Judith Montero, PsyD

Chief Clinical Officer

Dr. Judy Monteroholds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. Before transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry in 2003, she worked in a multidisciplinary clinical setting providing psychological services and conducting neuropsychological assessments for diverse populations. Her work included diagnosis, development, and implementation of behavioral interventions for individuals with neurocognitive disorders.

With over 20 years of experience in the clinical research industry, Dr. Montero has participated in hundreds of clinical trials—both at the site level as an investigator and rater, and within the CRO environment. During her tenure at Syneos Health, her extensive on-site experience proved invaluable in her role as Lead Clinical Scientist within the Clinical Surveillance & Training group.

As Director of Clinical Assessments in a national clinical research network of sites, Dr. Montero developed and implemented a comprehensive rater development program designed to enhance training and oversight across the organization. Her leadership in rater training contributed significantly to minimizing placebo response and ensuring high-quality trial outcomes.

Currently serving as Chief Clinical Officer at NextPhase Research, Dr. Montero oversees all clinical research activities to ensure they are scientifically rigorous, ethically sound, and operationally efficient. She plays a key role in supporting the site’s growth while upholding the highest standards of patient safety and data integrity.

Dr. Montero is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, with extensive experience administering clinical assessments and delivering professional training in both languages.

Curriculum VitaeDownload

Terry Piedra, BS, CCRC

Chief Strategy Officer & Founder | NextPhase Research 

Terry Piedra stands out as a prominent leader in clinical research, recognized for her dedication and enthusiasm for the field. She is excited to announce her latest venture, NextPhase Research, in partnership with Howard Schwartz, MD, Peter Ventre, MD, and Maria Campanioni.

As the Chief Strategy Officer, Terry leverages over 24 years of expertise in clinical trial execution, driving business growth while ensuring the delivery of exceptional outcomes. Her extensive knowledge encompasses all facets of clinical trials, including business development and clinical operations, with a focus on areas such as vaccines, psychiatry, psychedelics, neurology, and metabolic diseases across all trial phases. 

Terry places a strong emphasis on participant safety throughout the entire trial process, maintaining the highest quality standards from start to finish. Her vast experience enables her to adopt a comprehensive perspective, motivating her team to navigate and complete studies with efficiency. Her leadership approach promotes collaboration and fosters innovative solutions, which are crucial for achieving project objectives and enhancing overall success. 

Highly regarded within the industry, Terry has cultivated robust relationships with sponsors and CRO partners, facilitating effective collaboration and contributing to successful project outcomes. Her deep insight into her industry is vital for nurturing and strengthening essential business connections. This commitment to relationship-building is fundamental to the success of her projects and solidifies her reputation as a leader in clinical research.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Terry enjoys her time as a devoted wife and baseball mom, often found at baseball events or indulging in her passion for deep-sea fishing.

Curriculum VitaeDownload

Judith Montero, PsyD

Chief Clinical Officer

■ ABPN Board Certified in Psychiatry
■ Universidad Iberoamericana, 2001
■ Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 2007
■ University of Florida Department of Psychiatry, 2008
■ Founder and CEO of VMA and RCA (2011)
■ Chairman, Department of Psychiatry
■ Broward Health Medical Center

Curriculum VitaeDownload

Maria Companioni, DNP, APRN-BC

Chief Executive Officer & Founder | NextPhase Research 

Dr. Maria Companioni is a driving force in psychiatric and neuromodulation research, with over 100 CNS and vaccine trials executed under her leadership. With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and dual board certification, she brings deep clinical expertise and operational command to every phase of trial execution.

As CEO of NextPhase Research and Clinical Director of Neuromodulation at My TMS, she has led innovation in patient recruitment, mapping, and protocol adherence across schizophrenia, MDD, bipolar disorder, autism, suicidality, and neurodegenerative conditions. Her work is known for translating patient care precision into high quality, sponsor ready data.
 
Together with Dr. Peter Ventre and Dr. Howard Schwartz, Dr. Companioni is shaping a forward focused clinical research team grounded in speed, scientific rigor, and reliability. Her contributions have been featured at ASCP, ISCTM, and CNS Summit, reflecting her commitment to advancing measurement-based care and collaborative research.

Curriculum VitaeDownload

Dr. Peter Ventre

Chief Psychiatric Officer & Founder | NextPhase Research 

Dr. Peter Ventre stands at the forefront of psychiatric clinical research in Florida. As a board-certified psychiatrist and seasoned Principal Investigator, Dr. Ventre has led hundreds of Phase I–IV trials in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, MDD, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, and treatment-resistant depression. His two decades of experience in CNS research have shaped some of the most impactful studies in the field.

As CEO of My Psychiatrist, one of South Florida’s most influential psychiatric practices Dr. Ventre has built a powerful bridge between real world clinical care and cutting-edge research. Today, he serves as Cofounder and Chief Psychiatric Officer of NextPhase Research, working in close collaboration with Dr. Howard Schwartz, and Dr. Maria Companioni to establish a sponsor ready ecosystem focused on scientific integrity, executional excellence, and speed.
 
