Carolina Ferrer - Board Chair nonprofit therapy helping community
Founder and LCSW, QS at
Carolina's Compassionate Counseling
Carolina is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the field for over 17 years. Carolina received her Bachelors of Social Work in 2008, her Masters of Social Work in 2010, and received her license as a clinical social worker in 2014.
Much of Carolina's professional experience has been working with vulnerable populations such as those experiencing substance abuse, domestic violence, prenatal/post partum/ adoption challenges, immigration related challenges, and numerous mental health conditions.
Carolina opened her practice in 2020 and now serves over 150 individuals within the community. Her goal is to meet individuals where they are at in life and provide assistance and empowerment in their mental health journey. Carolina works from a utilitarian approach and strives to serve as much good to the community through each individual.
David Ferrer - Board Chair
Founding Owner/Executive Director of Sales
at Ferrer's Custom Carpentry
David, a husband and father to Sofia, grew up in NY and moved to Florida at the age of 14. After graduating from Lehigh Senior HS, David spent much of his years learning the ins and outs of natural stones, quartz, tile, flooring, and cabinetry. His 20+ years of experience have served as his foundation to becoming a specialist in kitchen and baths. Additionally, David has worked tirelessly in advancing the well being of youth across SW Florida. His work within church youth groups, charter schools and group care homes for vulnerable children has filled his heart with great joy.
Ivette Galarza - Treasurer
Owner/ Chief Executive Officer at
Ferrer's Custom Carpentry
Ivette Galarza has been advocating for vulnerable children, families, and communities for 27 years, a passion ignited by her mother’s activism in Brooklyn. After moving to Florida from New York at 16, she eventually earned her master’s degree in social work from Florida Gulf Coast University. Ivette then committed to advancing the interests of vulnerable populations across Southwest Florida and gained national recognition when she was nominated and elected as Board Chair of the National Head Start Association—one of the largest early education advocacy associations in the nation. In 2018, she became a licensed general contractor and helped grow her family’s construction company into a multi-million-dollar business. They have been building communities in SWFL and established a nonprofit to support and shelter children aging out of the foster care system.