Meet the Patient Navigators

Eric Cortes MBA, BSN, RN, CNML, NE-BC

Program Director

Eric Cortes serves as the Director of Professional Nursing Practice at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, where he provides strategic oversight for the Clinical Practice Specialist Team, Patient Navigation Program, Nursing Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HAC) Program, Wound Care Program, Lactation Program, and Clinical Effectiveness (CEP). With more than 15 years of combined experience in critical care nursing and nursing leadership, Eric is dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice and strengthening the systems that support safe, high-quality patient care.

His clinical focus is on empowering families as they navigate complex healthcare systems, with a commitment to improving patient safety, outcomes, and care transitions. Eric is passionate about driving innovation in nursing practice integrating best practices, technology, and multidisciplinary collaboration to re-imagine care delivery across both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Anel Godfrey, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CPN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW

Nurse Manager

Anel Godfrey is the Nurse Manager for Professional Nursing Practice at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida. She completed a bachelor's degree and master's degree in nursing with her Family Nurse Practitioner license at West Coast University. She has oversight of the Clinical Practice Specialist Team, Patient Navigation Program, the Nursing Hospital Acquired Conditions (HAC) Program, Wound Care Program and the Lactation Program. She has over 20 years of combined professional experience in neonatal nursing, quality improvement and nursing leadership.

Her clinical interests are focused on supporting families navigating healthcare systems with a focus on improving patient safety, outcomes and transitions of care. Anel is passionate about implementing best practices and collaborating with stakeholders in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Jasmine Basso, BSN, RN

Patient Navigator, Neuro-Oncology Center

Jasmine Basso is a patient navigator for the Neuro-Oncology Center, for patients of children diagnosed with a brain tumor.

She graduated from the University of Miami in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After graduating, she began her career as a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology infusion nurse and is a certified APHON Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider. After 3 years of pediatric infusion, she became a chemotherapy infusion nurse at an adult cancer center. Both roles gave her the opportunity to work with patients within a wide variety of hematologic and oncologic diagnoses, which allowed her to gain a wealth of knowledge in the oncology field.

As a patient navigator for the pediatric neuro-oncology program at Nicklaus Children's, she helps guide children and families through their journeys by providing education, care coordination, and support. Jasmine is very passionate about working with the pediatric population and wants to be a resource that families can count on during any situation.

Call: 786-624-2374

Ines Borroto, RN

Patient Navigator, Fetal Care Services

Ines Borroto is a patient navigator for Nicklaus Children's Fetal Care Services.

Ms. Borroto has more than 24 years of experience in nursing. Prior to joining Nicklaus Children’s, she provided care in the Jackson Memorial Hospital operating room.

She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Miami Dade College.

As a patient navigator for fetal care services, Ms. Borroto provides support to families expecting a baby that will be born with medical differences. Her clinical interests include offering support to expectant mothers and their partners to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Call: 786-624-3222

Audra Obando, BSN, RNC-OB, CLC, CBE

Patient Navigator, Fetal Care Services

Audra Obando is a patient navigator with Nicklaus Children’s Fetal Care Services. Prior to joining Nicklaus Children’s, Ms. Obando was a labor and delivery nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital, providing care to high-risk obstetric patients in the triage, labor and delivery, operating room, and post-anesthesia care unit.

Ms. Obando completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Miami Dade College. She also obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. She has certifications in obstetric nursing and childbirth education and is a certified lactation counselor.

As a patient navigator for fetal care services, Ms. Obando provides support to families expecting a baby that will be born with medical differences. Her clinical interests include offering comprehensive patient education and family-centered care coordination.

Call: 786-624-3222

Nicole Orozco, BSN, RN, CPN

Patient Navigator, Center for Spinal Disorders

Nicole Orozco is a patient navigator with the Center for Spinal Disorders, part of the Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute.  Ms. Orozco obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Coast University.

As patient navigator, Ms. Orozco coordinates care for patients and families undergoing spinal surgery, offering support, timely information, and resources to achieve the best possible care outcomes. Her clinical interests are centered around providing exceptional care coordination for patients and their families.

Call: 786-624-4657

Mara Llerena, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

Patient Navigator, PICU

Mara Llerena is a Nurse Navigator within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate of Florida International University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Pediatric Nursing Practice and completed a Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

With over 10 years of experience previously working in the PICU in both the bedside nurse and APRN role, she understands the complexities of navigating the PICU and other healthcare systems and strives to counsel and empower families during challenging times. Mara is passionate about advocating for the needs of patients and families, as well as providing education to ensure patient safety during hospitalization in the PICU and upon discharge.

