Vanina Hochman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, earned her degree in Psychology at the University of Florida and Master’s in Science from Nova Southeastern University after completing her internship at the Brief Therapy Institute and the STEPS program at Memorial Regional Hospital, an intensive inpatient adolescent substance abuse treatment program.  

From 2005 to 2013, Vanina was at Kids in Distress in the roles of therapist, clinical supervisor, clinical director, and program director, where she was able to treat and be involved with many different populations and many different aspects of treatment and program development, including grant writing, fundraising, and advocacy. In addition to her work with other government-funded programs, she also functions as a clinician, educator, and supervisor in her private practice. In the last seven years, Vanina expanded her role to clinical outreach and business development, where she can provide education on addiction and mental health treatment and her passion for culturally competent mental healthcare, and help bring quality treatment to individuals and families dealing with the disease. Vanina currently serves as Director of Clinical Outreach for Family First Adolescent Services. She is bilingual with a fluency in Spanish, which has become an important tool in her success in accessing and treating a diverse population in the South Florida area. Although native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Vanina resides in South Florida with her husband and twin children.

Erin earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology with honors, her Master’s in Education with a focus in Mental Health Counseling, and completed a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Florida Atlantic University. Throughout the completion of her doctorate, Erin was a Teaching Assistant, and has assisted in research for multiple publications including assessment and treatment for children with special needs and cutting-edge strategies for the assessment of couples and families.

Erin was named the “2021-2022 Emerging Leader” for the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC). Erin is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) through the Board of Nationally Certified Counselors (NBCC). Erin has extensive experience working with a diverse range of populations from children, adolescents, and families, to people struggling with homelessness and addiction issues. Erinhas received specialized training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM) for treating complex trauma (C-PTSD) from the NARM Training Institute and is currently completing her requirements to become a NARM-Informed Professional®.

Erin is motivated by witnessing the results of supporting adolescents and families to learn skills for self-empowerment and stand up for things that they want in their lives. Erin believes in bringing a curious, client-centered approach to healing and motivational enhancement, for both parents and adolescents struggling to connect with themselves and each other.

Miguel Fernandez, LCSW, CADC received both his Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science degrees from Florida State University. Miguel went on to obtain a license in Clinical Social Work.  His experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor are apparent in his dedication to patients and staff in every interaction. 

Miguel has over 34 years of experience in the behavioral health field. He began his career as a Mental Health Technician and has worked in various clinical roles including, admissions/discharge coordinator, case management, and medical, psychiatric, and administrative social work in both the mental health and substance abuse fields. He has experience in a wide variety of settings including: Veterans Administration, Department of Juvenile Justice, Inpatient Mental Health programs, and behavioral health hospitals, which give Miguel a pervasive understanding of the ever-changing and developing field of behavioral health. 

In addition to his front line clinical roles, Miguel has worked in multiple administrative roles over the last 20 years.  He has also worked in the academic setting as an adjunct professor.  

Miguel’s executive leadership experiences include being a Deputy Commissioner, a Chief Operating Officer and a Chief Executive Officer.  Miguel is proficient in both English and Spanish, and has been decorated with many special recognitions.