Advisory Board
Our advisory board is made up of health professionals, members of the business community, and advocates from leading patient advocacy organizations. Our members have demonstrated a commitment to serving and improving the lives of vulnerable Floridians. If you’re interested in adding your voice to our leadership team, please contact us at info@forflhealth.org.
Dave Almeida
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
“With no warning, life-threatening conditions like cancer can turn any family’s life upside down. People don’t choose when to get cancer. When the absolute worst happens, Floridians should be able to spend their time healing instead of figuring out how to afford cancer treatment without insurance.”
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Dave Almeida serves as one of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s four state government affairs directors in the field and also heads up the department’s health equity initiative. Prior to coming to LLS in November of 2016, Dave served as the executive director and lobbyist for the South Carolina chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness from 2000–2007. He then went to work for the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. from 2007–2015, where he worked in advocacy and professional relations.
Leah Barber-Heinz
Susan G. Komen (Southeast)
Sarah Catalanotto
Suwannee River Area Health Education Center
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Sarah Catalanotto has been with Suwannee River Area Health Education Center since 2011, where she currently serves as the Executive Director. In this role, she plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the center’s programming and day-to-day operations. In addition, Sarah assists with grant writing, developing and managing the organization’s budgets, and coordinating two statewide and two national associations. Prior to working at Suwannee River AHEC, she was a Tobacco Prevention Specialist within the Alachua County Health Department’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program and served as a Community Coordinator for the Chronic Disease Program. Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from Flagler College. Following her passion for healthcare and access to care, she pursued a degree in Public Health from the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions.
David Chase
Small Business Majority
“Small businesses consistently rank the cost of healthcare as a top challenge they face, and many are unable to offer health coverage to their employees. Fixing this problem would be a boon to small businesses and their employees.”
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David Chase directs Small Business Majority's outreach team members across the nation in their work organizing and engaging small business owners. He also directs Small Business Majority's state policy and advocacy and our national and state healthcare policy work. Before joining Small Business Majority more than 10 years ago, he served for more than four years in the office of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, where he built coalitions with businesses and other stakeholder groups to advance the governor's agenda. David was part of the team responsible for building the coalition behind Governor Schwarzenegger's 2007 bipartisan healthcare reform proposal.
Adrian Diaz, M.D.
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Dr. Diaz is a General Surgery resident at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, IHPI Clinician Scholar, and fellow at the IHPI Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy (CHOP). He is from Miami, Florida and studied at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health. During medical school, he worked on research and public policy for electronic cigarettes at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Additionally, he has researched and written about global surgery, medical education, and healthcare delivery.
Deborah L. Foote, MPA
Florida Psychological Association
“Most people in Florida care deeply about community, and an often neglected community need is mental health services. Florida needs policies and practices that increase health resources and access to improved mental health. All residents need quality health coverage to get their mental health services. Our coalition supports each other because we know all kinds of health access is essential to the whole community's health.”
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Deborah brings over 25 years of nonprofit and government affairs experience to FPA, both as an organizational leader and consultant. A former New Hampshire State Representative, Deborah has held leadership positions within state government and both for-profit and non-profit organizations, including those who serve individuals with behavioral health needs. Deborah has been honored several times for her work, including receiving the Award for Legislative Excellence from the Colorado Public Health Association in 2009. Deborah earned her BA in Sociology from Bowdoin College and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire.
Susan Harbin
American Cancer Society Cancer—Action Network
“Barriers to affordable, quality health care continue to drive higher cancer mortality rates in Black, Latino, and rural communities across our state. We know that most cancers are curable if caught early, and it’s only caught early if it’s screened for, which requires appropriate health insurance. Florida can be the next state to create a path to affordable health care so everyone can have an equal chance at surviving such a horrible disease. We’re proud to work with the For Florida’s Health coalition to make that change and be the voice for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.”
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Susan Harbin is the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) Senior Director for Government Relations in Florida. Prior to her role at ACS CAN, she served as Deputy Director of Public Policy at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), advocating for Florida’s counties before the state and federal governments. During her tenure with FAC, Ms. Harbin covered issues relating to health care and human services, agriculture, environment, growth management, and transportation. Prior to joining FAC, Ms. Harbin served as Legislative Counsel for the Broward County Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Professional Standards. She is a 2009 graduate of the Florida State University College of Law and has a degree in Environmental Economics and Management from the University of Georgia. Ms. Harbin is a native of Rome, Georgia and now resides in Tallahassee.
Tiffany McCaskill Henderson
American Heart Association
“American Heart Association supports Floridians' health through education, awareness, and advocacy on the treatment, management and prevention of heart disease and stroke. We need policies and practices that increase access to affordable health care and education on self-management of care so that health care is accessible to all.”
