REQUEST
A CONSULTATION
CALL

OUR TEAM

MEET OUR TEAM

E

Ericka P. Cardoso, LMHC

CEO

Ericka graduated with a bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Religious Studies from FIU in 2008. She completed the course track for the BCaBA certification at FIU and has vast experience working with autistic children and domestic violence victims. While completing her certification experience, Ericka learned that many people do not have access to mental health services. That was why In 2012, Ericka founded Brighter Days Foundation International, a 501(c) 3 non-profit that gives low-income children and their families access to mental health services. Shortly after, Ericka received her Masters in Mental Health Counseling From Carlos Albizu University in 2015. Ericka has worked with different types of populations and diagnoses. She is passionate about both prevention and treatment, and firmly believes staying ahead of any disorder is the best way to successfully help her clients.

N

Dr. Natacha M. Padrino

Medical Director

Dr. Natacha Padrino, MD, is a Psychiatry Specialist in Miami, FL, and has over 37 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Universidad Central De Venezuela--Luis Razetti, Escuela De Medicine Luis Razetti medical school in 1984.

U

Ulysses Arteaga, LCSW

Clinical Director

Ulysses Arteaga joined the profession of Social Worker for the State Child Welfare after graduating with a bachelor's degree from Florida International University and; Master in Social Worker in 1992 from Barry University. He has since been working for Miami-Dade County in various programs on drug/crime prevention, adoption, the Hispanic population, and family preservation as a clinical social worker, among others. Director of the Miami-Dade County Refugee Services, where he supervises youth prevention and after-school programs, therapeutic summer camp, youth employment programs, and farmworker training.

His professional career outside his agency includes presenting at various conferences on youth issues, the Hispanic population, and group and family preservations. Below are a few conferences in which he has been a participant:
– Presenter in the Tenth Annual Barry University School of Social Worker Alumni on “Social Work Practice with Refugee Individuals and Families.”
– Presenter in the Refugee State Conference (Florida) on “Refugee Youth Services.”
– Presenter in the 44th Annual Florida Association of Child and Family Agencies (FACFA) Conference on “Cultural Sensitivity Issues in the Hispanic Population.”
– Presenter in Florida Chapter Association for Advancement of Social Work with Groups (Ninth Annual Spring). As the presenter, alternative experiential group activities were facilitated.

He is also active in various civic and cultural organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, and the Miami Grand Opera. He was a den leader for Boy Scouts troop 361. Outside of his professional interests, he likes to travel and enjoys nature and gourmet cooking.

R

Rosa Casali

BCBA

Rosa Casali, M.S., BCBA, Obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida International University in 2008. She then obtained her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Carlos Albizu University in 2012. Rosa is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has had the privilege of working with children and adolescents since 2004. Rosa has worked in the educational setting as an educator and a lesson plan developer, and a behavior modification specialist at school with preschool and elementary level students. Rosa has also worked as a counselor with minors of at-risk populations and in the home setting with families with special needs.

M

Martha Nunez Castro, BS

Case Manager

Martha achieved her Bachelor's in Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in 2020. She completed her medical assistant program at Fortis School in 2009, giving her extensive experience working with the elderly. She has comprehensive professional experience working with individuals who have severe and persistent psychiatric disabilities, including those with co-current substance abuse disorders. Working with these populations opened doors for her to serve as a forensic case manager, where she assisted clients in completing court-mandated programs and hearings, and helped them successfully remove legal holds to reintegrate back into society.


Martha is also a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Her time in the military gave her the experience to develop organizational skills she still implements in all of her programs. She is passionate about prevention and believes the greatest impact is made by approaching everything with empathy and compassion. Martha is currently pursuing her Master's Degree, in Healthcare Law at Florida International University.



READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?

 BOOK A CONSULTATION