Kristi House Appoints Estrella Alvarez Granda as Chief Program Officer

Kristi House, Miami-Dade County’s only nationally accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, announces the appointment of Estrella Alvarez Granda, LMHC, as Chief Program Officer. In this key leadership role, Granda will oversee the delivery and evaluation of the organization’s programs, ensuring the highest quality therapeutic services for children and families. Her responsibilities will include program management, grant oversight, and clinical supervision.

“Estrella brings an unparalleled depth of experience in behavioral health and therapeutic care that aligns seamlessly with Kristi House’s vision,” said Amanda G. Altman, CEO of Kristi House. “Her proven leadership and commitment to improving outcomes for children and families make her an invaluable addition to our team.”

With over three decades of experience in behavioral health and program management, Granda has dedicated her career to ensuring that children and families receive the care they need. Before joining Kristi House, she served as Director of Quality Services for KidSpot Rehabilitation, where she led statewide compliance efforts, enhanced operational transparency, and mentored a team of regional directors. Granda also held leadership roles at Pinnacle Family Services and National Mentor Healthcare, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, managing statewide therapeutic programs, and achieving accreditation for multiple facilities.

Granda’s career reflects her commitment to delivering exceptional care and fostering innovation in therapeutic and foster care programs. A licensed mental health counselor and qualified supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapy interns, she has built a reputation for excellence in compliance, program oversight, and clinical supervision.

“I am honored to join Kristi House and contribute to its vital work in the community,” said Granda. “The opportunity to lead and enhance the impactful programs that support children and families at Kristi House is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to working with this dedicated team to make a lasting difference.”

Granda holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from St. Thomas University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University. She is fluent in Spanish and an active member of the Florida Coalition for Children and the Florida Legislature Committee for FCC.

Kristi House’s programs continue to expand, most recently with the opening of its Healing Sanctuary in Homestead. This new facility, in partnership with MUJER, will serve as a centralized hub for trauma-informed care, supporting victims of violence and abuse in South Dade. With this strategic expansion, the organization will be able to serve a significantly larger number of children and families in need. With Granda’s leadership, Kristi House is well-positioned to further its reach and deepen its impact in the community.