Meet Your Florida Care Services Team
Our local care services team helps the Chapter fulfill its mission of patient care, advocacy, awareness, and funding research. Each has a designated geographic area in the state within which they provide the services and programs across the continuum of care to promote quality of life for people living with ALS and their families in Florida. View the care services territory map of Florida here.
Heran Sisay, MA | Managing Director, Care Services, Southeast Territory | heran.sisay@als.org | 888.257.1717 x103
Heran Sisay joined The ALS Association Florida Chapter in January 2005. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Gerontology, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Social Administration. Working as a postsecondary educator in the field of Sociology, Heran acquired teaching and research experience. She completed a graduate internship with Florida’s Area Agency on Aging where she added practical case management and knowledge of state and federal programs, including long-term care services and insurance for older adults and disabled individuals, to her experience. In November of 2022, Heran became the Managing Director of Care Services, Southeast Territory.
Marixa Salgado, MSW | Director, Care Services, Southeast Territory (Florida) | marixa.salgado@als.org | 305.697.3482
Marixa Salgado received her Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services in Tarrytown, New York – she has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication with a minor in Theology. Before moving to Florida in 2004, Marixa worked with the homeless population of men over 35 as a Psychiatric Social Worker and as a Case Management Supervisor, with Volunteers of America in Chester, NY. Since arriving in Florida, Marixa has worked as a Professor in the University of Central Florida’s School of Social Work as well as with several other non-profit organizations. Marixa also facilitated Case Management Academy, a training program that was done in collaboration with The Heart of Florida United Way, to train case managers in East Central Florida how to serve their clients from a Social Work perspective. Marixa has served on several non-profit Boards in her community and in May 2014 joined the Florida Chapter. In November of 2022, Marixa became the Director of Care Services, Southeast Territory serving Florida.
Tina Duane | Associate Director, Care Services, Southeast Territory (Florida) | tina.duane@als.org | 305-697-3782
Tina joined the Florida Chapter in April 2019 with 12 years of experience serving the neuromuscular and ALS community. Coming from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Tina attended two weekly multidisciplinary clinics, served on various National work group committees developing new policies and procedures, ran their largest equipment loan program, facilitated ALS support groups, was the Summer Camp Director for the MDA Summer Camp serving 120 campers, and was the healthcare liaison for 9 counties. Tina is the liaison for the Phil Smith Neuroscience Institute at Holy Cross ALS clinic and the West Palm Beach VA ALS clinic and also facilitates 2 monthly support groups! In May of 2023, Tina became the Associate Director of Care Services, Southeast Territory (Florida).Tina enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, 2 cats and a dog, as well as going to the beach, visiting different restaurants (she loves trying new food) and traveling.
Tina works with the following counties: Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee.
Melissa Alcime MBA, MSW | Program Manager, Northwest Florida | melissa.alcime@als.org | 239-268-0164
Melissa Alcime became a part of the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association in October 2022. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Melissa is determined to be a Social Worker who assists people of all walks of life. She is passionate about helping those in need and hopes to empower each person she meets. Additionally, Melissa enjoys spending time with friends and family as she embarks on spontaneous adventures by way of travelling the world.
Melissa works with the following counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Alachua, Marion, Citrus and Sumter.
Sharleen Caro | Program Manager, Southwest Florida | sharleen.caro@als.org | 813-582-7070
Sharleen joined The ALS Association Florida Chapter in February 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Lehman College in New York. While living in her home town of New York City, Sharleen worked in several health and social services agencies including Visiting Nurse Service of New York and the Hospital for Special Surgery. Since arriving in Florida in 2017, she has worked for the Area Agency on Aging and for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Her passion is assisting people with debilitating illnesses to navigate the system of care. Sharleen is most proud of her miracle child who gives her life and purpose. During her free time Sharleen enjoys spending time with her family and going to Broadway plays.
Sharleen works with the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota.