With a proven track record contributing to multiple FDA approvals, Dr. Ventre continues to be a trusted partner for sponsors and CROs seeking rapid startup, reliable patient populations, and high-quality data. His leadership brings together innovation, integration, and compassion delivering research that advances both science and care.

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Dr. Howard I. Schwartz

Chief Medical Officer & Founder | NextPhase Research

Dr. Howard I. Schwartz is a pioneer in CNS clinical research with more than 1,000 Phase I–IV trials led across psychiatry, neurology, and vaccines. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, he has translated decades of clinical precision into a leadership role advancing Florida’s psychiatric research landscape.

As a founding partner at NextPhase Research, Dr. Schwartz is part of a unified team alongside Dr. Peter Ventre, and Dr. Maria Companioni, driving operational excellence and scientific advancement in high impact, multi-site trials. His work spans early phase innovation, rare populations, and pivotal studies, making him a valued partner for CROs and sponsors aiming to accelerate development without sacrificing quality.
 
With a deep history in advisory, DSMB participation, and medical monitoring, Dr. Schwartz is passionate to work with pharmaceutical, Biotech and CRO sponsors on projects that require significant medical oversight and early proof of concept trials. Dr. Schwartz brings strategic clarity and regulatory foresight to every trial. For sponsors looking to re-enter Florida’s trial market with a seasoned, high-performing site network. Dr. Schwartz and the NextPhase team offer proven experience and trusted execution.

Curriculum VitaeDownload

Partner with Next Phase Research

Accelerate your clinical development with our proven expertise, experienced team, and commitment to excellence.

Our Locations

Two state-of-the-art facilities offering comprehensive clinical research capabilities

Hollywood, FL

Outpatient Research Unit

Collaboration with My Psychiatrist: 20,000 patient encounters/month, 1,500 new patients monthly
Accelerated recruitment across CNS and psychiatric trials
Over 90% subject retention rate
On-Site Pharmacy & PK Laboratory
State-of-the-art equipment including TMS & EEG

Oakland Park, FL

Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center

180-bed psychiatric hospital for inpatient/outpatient studies
16-bed dedicated research unit (expandable to 40 beds)
Central IRB submission capabilities
Direct access to acute patient populations
High-quality care environment with close subject monitoring

Why Partner with Us?

We combine clinical excellence with operational efficiency to deliver high-quality data and successful outcomes.

Proven Track Record

Over 15 years of successful clinical trial execution across multiple therapeutic areas with consistently high enrollment rates.

Expert Team

Board-certified physicians, experienced clinical research coordinators, and dedicated support staff committed to your success.

Rapid Enrollment

Access to a large, diverse patient database and proven recruitment strategies that meet aggressive timelines.

Quality Assurance

Rigorous quality control processes ensuring data integrity, regulatory compliance, and GCP adherence.

Efficient Operations

Streamlined processes, modern facilities, and advanced technology platforms for efficient study execution.

Data Excellence

High-quality data collection and management with minimal queries and clean data submission.

Comprehensive Clinical Research Services

Full-service clinical trial management from protocol design through final data submission.

Phase I-IV Clinical Trials

Experience across all phases of clinical development

Multi-Site Coordination

Seamless management of complex multi-center studies

Patient Recruitment & Retention

Proven strategies for rapid enrollment and high retention rates

Regulatory Expertise

Deep knowledge of FDA and ICH guidelines

Site Monitoring & Management

Comprehensive oversight ensuring protocol compliance

Electronic Data Capture

State-of-the-art EDC systems and data management

Comprehensive Capabilities

State-of-the-art equipment and emergency preparedness

Facility Equipment

ECG & Holter monitoring
Refrigerated/ambient centrifuges
-20/-40/-80°C freezers
Biosafety Cabinet Class 2 Type A2
TMS & On-Site EEG
DEXA Scan & Digital X-ray
Ultrasound & PSG recording

Special Capabilities

MRI/CT & PET scan
Lumbar Puncture (on-site)
Pulmonary function testing
On-Site Pharmacy
PK Laboratory
Central IRB submission

Emergency Preparedness

Fully-equipped crash cart
Emergency medications on-site
Emergency room ½ mile away
AED machines & oxygen tanks
BLS/ACLS/PALS certified staff
Designated emergency exits

Therapeutic Expertise

Extensive experience conducting trials across multiple therapeutic areas

Mental Health (CNS)

Phase I-III trials in psychiatry, neurology, pain, and substance abuse across all age ranges.

Substance Abuse

Studies focused on finding better methods for overcoming addiction and substance use disorders.

Vaccines

Expert team collaborating with pharmaceutical companies from protocol design through trial execution.

Gastroenterology

Studies of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and hepatology conditions.

Women’s Health

Evaluating safety and efficacy of treatments for gynecological disorders throughout life stages.

Sleep Studies

Comprehensive polysomnography and diagnostic procedures for sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.

Metabolic

Clinical trials for diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders across all phases of development.

Psychedelic Research

Exploring therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Patient Encounters/Month
%+
Subject Retention Rate
New Patients Monthly
Bed Inpatient Facility

Let’s Discuss Your Next Study

Contact us to learn how NextPhase Research can accelerate your clinical development program.

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