Meet Our Environmental Public Health Team

Brandie Peretz

Program Manager, Environmental Public Health

Brandie has over 15 years of experience working with the Florida Department of Health in various divisions, including Environmental Health, Engineering, Radiation Control, Community Health, and Epidemiology programs.

Brandie has over two years of experience working as a supervisor with the state of Nevada's Radiation Control Program.

Brandie has a bachelor of science in biology from Spring Hill College.

In her free time, Brandie enjoys boating and snorkeling with her family.

Cristina Bernal

Environmental Specialist

Cristina Bernal graduated from high school and after one year in the college of medicine, she discovered her passion in life was the ocean, and pursued her bachelors in marine biology. She then continued her educational pursuits to obtain a masters in  environmental affairs.

In 2003, after working as partner in an environmental consultant agency, Cristina decided to come to the Florida Keys.

Cristina worked as a volunteer for two years at the Dolphin Research Center. She began working for DOH-Monroe in 2011 as an environmental specialist, while simultaneously working on getting all the environmental health professional certifications. 

Cristina runs the Small Quantity Generator Program, along with the Beach Water Program.

Cristina enjoys traveling and has visited about 20 countries.

Juan Bernal

Environmental Specialist

Juan Bernal has been working with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County as an OPS part-time Environmental Specialist since March 2025.

He holds a BS in Marine Biology and an M.B.A from the University of Phoenix. Juan is also a certified Environmental Health Professional at all levels in the primary area of food protection. He has spent most of his professional life in the aquaculture and aquarium industry and owns and operates a marine life company with his wife Cristina in the Florida Keys.

When he is not performing inspections in the field or traveling up and down the keys for his job as an Environmental Specialist, he is either diving the local reefs or taking care of his marine life holding systems and shipping orders. He enjoys his free time watching movies, fishing and traveling with his wife.

Jennifer Telfer

Environmental Specialist

Jennifer Telfer joined the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County in May 2025 as an Environmental Specialist II. She works to protect the health of our community through inspections and investigations in areas such as public pools, mobile homes, group care, and beach water quality.

Originally from Ohio, she earned her degree in Visual Communication in Buffalo, New York, and has called many places home over the years, giving her a broad perspective and an appreciation for diverse communities. Her background includes creative work as a graphic designer and experience as a paraprofessional supporting young learners.

She lives in the beautiful Florida Keys with her husband, children, and their dog, Muffin. In her free time, she enjoys snorkeling, painting, walking her dog, and spending quality with her family. A fun fact: in the year 2020 she took up beekeeping, developing a passion for these vital pollinators.

Ryan Kaneshiro

Environmental Specialist

Ryan Kaneshiro joined the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County in September 2025 as an Environmental Specialist III. 

With a strong academic foundation in biomedical sciences—holding a Master of Science from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida—Ryan brings a multidisciplinary approach to environmental health and public safety.

His background includes hands-on research in microbiology and immunology, and leadership in community health initiatives. Ryan has contributed to vaccination research, pediatric care, and underserved medical outreach, and has held leadership roles in student organizations focused on medical missions and pre-medical education.

Now focused on environmental protection, Ryan leverages his scientific training and collaborative mindset to support sustainable practices and safeguard public health in the Florida Keys.

When he's not working, Ryan enjoys fishing in the beautiful waters of the Keys and proudly cheering on the UCF Knights!

Annie Rojas

Environmental Specialist

Annie Rojas joined the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County in September 2025 as an environmental specialist. In her role, she is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of the community by conducting investigations in a variety of areas, including public swimming pools, beach water quality, schools, biomedical waste, mobile homes, and group care facilities.

Born and raised in Key West, Annie has a deep-rooted connection to the local community. She has held multiple roles in the social services field, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting and uplifting others. In December of 2025, she will earn her Master of Social Work from Florida State University, further expanding her ability to serve the public with compassion and expertise.

Outside of work, Annie enjoys spending time with her children and being on the water — a true reflection of her island upbringing and love for coastal life.

Tacoya McIntosh

Government Operations Consultant

Tacoya McIntosh is a dedicated public service professional with more than a decade of experience supporting children’s families and community well-being. She began her career with the Department of Children and Families in 2012, where she developed a strong foundation in case management, program coordination and client support services. Throughout her tenure Tacoya became known for her compassion reliability, and commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

In 2024 Tacoya returned to her hometown of Key West to care for her father, reaffirming her deep sense of family and community. Continuing her passion for service, she now brings her extensive skill to the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County as a Government Operations Consultant. In this role she is dedicated to strengthening, internal processes, supporting departmental initiatives and contributing to the overall effectiveness of public health programs throughout the county.

Tacoya is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact - both in the workplace and in the lives of those she serves. Colleagues describe her as dependable, solutions-oriented and committed to excellence in every task she takes on.

Outside her professional life, Tacoya finds joy in spending quality time with her two beautiful children and her extended family. She values balance, community and creating meaningful memories with the people she lives.