AGENCY STAFF
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRAMS
John Barli previously served as the Gainesville Regional Director from 2012 until his retirement in 2023. He has returned to Catholic Charities to provide leadership and support during the region’s leadership transition.
Before joining Catholic Charities, John spent more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, holding management roles with well-known establishments including the Brown Derby and Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
A Gainesville native and avid Florida Gator fan, John has deep roots in the community and a longstanding commitment to service. He has been actively involved with several local organizations, including the Center for Nonprofit Excellence of North Central Florida, the Rotary Club, Take Stock in Children, and Wilmot Gardens.
Michelle Wilson was born in Maryland but moved to Lake Butler at a year old and has been in the Union/Alachua County area ever since. Michelle started off working in accounting at the age of 19 and after a few years decided to return to school where she received a diploma in Accounting. She has been at Catholic Charities for almost eighteen years now. “I’m dedicated to helping those in need and being a part of the Catholic Charities family allows me to do that on a daily basis.” M. Wilson
Brianna started as a Counselor for Caring Choices in October of 2022. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She has over 9 years of experience in leadership and assisting underrepresented, justice involved individuals to overcome their challenges. Her passion is helping others realize their own potential so they can utilize their unique skill sets to overcome obstacles and accomplish their goals. She believes in the power of women helping women, and the importance of having someone to support and encourage you throughout your journey.
Quenisha is a lifelong resident of Gainesville (Go Gators)! She received her collegiate education at the University of Florida and St. Leo University. She has worked in our community for over 12 years assisting some of our most vulnerable populations. She prides herself on her fierce advocacy and community activism. She loves to laugh, good music and is a self-proclaimed foodie! She believes that we are much stronger together than apart.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
— Helen Keller, U.S. author, educator, and disability rights advocate
Sometimes all you need is a steppingstone, a little push to help you bring out the best of you or overcome a difficult situation and get clarity when all seems dark and scary. Adriana understands that with a little support, we all can achieve our goals and dreams. She has come to Caring Choices to continue the work God has put in her heart by welcoming individuals and families needing that steppingstone to find their path in their journey. She worked with families of various backgrounds in the domestic child welfare system for 12 years and with youth from different regions of the world through refugee foster care. She also worked with Gainesville Police Department and UF Health. Originally from Miami, she is bilingual which will be great resource for our spanish speaking clients.
Sabrina was born in Pennsylvania but moved to the Gainesville area when she was 5, however she’s still a Northern girl at heart. She is the mother of two little girls. She started volunteering for Catholic Charities when she was in High School and knew this is a place that she wanted to work. Sabrina has been with Catholic Charities for 18 years and has served in several roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in human services. “I am excited to work in the heart and soul of Catholic Charities, which is Emergency Services.” S. Miller
Patricia Rayos, a native of Pennsylvania who lived around the country and internationally with her military family, has made Gainesville her home for more than three decades. In her vocation journey, she began as a volunteer ESL teacher at Parkview Baptist Church in 2006, advancing to ESL teacher trainer in 2016 through the State of Florida Literacy Missions. In 2017, she initiated the ESL program at Catholic Charities to serve families in Alachua County. Living her call to love God and people, she serves as Pastor of One Way Filipino Christian Fellowship in Gainesville and has been appointed Director of International Ministry by Christian Baptist Fellowship International. "My heart's desire is to know Him and to make Him known." P. Rayos