MISSION

The HIV Education, Awareness, and Research Team (HEART) is a collaboration of faculty and students at the University of Central Florida who are dedicated to addressing the multiple and complex effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic locally and nationally. HEART exists to serve the community by:

…partnering with community organizations and stakeholders to address HIV/AIDS locally;

…providing educational opportunities focused on HIV and AIDS and their medical, mental health, and social effects on individuals and families;

…raising awareness about HIV prevention and treatment within the UCF community and in Central Florida; and

…seeking and acquiring external funding and conducting high-quality research that informs prevention methods and mental health interventions for individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS.

Meet the Faculty!

Dr. J. Richelle Joe

Twitter: @DrJRJoe

Associate Professor ~ Counselor Education

In recent years, Orlando has ranked among the top 10 cities for new HIV diagnoses. HEART began as a way to engage faculty and students at UCF around the physical, social, and mental health implications of HIV locally and nationally. As a faculty member HEART has been a way for me to integrate teaching, service, and research to address the HIV epidemic.

Dr. Melissa Zeligman

Associate Professor ~ Counselor Education

My first clinical position was at an agency for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and it was some of the most meaningful work I have ever been part of. Those clients inspired so much of the research I do today (i.e., work around trauma and chronic illness). When I joined the faculty at UCF in 2019, I already knew of the amazing work being done with Dr. Joe and the HEART team, and couldn’t wait to be a part of it!

Dr. Gregory Meek

Lecturer ~ Counselor Education

Coming soon!

Meet the Students!

Carla Castro

Major/Program: Clinical Psychology B.S.

My interest in HEART sparked because they advocate for social well-being and engage in people-based research. It's the passionate people at HEART that have created and amplified such a supportive and inspiring environment that motivates me to contribute to their mission and work towards meaningful change in our communities.

My participation in the long-term survivor study opened my eyes to the reality of those living with HIV. They face daily discrimination in healthcare, work, social interactions, and legal matters. By advocating for education, empathy, and support, I aim to reduce the stigma, encourage open conversation, and ensure that those living with HIV can lead healthy, dignified lives free from discrimination.

Haley Pitocchelli

Major/Program: Clinical Psychology & Autism Spectrum Disorders

I took interest in HEART's ideals and work, as HEART has a dedication to explore marginalized populations; specifically, those who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

HEART has allowed me to participate in its research on long-term survivors of HIV. I hope to continue to be able to participate in various research opportunities, educational presentations, and advocacy!

Maya Reaves

Major/Program: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

I had the opportunity to learn about the amazing work HEART does during a UCF counseling conference, and I immediately knew I wanted to become a part of such a vital team.

  I hope to help raise awareness and dismantle the stigma associated with HIV, as well as contribute to transformative research on the subject.

Derrick Cuomo-Lombardi

Major/Program: UCF Alumni- B.S in Psychology

I volunteer for the local LGBT+ Center in Orlando as an HIV tester so I was drawn to HEART due to that. I was always afraid research would be boring, but since HEART's research is people-based, it was able to relate towards my degree and career goals. I hope to attend graduate school at UCF for my degree in Mental Health Counseling so I can specialize in Crisis Counseling & Human Sexuality.

I have been helping HEART with the in-progress Long Term HIV Survivor study as well as helped Dr. Joe with UCF's Counseling Conference. I hope to continue to help HEART with advocacy, education, and research.

Rashel Peña

Coming Soon

Paola Torres Sotelo

Coming Soon