The Bermuda Heart Foundation oversees:

• Community Outreach Programs
• Free Health Screenings
• Lunch and Learn Seminars
• Corporate Wellness Programs
• Heart Health Awareness Month Events Every February
• Progressive Youth Educational Programs
• Establishment of Cardiac Prevention as an Insurable Benefit

Jump2Bfit promotes jump rope as a lifelong physical fitness activity. We strive to inspire, motivate, and educate people of all ages through local and international jump rope competitions, workshops, and performances. We host workshops for school-aged children to learn different jump rope skills, as well as adult recreational jump classes.

The CORE Heart Health Center offers hands-on preventive and rehabilitative care at The Bermuda Heart Foundation’s headquarters. Members have access to cardiologists, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, and personal trainers. The program also offers classes for healthy cooking, meal planning, stress management, and more. These benefits will provide patients with the tools they need to prevent heart disease.

Our program is not just for heart patients; it is for anyone looking to mitigate existing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, family history, or obesity. We have plenty of resources to help you recover or prevent health issues.

We proudly partner with top physicians from NewYork-Presbyterian, the #1 hospital in New York. These experts visit our facility monthly to support our mission and provide exceptional medical care.

Simone Barton

CEO, The Bermuda Heart Foundation

Bradley Barton

Managing Director

Dr. Marion F. Watlington is a distinguished Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician who has dedicated over four decades to advancing healthcare in Bermuda and beyond. Beginning her medical journey as a registered nurse in 1968, she pursued further education, earning her MD from the University of Connecticut Health Center and completing her residency at Danbury Hospital.

As a founding member and current Medical Director of the Bermuda Heart Foundation, Dr. Watlington has been instrumental in transforming cardiac care in Bermuda. Her visionary leadership helped establish the Cardiac Wing at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the innovative CORE Heart Health Center. She has been particularly passionate about youth wellness, co-creating the Jump 2B Fit program to promote heart health education among young people.

Our visiting specialist, Dr. Irobunda, is an attending physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University. With a deep commitment to patient advocacy and education, his work bridges cutting-edge cardiology with compassionate, personalized care.

A global leader in kidney health and chronic disease management, Dr. Radhakrishnan is the Co-Director of the Glomerular Center at Columbia University. His decades-long work in nephrology and clinical research has helped shape modern protocols for treating kidney and systemic conditions.

Dr. Lee serves as Medical Director for Global Services at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Medical Director of Columbia Crown Health, a concierge medicine program. Dr. Lee has served as Head Team Internist for the New York Yankees since 2007 and was Head Team Internist for the New York City Football Club from 2015-2021.

Simone J. Barton is the visionary force behind the Bermuda Heart Foundation and founder of CORE Heart Health Center, the world’s first primary prevention and cardiac rehab program covered by major medical insurance. A bold advocate for health equity, Simone has dedicated her career to transforming how communities approach heart disease, prevention, and wellness. With a background spanning hospitality, wealth management, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a dynamic, results-driven approach to everything she touches. Simone is also an author, speaker, and lifelong motivator, passionate about helping people reclaim their health, rewrite their stories, and live with purpose.

Bradley Barton joined the Bermuda Heart Foundation nearly a decade ago during a period of organizational transition and staff turnover, bringing with him years of valuable experience in hotel management and corporate sales. As Director of Operations, Barton has skillfully applied his private sector expertise to strengthen the organization’s mission of building a healthier community in Bermuda. His commitment and dedication to the cause has been unwavering throughout his tenure, with Barton stating that his work with the Foundation is “the most rewarding thing I have ever done.” His background in hospitality and corporate sales has proven invaluable in enhancing the Foundation’s operational capacity, community outreach, and strategic partnerships, demonstrating how business acumen can be successfully translated to serve the public good in healthcare advocacy.

Karissa serves as our Chronic Disease Management Nurse, supporting patients through preventive and rehabilitative care focused on sustainable lifestyle change. She works closely with our visiting cardiologist to provide coordinated care for individuals with chronic and cardiac conditions. She began her nursing studies in Bermuda, completed her degree at the University of South Carolina Upstate, and previously worked at KEMH, gaining valuable local clinical experience. Her training also includes clinical placements at SickKids Hospital in Toronto and Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. With a passion for holistic care and a special interest in cardiology, Karissa is committed to empowering patients to improve their long-term health.

Amirh is the Program Administrator at the Bermuda Heart Foundation, where she has been a dedicated team member for over a year. She began her involvement with the Foundation in 2012, initially contributing as a member of the national jump rope team, the Bermy Bouncers, and later becoming staff of the Jump 2B Fit program in 2020. Certified in Non-Profit Administration, Amirh supports the Foundation’s mission effectively. She is actively involved in both of the Heart Foundation’s flagship programs, CORE Heart Health Center and Jump 2B Fit, playing a vital role serving as an administrator and a Jump 2B Fit coach. Amirh has a strong background working with people of all ages and is passionate about making a positive impact by helping others and simplifying their lives.

Zachery, aka Zach—a passionate and dedicated fitness professional, certified in strength and conditioning, and a specialist in bodybuilding. Zach has been making waves in the fitness community since 2022 through his personal brand, Kaizen Elite, where he has trained clients one-on-one, helping them achieve their health and fitness goals with personalized attention and expertise. He is now CORE’s full-time personal trainer, bringing a fresh impactful touch, warm smile and energetic presence. Zach leaves a lasting impression on each of his clients, inspiring them to push beyond their limits while feeling supported every step of the way. Zach looks forward to helping everyone achieve their best selves.