Our Team

Dr. Sejal Barden is the Executive Director of the Marriage and Family Research Institute and Principal Investigator for Project Harmony. Dr. Barden earned her doctoral degree in Counselor Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and completed her master’s and education specialist degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Florida. Dr. Barden’s primary research interests include supporting healthy relationships for individuals and couples from underserved populations and improving quality of life for chronically ill persons. Her favorite part of her job is mentoring students and working with our team to make data-driven decisions to most effectively provide services grounded in strengthening relationships for participants in Project Harmony. She loves that every day allows us the ability to think outside the box and learn from one another. She loves to be outside, often spending free time with her family at the beach, in the pool or at the park. She is a lifelong learner and loves trying new foods, reading books from a variety of genres and traveling to new places.

Kathleen Hawkins is a Project Director at Project Harmony. Kathleen obtained her Masters in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida and currently is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been working with couples and families since 2015 and recently has been enjoying working on the research side of the profession. Kathleen enjoys watching the change, development, and impact that relationship education has on couples and their families. During her free time Kathleen really enjoys being outside and in nature with her family.

Nataly Larenas is the Assistant Director of Operations at Project Harmony, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Event Management from UCF Rosen College. With a total of 18 years of experience, Nataly has spent the last 12 years working with the Marriage and Family Research Institute and 6 years in the College of Community Innovation and Education. She thoroughly enjoys the dynamic nature of her role, which involves coordinating numerous elements to create an enriching experience for program participants and their families. Outside of work, Nataly cherishes spending time with her loved ones, traveling, and exploring different cultures. She is particularly drawn to creative and educational activities.

Thays Flores serves as the Program Coordinator/Families Services Lead at Project Harmony, having earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Sciences from the University of Kentucky. Since joining the institute in 2019, Thays has worked on two grants, relishing the opportunity to support and mentor her colleagues. She finds great satisfaction in observing the positive changes that couples undergo from the program’s outset until completion. In her free time, Thays enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and immersing herself in diverse cultures. She particularly delights in sampling the delectable cuisine of different countries.

Angela Medina Garcia serves as Recruitment Specialist Lead & social media at Project Harmony, having earned her B.S. in Education from the “Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University” in Venezuela. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Doctorate in Education and has over 10 years of experience in higher education. Angela finds great fulfillment in data processing, statistical analysis, as well as the creative aspects of her job such as video production and social media content creation. She also enjoys sharing new ideas with her colleagues and teaching at Project Harmony’s couples’ workshops. In her leisure time, Angela pursues her passion for photography, constantly learning and listening to music, and spending quality time with her family.

Rosa V. Quintero Mora is a Community Partner Liaison & Sr. Recruiter at Project Harmony. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in Venezuela and aspires to become a graduate student for the M.A. in Learning and Instruction. Rosa has over 8 years of experience as an HR professional and is SHRM-CP certified. Her favorite part of the job is helping couples reconnect and enhance their relationships by enrolling them in Project Harmony couples’ workshops. Rosa considers herself a nerd and enjoys spending time in libraries, reading books, and watching documentaries on various subjects. She also loves being active and enjoys outdoor activities such as dancing and yoga whenever she can spare some time.

Megan Colon is a Recruitment Specialist at Project Harmony. She holds an Associate of Arts from Valencia College and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Purdue University. Despite leaving public school in 8th grade, she earned her GED on the first attempt and later specialized in Plant Anatomy at the University of Central Florida. Overcoming learning disabilities and ADHD, Megan is proud of her achievements. She finds fulfillment in helping others, receiving recognition, and engaging in diverse project tasks. Her hobbies include artistic endeavors, literature, collecting items like original artwork and vintage pieces, and physical activities such as exercise, walking, biking, hiking, and connecting with nature.

Natalie Safonts is a Recruitment Specialist at Project Harmony. She currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at UCF. Her favorite part of the job is to deeply value the camaraderie within the Project Harmony team and cherishes the welcoming atmosphere of the office. Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, she prioritizes self-care and maintains an active lifestyle. Natalie’s fondness for beaches makes them a cherished destination, providing her with relaxation and enjoyment whenever she visits.

