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Community Health Center Directors and Staff

 

Timothy L. Wilson, DNP, APRN, FNP/PMHNP-BC

Director and Assistant Professor

Dr. Wilson is the Director and a Nurse Practitioner at the FAU Community Health Center in West Palm Beach and an Assistant Professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing in Boca Raton. He received his Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University and completed a Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s certificate at Middle Tennessee State University. He earned a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management, Leadership & Organizational Change from the School of Public Engagement at the New School for Social Research, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology, with honors, from Rutgers University.

Dr. Wilson has worked as a clinician in community health settings and as a psychiatric hospitalist in acute care and psychiatric hospitals. Additionally, he has been extensively involved in establishing, growing and managing primary care and psychiatric community health practices. Dr. Wilson has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses at Vanderbilt and MTSU, and served as a preceptor/clinical supervisor for dozens of advanced practice and undergraduate nursing students. Dr. Wilson’s academic interests concern the delivery of multidisciplinary, integrated physical and mental health services, health care access and retention, patient empowerment, and building sustainable clinical and community partnerships. Dr. Wilson’s recent research examined HIV stigma within healthcare settings and its implications for retention in care. He is active in many local and national organizations focused on healthcare quality and advancing nursing practice.

Dr. Wilson views his work with individuals and communities as both a privilege and an honor. However, nursing is Dr. Wilson’s second career. For more than 20 years, he enjoyed a successful career as an executive and trusted strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies, think-tanks and startups in technology, manufacturing, media, health care and advertising in New York, Los Angeles and San Diego. He recently relocated to South Florida from Tennessee with his dogs, Jack and Jesse.

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Lewis Green, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Green has worked with the FAU Community Health Center since 2011 as the Medical Director. He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1975 and worked in Family Practice in the states of Florida and Georgia before retiring from full time private practice in 2001. Dr. Green is passionate about helping the uninsured and underserved receive quality health care.  With that vision, he served on numerous community boards as a Director and Chairman to ensure the voice of patients are heard to understand what matters most to them, and develop solutions to reduce health inequities.  Dr. Green works closely with the Director and Nurse Practitioners as he brings his medical expertise to the Center as a Collaborating Physician and Medical Director.  Dr. Green is also affiliate faculty at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Clinical Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine both at Florida Atlantic University.  He enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren while volunteering for the veteran hospital a few times a month. 

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Shaunita Ervin , MBA

Finance and Budget Coordinator

Shaunita Ervin earned her BS in Finance from East Carolina University, and MBA in Healthcare Management from Fayetteville State University.  Previously, she was the Assistant Director of Finance and Administration at East Carolina University.  Shaunita brings her financial expertise to the FAU Community Health Center after working for two and half years in the Florida Atlantic University Research Accounting office.  As Finance Coordinator, she is responsible for leading overall financial strategy as well as manages aspects of financial operations in collaboration with director.  She providers support through grant management and clinical activities by proposing, implementing, and administering various sources of funding.  Shaunita also manages the Center’s human resources related functions. 

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Jessica Sodek, MSN, ARNP-BC, CDE

Clinical Director

Jessica Sodek, ARNP, completed her Masters of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. She is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). Her clinical interest includes diabetes care and nutrition with an affinity for health promotion and disease prevention. As the Clinical Director, she is responsible for leading overall clinical strategy as well as manages aspects of clinical operations with director.  Jessica’s experience includes over 12 years in acute care, pediatric oncology and nursing management in an outpatient clinical setting. In addition, she serves as clinical preceptor for health professional students.  Jessica is fluent in English and Spanish.  

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Julia McCarthy

Office Manager

 Julia Gorman is the Office Manager for the Community Health Care Center at Westgate.  Her past experience includes Assistant to the Activities Director for Independent and Assisted Living Facility as well as owned and operated a successful family business. She started with the clinic after completing a Medical Assistant Certification and was promoted to Office Manager in 2012. Julia is currently enrolled in an Insurance, Billing and Coding Certification Program. She oversees the day to day operations of the clinic, supervises and evaluates staff, coordinates outside referrals, and business operations.  

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Helen C. Romanacce, MSW,

Coordinator, Social Services

Helen Romanacce’s education includes a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Aging Certificate from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Inter-American University in San Juan, PR.  She is a Florida Registered Clinical Social Work Intern and Field Instructor for FAU School of Social Work. In addition, she serves as clinical preceptor for health professional students s, as part of the FAU Community Health Center’s Interprofessional community engagement training experience.   She will begin graduate studies at the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters in the fall with a concentration on Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Helen has an eight-year track record in the non-profit industry providing services for the underserved population and has been with FAU since 2008. She is bi-lingual in English and Spanish.

