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PALS Staff

Kristofer Fegenbush

Kristofer completed his Masters of Social Work at Florida International University in 2007.  Before leading the PALS Project, Kristofer Fegenbush worked for three-and-a-half years at CenterOne/AIDS Project Florida.  He served both as Assistant to the Executive Director and as a well-known, active Case Manager.  Kristofer joined the PALS Project to focus his resources on small-group based work. 

He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, with degrees in Politics and Mass Communications.  Uninspired by a future in politics, Kristofer spent three-and-a-half years in Mexico, working for a local, faith-based grassroots organization.  His work alongside local leaders with street kids, churches, gang members and foreign nationals provided him with a deep love and respect for Latin culture and the Spanish language.  This nonprofit work eventually led Kristofer to Miami, where he worked as Director of Recruiting for the Latin America Mission, an international nonprofit specializing in community development work.

A proud Kentucky native, Kristofer has lived in Florida for a decade.    He currently shares a home in Oakland Park with his partner and pet.

Jeff Grigsby

Jeff Grigsby coordinates the LIFE Program for the PALS Project.  Jeff Grigsby arrived to South Florida in 2003 from Seattle, the land of earthquakes and active volcanoes.  Jeff spent 14 years working as a Disease Intervention Specialist at Harborview Hospital’s STD Clinic.  Jeff counseled individuals who had been exposed to (or tested positive for) an STD or HIV and referred them and their sexual partners to needed services.  Because Harborview functions as a teaching hospital, Jeff also trained nurses, med students and doctors visiting from around the world in the intricacies of STD counseling and field work.  He helped locate individuals who didn’t have a permanent address other than a park, favorite bar or street corner and linked them to service.  He also performed “on the spot” blood draws and field tests.

Jeff and his partner of 30 years love living in North Miami.  After visiting on vacation, they decided they loved the ocean and the weather; they decided they could live with “the aggressive bugs, horrible drivers and the occasional hurricane” to make South Florida home.  Jeff and his partner spend their free time entertaining friends, enjoying the beach or swimming in the sea. 

“When I joined the PALS Project staff, I expected to assist individuals as they learned to strengthen their immune system and meet personal goals,” says Jeff.  “By the time we had finished half of that round of the L.I.F.E. program, I had gained so much more. Seeing the changes in the men who attend is more than I could have imagined.  The program has had a powerful effect on issues in my own life.  What an unexpected benefit from working with a group of amazing men who come together each week to improve their health and daily lives!”

Magno Morales

Magno Morales coordinates the CHOICES program for the PALS Project.  Born in Managua, Nicaragua, Magno moved to Costa Rica at age 16 and lived there for five years.  During high school, Magno volunteered with HIV educational programs, helping provide information about prevention and safe sexual behavior to the community.  In 1989, Magno moved to the United States to attend college and work as an outreach volunteer in HIV programs.  During this time, he also frequently traveled to Nicaragua to collaborate with his brother-in-law, a physician, to lead prevention meetings on college campuses.  He distributed condoms and shared prevention messages at schools while in Nicaragua.

In 2005, Magno joined the staff of Hispanic Unity of Florida as an Outreach Linkage Counselor in the Counseling, Testing and Linkage program.  Magno provided the HIV rapid test to individuals at Broward Community College, Hagen Park and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida.  Magno also worked at community events like the Hispanic Fest and the Health Fair at the Miami Convention Center.

Magno views the act of helping other people as central to his personality.  He’s found great satisfaction in philanthropic service to the gay community in South Florida, enjoying the process of making positive changes in others’ lives.  Magno lives with his significant other in Oakland Park.  He enjoys cooking and working in upholstery as a hobby.  Magno cares for his beautiful babes, Brisia and Brandon.