Our Team

Kim Praitano

President / CEO

Kim Praitano is the President & CEO of Gilda’s Club South Florida, serving over 5000 people affected by cancer annually, addressing social determinants of health, providing support services, renowned cancer educational, and healthy lifestyle programs throughout South Florida.

Kim has held executive leadership positions for nearly 40 years , working with various nonprofit organizations and served as CEO of Dynamic Leadership Concepts, a consulting firm serving nonprofit organizations through professional development and capacity-building.

She is the Vice Chair/Chair-Elect of the Cancer Support Community Affiliate Network Council, a Board Member of the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Chamber’s Small Business Council, member of the Racial Equity Council and a Chamber Ambassador.

Kim is a NJ Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Fundraising Executive with Masters degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice from Rutgers University and Post-Graduate Certificates from Harvard University.

Kristian White

VP, Development

Kristian White began his career by honorably serving in the United State Marine Corps for seven years. His time in the corps led to deep reflection on how creating positive change and impacting lives gave him new purpose and after being discharged he set his sights on continuing to make a difference in the world. He currently lives in Broward County with his wife Diana and 2-year-old son Kolton.

Kristian began his non-profit career at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Foundation. Over his 13-year career as a development professional, Kristian has been able to raise over $20 million in philanthropic dollars, built and stewarded long lasting relationships, and continues to grow as a leader in the non-profit world. It is his belief that there are no limits to growing an organization to lengthen its reach and strengthen partnerships.

Valerie Pigatt

Controller

Valerie joined our team as Controller in November of 2021.  She oversees all aspects of the organization’s finances and reporting and operations. She started and established a 32-year career of financial management experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

Before joining Gilda’s Club of South Florida, Valerie held a variety of positions that gave her a wide breadth and depth of experience and opportunities to hone her skills. By working in various capacities, Valerie is in the unique position to understand the nuances of many levels of an organization.  She gained a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit sector first as volunteer, employee, board member, auditor, president, and controller.

Valerie received her BA in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University and her MBA from Nova Southeastern University.  She is a Florida Licensed Certified Public Accountant and member of Beta Alpha Psi honors Accounting Fraternity.

She has an outgoing personality which sets her apart in the sometimes starch world of accounting. She is warm, welcoming and loves to be of assistance. Both of Valerie’s parents had cancer, she says “I love doing my part in assisting the agency fulfill its mission, so others don’t suffer alone”.

Kahli Mercik

VP, Programs and Services

Kahli is an accomplished, data driven and result-oriented behavioral health leader with 15 years of inclusive and culturally competent practice experience in the areas of Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice. She has  in-depth working knowledge of the complexities of psychiatric and chemical dependency issues. Her expertise is in trauma counseling, anxiety disorders, and family therapy, attracting a diverse range of clients seeking specialized care. She is an Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor.

Kahli, most recently had her own private practice as well as being Clinical Director at Recovery in Tune, Ft. Lauderdale Behavioral Health, and in New York, Family Services – Beacon and NHS Human Services. Kahli holds a Master’s degree is Social Work from Hunter College and a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton College.

Jacqui Ramírez

Director of Marketing and Events

Jacqueline “Jacqui” Ramirez is the Special Events and Marketing Manager for Gilda’s Club South Florida. She oversees all the social media, communications, and signature events at GCSFL such as Jet, Cruise en Rouge, Live from South Florida, and Race for Hope.

Jacqui graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication-Arts from Florida International University, and began her career at Miami-Dade Parks, Recreations and Open Spaces as a Development Specialist. From there, she worked for the American Cancer Society’s Southeast Region and the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood overseeing special events and development operations. She previously served as the Marketing Director for the Young Professionals of the American Cancer Society (now known as the Associate Board of Ambassadors for Broward County). She previously served in various officer positions for the Fort Lauderdale Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, and the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She currently serves as the Province Officer for the South Florida area and oversees the operations of five college and alumnae chapters for Sigma Alpha Iota.

