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Naples, Fl – David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider serving children, adults and families, announced the appointment of Briana Shipe Karaszi and Red Gamso to the DLC Advocates board of directors.

The DLC Advocates is a group of individuals passionate about mental health and substance use awareness who are dedicated to networking for a cause and supporting the mission of DLC. Their primary goal is to spread awareness for all families in Southwest Florida and continue to improve the lives of thousands of individuals every year through the Center’s prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

“We are incredibly grateful for the DLC Advocates leadership and unwavering support of our mission,” said DLC Vice President of Advancement Kimberly Dye. “Their support is critical now more than ever, as we continue to address the mental health and addiction crisis facing our community through our ongoing expansion and increased prevention efforts.

Briana Shipe Karaszi, Senior Manager of Events and Philanthropy at The Immokalee Foundation (TIF), brings eight years of nonprofit experience to her new board position. As a highly accomplished events and philanthropic professional, she has demonstrated a strong ability to increase attendance and revenue, negotiate contracts with vendors, and supervise event staff and volunteers. Karaszi is dedicated to making an impact and a difference in this growing community through her community involvement. She previously served on the Chip in for DLC Golf Committee from 2021-2023 and is a member of the Young Professionals of Naples as well as the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Red Gamso, Director of Marketing & Communications at the Greater Naples Chamber, brings more than 13 years of marketing experience as well as a passion for mental health to her new board position. Gamso is a native to Southwest Florida and helps small business and non-profits increase their brand awareness by developing and assisting marketing associates on marketing and advertising fundamentals. She is also a certified Neurocoach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Ho’oponopono practitioner, and Angel Guide. She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid.

Gamso is passionate about giving back to the community and is graduate of the Associate Leadership Collier class of 2022. Her community involvement includes serving on the BlueZones Communications Committee, the Chip in for DLC Golf Committee since 2022, and as a member of the PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter. She also previously served as the PTO President of Naples Park Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year.

“We are excited to expand our board with two new members who will bring their expertise and insight to our mission,” said Peter Michaels, VP of Halstatt Real Estate Partners, and Chair of DLC Advocates.  “DLC offers a variety of awareness and prevention programs that can help bridge the gap between our services and our community to provide a healthier Collier County. We know that community engagement and support are central to a successful prevention platform and Briana and Red will add invaluable perspective as we advocate for prevention services for all.”

Additional DLC Advocates board members include:

Officers:

Peter Michaels, Vice President at Halstatt Real Estate Partners – Chair

Kat Falcon, Marketing Director Comhar Partners – Vice Chair

Franchesca Whiting, Director of Admissions & Marketing at Community School of Naples, – Treasurer/Secretary

Aome Keough, Marketing & Events Manager at PBS Contractors – Communications Director

Board Members:

Matt Meyers, Associate Advisor, Commercial Risk Management Group at BKS-Partners

Lee Davidson, Project Manager Davidson Engineering, Inc.

Jesse A. Renda, Associate Portfolio Manager at Charles Schwab

About the DLC Advocates

The DLC Advocates is a group of individuals passionate about mental health and substance use awareness who are dedicated to networking for a cause and supporting the mission of DLC. Their primary goal is to spread awareness for all families in Southwest Florida and continue to improve the lives of thousands of individuals every year through the Center’s prevention, intervention, and treatment services. They host quarterly educational, social, wellness and fundraising events and support DLC signature events. Members receive exclusive benefits and special pricing for events. To learn more or become a member of the DLC Advocates, visit DLCAdvocates.org.

About David Lawrence Centers

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 9,000 people through over 341,000 treatment sessions.