Our Team

About Thomas Petit.Dr. Thomas S. Petit is the founder of Haiti Healthcare on the Horizon. As a native of the rural town of Morne Coma, Dr. Petit pursued medicine in hopes of bringing back knowledge and medical philosophies to his hometown.

At a young age, his determination led him to America where he earned his bachelor’s degree as a Physician Assistant (PA). In 2005, Dr. Petit gained admission to medical school in Habana, Cuba, where he earned his medical degree (MD). In 2020, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine from New York Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (WHMC) in Brooklyn, New York. Focusing his attention on underserved communities, Dr. Petit has taken care of patients throughout California, New York and Florida in multiple settings (Pediatrics, Rheumatology, OB/GYN and Internal Medicine).

COVID-19 broke out during his final residency year at WHMC during which he spearheaded a task force right at the peak of the pandemic. Drawn to those who needed the most help, he led short-term missions to several regions in Mexico. His lifelong dream has always been to bring HHH into manifestation.

In his spare time, Thomas likes to run, dance and hike.

Current residency: United States

Birthplace: Morne Coma, Haiti
How Thomas gives back
Favorite quote: “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” – Albert Pike

About Frandz

Frandz Cothiere is the Vice President of Program Operations at HHH. He is equipped with many years of experience in project and grant management. Through his work, he has earned the trust of reputed global development firms that have relied on his organization and efficiency. He has made a difference in the lives of many by being part of community action groups with USAID-sponsored programs in Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince in Haiti. 

Frandz has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Agricultural Production, and has since proven his technical experience in watershed management and agriculture.

He upholds the mission of transparency at HHH and makes sure that all activities align with the goals and vision of the organization.

How Frandz gives back

Favorite quote: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein

About Julie

Julie Phoeuk is the Director of Program Operations at HHH. She is a native of Long Beach, California.

Julie has learned about emotional intelligence throughout the early years of her career. She is passionate about making a lasting change to help others live their best life. Julie’s mission has always been to develop and sharpen her skills and offer resources to those struggling in their career, relationships, personal growth and mental health. 

Equipped with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, she specializes in Holistic Communications. This helps her adopt a proactive approach when improving the lives of others. Julie is an up-and-coming humanitarian and is highly regarded for her leadership by peers, colleagues and clients. ‍

How Julie gives back

In Julie’s words…

“I envision that with my skills, I can create the same hope my parents had when they fled everything they knew for opportunity. I see a future for the locals in Haiti, where they can thrive. I envision a future where each family is given the opportunity to build a home, have financial security, and seek medical help in case of emergencies. I see them alive and bustling in their careers. They’re healthy, and they pass on traditions and stories and hopes of the future to their children.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” – Steve Jobs

About Humberto

Dr. Handerson Vargas is the Administrator at HHH. He is originally from San Jose in Columbia. 

Dr. Vargas is a certified Physician. He studied medicine in Habana, Cuba. He specializes in Family Medicine and has multi-disciplinary experience, having dealt with a vast degree of complex cases. 

Dr. Vargas’ dedication to his community can be seen through his hometown endeavors. He builds trust with locals and provides them with ongoing and comprehensive care. He is an experienced and respected doctor with an international background and experience working with patients of all socio-economic levels. 

His interests outside of medicine include spending time with his family and mountain biking. He also enjoys learning new languages and is fluent in English, French, German and Portuguese.

How Humberto gives back

Favorite quote: “God grants victory to perseverance (Dios concede la victoria a la constancia).” – Simon Bolivar

About Ishmael

Dr. M. Ishmael Griffin is the Vice chairman of the Board of Directors at HHH. Born and raised in Manhattan, he is a graduate of UCLA School of Medicine, and has a Bachelor of Arts and Economics, magna cum laude, from Harvard University.

A board-certified Emergency Physician, Dr. Griffin also has extensive academic experience at the faculties of the University of Mississippi in Oxford, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson. 

He completed sub-specialty training in Emergency Services with the NYC FDNY. Dr. Griffin is a longstanding member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, where he serves on the International Emergency Medicine Diversity and Education committees. Over the last 5 years, Dr. Griffin has served as Physician Advisor at NYC HHC-Woodhull, where he implemented and led an innovative ED-based case/care management program. 

Dr. Griffin is also a participant in the MS program of Population Health Management at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. He is the owner of Griffin PLLC, a NYC-based care transformation practice specializing in population health approaches to healthcare delivery.

About J. Max

Junior Max Destine is the Secretary at HHH. He is an internationally trained physician from the Latin American School of Medicine (LASM) and was a former adjunct professor at North Broward Technical Center. He holds a degree in Biology, a master’s degree in Public Health, and a certificate in Global Health from Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia.

J. Max educates communities on the complications and long-term effects of diabetes, obesity and hypertension, and helps them to deal with the conditions.

He is a true believer in preventative medicine and has demonstrated this through his efforts in assisting patients throughout the dengue epidemic and through Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH). His goal has always been to make preventative medicine accessible and affordable through digital health platforms. This would help him care for people from all walks of life around the world.

