Lui Damiani – Executive Director
he/him/his
Lui Damiani is a proven leader whose background in business and public service spans more than 25 years. He has served the Central Florida community as a County Commissioner, corporate executive, small business owner, governmental manager, television host and homeowner’s association president. His experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors has given him a well-rounded approach to problem solving and doing what’s right for the community.
Upon graduating from the Ohio State University in 1987, Lui moved to Orlando to put down roots and begin his professional career building a solid resume in business and public service. While working full-time, Lui attended UCF and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 1994. He served as Chief Aide to former District 3 Commissioner Mary I. Johnson for eight years and was recognized with the county’s highest service honor, The Chairman’s Award. It was during that time that Lui was instrumental in helping to establish the Victim Service Center. Subsequently, Lui spent five years in the private sector as Corporate Marketing Director and Vice President of one of Florida’s largest woman-owned businesses and he has operated his own small real estate business for more than 12 years. In 2010, Lui became an Orange County Commissioner where he championed a local ordinance to help service disabled veterans, helped to pass a human rights law, worked to reduce government spending, pushed for lowered government fees and allocated critical funding into economic development initiatives intended to assist small businesses and create jobs.
Throughout his career, Lui has served his various roles with character, honesty and passion earning him a solid reputation of integrity among his peers. Today, as Executive Director of the Victim Service Center, Lui is honored to continue his service to the Central Florida community building collaborative relationships with business and governmental partners, and leading an extraordinary team of crisis intervention experts dedicated to helping those impacted by sexual assault, violent crime or traumatic circumstances.
JoEllen – Program Director
she/her/hers
JoEllen joined the VSC team as the Program Director in October 2013. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida & New York. JoEllen earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University and has over 20 years social work experience. JoEllen is credentialed as a Qualified Supervisor and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. JoEllen values the importance of community partnerships and currently serves as the co-chair of the Orange County Sexual Assault Response Team; the Secretary of the Osceola County Sexual Assault Response Team; and the Treasurer of the Central Florida Victim Services Network. JoEllen strives to continuously enhance the quality and scope of services provided and in this effort uses her experience as a Peer Reviewer for both the Department of Justice and The Council on Accreditation.
Robert – Accounting & Operations Director
he/him/his
Robert comes to us from Maine and has almost 20 years’ experience as an accountant, business manager, and assistant controller. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts-Lowelland and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. He is very enthusiastic about helping others and is a great asset to the VSC team.
Therapy Department
Brandi – Lead Therapist
she/her/hers
Brandi is the Lead Therapist at the Victim Service Center of Central Florida. Brandi holds a Master’s Degree with Honors in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College, where she earned the Outstanding Graduate Student in Counseling award. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Brandi incorporates systemic awareness in her work and carefully considers clients’ lived experiences as part of their healing journey. She believes in the re-empowerment process for all survivors by facilitating an empathic and authentic therapeutic alliance. She supports every person’s right to peace and freedom in their lives.
Christina – Therapist (Bilingual)
she/her/hers/ella
Christina has received her Masters of Arts in Counseling degree from Rollins College. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Christina believes that everyone can reach their potential to overcome personal obstacles that inhibit them from expressing themselves. She helps people reach a sense of peace, purpose, direction and well-being. She fosters the belief that everyone has something to offer and in their most difficult times can lead us to those special gifts that are within every one of us. Christina is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) that helps with how a person emotionally responds to traumatic memories. Christina has 5 years of experience working with folks who are suffering from mental health issues including suicidal ideation, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, and trauma symptoms. Christina focuses on being present with her client’s so they feel heard without judgment. Christina works with adolescents, adults, and is bilingual in both English and Spanish.
Vladimir – Therapist (Bilingual)
he/him/his/el
Vladimir brings over 15 years of professional experience in the fields of social services, non-profits, government agencies and clinical residential treatment facilities. As a bi-cultural clinician of Latino descent and a veteran of the Navy, Vladimir learned to develop a participative therapeutic style with strong analytical skills that are complemented with an innate ability to connect with others via compassion and empathy. Vladimir obtained a B.A. in Psychology from the City University of New York with an emphasis in Bio-Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Vladimir pursued to further his knowledge of psychology by obtaining a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (MSCP) with a dual licensing specialization degree in Marriage Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) from Notre Dame de Namur University in California. Vladimir developed a passion for working with clients suffering from multiple diagnoses such as complex trauma (PTSD), depressive and anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, as well as victims of domestic violence, couples and families seeking to improve and develop relationship dynamics. Vladimir has a certification as a Domestic Violence Counselor in the state of California and has specialized trauma training in EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Vladimir is currently a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern and is actively pursuing licensure in the state of Florida.
