Adolfo M. Henriquez, M.Ed. is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. With over 6 years of combined experience in both sponsor initiated and PI initiated studies, Adolfo is also a psychometric rater and administers psychiatric and cognitive batteries for central nervous system diseases. He holds a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University and has extensive research experience in the neurodegenerative field while serving as co-author on several peer reviewed journals. Adolfo is a member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) and American Academy of Neurology (AAN) His research focuses on early detection and specific biomarkers of non-cognitive features in prodromal neurodegenerative diseases.

Deirdre O’Shea, PhD, is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Neuropsychologist in the Department of Neurology at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. O’Shea earned her Ph.D. in Clinical and Health Psychology (neuropsychology track) from the University of Florida.  She is a licensed psychologist in Florida (PY11880), with her primary expertise in neuropsychological evaluations of adults. She completed her pre-doctoral clinical psychology internship training at Alpert Brown Medical School where she remained for a two-year clinical neuropsychological fellowship. While at Brown, she also served as the Aging and Dementia Research Fellow in the Department of Neurology (Memory Disorders clinic). She completed her M.S. in Neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh and undergraduate education in Sociology and Psychology at University College Cork, Ireland where she is a citizen.

Broadly, Dr. O’Shea’s research investigates risk and resilience factors that contribute to variability in cognitive aging and predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Dr. O’Shea is currently working on developing novel DNA methylation (DNAm) biomarkers for predicting ADRD risk. These epigenetic markers offer a quantifiable metric of the interplay between genetic and environmental factors over the life course. She is the Principle Investigator of a study titled ‘’Developing a DNAm Biomarker for Cognitive Aging: Addressing Disparities and Promoting Community Engagement’’ which is supported by a  two-year career development award sponsored by the Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute/ National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NIH: 1K12TR004555). Using these DNAm biomarkers, Dr. O’Shea’s research aims to more precisely characterize the relative influence of factors that either bolster cognitive resilience or amplify vulnerability which may lead to enhanced early detection, risk assessment, and personalized interventions for cognitive decline and dementia.

Dr. O’Shea is also a Topic Editor on Epigenetics and Lifestyle in Brain Aging for the journal ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’ and has served as a reviewer for several leading journals in her field including ‘Neurobiology of Aging’, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring and Neuropsychology Review. In recognition of her significant research contributions to her field she was granted United States permanent residency status via the National Interest Waiver program in 2022 to allow her to continue her research in the US indefinitely.

A comprehensive list of Dr. O’Shea’s peer-reviewed publications can be found here:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/deirdre.oshea.3/bibliography/public/

Amie Rosenfeld is a licensed Physical Therapist with over 18 years of experience. She is a Board certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2003. She has extensive clinical experience in falls prevention and improving balance of older adults. She is currently completing her Physical Therapy Faculty Residency with Nova Southeastern University. Her roles at the CCBH include serving as a clinical dementia rater and physical performance assessor for research participants, running the Gait Lab, organizing community education and lecture events on brain health and prevention, and collaborating on numerous observational and clinical NIH and privately funded studies that investigate the long term physical and cognitive symptoms and responses to interventions of people with memory and cognitive disorders. She has collaborated on research projects in the past that included Chair Yoga, and Acupuncture, and her research interests are in the effects of exercise and holistic approaches in prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, the roles of dual tasking in diagnosing and treating cognitive disorders, and the education of physical therapists on cognitive screening and neurodegenerative cognitive disorders. She is dedicated to pursuing funding to support clinically relevant studies to benefit individuals with progressive neurodegenerative cognitive disorders, and establishing evidence-based diagnostic, intervention, and preventive services with a focus on exercise and activity.

Gabrielle Tacher is the Office Manager at the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (CCBH) at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Gabrielle holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and has extensive experience in administration and office management. Gabrielle is very passionate about supporting the team and contributing towards the center’s overall success.

Gabrielle is the go-to person, ensuring the team is well equipped and supported to do their best. Gabrielle’s problem-solving skills and positive approach to office management make her an asset to the center. Gabrielle’s dedication to her role reflects her passion for helping those in tough situations, making her an invaluable part of the CCBH team.

Outside of work, Gabrielle enjoys quality time with her family and indulging in activities such as hiking, traveling, and cooking. 

Gabrielle Tacher continues to be a vital force behind the scenes, ensuring our center operates smoothly and efficiently every day.