Board of Directors

Dr. Heather Kuhl is a Licensed Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist and founder of Kuhl Psychological Services, Inc., a private practice in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs, specializing in conducting testing and psychological evaluations for children and adults with academic, behavioral, emotional or developmental challenges. Aside from her professional work, she has been an avid equestrian for 35 years. Feeling passionate about horses and psychology, Dr. Kuhl pursued certification as a mental health provider through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). She is also co-founder of Give Back for Special Equestrians which is a nonprofit organization which raises money for therapeutic riding and equine assisted therapy scholarships for children and veterans with physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. Dr. Kuhl is excited to support the incredible work provided by the horses and humans at Whispering Manes.

Jeffrey T. King, RN, MBA, MSN, serves as President & Senior Consultant of Total Managed Care Services (TMCS), where he provides executive leadership and strategic advisory services to healthcare systems, managed care organizations, and integrated provider groups nationwide.

With more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, he has held senior executive roles overseeing large-scale clinical operations, population health strategy, compliance, and multimillion-dollar healthcare budgets.

Jeffrey brings a systems-level perspective to governance, grounded in his background as a Registered Nurse and healthcare executive. He holds advanced degrees in nursing and healthcare administration and has led complex organizations across Medicaid managed care, behavioral health, and integrated primary care settings

As the Parent Representative Board Member for Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center, Jeffrey advocates for families navigating complex medical and developmental needs. His daughter, Jasmine, has a rare condition – DDX3X syndrome and autism, fueling his commitment to expanding access to innovative, inclusive, and evidence-informed therapeutic services for children with special needs.

Claudia is an associate principal and director of private client services in Kaufman Rossin’s tax services department. She provides a variety of federal and international tax compliance, planning and consulting services for high-net worth individuals and expatriates both within and outside of the U.S.

She has provided accounting, tax and advisory services to a broad range of clients from closely held business to trusts and individuals both domestically and abroad.

She has 20 years of experience in tax advisory services in both Big Four firms and regional firms.

Claudia is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Nancy is the retired owner of Bayview Financial. Since retiring she has been an active volunteer and philanthropist focused on organizations that work with the disabled as well as homeless and at risk children and families.

Nancy has a passion for children’s causes. As a child advocate, she established a therapeutic wilderness camp at CHARLEE of Dade County dedicated to life changing summer experiences for children in foster care. She was also an active volunteer for His House Children’s Home, and her family has helped children as both foster parents and non-relative care givers.

The Hector Family Foundation has given grants to over 50 charities in our community. In addition, she sits on several boards including Chapman Partnership, The SEED School of Miami, and His House Children’s Home.

In 2011, Nancy founded Whispering Manes with a vision to create a place where everyone matters and everyone is included regardless of ability.

Maile is the Senior Vice-President of Residential Sales at Swire Properties. During her 25-year tenure she led sales efforts for the company’s Brickell Key developments, generating more than $800 million in revenue. In addition to sales of Swire’s Brickell Key developments, Maile has directed all operations of general real estate subsidiary Swire Realty.

Maile is a registered Florida real estate broker and she currently sits on the Board of Reach and Rise Brickell City Centre residences and the board Brickell Key Master Association (BKMA).

An accomplished equestrian, she has won several national and regional titles, both in the US and Canada with her Arabian and half-Arabian horses. She is a passionate advocate of equine assisted services.

Amanda moved to Miami over eleven years ago, after completing her undergraduate studies and law school in St. Louis, MO, and beginning her legal career in Cleveland, OH. After serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Amanda joined The Ferraro Law Firm as a trial lawyer practicing in the area of toxic tort litigation. When Amanda moved to Miami, she quickly became involved in the community, largely through the Junior League of Miami, where she ultimately served as President. It was through the Junior League that Amanda was introduced to Whispering Manes, and where she witnessed first-hand the impact of the organization and its programs. Today, Amanda is the CEO of Kristi House, Miami-Dade County’s nationally accredited Children’s Advocacy Center. Her work there with children who have been sexually abused has strengthened her resolve to help Whispering Manes continue its growth so it can reach and serve all those in need of its therapeutic services.

A Miami Beach native and local businesswoman for over thirty (30) years (attorney and banker), Cynthia (Cindy) is passionate about giving back to her community. Cynthia (Cindy) is actively involved as a Vanderbilt University undergraduate alumni recruiter for prospective freshmen, University of Miami School of Business mentor, Board member at Miami Beach Senior High, Silver Knight committee member at Miami Beach Senior High Parent Teacher Student Association, Board member of the Miami Beach Bar Association, and Board Member and Secretary of the Biscayne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Cynthia (Cindy) was invited to join the Board of Whispering Manes in 2017. She hopes to use her business and legal experience, as well as community contacts to help Whispering Manes continue its mission to provide a much needed service in our South Florida community.

