Sandra E. Douchand-Brown, Ph.D - Panel Discussion Moderator
Dr. Sandra E. Douchand-Brown was born in Germany and grew up in Jamaica, with cultural roots heavily influenced by her Jamaican nurturing. For as long as she can remember, she wanted to be a nurse. She fulfilled that dream in 1986, graduating with her Diploma in Nursing from Kingston School of Nursing in Jamaica. She soon married, and the couple moved to the USA where she was recruited by Cedars Medical Center and earned a Master of Science in Nursing in from Barry University. In the early 2000s, while working as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, her appetite for education returned. She went on to become a University of Miami alum, and was granted a Fellowship from the Florida Education Fund as a McKnight scholar while completing her Ph.D. in Nursing. Dr. Brown humbly acknowledges the leadership of her distinguished professor, Dr. Doris Noel Ugarizza, who mentored her while at the University of Miami.
​
In her research, Dr. Brown focused on the Health Promotion Behaviors of African American Women. As a Nurse Practitioner in the local community, she continues to help clients through the promotion of health, and the prevention of diseases. Additionally, Dr. Brown teaches nursing courses for two universities and mentors nurse practitioner students in her office practice.
A happily-married mother of two, as well as a dog-mom, Dr. Brown attributes her success to her relationship with God and how He has guided her choices throughout her life. She firmly believes that making the right choices takes a combination of wisdom, guidance, great mentors, and faith.
Catherina Chang-Martinez, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN, ARNP
Dr. Catherina Chang Martinez has been a registered nurse for more than 25 years. She graduated from Miami Dade College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She then completed her Bachelor degree and Master degree in Nursing from Florida International University. In 2007 she graduated from Florida International University with a Doctorate degree in Public Health Epidemiology.
Dr. Martinez currently works as Assistant Professor in the Entry-Level Nursing Program at Nova Southeastern University. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a professional nurse, nurse practitioner, educator, administrator, and consultant at various organizations in Miami Dade and Broward County. Her clinical experience extends to the areas of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Cardiovascular disease, Informatics, Pain Management, Public
Health, and Epidemiology. Her areas of research and community service have been dedicated towards healthy living practices, including nutrition, physical activity, in the prevention of obesity in vulnerable populations including children and adults with cognitive disabilities. She is also engaged in the area of prevention, particularly breast and cervical cancer prevention in low-income minorities in the community. During her free time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, traveling, and learning about other cultures. She loves to cook, read, and practice mindfulness meditation.
Dr. Bridget Jones, Panelist
Dr. Bridget Jones, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a successful entrepreneur and business coach, who is pursuing her passion for food and people. She is the proud owner of Savannah Soul, a catering and mobile food truck business, and the first black female in Fort Wayne to do so. When Bridget is not operating her food truck, she is working for Lincoln Financial Group as a Senior Business Analyst in Digital Robotic Process Automation, and she serves as an Elder and Business Manager at her local church, New Zion Tabernacle.
Dr. Jones obtained both her Doctorate of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology degrees from Fort Wayne Theological Seminary and Bible College. In her earlier years of education, she obtained her Associate of Arts in
Business Administration from Miami-Dade Community College and Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Florida International University. Additionally, Bridget is certified as a Green-Belt in Lean Six Sigma.
​
Dr. Jones' personal mission in life is, "To inspire and equip people to pursue their passion, while embracing their God-given destiny."
Carolina Marrelli, Panelist
Carolina Marrelli is an Integrative Holistic Health Coach for women, Plant-Based Medicine Specialist and Essential Oil Instructor certified by The American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
Just days after the birth of her second child, Carolina went septic with two infections that nearly killed her. However, she was given a gift…it just came wrapped in really ugly wrapping paper. As a result, Carolina became passionate about all things holistic healthcare and her career trajectory totally changed. After over 13 years in full time music ministry - plans to go on tour - she hung up her guitar and went back to school.
Both a wife and mother of two kids, Carolina is also an author of several eBooks, a keynote speaker, podcast guest, and has been the facilitator of workshops for a variety of organizations -both secular and sacred - for the last 20 years.
Carolina believes that health is the launching pad to success in every area of life and is on a mission to help one woman at a time to “launch well.” She helps purpose-driven women to get more energy and clear up digestive distress so that they too can become the healthiest-version-ofthemselves and go after their God-given dreams!