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Tiffany McCaskill Henderson currently serves as the Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association (AHA). Tiffany is based in Tallahassee and advocates on behalf of AHA’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Tiffany leads the efforts of AHA’s policy priorities in Florida by monitoring legislation including tobacco, quality systems of care, access to care and preemptions as well as working with local communities on policy development. Before joining AHA, Tiffany spent 10 years in the Florida Association of Counties public policy division, representing local government issues. Tiffany has experience working alongside county commissioners, county staff and stakeholders in protecting home rule - the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. In her role she worked closely with rural counties throughout Florida, and she managed the federal advocacy program, including advocating for CARES funding to counties. Tiffany is a graduate of The Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science/minor Pre-law, and she holds a Juris Master’s degree in Legal Risk Management & HR Compliance from The Florida State University College of Law.
Natalie Kline
American Cancer Society Cancer—Action Network
“Where you live shouldn’t determine if you live but unfortunately, that continues to be the case for too many Floridians because of the significant barriers to accessing affordable, quality health care. The legislature can change this by adopting proven policies that give everyone their best chance at surviving a disease like cancer. On behalf of all families touched by cancer across the state, we look forward to working with the For Florida’s Health coalition to make such a reality possible for thousands of families struggling to access and receive the health care coverage they need.”
Ashley Lyerly
American Lung Association
“American Lung Association supports Floridians' health by promoting lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. Florida needs policies and practices that are equitable and effective so that Floridians can lead healthy life. We joined For Florida's Health Coalition because we want individuals to access quality and affordable healthcare.”
David Poole
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
“Barriers to healthcare access are widespread and require immediate and sustained action from our elected officials at all levels. The healthcare community, which most importantly includes our patients, must raise our voices in unison to shine a bright light on these complex health system issues, or there will be no change. We must demand reforms to payer systems and must leverage all payers and players to create a total and true safety net for all persons in need of care, treatment and preventive health services.”
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David Poole has worked with persons living with HIV disease for over 22 years now. In 1992 David began volunteering at a local AIDS Service Organization, Big Bend Cares, in Tallahassee and went on to become their Clinical Coordinator over case management. This job led to an opportunity with the Florida Department of Health, where he ultimately managed the statewide HIV Patient Care program from 1993-2005 (this program included ADAP and HOPWA). In 2005 David left the public sector for an opportunity at Gilead Sciences, where he worked in National Accounts and Government Affairs for 9 years and was responsible for teams that covered the entire U.S. with the purpose of ensuring optimal access to life-saving medications for HIV and other life-threatening illnesses. In late 2013 David joined the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, where he continues to work in the area of public policy and legislative affairs for the Southern Bureau.
Donna Sabatino
The AIDS Institute
“The AIDS Institute is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes action for social change through public policy, research, advocacy, and education. As a nurse, I often see the inequities in our healthcare delivery model. Social determinants of health impact the care received by many in our communities. Florida needs policies and practices that support all Floridians with all health-related complications and that will improve the health and well-being of our residents across race, gender, age, and income. We plan to continue to work with our elected officials to help them understand the importance of equitable and affordable healthcare. When we begin to consider the needs of all Floridians, we will get closer to the shared vision of quality healthcare for all.”
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Donna Sabatino, RN, ACRN, leads The AIDS Institute (TAI) state policy and advocacy work in Florida as Director of State Policy & Advocacy. Donna recently worked with Janssen Infectious Diseases, a division of Johnson & Johnson, for over 13 years as the community liaison for Florida. She has a long-standing history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry specializing in HIV/Hepatitis/ID. Donna has been in the HIV fight for almost 30 years with positions that range from a bedside RN in a dedicated HIV/AIDS Unit in Ft. Lauderdale in the early ’90s, an HIV Clinic Nurse and Manager, and Director of Operations for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Disease Management Program, an Industry partner for many years and now her role with TAI. She served on the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) National Board of Directors for 4 years and chaired the ANAC Public Policy committee.
Brent Schillinger, M.D.
“Florida needs policies and practices that increase access to affordable health coverage, educate people on what is available, and coordinate care so that no one is intimidated to seek the appropriate care they need. I’m proud that For Florida’s Health Coalition members bring more people to the table to participate and define the plan.”
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Dr. Brent Schillinger has been practicing dermatology in South Florida since 1983. Early in his clinical career, he appreciated the connection between the skin and human emotions. Based on his observations during a month of training at the International Psoriasis Treatment Center on the Dead Sea in Israel, Dr. Schillinger established the first psoriasis support group in south Florida, providing emotional support for psoriasis patients and their families. Building on this experience, he went on to create the Skin Emotion Project at Barry University in Miami, a research program that focused on the link between skin, mind and spirit. Dr. Schillinger also established the dermatology residency fellowship program at the Palm Beach Consortium for Graduate Medical Education based out of JFK North Hospital in West Palm Beach. He served as associate director and a clinical instructor for many years. Dr. Schillinger is a past president of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, where he has played leadership roles in numerous initiatives. He chaired the Cultural Competency Program that focused on bringing the best quality of medical care to patients from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. He co-chaired the Conversation Project, which is designed to help patients, and physicians better deal with end-of-life issues. Currently, Dr. Schillinger is chair of the Palm Beach Opioid Healthcare Response Initiative, which brings together various players in the medical community to work on solutions to the opioid crisis.