Sharon – Therapist
she/her/hers
Sharon is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She earned her Master’s of Art in Counseling at Rollins College and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Believing that people are hard-wired to be in relationship, Sharon meets clients where they are and strives to create a therapeutic alliance in a safe, judgement free space. Counseling sessions are collaborative with a focus on identifying and nurturing clients’ strengths. Her therapeutic approach includes CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), solution focused therapy, family systems therapy, play therapy, mindfulness and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). “It is my honor to come alongside individuals, couples and families to listen and process the fear and pain that is getting in their way of living a joyful life.”
Amanda – Sexual Trauma Group Facilitator
she/her/hers
Amanda McCloud is currently working in Orange County Corrections providing counseling services for female inmates. She has done sexual trauma counseling for more than 13 years at other local agencies and at Orange County Corrections Female Detention Center. Amanda holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology. She graduated from the University of West Florida. Amanda has worked as a counselor in juvenile and adult corrections for over 15 years. She also served in the United States Navy for 21 years. Amanda has done Mental Health work with numerous populations including Foster Care, juvenile inmates, adult inmates, community mental health, alternative school setting, and the military community.
Mary – Therapist
she/her/hers
Mary is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. She received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She has experience providing individual, family, and group counseling to individuals with a history of substance use, anger management, children who have suffered from physical, emotional, and verbal abuse, and at-risk youth. When volunteering with Planned Parenthood, Mary discovered a desire to advocate for change within our society. Mary is passionate about helping others overcome traumatic experiences through a holistic approach that address all areas of wellness, facilitates self-compassion, and celebrates the strengths and power each person has. She believes that all individuals have the capacity to lead successful and happy lives. Mary aspires to obtain her licensure in Mental Health Counseling in order to better help individuals in need.
Natalee– Therapist
she/her/hers
Natalee holds a Master of Arts Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. She is trained in BrainSpotting (BSP), Florida State Adoption Competency, and additionally is completing her certification with Sand Tray Play Therapy to incorporate with her previously accomplished diverse professional certifications, all offering distinct approaches to meet her clients’ needs. She brings a diverse professional background and compassionate approach to assist with trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, anger management, and emotional disturbances. She has a dynamic and optimistic attitude with a genuine heart for all people. She has a unique and authentic therapeutic counseling approach integrating person-centered, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral and narrative therapies. Natalee is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern specializing in Trauma Informed Care for children, adolescents and families and is actively pursuing licensure in the state of Florida.
Alexa– Therapy Intern
she/her/hers
Alexa is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Central Florida. She holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Healthcare from the University of South Florida. Alexa believes that each individual has a meaningful life story and that taking control of their own narrative enables them to become empowered. Alexa incorporates a combination of Narrative therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, and Person Centered therapy to best help each individual discover their life purpose.
Development and Communications Department
Shannan – Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
she/her/hers
Shannan received a dual Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida in Political Science and International & Global Studies. Shannan got her start serving her community as an intern with the Orange County Board of County Commissioners before becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA with the City of Orlando working on Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Cities of Service Initiative. Most recently, she was a volunteer coordinator with the nonprofit The Mustard Seed of Central Florida where she managed volunteers on a large-scale. She has a passion for sustainability and encouraging everyone to give back to their community by getting involved.
Emilie– Education Coordinator
she/her/hers
Emilie earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Emilie found her passion for advocating social justice and ending gendered-violence as a trained paraprofessional co-facilitating discussions with first year college students about sexual assault on campus and how to support survivors at U of I. She is also enthusiastic about education and most recently lived in Japan teaching English to Elementary and Middle School children. Emilie hopes to help end violent crimes through educating and engaging with the community.
Advocacy Department
Rhonda – Lead Advocate
she/her/hers
Rhonda has been part of the VSC team for ten years. She has three graduate degrees, a Master of Human Services, a MBA and a Master in Administration of Justice and Security. Rhonda has over 30 years of experience in criminal/military justice. She served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. After retiring from the Navy, Rhonda worked as the Director of a Residential Re-entry Center for inmates transitioning from federal prisons. Rhonda’s goal is to engage the entire community in activities that prevent sexual assault and crime.
Orialis – Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor (Bilingual)
she/her/hers/ella
Orialis earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. She discovered her passion for social justice and advocacy while minoring in Gender, Women, and Sexuality studies. Prior to working at VSC, Orialis’ previous experiences center on working with survivors of sexual violence. She has experience working with survivors of trauma both as a crisis counselor and a therapist. Orialis has experience facilitating support groups for survivors of sexual and domestic violence as well as facilitating DBT Skills groups. Orialis’ passion is to help others learn to make space for every part of them. Using a trauma lens, she works to create a shift from “what’s wrong with me” to “what happened to me”. She believes we can accept ourselves as we are while also understanding that growth is a life-long process. Orialis is passionate about fostering growth and healing through self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and self-reflection. Orialis is working towards her licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida in order to continue working with survivors.
