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Chair

Dr. Nicholas Maccarrone is the co-founder and the Executive and Clinical Director of The Social Cog. He is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders in adolescents, and adults, including autism spectrum disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, and conduct problems. He also works with family issues, such as divorce, parenting, and other related concerns. His work has led him to develop interest and expertise in adults with developmental disabilities who are struggling with issues related to transitioning into adult life. Dr. Maccarrone received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at Florida State University's Student Counseling Center and his post-doctoral residency at a private practice in Central Florida.

Dr. Maccarrone was formerly a faculty member at Barry University. He is also a graduate of the Social Thinking® Intensive Clinical Training Program and a certified provider of the PEERS® for Adults social skills training program.

Vice Chair

Dr. Michael Alessandri is a Clinical Professor and Executive Director of CARD at the University of Miami, where he has been a professor at UM since 1996 and has worked with individuals with autism and their families since 1981 in various capacities. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester. Dr. Alessandri obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers University. He completed his clinical internship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the University of Miami, Dr. Alessandri, in addition to his other roles, also serves as the Department of Psychology’s Assistant Chairman for Community Outreach and Engagement.

Dr. Alessandri has received numerous awards, including the Autism Society of America’s Professional of the Year and National Autism Program of the Year awards, the March of Dimes Community Excellence in Health Care Award, and the Children’s Trust Champion for Children. Recently, the University of Rochester recognized him as the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus for his career achievements. 

Treasurer

Dr. Judith Migoyais is a Licensed Psychologist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of developmental disorders as well as other learning and neurobehavioral conditions. Dr. Migoya graduated with a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University's Clinical Psychology program. She completed her pre-doctoral internship training at UCLA's Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, followed by a two year post-doctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology at Clinical Psychology Associates in Gainesville, Florida. She is co-owner of Pediatric Psychology Associates, a well-respected group psychology practice in South Florida, where she also practices.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Migoya provides doctoral supervision and training as a Clinical Affiliate at Nova Southeastern University's Center for Psychological Studies. She is a member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the American Psychological Association, and the Florida Psychological Association. Dr. Migoya has published research, authored book chapters, and presented at local and regional conferences in the areas of Autism, Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine. 

Secretary

Sandra D'Amelio graduated from FAU with a Bachelor's in Psychology in 2011. After graduating, Sandra began working at Pediatric Psychology Associates, a prominent South Florida psychology practice that provide services for children and families. Over the years working at PPA, Sandra gained experience in both administrative and clinical roles. Sandra assisted therapists in the Social Understanding and Relationship Fundamental(SURF) Groups for children, a therapy approach that teaches social skills and helps children to develop friendships and strengthen relationships.

Sandra is also part of the Big Brother's Big Sister's program and she has been matched with and mentored her Little Sister for 7 years. Sandra's passion for helping others is what brought her to join The Social Cog team where she has taken the roles of Program Director. Sandra's other passions include paddle-boarding, the beach, Crossfit and her 2 daughters who are ages 6 and 4.

Director

Joni D. Blachar is the proud Mom of 3 adult young men. Her oldest son, Billy, has been a member of The Social Cog since it’s inception, and she is very honored to now be on it’s Advisory Board. She earned her BBA, cum laude, at the University of Miami and her Juris Doctor at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. At the beginning of her career, she was an Assistant State Attorney under the direction of Janet Reno.

Joni was the Assistant Mayor of Bal Harbour Village and on the Board of Directors of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities from 2009-2014. She spearheaded a partnership with MDCLC with Best Buddies International to find employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and received the Zev Auerbach Community Service Award for this work. She previously served on the Dade-Miami Criminal Justice Council and was a participant in the Good Government Initiative program led by Katy Sorenson. Presently, she is serving as Bal Harbour Village’s Special Master. She currently works at her Husband Leo’s Gynecological Office and together they enjoy cooking and bike riding.

Director

Natalie Broidy is a dedicated advocate and co-founder of The Social Cog, where she served as Executive Director from 2012-2020. She was inspired to start The Social Cog by her son Joshua, who has been a member since the program’s inception. The Social Cog began when Natalie sought opportunities for Joshua to make friends and get involved in the community after he graduated from high school. After doing extensive research, it was clear that there was not a program that would meet Joshua’s needs. Natalie partnered with friends and community members to vision and launch a space where Joshua and his peers could find each other and gain social confidence.

Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from UCLA, a Master of Physical Therapy from Chapman College, and is actively involved in her community through various volunteer efforts. Natalie is passionate about advancing the Social Cog’s mission of creating connection, community, and growth opportunities for independently functioning adults with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. You can find Natalie walking the boardwalk at sunrise, reading a good book, exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Director

Josh is the first Member of The Social Cog to join our Advisory Board. He was the inspiration for the creation of The Social Cog and our very first Member. When the program began in 2012 he had very few friends or social opportunities despite being an extremely social guy who loves being with people. In the 9 years since, Josh has absolutely flourished.

Josh has developed longstanding friendships with many of our other Members that he maintains to this day. He routinely organizes get-togethers with his friends and has even set up multiple road trips with them to go out of town for concerts and to attend the annual CARD conference in Orlando and Tampa. He has worked for The Miami Heat in their mailroom for a number of years  (which is perfect because he’s a HUGE Heat fan!) and attributes much of the confidence and success he has in his work and social life to the people he’s been able to meet and the skills he’s learned through being a Member in The Social Cog. And while we’ve watched Josh grow and learn, he’s also been an invaluable asset to The Social Cog, offering guidance and wisdom from the perspective of a Member that has helped us shape and improve the program over the years. 

Director

Monica Wagenberg earned her degrees from The University of Texas at Austin (BA in Applied Learning and Development), University of Miami (Masters in Early Childhood Education), and Nova Southeastern University (Doctorate in Educational Leadership). All of Monica's degrees have a specialization in Special Education Monica’s experience is vast; she has worked with students of all ages through her work at Kloda Whitebook Kesher Academy (previously known as Kesher), as the Head of the Lower School at Scheck Hillel, and last year, opening the Middle School at Lanaar. Monica Has volunteered as a mentor at Women of Tomorrow and is currently a mentor for teens at the Solomon leadership program in Aventura/North Miami Beach.

Monica is very excited to continue to enrich her experience through the Social Cog. Her personal mission of connecting with and fostering the growth of every individual with whom she works is completely aligned with the mission of the Social Cog.