Our Team

DR. SANTANA SPARBER

Dr. Jacqueline Santana Sparber is a bilingual, licensed clinical psychologist with specializations in both forensic and pediatric psychology. She has been in the mental health field for over 25 years. Currently she is the Clinical Director of Keys Gate Wellness Associates as well as a supervising psychologist/senior behavioral analyst for Florida's department of corrections (FDOC). She is certified in parent child interaction therapy (PCIT); an evidenced base, cutting-edge, short-term therapy approach that has been proven to improve child behavior and enhance parent-child relationships with long-term results. As well as in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). She has extensive training in the assessment/evaluation of toddlers, children, adolescents and adults with various psychological conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, giftedness, emotional concerns, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorder, bariatric surgery prospects and the completion of forensic immigration evaluations of all type: Hardship, U-Visa, T-Visa, Asylum, N648 and VAWA. All of the above-mentioned assessments guide legal and medical decisions, treatment, interventions and accommodations if needed. In addition to the above, Dr. Santana Sparber has experience in the areas of trauma, behavioral disorders, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, phobias, adjustment to life changes such as birth of a sibling, divorce, relocating, starting college, failure to launch and perinatal mental health (incl. Post-Partum Depression and Psychosis/Infertility/Pregnancy Loss). She developed the bereavement program for Nicklaus Children Hospital (NICO's promise). As well as completing her doctoral dissertation on the topic of familial bereavement. Dr. Santana Sparber completed her pre doctoral internship at Miami Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department (APA accredited). And her post-doctoral residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Mailman Center for Child Development Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (APA accredited).

DR. SANTANA SPARBER

DR. COLON RODRIGUEZ

Dr. Colon Rodriguez is a bilingual, licensed clinical psychologist, with a specialization in pediatric psychology. She has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She is certified in leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities (LEND). As well as in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). In addition, she has knowledge in applied behavior analysis and is a certified technician. She is warm, friendly and passionate about supporting her clients as they navigate the complex emotions and experiences of caring for a child with autism and other disabilities. Dr. Colon Rodriguez takes pride in empowering her families with the tools needed to work through difficult emotions and discover ways to maximize the wonderful potential of their children and themselves. She strives to proactively address parents’ concerns and needs of their child’s progress and development. Additionally, her skill sets are homed in helping kids, teens, adults, and groups learn healthy patterns of behaviors, including strengthening social skills, setting healthy boundaries, and learning healthy ways to deal with anger, frustration, and everyday worries. She has extensive training in the assessment and treatment of toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults with various psychological conditions. Dr. Colon has experience in the completion of assessments for autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disability, intellectual disabilities, emotional concerns and behavioral issues. In addition to the above, Dr. Colon Rodriguez has experience in the areas of HIV/AIDS, those living with chronic conditions, trauma, behavioral disorders, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, phobias, and adjustment to life changes such as birth of a sibling, divorce, relocating and starting college. Dr. Colon Rodriguez completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Center for Autism in the Medical Sciences Campus at the University of Puerto Rico and her post-doctoral fellowship in pediatric health psychology at Nicklaus Children Hospital.

DR. COLON RODRIGUEZ

DR. MILCA Y. GARAY FIGUEROA

Dr. Garay Figueroa is a bilingual, doctor of psychology in clinical psychology (Carlos Albizu University, APA accredited). She has over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Puerto Rico. Currently she is working towards licensure in the state of Florida. Dr. Garay Figueroa completed her pre-doctoral internship at Head Start Program (for preschool population) in Puerto Rico and her post-doctoral fellowship training at Keys Gate Wellness Associates (generalist track in a private practice setting). She is certified in crisis prevention intervention (CPI), clinical supervision and university teaching. She has extensive training in assessment/evaluation in psychological, personality, psychometrical, projective and psych-educational for toddlers, children, adolescents and adults with various psychological conditions. Dr. Garay Figueroa has experience in supervision, sport psychology, management, administration and psychology collaboration and consultation. She also has competence and awareness on the importance of cultural diversity. In addition to the above she has experience in socio- emotional group interventions. She is committed to the mental health field and strives to work in a professional and empathetic way to support her clients in their process of navigating and dealing with different complex situations and emotions in life. She has extensive experience working with children experiencing emotional or behavioral issues, psychological conditions, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder (ADD), intellectual disabilities, developmental concerns, depression, anxiety, life changes, relocation, social skills difficulties, and other concerns. She is also passionate about working as a consultant for professionals in the healthcare field that desire consultation, mentorship, or psychotherapy to help them develop in their field or to maintain self-care and optimum level of productivity.