Nancy Staats, M.D.
“Medicaid has been around for more than 50 years, and most other states have already expanded their program to include those without health insurance. Floridians deserve the same healthcare options as residents of most other states. This will save money and lives. Our legislators are denying us these options for no good reason. It's time to do the right thing.”
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Dr. Nancy Staats is a board-certified anesthesiologist with over 28 years of clinical experience caring for patients of all ages in a variety of settings: inpatient, outpatient, labor and delivery, etc. She was the first generation of her family to attend college and the only one to attend medical school. She did her anesthesia training at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and was elected to the prestigious Medical Honor Society Alpha Omega Alpha during medical school. The motto of AOA is "worthy to serve the suffering" and she has always felt it was a tremendous honor and great responsibility to give the best possible care to each and every patient. She has always been passionate about healthcare inequities and human rights and has been active in her local community at various levels while living in Baltimore and, later, New Jersey. She relocated to FL in 2018 and has been active in the community, serving on several boards and volunteering with many groups, including NOW, LWV and For Florida’s Health. She is the founding member of Doctors Fighting Covid, LLC, a large ad hoc group of physicians in the NE Florida region who strongly advocate for patients and science. She and her husband, also a physician, have 3 grown children.
Samantha Strickland
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Across Florida, we advocate for people with multiple sclerosis and their families to have affordable medication, accessible healthcare, and support for caregivers. Florida needs policies and practices that make healthcare accessible so everyone can live their best lives. Through For Florida’s Health Coalition, we can leverage the power of partnerships to accomplish our goals. Bringing more voices to the table will get us there quicker.”
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Samantha Strickland is a Senior Manager of Advocacy at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she focuses on legislative policy in Florida. Samantha, who is based in Tallahassee, joined the National MS Society in 2022. She previously worked for 16 years in state government in Florida, managing public health & healthcare emergency preparedness and response programs. Samantha is committed to improving healthcare policies so care is accessible, medication is affordable and people with MS can live their best lives.
Policy Advisors
Holly Bullard
Florida Policy Institute
“No matter where you live or work in Florida, no matter your income, you should be able to have affordable health coverage. I was blessed to have had health coverage when I went through breast cancer while also recently becoming a new mom—I know in my heart that had I not had health coverage, I would not be here for my son today. Every mom, dad, worker, and community member in Florida deserves the same. This is why I support For Florida’s Health. We’re bringing together Floridians—from Pensacola to Little Havana—to build healthcare solutions so that each one of us can thrive and be there for our families. We will all be better off when Florida closes the coverage gap.”
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As chief strategy and development officer, Holly spearheads FPI's fundraising, policy advocacy, coalition building, outreach and communications strategies. She previously served as an education and working family tax credits policy analyst. Holly previously served as senior director of Financial Stability Initiatives at United Way Suncoast, where she oversaw the planning and implementation of financial stability programs, strategies and collaboratives in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota/Manatee areas. She also served at United Way in a policy advocacy capacity, playing a key role in securing state funding for tax preparation for United Ways in Florida and supported advocacy efforts for federal tax credits for working families and free tax preparation. Prior to joining United Way Suncoast, Holly worked as legislative aide to Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, a senior member on the powerful House Financial Services Committee and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. She served as his lead adviser on financial services and housing issues, with a focus on financial empowerment for low-income Americans. Previous to her work on Capitol Hill, Holly worked at the U.S. Department of Education and at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. Holly has a Masters in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Emory University. She is proudly a product of Pinellas County public schools and a daughter of Florida public educators.
Erica Monet Li
Florida Policy Institute
“I strongly believe that this coalition will help advance policies that focus on equitable solutions for Floridians and our collective health and well-being. Our value of a strong community can help people mobilize to do the important work they care about and leverage resources to provide ongoing support for those on the ground who are working hard to advance our society’s overall quality of life.”
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Erica Monet Li is a public health professional who specializes in social, behavioral, and health education sciences with a concentration in health equity. Erica previously served as the equity operations manager at the Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative, an organization that fosters community collaborations for helping the underserved. Erica’s other work included capacity building for collaborative health efforts in Atlanta, Georgia, along with conducting a community needs assessment to address barriers linking at-risk clients to HIV treatment services and wraparound care. Erica also served to evaluate the effects of public housing programs on the well-being of low-income families in Atlanta. She served as a graduate teaching assistant at Emory University at the Rollins School of Public Health, and also hosted a radio show, “Black Health Now” that provided programming specifically geared to educating communities of color on issues related to personal empowerment, health and fitness, financial stability, social engagement, and inspirational messaging. Erica received her Master’s in Public Health from Emory University. She received her bachelor’s degree in health sciences with minors in wellness and sociology from the University of Missouri.