JB Pfeiffer

Although trained as a social worker, JB first connected with YES Institute while seeking education and support related to LGBTQ+ experiences within her own life. Over the following eight years, prior to joining the YES team, she participated in multiple YES Institute trainings and educational programs and volunteered with the organization on several occasions. Those experiences had a profound personal and professional impact, reinforcing her belief in the importance of compassionate dialogue, community connection, and access to support without fear of judgment.

As a Family Resource Navigator and Care Coordinator, JB supports parents, youth, families, providers, and community organizations as they navigate questions and challenges related to LGBTQ+ identities, relationships, and support systems. Her role focuses on helping individuals and organizations connect with community resources, educational opportunities, and support tailored to their needs and circumstances.

What matters most to JB in her work with YES is helping people feel they are not alone. She understands that both families and professionals may experience uncertainty, emotions, or complex questions, and believes people deserve space to seek guidance, express concerns, and access support in a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment. JB’s approach is grounded in thoughtful communication, practical support, and meeting people where they are.

JB earned her Master’s degree in Social Work in 1996 and obtained her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) in 2000. She has experience providing psychosocial assessments, crisis and supportive counseling, case management, and care coordination in pediatric and adult settings. Much of JB’s social work career has been devoted to pediatric social work. She served as the Inpatient Social Worker for children with HIV and other infectious diseases at Jackson Memorial Hospital for 10 years, in addition to serving pediatric endocrinology, general pediatrics, the antepartum and postpartum units, and gynecologic oncology. JB also served as the Transition Social Worker for the outpatient pediatric special immunology team, supporting patients transitioning from the pediatric to adult health care system. Beyond her hospital-based work, JB has experience in child abuse prevention case management with the Center for Family and Child Enrichment, utilization review with United Behavioral Health, and medical social work at Baptist Hospital of Miami.

Alongside studying her heritage language, Thai, JB is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish at the University of Miami. JB’s goal is to better support the community through Spanish language skills.

JB is thrilled to be part of the YES team and aims to provide families and youth with relevant information, resources, and the same kind, compassionate, and nonjudgmental support that she once received.