Our Team

A Team You Can Rely On

👩‍⚕️ Our Team
At the heart of our clinical trials is a dedicated group of medically trained professionals including experienced doctors, and nurses who prioritize your safety throughout every stage of participation. Their expertise ensures that each volunteer is carefully monitored and supported.
We take pride in being a highly trained staff that truly understands the importance of volunteers. Clinical research would not be possible without individuals who are informed, engaged, and willing to contribute to advancing medical knowledge. Our team values this partnership and works to make your experience safe, respectful, and meaningful.

🌍 To better serve our diverse community, our staff provides support in multiple languages. Fluent in both Spanish and English, they help ensure clear communication and accessibility for all participants.

Elizabeth Roman

Site director/CRC

I am the Lead Clinical Research Coordinator with 6 years of specialized experience overseeing the initiation and management of multiple clinical trials. In this role, I take primary responsibility for coordinating study operations, ensuring strict adherence to safety policies and regulatory requirements, and fostering a secure, productive environment for both participants and staff. My leadership ensures that trials run smoothly from start to finish, with a focus on participant safety, compliance, and operational excellence. I am also certified in Phlebotomy, EKG, and CPR, which allows me to provide direct clinical support while guiding the team through complex research protocols.

Vendel Aradi

Research Coordinator

As a Back-Up Clinical Research Coordinator, I provide essential support to ensure the smooth operation of clinical trials. My responsibilities include managing the Informed Consent Form (ICF) process, performing Electronic Data Capture (EDC) data entry, scheduling patient visits, and requesting medical records. In addition to these core duties, I oversee a range of administrative tasks, maintain and manage study supplies, and contribute to the overall efficiency of trial operations. This role requires strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure qualities I consistently demonstrate to support both the research team and study participants.

Dr. Jay Franklin, MD

Board Certified, Pediatrician

Dr. Jay C. Franklin serves as a Sub-Investigator in our clinical research team, bringing over 52 years of medical experience to the role. A Licensed and Board-Certified Pediatrician with multiple specialties, he contributes his expertise in both General Medicine and Pediatrics to support study oversight and participant safety. Dr. Franklin is affiliated with leading hospitals in the Miami area, including Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. He earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and continues to apply his extensive clinical background to ensure the highest standards of care and compliance in research.

Dr. Amarilis Gonzalez, MD

Board Certified, Internal Medicine

Dr. Amarilis Gonzalez is Board-Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and brings extensive training and experience to her practice. She completed her internal medicine residency at West Suburban Hospital Medical Center in Oak Park, Illinois, an affiliate of Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. In addition, she completed a residency at the I.S.S.T.E. in Chihuahua, Mexico. Her clinical training also includes both an internship and sub-internship at West Suburban Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Gonzalez earned her medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, establishing a strong foundation for her career in internal medicine.

Dr. Lazaro Joseph Garrido, MD

Medical Doctor/ Psychology

Dr. Lazaro Joseph Garrido is a distinguished Principal Investigator with extensive experience in clinical and translational research. He is widely recognized for his expertise in study design, protocol development, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of quality and ethics. Passionate about advancing scientific knowledge, Dr. Garrido is committed to mentoring research teams and fostering collaborations that transform discoveries into meaningful clinical applications. His work is driven by a dedication to innovation, improved patient outcomes, and contributing to the global advancement of evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Yannier Ferrer Martinez, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Yannier Ferrer earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in Cienfuegos, Cuba and began his career serving vulnerable populations in South America. With over a decade of experience across diverse countries and clinical settings, he has treated patients with complex co-morbidities. After relocating to the United States, Dr. Ferrer became a Certified Mental Health Social Worker and completed a Psychiatry Residency at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami. He is recognized for his comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach to care, aiming to improve quality of life for patients, their families, and the broader community

Dr. Maria Carmen Cubillas, MD.

Family Medicine, Pediatrics

Dr. Maria Carmen Cubillas is a highly experienced physician and Principal Investigator, bringing more than 58 years of medical expertise to clinical research. With specialties in Family Medicine and Pediatrics, she offers a broad and comprehensive perspective on patient care across all ages. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Cubillas has been recognized for her dedication to advancing healthcare through both clinical practice and research. As a Principal Investigator, she ensures that studies are conducted with the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical integrity, while maintaining a strong focus on participant well-being. Her extensive background in medicine and pediatrics allows her to contribute valuable insights into study design and patient-centered approaches, making her an essential leader in driving meaningful outcomes in clinical trials.

Osniel Toledo

Clinical Research Coordinator

My responsibilities, include: Informed consent: Introducing the process to potential participants, which is essential for ethical research Study timelines: Helping the Principal Investigator (PI) develop materials and tools to train people on protocol requirements, schedules, and research plans Protocol feasibility: Determining if assessments are practical based on the protocol document Compliance: Reviewing study protocols, participant charts, and regulatory requirements to ensure ethical conduct Data collection: Collecting data from participants and recording the results Collaboration: Working with other team members to plan and manage trials, and communicating with medical professionals and insurance companies for approval Other responsibilities: Ensuring participant, supply, and material safety, performing cost analysis, preparing budgets, designing and delivering training, acting as a point of contact for participants, and promoting the study.