Meet Our Epidemiology Team

Brandie Peretz, Program Manager, Epidemiology 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.  She also has over 2 years of experience working as a supervisor with the State of Nevada, 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.

Fitima Garcia, Biological Scientist, Epidemiology Program

Fitima began her career with the Department of Health in Monroe County in 2016. After earning her bachelor's degree in environmental health from Texas Southern University, she went on to receive her master’s degree in environmental policy and management from Florida International University. Her journey through the Department of Health started soon after, where she worked as an environmental specialist for 5 years and became a registered sanitarian with the Florida Environmental Health Association. She currently works as a biological scientist for the Epidemiology Department. In her free time, Fitima enjoys traveling, learning new skills, and spending time with her family.

Mechelle Burgohy, Disease Intervention Specialist, Epidemiology Program 

Mechelle joined HRS Monroe County Health Department in September of 1993 and has been a dedicated public health employee for the past 30 years serving the community in which she grew up.  She started as a Health Support Specialist with a stethoscope and glucometer in hand going door to door providing assistance with case management and working hard to build the community’s trust.  Mechelle has served in various capacities and programs including WIC, Immunizations, Prenatal Care, STD, Primary Care, PTSDT, Child Health, Family Planning, Refugee Health, DIS, Prevention, HIV and Early Intervention. Throughout her career Mechelle has worked as ADAP Coordinator, Deputy Registrar of Vital statistics, Laboratory Tech, Lead Phlebotomist, Laboratory system Administrator, Contract Manager, Community Liaison, Chronic Disease Self-Management Liaison, Health Educator, Contact Tracer - Dengue/COVID, Minority Health Wellness Liaison, Health Equity Liaison, and her current position in the Epidemiology Department, which is DIS, Senior Human Services Program Specialist for HIV.STI and PrEP services.  These positions were in many different facilities of Monroe County Health Department– Roosevelt Sands Center, Health Care Center Depo Hospital, Gato Building and the merge of Health Care Center and Primary Care Center with Dr. Mark Whiteside and Dr. Jerome Covington on Kennedy Drive.  Mechelle currently serves on the boards of Zonta Club of Key West, AIPP, and The Fredrick Douglass Black Educator Memorial Project. The roles Mechelle cherishes the most are that of proud mother of three daughters and proud grandmother of four grandchildren.  She enjoys spending time with her huge family, cooking, home projects, event planning and serving her community as an advocate in her spare time. Mechelle also loves shoes.  And one more fun fact about Mechelle is that November of 2023 will mark her 35^th wedding anniversary.