Lauren LaMar M.Ed, BS | Care Services Manager, Southeast Territory (Florida) | lauren.lamar@als.org | 813-798-6601
Lauren LaMar is the Care Services Manager covering West Central Florida and is the liaison for the USF ALS Clinic and Tampa VA Clinic. Lauren received her Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia and her Bachelor of Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Lauren has more than a decade of experience in health administration and extensive knowledge of state standards such as AHCA, Medicaid and other regulatory agencies. Lauren also has experience working with spinal cord injury survivors and people with various traumatic brain injuries.Lauren has knowledge of state and federal programs, including long-term care services and insurance for older adults and disabled individuals. Lauren is the Chapter liaison at ALS clinics, facilitates support groups each month and is proud to be apart of The ALS Association Southeast team.
Lauren works with the following counties: Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk.
Brittney Mullins, MSW | Manager, Care Services, Southeast Territory (Florida) | brittney.mullins@als.org | 904-670-1756
Brittney joined the ALS Association Florida Chapter in July 2023. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Britney began her journey working with the ALS community several years ago as a Walk to Defeat ALS volunteer. In 2018, Brittney began coordinating clinical research trials for ALS and neuromuscular diseases. Since then, Brittney has coordinated several ALS clinical trials and worked closely with people living with ALS and their families to advance the fight against ALS. As a member of the Florida Care Services team, Brittney’s goal is to ensure that people living with ALS and their families are empowered, supported, and receive any services needed throughout their ALS journey.
Brittney works with the following counties: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, Suwannee, St. Johns, and Union.
Alysia Nunez, BA, MA | Care Services Manager, Southeast Territory (Florida) | alysia.nunez@als.org | 352-717-4767
Alysia Nunez became a part of the ALS Association in May of 2023. She received her Masters of Arts Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball state University Graduate School in Indiana. She has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration with the Therapeutic Recreation Option from Kean University in New Jersey. Alysia has experience in serving individuals from all different populations. Including intellectual and developmental disabilities, Muscular Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and TBI populations. She also has experience collaborating with other professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Physical Therapists. During her free time, Alysia enjoys taking her dog outdoors, being with family and taking staycations. Alysia is determined to make a difference in others' lives and will continue to do everything she can for the patients and their families here at the ALS Association.
Alysia works with the following counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia.
Kimberly San Martin | Program Manager, South Florida | kimberly.sanmartin@als.org | 305-697-3105
Kimberly has worked for 7 years in a variety of social service and mental health settings, from suicide prevention programs for LatinX and minority teens to inmate rehabilitation programs. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University, she transitioned into her Master in Social Work at Fordham University. Kimberly’s passion is to serve underprivileged communities, empower all those she comes across, and provide emotional support to her loved ones and clients. Kimberly also enjoys exercising and game nights with her friends.
Kimberly works with the following counties: Miami-Dade and Monroe.
Jackie Kouri-Mathews | Care Services Administrator | Jackie.kouri-mathews@als.org | 813-497-4502
After growing up in Illinois, Jackie received a B.A. in Business from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon graduating, she moved to the heart of Chicago and worked for corporate America. Realizing she needed a little more space, she moved to Colorado. In both states, Jackie mentored and interacted with students daily for 15 years. Then, she moved to Florida to be at our Chapter. Always loving being in the position of helping others, her favorite quote is "Service to humanity is service to God," by Lailah Gifty Akita. In her leisure time, Jackie enjoys exploring the Florida outdoors with her husband. She is most proud of her four children, three of whom are engineers and one an artist.
Jackie manages Florida’s Financial Assistance/Grant program.
Carmen Fuster | Equipment Loan Program Coordinator | carmen.fuster@als.org | 813-544-0761
Carmen grew up in New York City, where she married and started to raise her children. She worked at Mount Sinai Medical Center and St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital for 11 years. In 2005, Carmen and her family moved to Cape Coral where she finished raising her children. Carmen has worked at Lee Memorial in the Case Management/Discharge department and at Cape Coral Hospital. Prior to joining The ALS Association, Carmen spent 10 years at the The Lee County Clerk’s Office and then joined the Florida Chapter in September 2022. Carmen enjoys spending time with her 6 adult children, cooking, and trying new recipes.
Carmen manages Florida’s Equipment Loan Program.