Call: 786-624-3233

Michelle Parmenter, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Patient Navigator, Pediatric Intensive Care

Michelle Parmenter is a Patient Navigator within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from Florida International University. With 17 years of dedicated experience in the PICU as an RN and an APRN, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and expertise to her role as a PICU Nurse Navigator. She has spent her career providing exceptional care to critically ill children and their families, guiding them through some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Michelle is committed to ensuring that patients receive compassionate care. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individual care plans, facilitates communication between families and healthcare providers, and provides emotional support and education to help families understand their medical plan and navigate the healthcare system. Her experience in the PICU enables her to serve as a crucial advocate and resource for patients and their families during their hospital stay and upon discharge.

Call: 786-624-3208

Jeanine Pena, BSN, RN

Nurse Navigator, Inpatient Oncology

Jeanine Pena is a highly dedicated Pediatric Oncology Inpatient Nurse Navigator with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. She is a certified APHON Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider. Jeanine is also bilingual and language certified, which allows her to communicate effectively and compassionately with families from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that every patient feels heard, understood, and supported.

In her role, Jeanine serves as a vital bridge between families and the healthcare team, helping to coordinate care, explain complex medical information, and provide emotional support throughout the treatment journey. Her approach is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and a deep respect for the resilience of the children and families she works with. Jeanine considers it a profound privilege to walk alongside them during some of the most difficult and transformative moments of their lives.

Her passion for pediatric oncology nursing is evident in the strong relationships she builds and the trust she earns from both patients and colleagues. Jeanine’s commitment to excellence and her unwavering compassion make her an invaluable member of the care team and a powerful advocate for the families she serves.

Call: 786-624-6088

Yesica Peraza, MSN, RN, CPN, CCRN

Patient Navigator, Colorectal Center

Yesica Peraza is a patient navigator within the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Colorectal Center. She completed a master’s degree in nursing education at Capella University.

Mrs. Peraza began her nursing career at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital as a float pool nurse, several intensive care unit settings, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

As a nurse navigator, Mrs. Peraza coordinates care for patients and families undergoing a range of surgical procedures and exams, offering support, timely information, and resources to achieve the best possible care outcomes. Mrs. Peraza can help you and your child navigate the complexities of their colorectal diagnosis, appointments, education and more. Her clinical interests are centered around providing exceptional care coordination for patients and their families.

Call: 786-624-2745

Jessica Quiñones, BSN, RN, CPN

Patient Navigator, Prenatal Heart Program
Fetal Heart Program and Cardiology

Jessica Quinones is a patient navigator for the Prenatal Heart Program within the Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute. Mrs. Quinones has more than 15 years of experience in caring for infants and children with congenital heart defects. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Miami.

Mrs. Quinones has been a member of the Nicklaus Children's family since 2005.  She started her nursing career caring for premature and critically ill infants in the Nicklaus Children's Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

As a patient navigator for the Heart Institute, Mrs. Quinones serves as a primary point of contact for families whose infants have been diagnosed with a heart defect prenatally. She aids referring physicians and families in connecting to the Heart Institute and in securing appointments with specialists, and in scheduling and explaining diagnostic tests and procedures. Her goal is to ensure that patients and families receive excellent care and the support they need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Call: 786-624-3610

Amada Rico, BSN, RN

Patient Navigator, Diabetes

Amada Rico is a diabetes patient navigator within Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Nova Southeastern University. She began her nursing career at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Ms. Rico later transitioned to case management, managing discharge planning for complex patients in the PICU.

As a diabetes patient navigator for the Division of Endocrinology, Ms. Rico provides education to patients and families of newly diagnosed Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Amada is passionate about patient education and providing support to families.

Call: 786-624-3241

Adriana Ruiz, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC

Patient Navigator, NICU

Adriana Ruiz is a patient navigator for Nicklaus Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with over 17 years of experience. She completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Miami and additionally obtained a certification in the NICU specialty.

As a patient navigator for the NICU, she oversees the complex care of the NICU patients from admission until post-discharge. Mrs. Ruiz's clinical expertise makes her serve as an excellent patient and family advocate by providing education and support. 

