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The Mailman Center is supported by federal and state grants and is recognized as a Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD). It is also the only Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) training program in the state of Florida. Comprised of Clinical Faculty, Advisory Council, Community Members, and Interprofessional Collaborative Leads, the Mailman Center strives to provide exemplary interprofessional clinical services, training, research, and community engagement.
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Mailman Center Faculty
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Mailman Center Advisory Council (MAC)
The Mailman Advisory Council (MAC) brings together family members, self-advocates, community leaders, and clinicians to help guide the Mailman Center’s priorities and direction as part of our work as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). They provide lived experience, community perspective, and professional insight to ensure the Center’s work remains grounded in real-world impact.
The MAC is designed for individuals who care deeply about improving systems for children and families with disabilities and believe that meaningful change happens when community voices help lead the way. For more information, email Roselyne Antao at rantao@miami.edu.
Family Members
- Kathy Balaban – Family Member, Co-Chair
- Stephanie Preshong Brown – Family Member, Co-Chair
- Linda Starnes – Family Member
- Enrique Escallon – Family Member
- Elma Pierre – Family Member
Self-Advocates
- Alex Lopez – Self-Advocate
- Jairo Arana – Self-Advocate
- Joanne Palenzuela – Self-Advocate
- Kent Schomber – Self-Advocate
Community & Advocacy Organizations
- Jean Sherman – Developmental Disabilities Council
- Nancy Torres – Florida Network on Disability (FND)
- Carol Brady-Simmons – Lighthouse for the Blind
- Ire Diaz – Advocacy Network on Disabilities
- Leigh Markowitz – Disability Rights Florida
- Ernie Martinez – Push to Open, Inc.
- Kelly Hunter – Miami-Dade County Public Schools
- Hillary Jackson – Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Maricela Jimenez – Guardianship Program of Dade County
- Heather George – Florida Center for Inclusive Communities/USF UCEDD
Mailman Center Staff & Leadership
- Daniel Armstrong– MAC Chair, Director
- Roselyne Antao – MAC Lead
- Rochelle Baer – Director of Leadership Training Initiatives
- Jason Jent – Associate Director
- Michelle Schladant – Associate Director
- Elana Mansoor – Director of Education and Training
- Austin Garilli – Director of Education and Leadership
- Cristina Pujol – LEND Training Director
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Inter-Professional Collaboratives (IPC) Leads
Neurodevelopmental Discovery Science IPC
Leads
- Dr. Daniel Messinger: dmessinger@miami.edu
- Dr. Jennifer Coto: jennifercoto@med.miami.edu
Description
This IPC brings together investigators from across the University to create synergies for research in the area of IDD that can be translated into benefits for individuals with IDD, particularly in community settings. Priorities include: autism, genetics, development of early language, neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal exposure to viruses (e.g., Zika), and consequences of chronic illnesses and their treatment.
Lifespan IPC
Leads
- Rochelle “Shelly” Baer: RBaer@med.miami.edu
- Dr. Lawrence Friedman: lfriedman@med.miami.edu
Description
This IPC, which is comprised of multidisciplinary health care professionals and community activists, seeks to address issues related to continuity of care across the lifespan. The IPC has recognized that lifespan health care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) requires more than just transfer of care or “handoff”. Priorities include integrating input from individuals with developmental disabilities and their families concerning existing barriers to continuity of care, creating a clinic for adults with ID/DD, and providing education of community clinicians and students about variations in approach to patient care that would be necessary for adult settings.
Community Wellness IPC
Leads
- Dr. Ruby Natale: rnatale@med.miami.edu
- Dr. Maite Schenker: mxs2515@med.miami.edu
Description
This IPC seeks to advance the field of prevention and evidence-based interventions, working through a multicultural and community-based participatory research (CBPR) lens, with a focus on early childhood. We develop and test prevention and treatment programs, translate research into evidence-based practice, improve upon clinical services, and coordinate projects with community-based organizations. In addition, we promote advocacy and community-based programs through our multidisciplinary network of researchers, clinicians, students, families, and community members. Initiatives to stimulate these activities in the collaborative include support services, funding sources, opportunities to develop new ideas and collaborate with those who share similar interests.
Promoting Behavioral Health IPC
Leads
- Dr. Lizzy Pulgaron: epulgaron@med.miami.edu
- Dr. Julieta Hernandez: jhernand@med.miami.edu
Description
This IPC addresses behavioral health challenges for all individuals including those with DD through services, research, training, and community engagement. Priorities include: increasing evidence-based behavioral care for individuals with I/DD-NDD, conducting research on the effectiveness of technology and interventions to provide behavioral health care, and increasing community partnerships.
Neurodevelopmental Intervention Science IPC
Leads
- Dr. Michelle Berkovits: mberkovits@med.miami.edu
- Lynn Miskiel: LMiskiel@med.miami.edu
Description
The Neurodevelopment Intervention Science IPC is focused on building a community of practice that promotes opportunities for professional development and community-based research and advocacy for the enhancement of early Social-Emotional Development, Communication, and Literacy.