Mike Klein has been with Ultimate Software for over 20 years. During that time he helped coordinate several programs at Ultimate Software designed to assist those in-need in the community and to provide donations to charities. The annual “Back-To-School” and “Holiday” auctions raised thousands of dollars and the proceeds of these auctions provided support to many organizations in the South Florida communities. Mike also helped to organize the donation of educational tools such as laptop for schools, underprivileged students and community centers. He has been a strong supporter of Whispering Manes for many years, and recently became a member of the Board of Directors. Mike looks forward to being able to provide continued support and assistance to expand the great work that has been accomplished.

Tracey Tavarez is a seasoned HR professional with extensive experience in the financial, media, and travel sectors. She has held numerous senior-level positions at leading global organizations, most recently serving as Vice President of Total Rewards for Royal Caribbean Group. In this role, Tracey directs the strategic development and implementation of compensation and benefits policies, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering a competitive, equitable and fun workplace.

As a leader, Tracey champions a collaborative and transparent work environment, emphasizing teamwork and open communication. Her broad expertise in employee compensation and benefits has been instrumental in attracting and retaining top talent across diverse industries.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tracey’s journey is enriched by the love and support of her husband, Rich, and the joy of raising their son, Gavin. She finds happiness in life’s simple pleasures, especially when spending time with her three Goldendoodles—Sully, Oakley, and Blue—whose unconditional love brings her daily joy.

Libby Navarrete has been a labor and employment attorney in our community for over 33 years. She is Of Counsel to the firm of Phillips, Richard & Rind, P.A. She is a passionate advocate for children and the special needs community. Libby previously served as Past President of Legal Service of Greater Miami, providing legal services to the neediest in our community. She also serves on the Friendship Circle of Miami Board and previously served on South Miami Hospital’s Child Development Board.

“I joined the Whispering Manes Board after witnessing firsthand the incredible work and magical experience the Whispering Manes horses provide their special riders. The therapeutic benefits of the horses and the caring staff are impressive. There is no place like Whispering Manes.”

Penelope Johnson, Ed.D, BCBA brings more than 20 years of experience in behavior analysis and special education, specializing in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. She is Clinical Director and part owner of ABA Learning Center (Miami, FL), where she oversees clinical programming, staff development, and evidence-based treatment delivery.

Dr. Johnson has led extensive professional training initiatives, including the creation of the first Spanish-language Master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis in Latin America. She continues to collaborate with universities and clinicians globally to expand access to high-quality behavioral health education in underserved regions.

She holds a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Princeton University.

As a board member, Dr. Johnson brings deep clinical expertise, program development experience, and a commitment to advancing evidence-based, mission-driven services for children and families.

As a seasoned leader at Baptist Health of over 20 years overseeing multiple operational departments Lisa Chin creates an environment that can fulfill the needs of patients, staff and community while helping her team grow. An innovative leader, she has collaborated with the hospital’s many teams to identify improvements in the patient’s overall experience at the hospital while looking outward for opportunities to improve their overall quality of life. Lisa’s true passion is working with her team members to support their growth and development.

Before transitioning into the healthcare field, Lisa spent over a decade in leadership positions in the hospitality industry.

Lisa has a strong commitment to our community as demonstrated by her current service to Alliance for Aging as Chair of the Board of Directors and a current member of the Board for Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center.

Lisa received her Culinary Arts Degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence RI, a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Florida International University, Miami, FL, and her Master of Science in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL.

Shawn Frechette is ranked among the Top 1.5% of Realtors by Sales Volume in the United States, by Real Trends and the Wall Street Journal. He is driven by a singular vision, to help his clients make the best and most informed decisions and to always be available to step in and deliver outstanding results. With over 22 years of experience and a member of the Luxury Homes Marketing Group, both buyers and sellers have trusted Shawn Frechette, as their go-to premier realtor for Miami and the Beaches.

Shawn was invited to join the WM Board in 2014. Whispering Manes has given Shawn the opportunity to give back to the community by helping individuals with disabilities, he believes that there is a great need for these services in our community.

Marilyn grew up in Miami and has been involved in civic responsibility from her childhood, beginning with the Girl Scouts, Kappa Omega Sorority President and eventually moving to youth sports coach, church community leader, and PTA President where she literally brought air conditioning first to special needs classes and eventually all classrooms in Miami-Dade.

President of March Promotions, Inc. since 1993 she has worked with corporations such as Baptist Health Systems, Office Depot and Blockbuster Video, furnishing marketing ideas and promotional items. She has been on boards and Development Director serving abused, abandoned and/or neglected children, Easter Seals South FL and in 2013 became Executive Director of The Women’s Fund, an organization supporting the health, safety, employment and the prevention of human trafficking. Upon announcing her retirement at the end of 2016, she was recruited by the Children’s Trust to be a consultant on Fund and Board Development working with non-profits in various capacity building initiatives.