DR. MILCA Y. GARAY FIGUEROA

DR. SOTO-YULFO

Dr. Soto-Yulfo, Psy.D. completed his bachelor’s degree in elementary education (1996) at Inter American University of Puerto Rico. In 1997 he moved to Miami and obtained his master of science in psychology and his doctoral degree in clinical psychology (M.S., 2011 and Psy.D., 2017) both with distinction from Albizu University in Miami, Florida. Dr. Soto-Yulfo completed his doctoral dissertation titled Microaggressions and the LGBTQI2-s Population: A Training Program Design for Professionals in the Mental Health Field where he explored the concepts, history, types of microaggressions, its effects and a proposed program design aimed for professionals in the mental health field. Dr. Soto-Yulfo worked in the aviation industry for 14 years, allotting him the opportunity to work with different individuals from multiple backgrounds. While working, he managed to study psychology, which is his real passion. He completed his APA accredited pre-doctoral program and APA accredited post-doctoral residency program at Citrus Health Network, inc. where he had the opportunity to continue refining his therapy and assessment skills. Since 2009, he had the opportunity to work with diverse populations; psycho-educational, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations; distinct theoretical approaches, varied modalities, and different mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment, behavioral health/behavioral medicine, among other disorders including substance use. His professional interests include adult psychotherapy and assessments/evaluations. Dr. Soto-Yulfo is a bilingual clinician offering services fluently in English and Spanish. Currently, he is a licensure candidate in the State of Florida and a member of the American Psychological Association and the PSI CHI International Honor Society in Psychology. His hobbies outside professional interests include reading, photography, and traveling. “My therapy approach is client centered, solution focused, and a mutual collaboration to facilitate awareness, achievement of goals, with an outcome of obtaining a general wellbeing.”

DR. RAÚL SOTO-YULFO

DR. PEREZ CARRION

Dr. Perez Carrion is a bilingual, licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the mental health field since 2010. She completed her Pre-Doctoral Internship at Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department. In addition, Dr. Perez Carrion completed two post-doctoral residencies. She was a psychology resident at JNG Health Network and a post-doctoral fellow at the Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress (CCFTS), a Johns Hopkins affiliate. Dr. Perez Carrion has worked with clients of all ages. She has specifically worked with trauma, neuro-developmental disabilities (i.e., ASD), perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, children and adolescents, adults, families and couples. Her goal is to create a supportive and safe environment for all of her clients. Therapy will be treated as an individualized experience in an empathetic, genuine and non-judgmental manner. Dr. Perez
Carrion looks forward to helping clients reach their individual goals using evidence-based treatment models to include TF-CBT, CBT, and Gottman Level 1 Training.

Perez Carrion Headshot

ELIZABETH ARNAEZ, MA, RMHCI

Elizabeth Arnaez is a bilingual master’s Level, Registered Mental Health Intern under the supervision of Dr. Santana Sparber. She completed her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University. Elizabeth is dedicated and compassionate towards her clients and their specific needs. Her naturally empathetic nature makes her a natural in the mental health field. Her passion is to help all individuals under her care become their best possible selves and achieve their true potential. She has experience working with individuals ranging from Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults. Her specialties range from anxiety, depression, stress, anger, adjustment disorder and pain management. Elizabeth strives to make sure that her clients feel comfortable, welcomed, and have a nonjudgmental environment. Her passion is to help clients process what they are struggling with and together find solutions; while always remaining patient focused. She values what her clients say and makes sure their voices are heard. Elizabeth is certified in Mental Health First Aid, Life Pain Specialist, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and as a Field Traumatologist. Her work is based on the belief that we are all influenced by a variety of factors including larger social contexts, individual family histories, and unique life experiences. She utilizes only evidence-based treatments such as (cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, exposure therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy) to help her clients achieve their individualized therapeutic goals.

Elizabeth Arnaez Headshot

TAMMY ALTAMIRANO, BA

Tammy Altamirano is Keys Gate Wellness Associates, office manager and executive/personal assistant to Dr. Santana Sparber the clinical director. She is an integral part of the Keys Gate Wellness family and the representing voice and face of the practice. She is intelligent, motivated, kind, patient, caring and the teams go-to girl. Always ready with a smile to help our patients with anything they need from providing information, verifying insurance, requesting authorizations, scheduling appointments, and coordinating with the clinicians. She is dedicated to working hard to help serve the needs of the patients and families that we serve. Tammy is
determined and willing to learn and grow as a person and a future clinical psychologist. She is empirically driven and believes in the importance of evidence-based treatment. She believes that not everyone has the privilege of having someone to lend a listening ear when they need it most, although everyone deserves one and feels in the future as a clinical psychologist, she will provide that opportunity to those in need. Her goal is to learn through partnership in the community, how she can aid those who struggle with mental health in their life while keeping a bright light on their strengths. Tammy is also in training as a Psychometrician at Keys Gate Wellness Associates as she progresses in her Doctoral Training at Carlos Albizu University (Miami Campus).