Charlene Jacomino is a Recruitment Specialist at Project Harmony. With a background in food service, retail, and the arts, she studied Emerging Media and Character Animation at UCF. Charlene enjoys helping others strengthen their art and confidence as a team. At Project Harmony, she uses her talents to help people overcome roadblocks, strengthen relationships, and build self-confidence. Her favorite part of the job is helping others discover new approaches and gain “aha!” moments. Charlene’s interests include psychology, film, games, and the arts. She enjoys connecting with others on a deeper level, exploring how the mind works, baking, and expressing herself through dance and other artistic mediums.

Marangelie “Mara” Velez is a Graduate Research Assistant/Relationship Coach at Project Harmony. Marangelie earned her Master of Arts degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida in 2020. As a counselor, she has experience working with women in substance use facilities, with children/teens, and with couples. Currently, she is back at UCF as a doctoral student in pursuit of her PhD in Counselor Education. Her favorite part of being a Graduate Research Assistant is learning more about the research that helps couples and families in Central Florida. As a Relationship Coach, she enjoys meeting new people and helping couples enhance their relationship. In her free time, Mara likes to go to concerts, travel, and going on nature walks.

Paola Lucena-Pachano is a Family Case Coordinator at Project Harmony, having earned a bachelor’s degree in science in December 2022. She will be attending the Marriage and Family Counseling Master’s program starting this August at UCF. Paola finds joy in assisting with statistical analysis for the project and values teamwork to achieve common objectives. Her personal interests span a diverse range of activities such as reading, painting, learning Italian, and spending time with friends. In her leisure time, Paola also loves nurturing her plants.

Priscila Ramirez is a Relationship Coach at Project Harmony. Priscila has a Master of Arts in Counseling. She has worked as a counselor, mentor and team leader at various organizations helping couples and individuals that have wanted to better their lives both personally and professionally. She loves helping people reach new levels especially when it comes to couples gaining deeper and richer connections. Priscila knows that the key to a successful relationship lies in strong communication and willingness to understand each other. In her free time, Priscila enjoys baking goodies for her family and loved ones.

Doralis Santana is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families, she joined the Marriage & Family Research Institute (MFRI) in 2008. She deeply values the opportunity to directly engage with community members, which provides her with invaluable insights into the most crucial aspects of our society. When she’s not facilitating workshops or counseling individuals, Doralis enjoys spending time with her loved ones, tending to her garden, and embarking on new adventures.

Jesus Franco is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony with a background in IT and analytical linguistics. Despite the shift from his original career path, he has enjoyed working in relationship education for the past ten years. At MFRI, his favorite part of the job is witnessing the immediate impact of workshops on couples, observing their gradual closeness over the weeks. He finds it rewarding when couples share how impactful the workshop was for them. A lifelong learner, Jesus enjoys reading and researching topics such as science, technology, health, medicine, personal development, and relationship education.

Johanny Franco is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony; she has been with the Marriage & Family Research Institute for the past ten years. Johanny holds a bachelor’s degree in health science and has extensive experience in facilitating relationship education workshops for couples. Johanny finds great satisfaction in observing couples learn different strategies to deal with conflicts, not only between themselves but also with others around them. She is especially fond of seeing couples spend quality time together, strengthening their relationships. In her free time, Johanny enjoys listening and reading motivational talks and stories about people who have overcome various challenges and obstacles in life.

Lana Ribeiro is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony and has spent most of her life helping people. For 11 years, she worked on completing developmental evaluations on young children and creating developmental outcomes. Currently, she works as a full-time Real Estate Advisor to assist families in achieving homeownership. Additionally, Lana enjoys working for the MFRI, helping couples acquire tools and techniques to build better relationships. Her favorite part of being a Relationship Educator is witnessing the transformation that occurs in each couple, no matter how small or significant, from the first week to the last. She learns something new from every couple every single time. Lana is a food enthusiast and loves exploring new local restaurants and breweries. In her “free time,” she enjoys spending time with her two little ones.