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Patricia Dittman, PhD, RN, CDE

Health Care Outcomes Coordinator and

Certified Diabetes Educator

Patricia Dittman holds a PhD and MSN in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and is also a nationally Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). Patricia’s research focus is on the Impact of Attitude and Empowerment as Predictors of Diabetes Self-management. She is an adjunct professor with FAU’s Christine E. Lynne College of Nursing and Nova Southeastern Universities’ College of Nursing. Her Nursing Administrative experience includes 17 years in acute care and 10 years in an academic setting. Currently she is a Magnet appraiser for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) evaluating hospital facilities for Magnet status..  Patricia provides coordinated care with a focus on -population health through; monitoring, evaluating and navigating the health care system for ensure quality care that is personalized to each person’s need to improve health outcomes. In addition, she serves as clinical preceptor for health professional students.

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Daryl Hobbs, MS, ARNP-BC, CDE

Family Nurse Practitioner

Daryl Hobbs is a Family Nurse Practitioner who is board certified in family practice. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in nursing from FAU. Daryl is a clinician and a nationally Certified Diabetes Educator currently practicing at the FAU Community Health Center. In addition, she serves as clinical preceptor for health professional students. Her prior experience includes over 19 years in the capacity of supervisor and practitioner at a medical clinic in Haiti. Daryl is fluent in English and Haitian Creole. 

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Andra Opalinski, PhD, ARNP, CPNP-PC, NC-BC

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Professor

Andra Opalinski is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner.  She graduated with a Master of Science degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Florida and her PhD in nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Andra’s research focus is on health promotion for the child and family, health promotion and health outcomes for persons experiencing homelessness, faith community nursing and effectiveness of nurse coaching. Her prior experience includes over 5 years of in-patient pediatric care and over 15 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She has experience in school based health working to improve both health outcomes and educational outcomes through supporting health.  

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Michael Dumeng

Medical Assistant

Michael joined the FAU Community Health Center in 2014, initially as a volunteer, and commenced as a Medical Assistant in 2015. He works at the front desk ensuring patient intake, registration, check in/out procedures are all carried out at a first class level. Michael has been training in patient care, and enjoys his interaction with patients as he measures their vitals and records their information in preparation for the Nurse Practitioner’s appointment. Michael carries out many patient responsibilities such as: assisting with examinations, medication preparation, lab work, and nursing as directed by the Health Care Provider on duty.  Michael is fluent in English and Spanish.

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Lesley Decker

Executive Assistant to Dr. Wilson, Project Specialist

Lesley brings to the FAU Community Health Center many years of administrative experience working in the corporate world, and faith based organizations, as Executive Assistant to CEOs worldwide. She has a heart for the needy and is pleased to have the opportunity to be making a difference with her skill base assisting Dr. Wilson and the CHC team succeed in every way possible. As Project Specialist, Lesley works with the Leadership Team to enhance the Center’s growth potential and vision for the future. She also coordinates Credentialing and Contracting. Lesley is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with FAU as she is an artist, sculptor and 3D designer.

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Sean Mohammed

Research Assistant   

Sean Mohammed is currently Dr. Eugenia Millender’s Research Assistant for the Community Health Center at Westgate. His past includes, becoming a recent graduate of Florida Atlantic University, and gaining research experience as a Directed Independent Study student while enrolled as an undergraduate. Sean started with the clinic in June of 2016. His duties include collecting and analyzing data for academic research, preparing monthly reports to identify trends within the Community Health Center, and supporting the leadership data mining for funding opportunities. He also works closely with the College of Nursing Statistician and the Director of the Community Health Center.

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Florence Knight-Jones

Community Liaison

Florence commenced as Diabetes & Hypertension Community Liaison and Team Leader for the FAU Community Health Center Outreach Team in August 2014. Florence has over 30 years’ experience in the medical industry, and is a Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist, Behavioral Assistant and Medical Assistant. Florence has worked alongside our partners for many years, and enjoys expanding the FAU Community Health Center’s community engagement in the West Palm Beach region to improve the health of its citizens.

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Annie Kelly

Medical Assistant – Outreach Team

Annie has been employed by the FAU Community Health Center since August 2015 with the Outreach Team. She has been a Nursing Assistant for over 5 years and Nurse Companion for those with Dementia for over 15 years. She is also a registered Phlebotomist and HIV Counselor. Annie works with team members and students as they provide health screenings for the community.

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Fabianka De Jesus Rosa

Medical Assistant

Fabianka has been employed by the FAU Community Health Center's Outreach Team since August 2014. Fabianka is a CNA, Phlebotomy technician, Electrocardiograph aide, Med Tech and HIV Counselor. Fabianka works with the Outreach Team members and on the front desk inside the Health Center alongside our Providers.  She is bilingual in English and Spanish.  In her free time Fabianka enjoys spending time with the family, visiting the beach, cooking, and reading.