Call: 786-624-3378

Stephanie Sandoval MSN-Ed, RN, CPN

Patient Navigator, Cerebral Palsy and Neuromotor Center of Excellence

Stephanie Sandoval is a Nurse Navigator with the Cerebral Palsy and Neuromotor Center of Excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida International University and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from South University. Stephanie has spent the majority of her nursing career providing care to critically ill children in the Cardiac ICU as well as working as a radiology nurse providing sedation and anesthesia recovery for procedures. She has worked as an adjunct nursing faculty at several South Florida universities and most recently created a patient education program for transplant recipients.

With extensive ICU nursing experience and strong academic foundation, Stephanie brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, empathy, and education to the role of Nurse Navigator. Her background ensures a deep understanding of patient care, effective communication, and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.

Call: 786-624-2378

Bianca Santamarina, MSN, RN, CPHON

Patient Navigator, Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT)/Palliative Care

Bianca Santamarina is a patient navigator within Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT). She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in psychology from Florida International University. She also completed a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on nursing leadership at West Coast University.

Ms. Santamarina started her nursing career in hematology/oncology. has also served as a clinical nurse specialist for specialty programs including the pain team, palliative care, vascular access, and wound care. 
As a patient navigator, Ms. Santamarina offers comprehensive education, guidance, care coordination and advocacy for patients and families under palliative care services.

Call: 786-624-3079

Marcia Serrano, BSN, RN

Patient Navigator, Ventilation-Assisted Children's Center (VACC)/ Division of Pulmonology

Marcia Serrano is a patient navigator for the Ventilation-Assisted Children’s Center (VACC) within Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Division of Pulmonology.  She completed an associate degree in nursing from Keiser University and her bachelor's in nursing from West Coast University.

Ms. Serrano began her career in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Nicklaus Children's Hospital where she honed her skills in working with infants and parents in a critical care setting.  Her clinical interests are centered around providing compassionate, family centered care and quality.

Call: 786-624-4507

Patricia Tavio, MSN, APRN, CPN, CNRN

Patient Navigator, Comprehensive Epilepsy Program

Patricia Tavio is a patient navigator with the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program within the Nicklaus Children’s Neuroscience Institute.

She completed a bachelor's degree in nursing at Florida International University and a master’s degree at Barry University. She also obtained a certification as a family nurse practitioner and certified neuroscience registered nurse. Mrs. Tavio began her nursing career in the neurology/neurosurgery unit, providing inpatient care to children with epilepsy, brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and chronic neurologic disorders. Her clinical interests include providing advocacy and guidance to patients and families to establish a continuum of care for the best possible outcomes.

Call: 786-624-4714

Katherine Zamora, BSN, RN, CPHON, BMTCN

Patient Navigator, Outpatient Oncology

Katherine Zamora is a patient navigator for outpatient hematology/oncology services within the Nicklaus Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing and art history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Zamora is a certified APHON pediatric chemotherapy and biotherapy provider.

She began her nursing career providing comprehensive care to patients with cancer and blood disorders. She then transitioned to the Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) core team, a team of four nurses specialized in the complex care of patients receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

As a patient navigator for the Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Ms. Zamora offers comprehensive support to families from initial diagnosis throughout their course of treatment, education, and care coordination. She is passionate about the care and advocacy of the pediatric oncology population and works closely with the comprehensive care team and as a liaison for patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis.

Lauren Zubizarreta, BSN, RN, CPHON

Patient Navigator, Center for Spinal Disorders

Lauren Zubizarreta is a patient navigator for the Center for Spinal Disorders, part of Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, and Spine Institute. She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Miami. She is also a certified pediatric hematology oncology nurse (CPHON) provider.

As a patient navigator for the Center for Spinal Disorders, she serves as a primary point of contact for patients and families undergoing surgical spine care. Ms. Zubizarreta is passionate about providing coordinated care and guidance to patients and their families throughout their care journey.

Call: 786-624-4557

Maria Zambrano, RN, BSN

Nurse Navigator, BMT Program

Maria Zambrano is a nurse navigator with the Nicklaus Children's Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nova Southeastern University in 2020.She has over four years of experience working in the division of pediatric hematology & oncology, as well as the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program.

Maria is passionate about supporting children and families throughout their transplant journey. Her goal is to make the treatment process as smooth and supportive as possible to make a lasting difference in the lives of families.