Behind every child we serve is a team of dedicated professionals who bring passion, expertise, and heart to this work every day. From clinicians and educators to operations and innovation leaders, our team is united by a shared commitment to building a world where every child feels safe, supported, and loved.
President & CEO
Renée E. Layman
President of the Board, Florida Association for Infant Mental Health
Renée is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with almost thirty years of experience in mental health. In her various leadership roles, Renée has been a passionate advocate for child and family health, equity, and bringing high quality prevention, early intervention, and trauma-informed services and solutions for some of the most pressing issues facing vulnerable children, families, and communities.
A Way of Being with Children is not just a philosophy — it is how we show up, every day, for every child.
Executive Team
Executive Leadership
Shannon Fox-Levine
Medical Director
Shannon Fox-Levine, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician at Bluebirds Kids Health and serves as our South Florida Medical Director. She completed medical school at University of Maryland at Baltimore and trained in pediatrics at Bellevue/NYU Hospital. Dr. Fox-Levine has worked with Center for Child Counseling for over a decade, promoting trauma-informed care and developing educational tools for primary care doctors to evaluate, manage, and treat common mental health concerns in children and adolescents.
Lauren Scirrotto
Chief Program Officer
Lauren Scirrotto, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Infant Mental Health Specialist, earned her Master's and Specialist Degrees in Counselor Education at the University of Florida. Lauren has over fifteen years of management experience, specific to programs that serve infants and their caregivers. As a leader in the field, Lauren has dedicated herself to supporting women and new mothers experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress.
Elizabeth Truong
Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth received her MBA at Babson College and has thirty years of diversified business and financial experience. As a Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, she assisted in growing a company to a $1 billion corporation — one of the largest multifamily companies in the country. She retired from her position and dedicated herself to giving back to the community as CFO. Elizabeth is Past President of Impact the Palm Beaches 2021-2022.
Herdis Spierto
Chief Operations Officer
Herdis grew up in the Faroe Islands, moving to Boston after graduating High School. After coming to Florida, she graduated with honors at Northwood University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, majoring in Management with a minor in International Business. Herdis has a strong background in operations, working within different industries in Palm Beach County.
Amber Payne
Chief Quality Officer
Amber has over a decade of experience working with foundations, governmental agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations in South Carolina, Georgia, Iowa, and Florida. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Clemson University in Organizational Communications and Sociology. She obtained a dual Masters in Social Work and Public Health from the University of South Carolina. Amber earned the International Certificate of Prevention Specialists.
Senior Leadership
Senior Directors
Jibby Ciric
Senior Director, Strategic Impact
Jibby has a Bachelor Degree in Public Health, Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling, and Doctorate in Psychology. Her passion is bringing healing to others and promoting not only individual health, but improving the welfare of our entire community. She is a leader, bringing extensive experience in mental health to our work, including development of innovative programs and building the workforce pipeline.
Dominika Nolan
Senior Director, Development and Events
Dominika is a licensed mental health counselor, registered play therapist supervisor, national certified counselor, and certified clinical mental health counselor. She is EMDR certified and a Circle of Security Parenting facilitator. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Arts with a major in Psychology from Dublin Business School in Ireland in 2012 and a Masters Degree in Science, with a focus in Counseling Psychology, from Lynn University in 2016.
Laurie Iannini
Senior Director of Advancement
Laurie brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, with a career dedicated to strengthening organizations and advancing meaningful causes. Passionate about connecting people to purpose, Laurie is proud to support the Center's mission and values, which deeply align with her own commitment to building healthy communities and creating lasting positive change.
Hannah DeMarco
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
Hannah is a marketing professional with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and is currently working on her Master's in Public Health at the University of Florida. Hannah is deeply committed to helping those in need and brings a wealth of nonprofit experience from her volunteer work, internships, and professional roles. She works closely with the CEO and leadership team to drive the mission forward through marketing and education.
Program Leadership
Directors & Program Leaders
Jineth Sanchez-Musillo
Director of Clinical Services
Jineth is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor with over 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Jineth has advanced training in evidence-based models including TF-CBT, Play Therapy, Sand-Tray, Art Therapy, and CPP and brings extensive expertise in clinical leadership, intake, crisis intervention, and supervision.
Cherie Benjoseph
Director, National Outreach and Education
Cherie is a subject matter expert in the field of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and founded KidSafe Foundation in 2009. She received an MSW from Boston University and has worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in multiple school and nonprofit settings in the Northeast and Florida. Cherie grounds her work in prevention using a public health framework.
Darla Mullenix
Director, Early Childhood Social-Emotional Supports Program
Darla is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who received Bachelor's Degrees from the University of Central Florida with a double major in Psychology and Interpersonal Communications. She earned a Master's of Science Degree from Troy University in Counseling and Psychology. Darla has been working with children and families for over ten years, including as an elementary school teacher.
Mackenzie Halley
Director, Pediatric Integration Program
Mackenzie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with children, adolescents, and families since 2016. She graduated from Florida State University with a Master's degree in Social Work and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Creative Writing. Mackenzie has professional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Art Therapy.
