Promoting Whole-person Health & Wellness in the Faith Community

Meet the Team

Faith Community Nursing also known as Parish Nursing is a congregational-based health outreach, which cares for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and arises from the specific needs of the faith community.

marycleary-foundress

Mary Cleary Ierardi, RN, MS

In 1974, Mary returned to nursing after the sudden death of her husband William Cleary in 1973. As a single mother of five young children (2-12 years of age) she worked full time as a registered nurse while also pursuing her bachelor’s degree and graduate degree at FAU in Boca Raton Florida. She served in many roles at Saint Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fl: Staff nurse; Assistant Head Nurse; Head Nurse and Director of Nursing.

After fourteen years as a single mother, she married Joseph A. Ierardi. In 1986 they relocated to New Jersey where she managed the largest trauma step down unit in New Jersey. She served as the Executive Director of the Women’s Care Center, (which cares for the high-risk pregnant women of New Jersey) at Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey. While working full time she completed her Graduate Degree in Organizational Dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania.

She has served as: President of Cleary Medical-Legal Consulting Services; President of the Governing Board of Catholic Charities of the Palm Beach Diocese; Founding President of the Interfaith Health and Wellness Association and President of Saint Edward Women’s Guild in Palm Beach.

In 2014 she formed the Saint Edward’s Health and Wellness Ministry which promotes holistic health and wellness education through medical lectures on chronic diseases by the top physicians in our community. The lectures were recorded for health care professional that serve our community. More than 400 people have attended these lectures annually. The medical lecture series are scheduled on Sunday morning and open to the public in the Saint Edward Parish Hall.

In 2015 she formed Saint Edward Guild Charitable Works Ministry. This ministry has provided assistance to more than 1,000 recipients which include the poor, homeless, underprivileged families and low-income seniors. More than 80 Saint Edward Guild Members participate in this ministry by serving festive holiday lunches to low-income seniors in our community. She has devoted the last twenty five years to the education and support of faith community nurses in South Florida.

Mary graduated from Saint Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing; completed her bachelor’s degree at Wilmington College in Wilmington, Delaware; a Certification in Nursing Administration from the American Nurses Association; received a Professional Certification in Financial Management from the Wharton School and a Master of Science from the University of Pennsylvania. Mary has served on the Palm Beach Atlantic College of Nursing Advisory Board for the past 20 years.

She has received the Leadership Award from the Governor’s Council of Community Health Partnership in 2003; The Catholic Charities Blessed John Paul II MVP Award in 2011; The Palm Health Foundation Nurse Award; The Executive Women in Leadership Volunteer Award in 2019 and the Palm Beach Flagler Rotary Jesse Newman Spirit of Palm Beach Award in 2021.

Mary has been married to Joseph Ierardi for 39 Years and lives in El Cid in the same home that she raised all five of her children. She greatly enjoys hers 20 grandchildren (10 boys and 10 girls), 2 great grandchildren, volunteering, gardening, entertaining and traveling.

Diane Esposito, PhD, ARNP, PMHCNS-BC

Degrees:
BSN: Bloomsburg University, MSN:in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing- Adelphi University and PhD in Nursing -Barry University

Dr. Diane Esposito has worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the State of Florida since 1998 and

incorporates a holistic approach in caring for her clients’ mind body and spirit, having completed training in Christian counseling- through the Light Learning Institute – Caring for People God’s Way in 2005. Dr. Esposito has also served in spiritual healing ministries and pro-life pregnancy care centers. Dr. Esposito has been active in teaching nursing students as well, as a clinical instructor with Palm Beach State College from 1996-2012, and then joining the faculty at Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Nursing undergraduate programs from 2012 through 2015, and had faculty roles in the Graduate Colleges of Nursing at Nova Southeastern University and Florida Atlantic University between 2016-2018 before returning home to PBA.

Dr. Esposito is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of trauma and recovery, and other mental health topics. She has served as Education Council Chair of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), a professional nursing association of over 13,000 members, and in 2018 received the Florida Psychiatric Nurse of the Year award, and in 2019 their National Excellence in Education award. Dr. Esposito has also served on the Board of Directors for the APNA FL Chapter, as well as for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Palm Beach. Dr. Esposito resides in Palm City with her 3 children and attends Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and enjoys participating in music ministry.

Honors:
2019 American Psychiatric Nurses Association – National Award: Excellence in Education
2018 American Psychiatric Nurses Association – FL Chapter – Psychiatric Nurse of the Year
2017 Nova Southeastern University – Faculty Choice Award
2014 Catholic Charities – Volunteer of the Year Award – RV Healing Ministries
2013 Palm Beach Medical Society – Health Care Educator Hero Award – Heroes in Medicine
2012 Catholic Charities – Volunteer Appreciation Award
2011 Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society

Chris Coffman PhD, APRN, FNP-BC

Dr. Chris Coffman received her BSN from the University of Maryland; an MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a PhD in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing of Minority Families from Hampton University.

