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Marisa
Center Manager
Dr. Marisa Martinez has over 20 years of experience in K-12 education. Marisa is from Chicago and lives in the Tampa area with her family.She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Chicago State University, a Master's in Administration & Supervision from Loyola University and an undergraduate degree in Secondary English from DePaul University. Her various roles as a high school English teacher, school counselor and administrator have prepared her well for the role of Early Childhood Service Coordinator. Marisa enjoys serving the community, spending time with her family and traveling. ¡Yo hablo español!
Leonila
Intake and Referral Specialist
Leonila is native to La Ceiba, Honduras. She speaks fluent Garifuna, Spanish, and English. Leonila started her work in the educational system in 1988 and spent several years working as a school principal in Honduras. Once she and her family moved to the United States she continued her career with a focus in childcare education. Leonila believes that life is a learning process and her greatest passion is to serve children and families.
¡Yo hablo español y Garifuna!
Rebecca
Family Specialist
Born to an American Father and German mother, Rebecca has spent most of her childhood living in both Africa and Germany. Living in those countries she picked up 4 languages: German, English, French and Kreol. She is a boy mom of 2 and in her spare time models, works out, gardens, or is off on a road trip exploring with her boys. She loves to help people of vast backgrounds and feels the most fulfillment helping those with language barriers.
Aysun
Support Specialist
Aysun was born in Gaziantep, Turkey - a beautiful city where she desired even as a child to help others. She went to Gaziantep University of Turkey and graduated with an AA Degre in Business Management. Soon after in 2011 she moved to Tampa, Florida. She has 3 beautiful kids. Currently she is studying for a BA degree at Islamic University of Minnesota. Her goal is to be able to help others achieve their goals and help them find resources to succeed. Ben Türkçe konuÅŸuyorum!
Cat
Family Support - Part Time
Catelaine Laguerre goes by Cat and she is Haitian-American. She was born in Orlando but has moved all around Florida. Bradenton was her home for 10 years and moved to Tampa for school. She plans to major in Social Work and get a minor in Criminology. She is fascinated with the idea of being a Human Rights Activist fighting for those who think they do not have a voice. Cat’s ultimate goal is to practice Social Work on a macro scale. Her goal in life is to help as many people as possible, specifically youth. She finds satisfaction in knowing that her hard work and efforts can affect someone positively. She started at LSF Dream Center which is an ORR immigration shelter as a Youth Care Specialist, moved to Case Management, and now works for the Children Board Family Resources Center.
Mwen pale kreyòl!