Tammy Alatamirano

JENNIFER ORTIZ, MS, RMHCI

Jennifer Ortiz is a bilingual, master’s level, Registered Mental Health Intern under the supervision of Dr. Santana Sparber. She graduated from Trinity International University. Her professional interests include working with children, adolescents, adults and couples. She has clinical experience working with individuals with the following challenges: stress, anxiety, behavioral concerns, adjustment disorder, depression, identity issues, and religious struggles. She is empathetic, compassionate, understanding, and nonjudgmental. She believes it is important to have a strong therapeutic relationship. She desires to give others a voice and a safe space for that voice to be heard, accepted, and validated. Her passion is to see others process their past trauma, heal from it, and grow into who they were created to be. She desires to work collaboratively with patients to help them experience a life where they are the healthiest (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) version of themselves. The counseling theories she implements to assist with the therapeutic process include person-centered modalities, solution-focused therapy, and psychoeducation. She has knowledge and experience in biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and implementing evidence-based practices. As a Hispanic female, she hopes to decrease mental health stigma among Hispanic populations. Lastly, her desire is to creatively use counseling and teaching to assist others in seeing a world that is authentic, connected, and empowered; a world where they can believe in healing, hope for the future and discover the beauty in life."

Jennifer Ortiz Headshot

MICHAEL SAMUEL SPARBER, MS, CIC, CRM, CAIP, CEO

Michael S. Sparber, CIC, CRM, CAIP is the chief executive officer, risk manager and co-founder of Keys Gate Wellness Associates. As a member of the executive management team of the organization, his responsibilities include the oversight of operations & business development aspects of the firm. Duties also involve acting as team leader for agency VIP concierge clients service development in coordination with the clinical director, and marketing representative. In addition, his responsibilities involve the development, review and improvement of business processes to improve quality control and customer service. Mr. Sparber has extensive experience in the area of risk management. In the past he served as the risk management administrator for the city of Coral Gables. Michael holds a Master of Science degree from florida state university with a major in risk management and a bachelor of science degree from Barry University with a major in accounting. His credentials also include certified insurance counselor (CIC), certified risk manager (CRM), certified aviation insurance professional (CAIP), and he has been a licensed 2-20 property & casualty insurance agent in the state of Florida since 1995. Michael is involved with RIMS, the risk management society. He served on the board of directors for the Greater Miami Chapter from 2010 through 2014 and was chapter president from 2011 through 2014. Additionally, he served on the On Florida Educational Conference Committee in 2011 & 2012 and served on the RIMS Student Advisory Council from 2012 through 2014. He was also a member of the technology committee for NAPSLO (now “WSIA”, the wholesale & specialty insurance association) from 2015-2016 (one-year term).

MR. MICHAEL SAMUEL SPARBER

ERICA KRIDER, BA

Erica Krider is a master level, clinical mental health counseling intern (South University). She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Florida International University (FIU) in 2007. She is currently completing her clinical mental health counseling internship at Keys Gate Wellness Associates. After a successful career in Human Resources, where she supported a diverse workforce of over 2,000+ employees for over 10 years in the South Florida area, Erica decided to return to the Mental Health profession to serve others and her community. She is passionate about providing multi-culturally competent and ethical mental health services and prides herself in being authentic and compassionate in her approach. She takes a holistic methodology to care and gives special consideration to every aspect of an individual & their lifestyle to include diet, sleep, exercise, and spirituality when establishing an individualized treatment plan. She has training and experience with providing mental health services for Veterans and individuals with suicidal ideation as well psychopathology and diagnosis for children, adolescents, and adults, crisis, trauma and abuse, and career counseling. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She is also a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and Mental Health Counselors Association of Palm Beach (MHCAPB). She is deeply passionate about her family and her faith and gains fulfillment in positively impacting her environment.

Erica Krider Headshot

ABIGAIL VALLE

Abigail Valle is Keys Gate Wellness Associates, evening receptionist. She is responsible, efficient, organized, intelligent and friendly. Abigail is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology at Miami Dade College and is excited to learn more about the field through her experiences at Keys Gate Wellness Associates. You can always find her at the front desk with a warm greeting when patients arrive. She is responsible for handling the front desk, greeting patients, checking patients out, answering telephones, taking messages, verifying insurance, patient scheduling and other administrative support functions. She is always working hard to help the clients and clinicians of Keys Gate Wellness with anything they need.

Abigail Valle Headshot

ALINA GARCIA MARRERO

Alina Garcia Marrero is Keys Gate Wellness Associates, daytime receptionist. She is energetic, responsible, efficient, reliable, organized, and friendly. Alina has a bubbly personality and always greets everyone with a smile. She is skilled at managing the front desk. Her responsibilities include, answering phones, taking messages, verifying insurances, scheduling appointments, greeting patients and getting them signed in and checked out. She specializes at creating a friendly and receptive office environment.

 

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