Board of Directors

Robert Kline

Robert M. Kline is an associate in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and is based in the Firm’s Miami office. He focuses his practice on complex litigation. Prior to joining McDermott, Robert worked as a judicial clerk for the Honorable James I. Cohn in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Robert received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Law Review. Prior to law school, Robert worked as a regional coordinator for the Peace Corps in the Republic of Panama. He lives in Cooper City with his wife and their two children. Robert serves as the Vice President of Pass It On.

Rosa Miller

Rosa Miller is a long-time South Florida resident who recently retired as a Librarian with the Broward County Library system. Rosa received an Associates Degree from Edison Junior College (Fort Myers) in 1968, a Bachelor of Arts in History/Language & Linguistics from Florida Atlantic University in 1971, and a Masters in Education, Library and Information Sciences from the University of South Florida. Rosa has been active in the Delray Community Council's Annual Holiday Toy Drive for Migrant Children. Rosa has also served in various roles in political campaigns, including the Chair, South Palm Beach County for McGovern Committee, Co-Chair, Palm Beach County Mondale-Ferraro Campaign, and as Member of the Palm Beach County Bill Clinton for President Campaign.

Ellie Nelson-Wernick, Ph.D, Chair

Ellie Nelson-Wernick is a psychologist and Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Institute, Inc., a private, group psychology practice in Coral Springs, FL. She has lived and practiced in Broward County since 1985. Ellie grew up in PA and graduated from Grove City College with her BA in Psychology. She earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Western Carolina University and a Ph. D. in Psychology from University of North Texas. Ellie completed her clinical psychology internship and fellowship in Behavioral Medicine and Hospital Organization Development at the Medical University of South Carolina. She has been a faculty member of the University of Saskatchewan as well as the University of Florida. Along with her psychology practice, she is an organizational consultant and does staff training. She serves as Chairman of the Board and President of Pass it On.

Karen Wernick

Karen Wernick is a Human Resources Professional who grew up in South Florida and received both her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Karen enjoys getting involved in the community and has volunteered with such organizations as the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Camillus House, and United Way. She has also held officer positions in Emerge Broward and National Association of Women MBAs. Karen is a founding Board Member of Pass It On and continues to serve from the Orlando area.

Robert L. Wernick, Ph.D

Bob Wernick is a Psychologist and executive Director of Behavioral Health Institute, Inc. Bob is originally from New York City and earned his BA in Psychology from Queens College and his MS in School Psychology from CCNY. He received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Texas and completed his internship in clinical psychology and fellowship in Behavioral Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. He has served on the faculty in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Florida. Bob is also a former member of the Boards of Directors of The Broward County Psychological Association, the Florida Psychological Association, and the Division of Independent Practice of the American Psychological Association. Bob serves as Treasurer of Pass it On.

Steven J. Wernick

Steve Wernick is a land use and government relations attorney with Akerman Senterfitt in Miami. Steve graduated magna cum laude from Boston University and holds a masters degree in city planning from UNC-Chapel Hill and a law degree from the University of Florida. Steve is a member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Urban Land Institute, and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, where he is past chair of the Leadership Development Institute. He grew up and attended public school in Broward County. Steve serves as Secretary of Pass it On.