Tauna Baker
Senior Clinical Director, Child First Program
Tauna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience working with children. She received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Emporia State University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from University of Kansas. Tauna has primarily worked child welfare, including with Florida's Early Childhood Court, and in the field of Infant Mental Health. She has training in a variety of models, including CPP and Circle of Security.
Christine Blount
Director, Infant Mental Health Program
Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with Center for Child Counseling in various capacities, including intern and Senior Therapist of the Child and Family Center. She has training in a variety of evidence-based modalities and launched the ArtClub program in 2021.
Yassaira Martell
Director, Early Intervention Services
Yassaira is a professional educator with over 15 years of experience. She received her BA in Early Childhood and Primary Education in Puerto Rico. She moved to Florida in 2013 where she continued her passion in education by becoming a Certified Pre-School Director with certifications in the Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies and Beyond Centers and Circle Time. She is a Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and Infant Mental Health Endorsed.
Elysse Dion
Director, Digital Learning and Innovation
Elysse, a seasoned technology and project management professional, brings over ten years of experience in project management, operations, and administrative leadership. She has a strong background in learning management systems and collaborates closely with content creators to develop and deliver engaging educational trainings. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Worcester University.
Jacynth "Jaz" Brown
Director, Child and Adolescent Trauma Services
Jaz is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a background in business management. She holds degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach Atlantic University and has over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families. Her training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Family Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Caitlen Hentze Macias
Director of Stewardship
Caitlen has more than 10 years of fundraising and capacity building with nonprofit organizations locally and nationally. She is an innovative professional focused on fostering relationships between donors, organizations, and staff. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, the Herald Tribune, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Palm Beach Post. Caitlen received her Bachelor's degree in Government and Sociology from William and Mary and her Master's in Social Work from Columbia University.
Prosline Chery Jean
Clinical Director, Child First North
Prosline is a therapist with over ten years working with families doing home visiting programs and working with young children. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Prosline has training in CPP, Circle of Security, Brazelton Touchpoints, TF-CBT, and P-CPP.
Jessica Dockus
Director of Training and Community Engagement
Jessica oversees the internship program and training initiatives across clinical and education and prevention settings, ensuring the next generation of professionals receives the mentorship and hands-on experience they need to serve children and families.
Clinical & Program Team
Supervisors & Specialists
Stephanie De La Cruz
Clinical Supervisor
Stephanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Boston University, and then completed her Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University. Stephanie has advanced trauma training and certification in numerous evidenced-based treatment models including EMDR, PCIT, Play Therapy, TF-CBT, and CPP.
Anne Holland Brown
Psychologist
Anne is a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and over twenty-six years of mental health experience working with children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Anne has served in many roles, including clinician, psychological and forensic evaluator, program director, clinical supervisor, researcher, and victim activist.
Shani Ortiz
Supervisor, ECSES Program
Shani received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from South University and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic in 2015. She joined the Center in 2019 as a school-based therapist. Shani has training and experience working and providing services to children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of school and community settings.
Nitza Fontanez
Supervisor, CCSEW Program
Nitza received her Bachelor's in Social Work and her Master's in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She joined the Center in 2022 as a co-located therapist. Nitza has experience working with and providing services to children and families in various settings, including schools and the community. She is bilingual in Spanish and supports Spanish-speaking families.
Felicia Hostick
Supervisor, Family Visitation Center
Felicia is a compassionate professional with over seven years of experience working with children and families. She is deeply committed to supporting families by meeting them where they are and creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping others.
Mariah Campbell
Supervisor, Child and Family Center
Mariah is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Mariah has training and experience in trauma-informed care, community advocacy, and the child welfare system.
Lee Moffett
Supervisor, ECSES Program
Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received both his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. He has been working with children and families at the Center as an intern, therapist, and Supervisor. Lee has experience working with Early Childhood, School-Based Children and Families, and Adolescents.
Samantha De Felice
Supervisor, Child & Family Center
Samantha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Central Florida and Master of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She joined the Center in 2020 as an intern and returned as a co-located therapist in 2022. Samantha has more than 15 years of experience serving and supporting children, adolescents, and families in multiple settings.
Intake & Operations
Karla Cam
Office Manager
Karla joined the Center for Child Counseling in 2021, bringing 15 years of experience in administrative and operational support. Along with a genuine passion for helping others, her dedication and commitment to the mission of supporting children's mental health drives her daily work. Her integral leadership and organizational skills ensure the effectiveness of Staff, Operations, and Administrative departments.
Kelly Benavidez
Intake Manager
Kelly received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Kelly joined the team in 2021 as a Front Desk Coordinator and was instrumental in launching the Pediatric Integration Program. Kelly is passionate about advocating for children and families in need of support and enjoys helping families navigate administrative processes in receiving needed services and support.
Kaylani Quiles
Operations Coordinator
Kaylani received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2019. Since then, she has worked in school and nonprofit settings where she has consistently displayed her passion for supporting others in need. Kaylani joined the Center for Child Counseling in 2022 and continues to provide support to Operations, Human Resources, and Administrative departments.