(954) 734-1580

Meet Our Team

Seafarers’ House is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that relies on the support and generosity of those in our community, both near and far. Our exemplary volunteer Board of Directors guides our activities throughout the year, ensuring that we will be able to provide a “home away from home” for mariners for years to come.

Anmati Sukhan-Ramdhan

Director of Finance and Administration

About Anmati

Erika Sears

Volunteer Coordinator

About Erika

Father Sanford Sears

Seafarers House Chaplain

About Father Sears

Father Peter Lin

Seafarers House Chaplain

About Father Peter

Meet our Executive Director!

Launa S. Carbonell is a high-impact Executive Leader and Chief of Staff with over a decade of experience serving as a strategic partner to C-Suite principals, board chairs, and high-net-worth individuals.

Launa CarbonellExecutive Director

Make a difference in the life of a Seafarer

Erika Sears

Erika Liliana Sears, originally from the vibrant city of Bogotá, Colombia, holds a BA in Hotel and Tourism Management and is passionate about making a difference in the world. Her professional journey began at Bogotá’s international airport, where she worked as a translator in the tourism main office. This initial experience opened the door to significant roles in the Office of Tourism within the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Ecotourism, where she served as a park ranger in Colombia’s breathtaking national parks. This role allowed her to gain invaluable insights into the country’s rich natural landscapes while also exploring the idyllic Caribbean coast, deepening her love for nature.

A true outdoor enthusiast, Erika finds joy in adventures that connect her with the natural world, sharing her home with three beautiful cats she affectionately calls her “furry babies.”

Music is another vibrant thread in Erika’s life tapestry. She immerses herself in the sounds of rock and roll, with favorites like The Beatles, The Who, the Eagles, and Chicago. Her eclectic taste extends to medieval music and contemporary reguetón artists such as Karol G and J Balvin. Erika also has a knack for classic and antique cars, often engaging her husband, Chaplain Father Sandy Sears, in lively discussions about their historical significance.

Erika’s insatiable curiosity about history and varied cultures enriches her worldview and fuels her desire to serve. Her commitment to community service took her to Barranquilla, Colombia, where she worked with her church on missionary projects, helping develop welfare programs that uplifted local communities. It was there that she met her husband, launching their shared journey that took them to Virginia and eventually to New Bern, North Carolina. In 2015, they moved to Lantana, Florida, where her husband is the rector of Holy Guardian Angels Parish, part of the Anglican Catholic Church. They now reside in Florida with her father, affectionately known as “Papi.”

With over eight years of experience working with children and adults with special needs, Erika has successfully carved out a career as a behavior analyst. Currently, she dedicates her time as a full-time employee at Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades, serving as both a Ship Visitor and Volunteer Coordinator. In these roles, she finds profound joy in connecting with dedicated individuals from around the globe, raising awareness about their essential contributions to the economy.

Family-oriented and actively engaged in her church, Erika is proud to have attained her U.S. citizenship. Through her work and community engagement, she continues to embody the spirit of service, making meaningful contributions to the lives of those around her.

(954) 734-1580

Meet Our Team

Anmati Sukhan-Ramdhan

Erika Sears

Father Sanford Sears

Father Peter Lin

Meet our Executive Director!

Make a difference in the life of a Seafarer

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Anmati Sukhan-Ramdhan

Erika Sears

Father Sanford Sears

Father Peter Lin