Lissette Torres

Operations Manager

Lissette joined the team as our Operations Specialist at the end of 2021.  She oversees facilities management, Accounts Payable, Human Resources, and Database Management.

She came to us experienced as a data analyst and newly certified in accounting and budgeting from Miami Dade College. She is continuing her education and putting all her acquired education to use daily with us. Her goal is to receive her BS in Accounting and become certified in Human Resource management within the next two years.

Lissette received her AS from Keiser University. When not working or studying Lissette enjoys being a mother to her two adorable children.

Kimberly Hill

Development Officer

Kimberly Hill is a Florida native with experience at some of the most well-known organizations in the United States. She has 20+ years of history working with local non-profits such as MDA, JDRF, The Humane Society and the United Way of Broward County. She has held positions in Development & Fundraising, Special Events, Community Outreach and Account Management. Both of her parents participated in Gilda’s Club programs on their cancer journeys.

She has been a resident of Fort Lauderdale for over 30 years. In her personal life she enjoys travel, photography, art and music events, gardening and time with friends.

Linda Tiga Hernandez

Social Worker - Hispanic/Latino Outreach Coordinator

Linda Tiga Hernández is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern and is Gilda’s Club South Florida’s member support social worker and Hispanic outreach coordinator. ​At Gilda’s Club South Florida Linda works from her heart’s passion to help others and be part of their support system by providing direct support services such as Individual counseling and facilitating support groups to people impacted by Cancer. As the Hispanic/ Latinx outreach coordinator, Linda seeks connect with the community and bring our mission and give access to our services to more people by reducing language barriers. 

Some of Linda’s hobbies and favorite things include: traveling, spending time with her pets, dance, play soccer and watch crime shows.

Ariana Vega

Social Worker - Care Coordinator

Arianna completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at Florida International University. During that time, interned at Gilda’s Club South Florida and was dedicated to connecting individuals to services in the community and providing emotional support to members impacted by cancer. Arianna was offered a full-time position as a Care Coordinator at Gilda’s Club doing what she did so well as an intern.

Nicole Monnin

Social Worker – Children & Family Program Coordinator

Nicole Monnin has been working with Children and Families for over 13 years. Nicole received her Bachelors and Masters (with a concentration in Child Welfare) in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a diverse background, having worked for non-profit community-based care agencies in Broward County, FL, with adolescents within the foster care system. She has also worked with and mentored young adults aged out of the foster care system. Nicole also has experience working in Schools, Hospitals, and Juvenile Justice Systems as a Social Worker and a Mental Health Counselor. She is passionate about working with children and families and advocating on their behalf.

Victoria Bennett

Program Coordinator - Education

Originally from the state of Georgia, Victoria Bennett received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion from the University of Georgia before moving to South Florida where she received her Master Degree in Public Health from the University of Miami. She holds expertise in qualitative research, community health assessments and initiatives, resource equity, health equity, biostatistics, health education, and socio-ecological determinants of health. Victoria has four years of experience working for state health departments and non-profit organizations such as the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), and Urban Health Partnerships. She seeks to reduce barriers to health resources and to reduce gaps in the quality of life and care for overlooked and/or marginalized populations.

Her personal interests and hobbies include exercising and athletics, visiting the beach, trying new foods, trying different arts and crafts, fashion, and music.

Laura Hooker

Healthy Living Coordinator

Laura holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from California State University and has more than 10 years of teaching experience. Laura’s most recent experience has been as Senior Living Activity Director, coordinating facilitators, scheduling healthy living activities and building relationships in senior communities. Laura is passionate about serving the cancer community and very excited to bring her experience to Gilda’s Club.

Emily Jazombek

Outreach Coordinator

Emily comes to us with experience doing Community Outreach at Broward Health Medical Center and Chaplain at Owennsboro Medical Center, Broward Health Medical Center and most recently United Church of Christ. She was also a teacher and Youth Director.  Emily has a B.A. and M.A. from Barry University.