Leadership

Dr. Jessica Ruiz leads BHAB’s talented team of licensed psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors. She obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) where her training focused on motivational evidenced-based treatment of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. She completed her internship, postdoctoral training and was a junior faculty member at Yale University’s Division of Substance Abuse where she obtained additional clinical experience with the treatment of serious mental illness and addictive behaviors. She specializes in addiction, trauma and PTSD, depression, mood disorders and LGBTQ+ issues.

Barbara Welte-Di Pietro came to Goodman JFS from the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center where she experienced the many facets of the non-profit ​industry. She also brings 20 years of for-profit experience, including owning her own business. She graduated with her Bachelor degree from Lynchburg University and continued her education in business at Walden University where she obtained her Master of Business Administration and Accounting. Although she is skilled in finance, her true commitment is to the non-profit mission and making a difference in the community.

Eric Troy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor with the State of Florida in the fields of Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. He also received graduate training in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ and EMDR therapy at Trauma Recovery, EMDR/Humanitarian Assistance Programs in Hamden, CT.

Lisette Palmero oversees the Financial Assistance Program, RAK PAK and the Intake Department which assist over 1,000 Broward County residents with emergency funds for rent, utilities and other essential needs. She brings over 20 years of social service experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Florida International University and a Master of Health Administration with a specialty in Gerontology from University of Phoenix.

Ross Adel oversees the daily operations of The Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard food pantry which serves over 600 homebound seniors, Holocaust survivors and those suffering from food insecurity within Broward County’s Jewish community. Adel brings over 25 years of food and beverage experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University where he was a member of the Silver Key Honor Society and member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Claudia Welsh leads the Development team with an unwavering approach to building and cultivating relationships that result in long-term, high-level donor engagement. Specializing in major gifts, she brings extensive experience in strategic planning and effective fundraising practices that garner substantial community and corporate support. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from George Washington University. She also received graduate training in Leadership and Change Management from Cornell University and Executive Leadership from Vanderbilt University.

DeAnna Arana comes to Goodman JFS with over a decade of successful fundraising experience. Originally from New York, Arana worked for several nonprofits, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and New Visions for Public Schools in New York City. She moved to South Florida in 2014 to work at Florida International University as the Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences where she was responsible for raising funds from corporations, foundations and individuals. Prior to her position at Goodman JFS, Arana was the Director of Annual Giving at St. Thomas University, raising funds to support the university’s greatest needs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Albany and a Master of Public Administration from Long Island University.

Jonathan Feliz has over 16 years of Human Resources experience, seven of which were spent in various management positions at Hilton Hotels. Feliz serves as an important strategic partner and fundamental link between the agency’s leadership team and its employees. A native of the Dominican Republic, Feliz holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra in Dominican Republic and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Centro de Estudios Financieros CEF in Madrid, Spain. He is also certified by the HR Certification Institute.