Biography

Jessmarie Gonzalez is the Behavioral Health Community Specialist at Care Resource’s Fort Lauderdale health center. She collaborates with a diverse group of community organizations in Broward County, which allows her to provide individualized, targeted care to each of her clients.

Jessmarie completed her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Florida Atlantic University. She is a certified HIV Testing and PrEP Counselor in Broward County. Furthermore, she is a Certified Facilitator in Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), Certified Event Interventionist and a Certified Peer Support Specialist.

Her specialties include LGBTQ+ care, PrEP, substance use peer counseling, and patient advocacy. She has over 21 years of experience serving the LGBTQ+ community and 10 years of experience assisting individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV and/or other Sexually Transmitted Infections. Jessmarie co-facilitates Care Resource’s creative expression therapy group, which focuses on improving behavioral health through artistic expression and creativity and the MAT Orientation Group, an Introductory group, understanding the benefits, risks, and program requirements for Medication Assisted Treatment.

As a devoted advocate for the transgender community, Jessmarie has continuously participated in The South Florida Transgender Medical Conference as a keynote speaker and panelist to educate physicians, providers, and other professionals about medical disparities faced in the LGBTQ+ community with a focus on transgender health care.

In 2016, she received the Luis Curbelo Hispanic HIV Leadership Award, the Transgender Equality Award for her leadership and service to the South Florida community, the Bishop SF Makalani-MaHee Award, through Dolphine Democrats, and Trans Awareness Award for keynote speaker. In addition to being recognized by the local community, Jessmarie has been chosen as Care Resource’s IAM3C Champion twice for her exceptional leadership and compassionate care and was designated as the 2022 Employee of The Year for Care Resource.

Jessmarie is fluent in English and Spanish and has over 10 years of experience working with individuals struggling with social disparities. Jessmarie says,

“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”.