Community Health Center Directors and Staff
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
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Dr. Karethy Edwards, DrPH, FNP-BC, FAAN
CEO/Executive Director
Dr. Karethy Edwards has over 40 years of practice and teaching experience. She has received over $6 million in external funding for research and educational practice training grants from the Health Resources Service Administration. She is the project director of the Florida Atlantic University Northwest Community Health Alliance (FAU/NCHA) Community Health Center’s designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike. Dr. Edwards has extensive experience and knowledge of primary and mental health care services and providing healthcare services to diverse populations as a provider of primary care, consultant, board member of a community health center, and Director Clinical Operations of Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Women’s Health Services at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing. In her role as CEO/ Executive Director of the FAU/NCHA Community Health Center, Dr. Edwards seeks to decrease health disparities, improve health outcomes and provide high-quality compassionate care to all persons who seek care.
Dr. Karen Wisdom-Chambers, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Assistant Director
Dr. Kareen Wisdom-Chambers is an alumna of Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing (BSN 2007), (MSN 2009) and (DNP 2013). She is an Assistant Professor on the practice teaching track. Dr. Chambers has been a registered nurse since 2002 and a board-certified family nurse practitioner since 2009. Dr. Chambers has worked in several areas of nursing including community health, cardiac, medical-surgical, medical psychiatry, and neuro/telemetry. Her areas of interest are integrated primary and mental health care and community health: Improving access to care in underserved communities. Her nursing experience includes homecare, medical-surgical, cardiac, orthopedic, neurosurgery, medical-psychiatric, and primary care. Karen is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, Association of Black Nursing Faculty, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Black Nurse Practitioners of Palm Beach County.
Jessica Mendez, MSN, APRN FNP-BC, CDE
Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Educator
Jessica Mendez, APRN, 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 the overall clinical strategy as well as managing aspects of clinical operations with the 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 the clinical preceptor for health professional students. Jessica is fluent in English and Spanish.
Dr. Patricia Dittman, PhD, RN, CDE
RN Healthcare Outcomes Coordinator & Certified Diabetes Educator
Patricia Dittman received her PhD and MSN from Florida Atlantic University. She also has a Bachelor's degree from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I. She has been a nursing leader for many years in the acute care and academic settings, both undergraduate and graduate programs. She is currently a contributing faculty member at Walden University. Dr. Dittman is also a Magnet Appraiser for the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a nationally certified diabetes educator.
Dr. Vincent Abad, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Vincent Abad is a psychiatrist, a primary care doctor for the mind. He provides care the psychological well-being of men and women, with an ability to diagnose and help manage all of the different types of mental illness. These might include things like depressive disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorders, for example. Dr. Abad may provide treatments covering anything from medication management plans to unique forms of therapy.
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.
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.
Kayla Sokolowski
Community Health Navigator
Kayla obtained her bachelors of psychology from Roger Williams University. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at FAU. She has worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital (Pembroke Hospital) for three years as a mental health associate. Kayla is a certified targeted case manager in the state of Florida and has three years of case management experience. She is currently a member of the Promise Fund of Florida which aims to reduce and prevent breast and cervical cancer through early detection.
Would you like to make a donation to further our work in the community? You can visit the FAU Foundation Pledge Page to make a donation online. Please specify “Other” and designate your donation to “FAU/NCHA Community Health Center”. If you prefer, you can donate by sending a check: Mail to: The FAU/NCHA Community Health Center 1650 Osceola Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Please make your checks payable to: The FAU Foundation Memo: FAU/NCHA Community Health Center
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On behalf of our Director, staff, and all those that utilize our services, we would like to say…
Thank You!!