Meet Our Members
&
Volunteers
We're driven by our mission:
"Through empowerment and innovation - we are committed to improving the lives of people with chronic kidney disease."
Board Chair
Joanne J. Brayton
Joanne J. Brayton is an experienced Nephrology Registered Nurse serving as Clinical Supervisor at Ocala Kidney Group. In this role, she leads clinical operations, supports multidisciplinary care teams, and is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals living with kidney disease.
Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Joanne is the Chair of the Marion County Kidney Foundation, where she champions community education, outreach to those who are most challenged in our community, and participation in festivals to support initiatives. Her Miniature Horses participated at a festival that Marion County Kidney Foundation supported.
Her leadership helps expand access to resources and raises awareness about kidney health across the region. With a strong commitment to excellence, compassion, and service, Joanne plays an integral role in improving patient outcomes and strengthening community health throughout Marion County.
About Joanne J. Brayton, RN
Vice Chair
** In Process of building Bio **
To Be Announced
Treasurer
Sara Hodges
Sara Hodges is the Treasurer of the Marion County Kidney Foundation and has served on the board for over a year. She was introduced to the foundation through her role as a medical biller at Ocala Kidney Group. Born in New Jersey and raised in South Florida, she has called Ocala home since 2021.
As someone living with a chronic condition, Sara understands firsthand the challenges many individuals face. This personal experience fuels her passion for the foundation’s mission and her commitment to making a meaningful difference. She is married and enjoys a full, happy home shared with her four beloved cats.
About Sara Hodges
Grant Reviewer
Florence Charbonneau
“I’ve been part of the Marion County Kidney Foundation for over twenty years, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve our patients and community.”
About Florence Charbonneau
About Veronica Valila
Veronica is a compassionate and dedicated medical professional with more than 35 years of healthcare experience in Marion County. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for patients and colleagues, she has built a strong reputation for service and integrity throughout her career. She currently works with Ocala Kidney Group and has proudly served as Secretary of the Marion County Kidney Foundation for the past eight years.
Her outgoing personality and natural kindness make her someone people easily gravitate toward, whether she’s offering support during difficult moments or bringing positivity into everyday interactions. Veronica’s strong work ethic and commitment to patient‑centered care have earned deep respect across the medical community.
Outside of work, she is deeply family‑oriented and treasures time spent with loved ones. She also finds peace and joy in the outdoors — from sporting events and BBQs to kayaking, beach days, and watching sunrises and sunsets. She embraces life with gratitude, balance, and a love for simple, meaningful moments.
Secretary
Veronica Valila
Megan Bankasingh, BSN, RN, is a dedicated healthcare leader, wife, and mother of three children. She is a passionate advocate for patients living with kidney disease in Marion County and surrounding communities, bringing years of experience in nephrology and dialysis care to her work.
Megan has managed large dialysis programs, overseeing clinical operations, patient education, staff development, and quality outcomes. She is known for her compassionate leadership style and her ability to create supportive, empowering environments for both patients and healthcare teams.
She serves as a board member of the Marion County Kidney Foundation, where she works to expand awareness, education, and support for local kidney patients and families, with a special focus on underserved and high‑risk individuals.
Megan is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Adult‑Gerontology Nurse Practitioner studies. Her work centers on innovative, patient‑centered kidney care solutions and expanding access to nephrology services and home dialysis options across Central Florida.
Balancing family, faith, and service, Megan remains deeply committed to improving the lives of those affected by kidney disease and making a lasting difference in her community.
About Megan Bankasingh, BSN, RN
Fundraising Chair
Megan Bankasingh
Community Education Chair
Mondeson Mondesir
About Mondeson "Moe" Mondesir
"I serve as a board member and one of the educators for the Marion County Kidney Foundation's CKD 101 program. As an end-stage CKD patient and a former classroom teacher, I have redirected my teaching skills from the classroom to the kidney community. My goal is to be a vital educational resource, helping others navigate the complexities of CKD through clear and actionable instruction."
Community Education Chair
Patricia Allen
Patricia Allen is a dedicated healthcare leader and community advocate who serves as Chair of Community Outreach and Education for the Marion County Kidney Foundation. She is passionate about increasing awareness of kidney disease, promoting early education and prevention, and strengthening connections between patients, providers, and the broader Marion County community.
With more than 30 years of nursing and healthcare experience, Patricia currently works as the Manager of Acute Dialysis Services at AdventHealth Ocala. Her background and leadership emphasize her commitment to high‑quality, patient‑centered care for individuals with kidney disease.
She is actively involved in outreach initiatives, educational programs, and community partnerships aimed at improving kidney health outcomes. Her service reflects a lifelong dedication to education, advocacy, and compassionate care.
About Patricia Allen, RN
Website/IT Chair
Kirk Hodges
** In Process of building Bio **
Volunteer
Dr. Izu Nwakoby
** In Process of building Bio **
Volunteer
Dr. Saila Ventra
Dr. Saila Ventra studied medicine, surgery, and pediatrics in her native India before her Internal Medicine residency at the Aurora Health Care System in Milwaukee, WI. She then moved to Harvard's prestigious Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for nephrology fellowship. She joined Ocala Kidney Group in 2011 , and along with her husband and two young sons have settled right into the Ocala community.
About Saila Ventra, M.D.
Volunteer
Volunteer
** In Process of building Bio **