Biography
As the Behavioral Health Community Specialist at Care Resource’s Fort Lauderdale health center, Jessmarie Gonzalez is a driving force in bridging critical services to the most vulnerable populations. Through strategic collaborations with diverse community organizations across Broward County, she ensures that each client receives individualized, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care tailored to their unique needs.
With over 21 years of experience in social services, Jessmarie has dedicated her career to empowering individuals facing health disparities, social inequities, and behavioral health challenges. Her expertise spans PrEP navigation, substance use peer counseling, HIV/STI support services, and patient advocacy. For more than a decade, she has provided unwavering support to individuals newly diagnosed with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, offering both guidance and hope.
A Certified Recovery Peer Specialist , Certified Event Interventionist, and Certified Motivational Interventionist, Jessmarie also holds certifications as an HIV Testing and PrEP Counselor and a Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) Facilitator. Her passion for holistic healing is evident in her co-facilitation of Care Resource’s Creative Expression Therapy Group, where individuals explore healing through art, and the MAT Orientation Group, which educates clients on the benefits and requirements of Medication-Assisted Treatment for substance use recovery.
Jessmarie impact has been widely recognized—she is the recipient of the Luis Curbelo Hispanic HIV Leadership Award, a two-time IAM3C Champion for her outstanding leadership and compassionate care, and was honored as Care Resource’s 2022 Employee of the Year.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jessmarie has spent over a decade working directly with individuals affected by systemic barriers, helping them navigate healthcare, mental health services, and social support networks. She is deeply committed to advocacy, empowerment, and fostering resilience within marginalized communities.
“I did not choose advocacy and social work—social work and advocacy chose me. I am happiest when I am helping others and have found joy in all that I do.” – Jessmarie
