Meet Our Environmental Public Health Team

Brandie Peretz

Program Manager, Environmental Public Health Program

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.

Ingrid White

Administrative Assistant

Ingrid has worn many hats. She was born and raised on a large farm in north central Massachusetts. She attended college in Connecticut where she was a student-athlete, playing college basketball and receiving an associate’s degree in physical education.

After college, Ingrid worked as a police officer in Cape Cod. She decided to shift gears professionally when her two children were born and became a Montessori teacher where she owned and operated her own school. Once her children were older, she worked at TD Bank and worked her way up to assistant branch manager. 

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 persuits 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.

Kaelen Close 

Environmental Specialist

Kaelen Close is currently an environmental specialist who recently moved to the keys from Miami. He grew up in New England where he played baseball in high school and college, eventually graduating with a bachelors in science in environmental science and chemistry.

Kaelen initially moved to Miami for a change of pace and escape from winter, which inevitably lead to a move further south and joined DOH-Monroe.

In his free time he enjoys kayaking and fishing.