Emily– Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor 
she/her/hers
Emily received her Masters in Mental Health Counseling and is a registered intern in the state of Florida. She has experience working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault from her previous work as a victim advocate for The State Attorney’s Office. There she received special training and certifications as an advocate for the community. Prior to working for the state, Emily focused on trauma related issues through private practices where she worked with adults, teens, and children. During this time she gained a passion for working with individuals overcoming traumatic events. The process of walking along side the individual as they gain courage and strength is empowering. Further experience includes a certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician working with children and adults with Autism and related disorders. Emily is working towards her licensure as a Mental Health Counselor from the state of Florida in order to continue working with survivors of traumatic events and to better serve her community.
María – Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor (Bilingual)
she/her/hers/ella
María received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Ana G. Mendez University System, Puerto Rico in 2014 and her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from University of Puerto Rico in 2010. María has more than 6 years of experience providing counseling, family referral services for children and adults, ensuring maximum support for all victims, patients and families while enhancing their capacity for social functioning. María has a history of working with victims of sexual assault, traumatic circumstances, domestic violence, drug addiction, and at-risk children. María believes that everyone has a life purpose and strengths that empower them to overcome traumatic experiences. María has a passion to guide, encourage, and help with people’s needs as well as defend their rights as human against all type of violence. María aspires to obtain her Clinical Licensure as Clinical Social Worker from the State of Florida and continue serve populations in needs.
Rosa – Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor (Bilingual)
she/her/hers/ella
Rosa holds a Master’s Degree in Science of Counseling Psychology from the Carlos Albizu University and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts of Psychology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. Rosa has more than 6 years in experience in the active duty of working with non-profit organizations focused in aiding individuals with disabilities, minority-disadvantaged populations, high risk populations in Puerto Rico and Florida. Rosa has provided individual and group counseling services to individuals with a history of substance abuse, homeless individuals, domestic violence, traumatic events, and intrusive psychological disorders. Rosa also worked as a vocational evaluator serving adults, children and adolescents with severe impairments. Rosa has a passion to seek strengths in others and encourage to challenge their limitations. Rosa believes every individual has the ability to conquer fears and grow exceeding society stereotypes. Rosa is enthusiastic about art and often utilizes its methods to seek reassurance in the innate ability to connect with others by externalizing unique interpretations of life. Rosa believes in the capability of an individual to acquire resilient skills, as she has seen how people often rise from severe life events. Rosa aspires obtaining a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology to continue in the mission of restructuring systems, and facilitating support or guidance to individuals in need.
Johnnie –Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor
he/him/his
Johnnie is a Registered Marriage & Family Therapy Intern in the state of Florida. He received his Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida, specializing in the treatment of trauma for both individuals and families. He began to focus specifically on gender issues and sexual trauma after working at an Orange County alternative high school for pregnant and parenting teenagers. He has further sharpened his experience with trauma through additional residential, in-home, and private practice counseling positions. Johnnie has a passion for empowering others to overcome the traumas or difficulties afflicting them and to find their own road to recovery. Johnnie aspires to obtain his Licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist from the State of Florida in order to better serve those in need while advocating for positive culture change within our society at large.
Emily
– LGBTQ+Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor
she/her/hers
Emily received her Bachelors in Family and Child Sciences and Masters in Social Work from Florida State University. While working in a group foster home in North Florida, Emily began to focus on the impact trauma has on the lives of individuals facing it. Emily has experience working in crisis situations with at-risk youth, domestic violence, and incarcerated individuals as well as various forms of verbal, physical, and sexual trauma. Emily advocates for equality and social change, believing individuals should never experience discrimination based on where they are from or who they are. Emily’s position at VSC is part of a partnership with Zebra Coalition to focus advocating for and bringing awareness to sexual violence and the LGBTQ+ community. She specializes in working with this population as an advocate and counselor while also doing outreach and prevention workshops. Emily aims to empower and support the LGBTQ+ community through their journey to gain strength, independence, and peace through the various hardships they may face.