Dr. Coffman worked as a Certified Critical Care Nurse for several years in various critical care areas (cardiology, cardiac thoracic surgery, NICU, and medical and surgical intensive care units). After receiving her Masters degree she practiced as a Family Nurse Practitioner working with vulnerable populations the underinsured, non-insured, homeless, and children and families at risk. She moved into a nurse educator role and has taught in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral nursing programs for 20 years. Dr. Coffman’s area of research interest includes care of vulnerable populations, gerontology assessment and care. She has worked with Faith Community Nurses for 2 yrs in the south Florida region.

CAPT(ret) Deirdre Krause, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, I received my diploma in nursing from Kings County School of Nursing, Brooklyn, New York in 1974, my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hunter-Belleview School of Nursing in 1976 and Master of Arts in Nursing from New York University (specializing in nursing education/administration) in 1978.

I had the honor of studying with nursing leaders Martha Rogers and Delores Krieger. After relocating to Florida, I received my Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Miami in 1991.
Initially, I worked in critical care, becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in acute care. I had my own Home Health and Staffing Company, as well as my own primary care practice for several years. I returned to the Critical Care area after 25 years, out of curiosity as to how technology assisted in care delivery. I have served in academia for over 40 years teaching with many different colleges and universities in the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.
I retired after 30 years as Captain (06) from the Navy Nurse Corps. I served in Corpus Christi, TX in Family Practice from 2004 to 2007 and Gulfport, MS, at the Navy Mobilization Processing Site as the Medical Director 2009 – 2010, along with serving onboard the USNS Comfort during Continuing Promise 2011 to Central and South America.
Initial professional certification in Critical Care in 1980 and in Family Practice in 1998. A continuous member of the Florida Nurses Association serving in many capacities. I was the driving force that started the Palm Beach Advanced Practice Nursing Council. I am also a member of the Community Emergency Response Team, POD Leader, and the Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Response Team.
Since retiring I have been working as a Faith Community Nurse. Started the Health and Wellness Ministry for the Western Communities with St. Rita’s, Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church and St. Therese. I also volunteer teaching religious education classes, leader for confirmation, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister.

Nakisha

Dr. Nakisha Kinlaw-Williams

Dr. Nakisha Kinlaw-Williams is a multifaceted professional and thought leader in the spheres of healthcare, education, and ministry. Armed with a doctoral degree, she serves as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Christian Minister, and a Graduate Professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s School of Nursing. Guided by her life mantra, “You are what you eat mentally, spiritually, and physically,” Dr. Kinlaw-Williams is dedicated to lifelong learning and personal growth.

Her approach to health and wellness is holistic, emphasizing whole-person health through nutrition, fitness, stress management, and the cultivation of positive relationships. She actively discourages the use of risky substances, providing compassionate and comprehensive care to those she serves. As an educator, she is committed to nurturing her students into wise and bold leaders with a Christ-centered approach, preparing them for impactful service and leadership.

In her role as a Christian Minister, Dr. Kinlaw-Williams embodies the gospel as a lifestyle, teaching others to leverage their God-given talents to foster personal and communal growth. Her mission focuses on educating, equipping, and empowering individuals—particularly underrepresented minorities—to pursue healthy and purposeful lives, ensuring they receive personalized and equitable support.

Dr. Kinlaw-Williams’s passion for cultural diversity and social justice enriches her understanding and appreciation of humanity’s “brilliant tapestry.” Personally, she enjoys immersing herself in diverse cultures and experiences through travel, reading, singing, and exploring modern media like anime and YouTube. She also cherishes spending quality time with her family.

Additionally, Dr. Kinlaw-Williams is an accomplished speaker, having led lectures and training sessions on a variety of topics, including Women’s Health, Chronic Disease Self-Management, Mindfulness, Spiritual Formation, Evangelism, and Community Engagement, Financial literacy, Mental Health First Aid, CPR, Nutrition, Health Equity, and Leadership. Through these efforts, she continues to inspire and advocate for holistic well-being and social justice across different communities

Wendy Harper, M.Ed., RN

EDUCATION

1968 RN Diploma Abington Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Abington ,PA,

1968 Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA,

1976. Master’s Degree in Health Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

2015 Foundations of Faith Community Nursing, Catholic Charities Interfaith Health and Wellness, West Palm Beach FL,

2015 Faith Community Nurse Educator Course, Church Health Center, Nashville, TN,

2015-present Adult Formation classes through Palm Beach Diocese, Palm Beach, FL.

2007-2010 Blessed Edmond Rice School of Pastoral Ministry in Arcadia, FL in Conjunction with Barry University, Miami, FL. Audited 36 credit of Master’s Courses in Pastoral Ministry.

PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

January 2015- present Volunteer at St Helen’s Catholic Church ,Vero Beach, FL
Including instructing the Foundations of Faith Formation Courses
for the Diocese of Palm Beach and assisting the Parish Nurse.

1998-2010 Office nurse, Dr Stanley Sweda, Okeechobee, FL.

1995-2000 Volunteer, Parish Nurse
St Bedes Catholic Church, Holland, PA.

1985-1995 Director of Nursing at Saint Joseph
Home for the Aged, Holland. PA
Included skilled and assisted living residents.

1970-1985 Nursing instructor for Practical Nursing Programs
Montgomery and Bucks Counties of PA.