J. Max is the former founder of the Good Samaritan Clinic and the Vice President of Business Development in Evolved Health. He is now an adjunct professor at Ana. G. Mendez University. He is currently completing an MBA in Pharmaceutical in Healthcare Business at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

How J.Max gives back

Favorite quote: “Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.” – Albert Einstein

About Nailah

Nailah Malik is the On-site Special Advisor for HHH. She is a library and information specialist, a community activist, and a humanitarian. Nailah graduated (cum laude) earning a BA degree in Theatre Arts from USC in the bicentennial year of 1976. She continued her studies at USC, and 2 years later, completed the requirements for a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS). After several years as a library manager for a computer engineering firm, she resumed her education at UC Santa Barbara, earning a BA degree in Economics in 1984.

The fusion of library work with storytelling has earned Nailah formal commendations from the LA City Council (1999), the LA County Board of Supervisors (1992), and the California State Assembly (2010). 

She is also a contributing author to the New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, which propelled her into the arena of motivational speaking. Her 3-month storytelling workshop for a 5th-grade class at an elementary school in San Fernando Valley was the featured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times (Art of Storytelling Brings Children Back to Language, under Education section, January 28, 2004 edition). 

Nailah was a member of the LA chapter of the Free South Africa Movement, and also a member of Our Authors Study Club. She was invited as a member of the entourage for the tour of Los Angeles by Yityish Aynaw, Israel’s first Miss Israel of African descent (2013). For several years, she supported a used book collection drive for children of Somalia, and has organized the collection and transport of clothing for indigenous communities in Senegal. 

Collectively, her profile makes Nailah well-suited to embark on her next noble humanitarian venture of serving as a special advisor for HHH. 

How Nailah gives back

Favorite quote: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela

About Patrick

Patrick Addo is the Treasurer at HHH. He is a Physician Assistant (PA) from Ghana. He completed his PA training at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in 2006, and now holds at least 7 licenses including California, New York, Arizona and Texas. With all these licenses, he is able to focus on patients with psychiatric disorders and chronic illnesses.

Patrick has 15 years of background experience in psychiatry and mental health, and he is passionate about providing quality patient care. The greatest impact his work made was in underserved communities. Through his service, he proves that mental health can aid communities and improve relationships as a whole.

How Patrick gives back

Favorite quote: “Action without thought is empty. Thought without action is blind.” – Kwame Nkrumah

About Lowik

Lowik Norgaisse is an attending doctor at HHH. He performs medical missions in the newly-constructed primary care facility at Morne Coma and in several other Haitian villages. 

Dr. Norgaisse received international medical training at the Latin American School of Medicine (LASM) in Havana, Cuba. It was there that he met Dr. Thomas Petit, and together, they created the blueprint for HHH. 

Dr. Norgaisse has always been determined to help others with his experience. He has always wanted to perform life-changing work that would make a difference in the lives of people. His volunteer work of helping orphans at Skin Ayiti, Foundation La Cause, and Cacum amplified his involvement and impact in the community. 

His life’s philosophy is: “practicing medicine is a gift, even more — a blessing.”

He looks forward to continuously improving his knowledge in the medical field to reach as many people as possible.

How Lowik gives back

In Dr. Norgaisse’s words…

“Giving back to the community is a must.” 

Favorite quote: “To whom much is given, much is required.” – The Bible

About Johnny

Johnny Gaspard is an attending doctor at HHH. He was born and raised in Port au Prince, Haiti, where at a very young age, he had a calling to become a doctor.

Dr. Gaspard completed his classical study at Lycee Antenor Firmin. He obtained his medical degree (MD) from the Royal University of Haiti (URH). 

Dr. Gaspard has many years of experience in Geriatrics, Pediatrics and OB/GYN. He is the coordinator of OCRESAC, an organization of citizens committed to enhancing community health. 

He worked at AMEST where his main role was to educate and train incoming physicians, nurses and other medical personnel.

How Johnny gives back

Favorite quote: “A man’s worth does not depend on what he says, but on what he does.” – Martin Gray

About Camille

Camille is the local Operations Field Supervisor at HHH. With over 45 years of specialized experience in plumbing, construction and commercial property work, he now oversees the entire construction process at the HHH facility. This includes the surveyor plan, architectural design, electricity, plumbing finishing and water installation systems. 

As a Haitian local, he always envisioned that the villages should have public access to clean water, electricity, plumbing and central air units. He now passionately provides these necessities to rural communities.

How Camille gives back

Favorite quote: “Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

About Natacha

Natacha is the Local Program and Project Manager at HHH. Having previously worked in project development and marketing, she envisions to transform Haiti’s rural villages. 

She is a dedicated professional who has accountant and business management licenses from the Business Technology Institute (BTI) under the Episcopal University of Haiti (UNEPH). She envisions HHH to be a saving grace for Haitian locals who do not have access to primary care or emergency healthcare.

How Natacha gives back

In Natacha’s words…

“Everyone has the right to health, safety and education. Yet in Haiti, basic needs are a luxury for most people — especially for those who live in disadvantaged neighborhoods. I know my skills will come in handy for the development of people in difficult circumstances. They will contribute to changing the lives of an entire population. I hope my skills meet their needs and make opportunities for a stable income for the development of their family. My contribution can give a glimmer of hope to children by ensuring their future.”

Favorite quote: “Don’t complain about tomorrow. Make the future better by making the most of today.” – unknown