson headshotAngel Thompson, MHA, BSN, NEA-BC, CCRN
  • Placeholder imageCarlos Escobar, MBA, CHCIO
  • Placeholder imageCaryl Lucarelli
  • Placeholder imageCedrick Williams
  • Placeholder imageCharles Roberts
  • Cherlette McCullough headshotCherlette McCullough, LMFT
  • Placeholder imageDomenic Meffe
  • Isabelle Otero headshotIsabelle Otero, CRPC
  • Jean Florell headshotJean Florell
  • Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman headshotDr. Jeffrey Kuhlman
  • Jody McClure headshotJody McClure
  • Placeholder imageLynetta Tipton Steed
  • Nazeema Khan-Assad headshotDr. Nazeema Khan-Assad, FAAP
  • Placeholder imagePeggy Parish
  • Robert Epstein headshotRobert Epstein, Col (ret), USAF
  • tom williams headshotTom Williams
  • Wendy Brandon headshotWendy Brandon
  • Placeholder imageWilliam McClusky, CPA

Emeritus Members

  • Andrea Batchelor
  • Chirag Kabrawala, ESQ
  • Christy Ashby
  • Claire Founier
  • Dr. Ted Hamilton
  • Dr. Thad Seymour, Jr.
  • Gail Clark-Bittman
  • Jayne Willis, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
  • Michael Raddick
  • Ronald W. Sikes
  • Terry McCorvie

Our Team

Shepherd’s Hope Staff

At Shepherd’s Hope, we are privileged to have a dedicated and compassionate team committed to advancing our mission.

  • Placeholder imageDr. Steven M. Gallas, DOMedical Director
  • Placeholder imageDr. William S. BarnesFounder
  • Donna Walsh headshotDonna J. WalshPresident & CEO
    donna.walsh@shepherdshope.org
  • Amy Pennock headshotAmy PennockVice President of Finance
    amy.pennock@shepherdshope.org
  • Abby RiceVice President of Operations
    abby.rice@shepherdshope.org
  • rosie miller headshotRosie MillerVice President of Philanthropy
    rosie.miller@shepherdshope.org
  • monica vangundy headshotMonica VanGundyDirector of Development & Communications
    monica.vangundy@shepherdshope.org
  • Khadesia Brown headshotKhadesia BrownDirector of Community Programs
    khadesia.brown@shepherdshope.org
  • Placeholder imageAyesha ButtDirector of Foundations, Trusts & Grants
    ayesha.butt@shepherdshope.org
  • Brenda Vasquez headshotBrenda VasquezClinical Services Manager
  • alexandria velez headshotAlexandria VelezCase Management Manager
  • sandra allen headshotSandra AllenHealth Information Data Analyst
  • Placeholder imageRachael OneyDevelopment Coordinator
  • Placeholder imageStephanie BradfordVolunteer Coordinator
  • Placeholder imageCarla ReevesHealth Center Manager, Longwood
  • Placeholder imageShirley FernanderHealth Center Manager, Longwood
  • Zamona Bacchus headshotZamona BacchusHealth Center Manager, Winter Garden
  • Tamara Shade headshotTamara ShadeHealth Center Manager, Diebel
  • Placeholder imageNicole ClarkCase Manager, Longwood
  • Genesis Rivera headshotGenesis RiveraCase Manager, Diebel/Winter Garden
  • Placeholder imageAndrea Taboada MendezCase Manager, Winter Garden
  • emily mosquera headshotEmily MosqueraCase Manager, Downtown
  • Robin Vogel, PA headshotRobin VogelClinical Quality Manager
  • Placeholder imageTricia ChavezHealth Insurance Marketplace Navigator (PCAN)
  • Placeholder imageJocelyn UlloaFront Desk Receptionist
  • Myles Henderson headshotMyles HendersonHIM Coordinator, Longwood
  • Manasi Joseph headshotManasi JosephHIM Coordinator, Longwood
  • Placeholder imageAdrian Rodriguez HIM
  • Placeholder imageLindsay SchrammHIM Coordinator
  • Placeholder imageMariana ValdezHIM Coordinator
  • Placeholder imageTresutile ZamorFacilities Management Attendant

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