Debbie earned her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of South Florida in 1991. In 2015, she became a peer reviewer for Healthy Families America. Debbie has been working with children and families in the fields of domestic violence, child welfare and child abuse prevention since 1991. She began working for The Florida Center in 1997 and has been part of the Healthy Families program since 1999.

Bonnie earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology from Indiana University in 2007. Bonnie has been working with children and families since 2004. During her undergraduate studies in Indiana, she worked in mental health with children and adolescents. After moving to Florida in 2013, she immediately became involved with Healthy Families in Sarasota County, taking a position as a family support worker. Since then, she has held multiple roles at Healthy Families and currently serves as the Program Manager for Charlotte County. Bonnie uses the strength-based approach of Healthy Families as a tool in her work and personal life. She believes that everyone has strengths they can develop into successes and has the ability to overcome almost any challenge. Bonnie’s personal philosophy is that there are no failures, only opportunities to learn.

Krista earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Central Connecticut State University in 1992. Krista has been with the Healthy Families program for more than ten years, working with at-risk families to promote positive parent child relationships with the goal of preventing child abuse and neglect.

Ruth earned her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from La Salle University of Colombia and a master's degree in Education from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Colombia. Ruth has been working with The Florida Center since 2007. She started as Family Support Worker and was promoted to Family Support Worker Supervisor in November of 2019. Before arriving in the United States, Ruth served as the Director of the Regional Center of Valle del Cauca Colombia of the open University program of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana for 13 years. In her spare time, Ruth enjoys singing and performing with her husband in their traditional folk music band. She also appreciates nature and values her time meditating and contemplating.

Maria earned her psychology degree from the Catholic University of Colombia. Maria has been working with The Florida Center since 2005, during that time she has held different roles within the Healthy Families program. Before moving to Sarasota, Maria worked developing parenting programs for various schools in Bogotá, Colombia. Maria enjoys time reading and spending time with her family in her spare time.

Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University in Virginia. After serving 8 years serving in the U.S. Army, Mary moved to Florida to pursue her career. Mary has worked supporting students to transition from high school into the workforce as a School to Work Counselor. She has many years of experience working with mothers, infants and young children through the Sarasota Head Start Program, Easter Seals, First Step and Healthy Families Manatee.

Mary Jane earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1998. Mary Jane has been working with children and families for more than 20 years. Mary Jane was selected as one of the top three finalists for Healthy Families Florida’s Family Support Worker and has worked with geriatrics for over eight years. Mary Jane enjoys pampering herself by going to a movie, out to eat or getting a manicure and pedicure to de-stress. Mary Jane is aware of the importance of self-care in order to keep her work-family life balanced.

Brenda received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology and minored in social work at Western Kentucky University in 1982. After more than 30 years serving children and families in the State of Tennessee, Brenda retired to Florida with her husband Tim. It wasn’t long before Brenda’s passion for children and families lead her on a journey to serve the Sarasota populace. She first accepted a position with the Sarasota Child Protection Center, then transferred to the Healthy Families program where she has worked for the last few years.