Our Founding Board Members
Jeffrey is an experienced applied theatre scholar with 30+ years in theatre and drama. He served as a research assistant professor at the Center for Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida for nine years, teaching applied theater and directing health-related theater and film projects. His research focuses on using arts, especially theatre and video, to investigate community health issues and promote public engagement and critical dialogue on health. Jeffrey holds degrees from the University of Victoria, University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and McGill University, and has extensive training with the SITI Company and Antonina Garcia in Psychodrama & Sociodrama.
He has led notable projects globally, receiving accolades as an award-winning educator and practitioner. In 2020, he secured a US Department of State grant to develop a play in Mumbai addressing LGBTQ+ identity and stigma. Jeffrey collaborated with leading practitioners to create a play that fostered a positive understanding of LGBTQ+ identity in Indian audiences, publishing his research on theater's impact on LGBTQ+ solidarity.
Jeffrey founded Theatre Connect, providing a destigmatized space for LGBTQIA+ teens to develop life skills through theatre. He now resides in Philadelphia.
Jefferey Pufal, MFA (he/him)
Founder & Director Emeritus
Camilo Reina Munoz is a Latino social entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in arts and health. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Theatre Connect. He also is co-founder and co-CEO of Mutual Space, a consulting firm for socially conscious start-ups and non-profits. Since Theatre Connect’s inception in 2017, Camilo has co-directed and co-facilitated applied theatre programs for over 150 LGBTQIA+ youth and community members. He holds a Master of Arts in Arts in Medicine from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management from Santa Fe College.
In 2023, Camilo secured first place, on behalf of Theatre Connect, in the "Innovation in Arts in Health" category of the Cam Busch Awards from the National Organization for Arts in Health. He has published his work in two academic journals, and presented at both national and international conferences.
Trained in applied and improvisational theater, by the likes of Second City Chicago, Rise to Heal, and Dr. Antonina Garcia, Camilo has been involved in improv since middle school. It served as an early platform for him to explore his identity, particularly as a gay man.
Through partnerships with the Hippodrome, Gainesville Community Counseling Center, and the Progressive Collective (which includes the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida, Unspoken Treasure Society, and Camp Silver) he hopes this program will continue to serve many generations to come.
Camilo Reina Munoz, MA (he/him)
Executive Director
Cai Husband (they/them)
Lead Peer Mentor
& Graphic Designer
Cai has been a member of Theatre Connect since 2017. Back then, they were a kid who just wanted to connect with others, and since their school didn’t offer extracurricular activities like theatre, they decided this would be a great opportunity. Since then, they have graduated from the program after attending most of the seasons, and they were then invited to join the staff team as a Peer-Mentor. Currently, they hold the position of Lead Peer-Mentor and also work part-time as a Graphic Designer for TC. They say It’s the greatest job that they could ever ask for.
Dr. Cindi Gayle PhD (she/her)
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Cindi Gayle is a former Assistant Professor from the University of Florida's Department of Psychiatry who enthusiastically launched her own venture. Dr. Gayle is now the owner/director of The Florida OCD Autism and Anxiety Treatment Center (www.floaatcenter.com). She specializes in evaluating and treating Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tics/Tourette's and related disorders. She is passionate about providing inclusive and empowering care for people of all identities and backgrounds. She has been involved with Theatre Connect since its inception and is so excited to continue her partnership.
Anyaliese D. Hancock-Smith, PhD (she/her)
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Anyaliese Hancock-Smith is a licensed clinical and National Register Health Service psychologist who specializes in pediatric and child/adolescent psychology. She founded and currently operates her own psychology private practice, Hancock-Smith Pediatric & Behavioral Health, LLC in Alachua, Florida. Dr. Hancock-Smith worked at the University of Florida for several years prior to starting private practice. Her tenure at the university included co-founding the UF Health Youth Gender Program and participating in the Theater Connect program. Dr. Hancock-Smith is dedicated to serving her community via private practice on a full-time basis. She is honored to take part in the essential work done through Theater Connect as an advisory board member.