Kevin – Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor
he/him/his
Kevin graduated from the Florida State University with his Bachelor’s of Science in Social Science Education. Afterwards, he began teaching at the high school level and during that time, enrolled in evening classes through the Hamilton Holt School at Rollins College for his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is now a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with the state of Florida. Kevin has worked with adolescents with substance use issues, worked with Equality Florida for LGBTQ+ rights, and worked in the UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health, counseling and performing therapy with cancer patients and their families. Kevin has a vast experience working with diverse clients in issues ranging from identity, trauma, adolescents and young adults, grief, depression, anxiety, multicultural issues, identity issues, LGBTQ+, and more. His passion when working with clients is to help them increase their resilience and satisfaction with their everyday lives; he seeks to help clients increase their meaning from life and live more authentically and honestly. Kevin is working towards state licensure in Mental Health and he seeks to continue to grow his experiences and education working with trauma and the LGBTQ+ population.
Jocelyn– Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor
she/her/hers/ella
Jocelyn received her Masters in Human Services from Albertus Magnus College and her Bachelors in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven where she also minored in Psychology. Jocelyn has more than 5 years of experience working with non-profit organizations focused in aiding the youth of Greater New Haven in Connecticut. Jocelyn has a passion for helping, empowering, and defending victims of crime. Jocelyn aspires to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in the future.
Tiffany – Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor
she/her/hers
Tiffany earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling from Argosy University in Dallas, Texas and is a registered intern in the state of Florida. Her passion for working with individuals affected by trauma began when she interned at the Collin County Rape Crisis Center, as both an advocate and counselor. Since moving to Florida Tiffany has continued to work with individuals in private practice, as well as working with children in the Seminole County Public Schools system. Tiffany aspires to obtain full licensure as a Mental Health Counselor from the state of Florida in order to continue her work with survivors of traumatic events and better serve the community.
Allie– Victim Advocate/Crisis Counselor
she/her/hers
Allie received her Bachelor’s in Social Work and is currently pursing her Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in clinical therapy from the University of Central Florida. Allie found her passion for advocating and empowering others while working with at-risk youth as an Assistant Residential Coordinator for a youth homeless shelter and a clinical internship at a state inpatient psychiatric placement center for children. She has experience working in hospitals, crisis shelters, and psychiatric residential facilities with human trafficked survivors, the LGBTQ+ community and adults transitioning out of incarceration. Allie has a passion for helping individuals in the midst of crisis as well as mental health prevention. Allie aspires to obtain her Licensure in Clinical Social Work from the state of Florida in order to continue to utilize counseling skills to inspire others to consistently cope in spite of setbacks, barriers and limited resources.
Medical and Forensic Services
Nancy – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
she/her/hers
Nancy Moskyok is the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Coordinator for the Victim Service Center of Orlando covering Orange and Osceola counties. She has over ten years of experience providing sexual assault exams to clients in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties when activated by the Sexual Assault Response Team protocol. Nancy has a total of twenty seven years as a registered nurse. Nancy is passionate about her work, she is committed to providing quality care to clients while collecting evidence so justice can prevail. She has studied sexual assault evidence collection as a specialty, sat for the boards and was granted certification by the International Association of forensic Nurse’s and has maintained this certification for the last nine years. Nancy is married, has two grown children and four grandchildren. Nancy is originally from Pittsburgh and is die hard Steeler fan.
Dr. Rodriguez – VSC Medial Director, Orange County
she/her/hers
In addition to her role with Victim Services, Dr. Rodriguez serves as the Associate Medical Director of the Orange County EMS System. She practices emergency medicine locally at several Orlando Health emergency departments.
Dr. Rodriguez was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate education where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. After college, Dr. Rodriguez moved to Orlando, Florida to complete her medical education. She graduated from The University of Central Florida College of Medicine and chose to stay in Orlando for her graduate medical education where she completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Orlando Regional Medical Center and her fellowship in Emergency Medical Services with the Orange County EMS System.
In her free time Dr. Rodriguez enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Christopher and her two dogs, Baxter and Buzz
Administrative Department
Laura – Office Manager (Bilingual)
she/her/hers/ella
Laura has been our Office Manager for the Victim Service Center since 2002 and has over 20 years of professional experience in office administration. She is responsible for day-to-day office management and sexual assault program support which includes working with the advocacy, therapy and SANE staff in Orange County and Osceola County. She manages, coordinates and provides the front office and the Agency support functions to ensure effective and efficient operations in order to support the mission of the Victim Service Center of Central Florida.
Joana – Grants Manager (Bilingual)
she/her/hers/ella
Joana comes to the Victim Service Center with previous experience in non-profit management and grant writing. In her role as a grants manager, she hopes to maximize the funding potential of VSC by identifying new funding opportunities in addition to ensuring compliant, timely, and effective submission of grant related reporting requirements. Prior to this position, Joana worked as a case management director for the Lead Agency at United HomeCare® where she was responsible for the daily operations of the department ensuring the fulfillment of budget and contract requirements. She received her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University.