Gamalier “Antonio” Rivera is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony. Antonio is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and has been teaching for most of his life, currently as an educator at UCF’s Marriage and Family Research Institute. He is passionate about both learning and helping others grow, creating a comfortable environment for learners to ask questions and express concerns freely. Antonio’s teaching style encourages engagement and participation, ensuring everyone feels included in the learning process. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his son, whom he considers his partner in crime, going on outings and traveling together. He also likes outdoor activities such as going to the beach or hiking and playing sports like basketball, softball, or soccer to stay active.”

Gabriela Tortolero has been a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony for nearly 5 years. She holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Leadership. Gabriela is passionate about providing participants with tools and empowering them to improve their relationships and enjoys the learning opportunities that come with leading workshops. She finds that there is always something to take away from everyone’s unique life experiences. In her free time, Gabriela enjoys singing, meditating, watching medical-related Netflix series, and reading motivational and self-help books. She also cherishes spending time with her loved ones.

Melissa Miranda is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony and a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern with the NCC certification. Melissa earned her Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from UCF and is working towards obtaining her license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida. She currently provides therapy services to couples, families, adolescents, and individuals in a private practice setting. Melissa is passionate about connecting with couples and learning about their unique experiences and finds fulfillment in witnessing how the program helps them grow in their relationship. In her leisure time, Melissa enjoys practicing yoga, visiting farmer’s markets, and immersing herself in nature.

Anaelyz Vazquez is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony. Anaelyz graduated from UCF in 2021 with her B.S. in Criminal Justice and she got her master’s in social work spring of 2023. Anaelyz began working with Project Harmony in 2020 in Recruitment and has transitioned through Family Services to Relationship Education. Anaelyz loves being a Relationship Educator because it allows her to connect with all types of people who come through the doors of Project Harmony. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and lounging with her cat, Spooky.

Alan Bruns is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony. Alan is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in social work. He has a strong background in non-profit work, having worked with mental health and food insecurity. Alan’s favorite part of being a Relationship Educator is witnessing the growth of the couples he serves. He finds joy in seeing them learn new skills that will enhance their relationship and spending quality time together to foster fun and friendship. Outside of work, Alan has a passion for cheesy horror movies, finding them to be both hilarious and enjoyable to watch with his partner.

Alyssa Gama-Morales is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony. She has experience working with marginalized communities, particularly with families as a relationship educator and soon-to-be birth worker/doula. Alyssa is also a Cinematographer with her own business. Her favorite part of her job is recruiting motivated couples into the program and seeing partners have ah-ha moments during workshops. Alyssa finds peace through physical activities like yoga and tennis, as well as mental activities like meditation and watching shows/movies. 

Linda Gonzalez is a Relationship Educator at Project Harmony with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and family support, including classroom teaching, administrative coaching, and mentoring. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. Linda has an IMH-E endorsement with the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health. She advocates for every child to enter school ready and eager to learn by supporting families as the child’s first teacher. Her dedication has supported early childhood programs and families across three counties. Linda enjoys quality time with her husband and children.

Regina is a Childcare Specialist Lead working under the Marriage and Family Research Institute. She is currently in her senior year pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology and plans to apply for a nursing degree after graduation. Regina brings valuable experience from teaching children how to swim and serving as a recruitment officer at UCF. She’s passionate about ensuring children feel safe and helping caretakers access Project Harmony’s services. Regina is bilingual and enjoys being part of the UCF swim club and spending quality time with her family in her free time.

Emma Cerda is a Childcare Specialist at Project Harmony. She is a biology major on the pre-vet track and graduated with an IB diploma in 2022. She spent most of her classroom time volunteering with kindergartners and worked as a camp counselor in the summer of 2023. She loves making kids happy, even for a few hours, and one of her favorite moments was a drawing contest where they each had to draw a person. Her hobbies include visiting boba shops, trying new foods, playing video games, and watching anime.

Natalia Fuentes is the Data Specialist at Project Harmony. She is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Since freshman year, Natalia has been involved in research, witnessing firsthand how data transforms into tangible results that inform meaningful interventions and programs, ultimately strengthening relationships and improving lives. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, and training her dog.