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Meet the Board

 |   Academics  |  Research  |  Institute for Clinical and Translational Research  |  Center for Pediatric Health Equity Research  |  Community Research Advisory Board (CRAB))  |  Meet the CRAB Board

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Sharlene Edwards

Sharlene Edwards

Sharlene E. Edwards, MPH, RN, started her career in public health in 2002 as a Project Coordinator for the Rapid Assessment Response and Evaluation (R.A.R.E) Project in Manatee County which worked to assess and describe the dynamics of local HIV/AIDS transmission in Manatee County. It was from here that Sharlene developed a love for Disease Control and Public Health. Since then, Sharlene has worked as an STD DIS, Epidemiologist, Preparedness Manager, and TB Control and Immunization Manager. Currently Sharlene serves as the Disease Control Director for the Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas), where she coordinates local strategic planning efforts to improve community health and reduce communicable diseases. In addition, she works to bring partners together from various sectors to collaborate toward a healthier Pinellas County. She has over a decade of experience in Communicable Disease education, surveillance, outreach, and prevention. Sharlene is mostly passionate about health promotion and prevention for those who suffer greatly from health disparities and health inequities. She is heavily involved with community grass roots organizations that work to promote and improve health outcomes within black and brown communities.


Luke Johnsen, DO

Luke Johnsen, DO

Luke Johnsen, DO, focuses on program design, implementation and data collection while still providing patient care in the areas of Public Health concerns, STDs and HIV. He currently assist swith the design and implementation of less provider focused and more technology-based methods of PrEP delivery, such as PrEP via Telemedicine and same day walk in PrEP, while shifting from a provider model to utilizing more peer navigation resources. He has provided STD clinical and epidemiological training for medical residents and fellows at Johns Hopkins University as well as given presentations to other medical professional and to members of the community. He has a strong interest in HIV prevention particularly in communities with limited resources or with historically poor uptake of preventive measures.


Julie Mastry

Julie Mastry

Julie Mastry is a career educator, community leader, mentor, and active participant in supporting and organizing local philanthropic events. Currently serving as the Chief Program Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, Julie plays a key role in developing and carrying out initiatives, with emphasis on programs that position children for long term success in both academic and social emotional areas. For over 5 years, Julie has volunteered weekly at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital pediatric NICU. Additionally, Julie is heavily involved in the charity bearing her mother’s name, The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Since 2003, CMOCF has provided financial support to women fighting ovarian cancer, as well as working locally, nationally and internationally to promote and advocate for ovarian cancer research.


Kristy Padilla

Kristy Padilla

Kristy came to Clearwater over a year and a half ago, leaving Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Maria. While working on her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Kristy interned at Raciem PR in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families and she was hired on as a Program Coordinator and Case Manager. She attended legislative sessions, lobbying for improved adoption laws and injunction for protection laws. Also, she facilitated developmental activities with moms and their children through HeadStart curriculum. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, she was offered a permanent position as a case manager at the shelter supporting victims through victim advocacy. Kristy currently works as the Youth Coordinator at the ICAI-Hispanic Outreach Center where she leads programs offered for middle school students. She created a new program for incoming students who don’t speak English to allow them to learn common classroom language and feel more comfortable within the community. During COVID-19 Kristy and her team led the food distribution program to provide access to the community in Pinellas County during difficult times.


Maria Pinzon

Maria Pinzon

Maria Pinzon is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Services Council and has served in this position since 1996. Ms. Pinzon has extensive experience in community and public health and has a deep understanding and background beyond health care access issues to include health equity models. As Executive Director of Hispanic Services Council, Ms. Pinzon has actively pursued partnerships with the broader health system through outreach efforts and participation in various community advisory boards. Prior to coming to Hispanic Services Council, Ms. Pinzon served as Director of Programmatic Operations for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and Outreach Coordinator for the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO). Ms. Pinzon has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Furman University and a Master of Arts Degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University.