Shoab Rana, Vice President

I have been acquainted with Gainesville Opportunity Center (GOC) for over three years and have been a board member for approximately three years. My main reason for associating with GOC was my son’s health issues. As I became more familiar with the mission of GOC and the way it helps its members cope with their health challenges, I would characterize this organization as no less than amazing. I joined the board so that I could contribute to this noble cause. Over the last few years, I have seen it grow tremendously and all the people working there are passionate and dedicated which is the main reason for its success. I am really happy to be a part of it.

Michael Conlon, Secretary

Dr. Michael Conlon is Secretary of the Gainesville Opportunity Center. Dr. Conlon is an experienced administrator, biostatistician, informatician, IT expert, and emeritus faculty member of the University of Florida. Dr. Conlon joined the GOC board in 2018.

Joanne Edde, Treasurer

I’m originally from on Long Island, NY. I have two children, 6 grandchildren, two hens and one mean rooster. I enjoy gardening and canning, blues music festivals, and traveling. I started my banking career as a teller and today work as a community banker with over 20 years experience. I love to help people!

Taraly De Wese-Mitchell

Dr. De Wese-Mitchell is presently the Continuity of Care Director at the State forensic mental health treatment facility in Gainesville, Florida. Dr. De Wese-Mitchell has held many positions in mental health and law enforcement in her 35-year career. She sits on various committees that involve re-entry initiatives and facilitates trainings on forensic issues. Dr. De Wese- Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge regarding planning, implementing, and sustaining community-based programs for ex-offenders living with a mental health diagnosis. Her passion is giving back to others by planting that seed of hope and resiliency, and her reward is seeing the fruit that is produced. Dr. De Wese-Mitchell has been blessed with a devoted husband, two adult sons and two gorgeous granddaughters.

Alexis Henderson

Alexis Henderson is a peer specialist who is a founding member of the Gainesville Opportunity Center. Her belief in how effective the Clubhouse model is comes from personal lived experience. The GOC is a place where people are respected. Both Members and staff create an atmosphere of wellness and recovery where people are met where they are at without judgment. Primary focus is on strengths and giving people encouragement and credit for every step of their recovery journey.  The Gainesville Opportunity Center is not only a beautiful concept, but it is effective in addressing needs and implementing real change in individuals’ lives.

Leza Mueller

Leza Mueller is a local business owner, cabi Fashion Stylist and Editor of Gainesville City Lifestyle. A Double Gator, Leza has lived in Gainesville for over 38 years and has raised 3 amazing daughters and served on numerous Boards, including currently serving on the Rotary Club Foundation Board, Boy Scouts District Committee and the Advisory Board of the Ronald McDonald House. A Rotarian, Chamber Diplomat and Community Advocate, Leza is skilled in marketing, development, social media, fundraising, budgeting, advertising, magazine design and business development. Leza’s husband suffered from Bipolar Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder and passed away in 2015.

Manny Quiroga

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Anne Frank

Mercy Quiroga

Giving back to my community is important to me.  I have found that the GOC is a solid program where its Members can find friendship and a road back to a thriving future.

Kathleen Ryan

Physician at the University of Florida in the Department of Pediatrics specializing in Pediatric Infectious Disease. Has a special interest in public health and vaccines, especially influenza vaccine. Has lived in Gainesville since 1992, raised a family here and has a son who has been a GOC Member.

Reid Schreiber

I joined the board in 2018. I love the sense of community at the GOC. Individuals who used to feel isolated now have a place to connect to peers while doing the important work involved in running a nonprofit. Serving on the board provides opportunities to increase advocacy for individuals living with mental illness.