HOMESTEAD COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER - Key Persons


Barbara Gallo

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
Barbara received her degree in Healthcare Administration from Florida International University. Mrs. Gallo has extensive experience serving the underserved over the years in various roles in community health organizations. Prior to her current role as Executive Director of Homestead Community Health Center, she worked for Baptist Health South Florida as Director for Community Clinic. Previous experience in community health include Director of Patient Services and Clinical Services for Camillus Health. She has over 20 years of healthcare management and clinical experience. Barbara is married and has two adult children and three grandchildren. She is a resident of Homestead, Florida.

Cesar Carpio

Job Titles:
  • Physician Practice
  • Physician Practice Representative II
Cesar joined our team as a physician practice representative early 2023. He has his associates degree from Florida International University and is currently finishing his Bachelors Degree. He is an avid sports fan.

David Cruz

Job Titles:
  • Registered Nurse
David received his nursing and emergency medical services degrees from Miami-Dade College. Prior to his current role as Community Health Nurse, he worked as a Community Health Coordinator/Tech for Baptist Community Health, and as the Health and Wellness director for the YMCA of Greater Miami in Homestead. He has over 10 years of health and wellness experience and is a former physical fitness instructor and personal trainer. David is a United Stated Army veteran who completed 4 years of active duty and 2 years of active Army Reserves. David is married and has a teenage daughter. He lives and works in Homestead, Florida as a Registered Nurse at our Community Clinic.

Debbie Morera

Debbie has been with the community clinic for 1 year, she previously worked as a care coach and medical assistant for Baptist Health Medical Group . Debbie has more than 15 years of experience in healthcare. Debbie is married with 3 adult children and lives in Perrine

Dr. Rosendo I. Collazo

Job Titles:
  • Chief Medical Officer
  • Specialist
Dr. Collazo is an internal medicine specialist with over 34 years of experience. Dr. Collazo received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and served as Chief Medical Resident in the department of medicine's clinical faculty. His specific interests include chronic disease management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Collazo holds a medical license in the state of Florida. Dr. Collazo received the Blue Foundation Sapphire Award for excellence in healthcare for the underserved, the Health Choice Network Jessie Trice Hero Award, the Outstanding Service Local Hero Award from the Healthcare for the Homeless Clinicians Network and was a finalist for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Health Care Heroes Award.

Ernesto E. Gomez

Ernesto graduated with his Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from Barry University. He is also a foreign medical graduate from Cuba where he received his Doctorate in medicine from higher Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana, Cuba Ernesto has experience in primary care, family medicine, emergency medicine and chronic diseases.

George Carmichael

Job Titles:
  • Physician Practice Representative Lead
George has been with the community clinic for 1 year, prior to this he worked as a physician practice patient representative for Baptist Health South Florida. George is an avid sports fan and technology enthusiast.

Jessica Morales

Job Titles:
  • Medical Assistant Lead
  • Registered Medical Assistant
Jessica has been with the community clinic for 2 years and prior to this she was a medical assistant for Baptist Health South Florida. Jessica is a Registered Medical Assistant. She is married with 2 children and lives in Kendall.

Michelle Portal

Job Titles:
  • Medical Assistant Lead
Michelle has been working with the community clinic since 2012, she is a Registered Medical Assistant and is currently enrolled in Miami Dade College pursuing her degree in nursing. She is married with 2 children and lives in Florida City.

Ricardo Santiago

Job Titles:
  • Physician Practice Patient Representative Lead
Ricky has been working with community health for 9 years. Ricky is married and has a son , he is a resident of Homestead, Florida

Vilma La Porte

Vilma graduated with her Masters of Social Work from Florida International University. Vilma is the case manager for Homestead Community Health Center. She has worked for Baptist Health South Florida for 24 years as a medical social worker/case manager in Homestead, Florida. She has vast experience with the needs of our community. Vilma has experience in community health and practice management. She is married and has two children.