Our professional team sets us apart as a leading organization in transition education. We have carefully curated a team of educators, specialists, job coaches, volunteers, and partners who bring with them a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise. Each member of our team is highly skilled in their respective fields and is dedicated to providing our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in this crucial phase of their lives. Our teachers are passionate about helping students reach their full potential, our job coaches are experienced in assisting students to transition into the workforce, and our volunteers and partners are integral in providing additional support and resources. Together, we work tirelessly to create a positive and empowering environment that helps our students grow and thrive personally and academically.
Dr. Lisa B Jester has an impressive set of qualifications and experience that have prepared her perfectly for her current position as Executive Director and Employment Specialist. Her academic background is extensive, featuring a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the highly respected University of Central Florida. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Exceptional Education with endorsements in Autism, Severe/Profound Disabilities, and Reading. Dr. Lisa’s broad range of certifications and expertise is an asset to her work. She is a certified Professional Educator for several subject areas and a Certified Employment Support Professional.
Dr. Lisa’s abilities as a teacher are exceptional, and her experience is broad. She has taught across all grade levels and dedicated 13 years of her career to teaching transition age youth with disabilities. She has a passion for education and has the ability to teach and guide those who need it most.
While her work is her heart and soul, Dr. Lisa is a well-rounded individual with diverse interests. She loves traveling to different places and observing the world’s beauty. Additionally, she cherishes spending time with her dogs and family in idyllic beach settings or on a relaxing boat ride. These experiences have helped her have a more holistic approach to life and work, and she brings that balance to her role as Executive Director and Employment Specialist.
Alice Jester, our co-founder of FL-ICI, serves as an Employment Specialist. Through her passion for creating inclusive environments for individuals with unique abilities, Alice’s vision and drive culminated in the establishment of FL-ICI. Today, she strives to work with participants, providing them with comprehensive education on independent living skills and supporting them as they explore exciting career opportunities. Additionally, Alice is committed to helping each and every participant gain the confidence and skills necessary to become engaged members of their communities. Prior to her work with FL-ICI, Alice spent five years as a dedicated para-educator, where she worked with students facing severe and profound disabilities. Her academic qualifications include an AA degree from Valencia College, which she earned while maintaining an impressive record of success and dedication to her studies. Alice’s experience and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the FL-ICI team.
Kheyra Acosta brings a compassionate and dedicated approach to their role as a Program Assistant and Employment Specialist at The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion. With two years of experience as a home health aide, Kheyra has honed exceptional caregiving and interpersonal skills, offering empathetic support to individuals with disabilities. Their background in providing direct care allows them to deeply understand the needs and challenges faced by young adults transitioning into the workforce.
As a Program Assistant, Kheyra supports the team in coordinating program activities, ensuring smooth operations, and assisting participants in their journey toward independence. As an Employment Specialist, they leverage their firsthand experience to guide individuals in identifying career paths, developing job readiness skills, and achieving their employment goals.
Abigail Hondorp-Ring journey toward becoming a successful Director of Operations and Employment Specialist at FL-ICI is a true testament to the power of passion and hard work. It all began with her love for marketing, which drove her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing, exposing her to diverse opportunities in the industry. With her outstanding skills and knowledge in marketing, she quickly emerged as a top candidate for the position at FL-ICI.
However, Abigail’s remarkable abilities go beyond marketing. Her personal experience with learning disabilities has motivated her to dedicate herself to helping children with unique abilities and supporting them in achieving their goals. Abigail’s work is not just valuable but also essential in giving students the right guidance and support in acquiring essential skills that will be invaluable in their transition into the competitive workforce.
With years of experience in customer service roles, Abigail’s work spans much more than just marketing and employment. Her unmatched talent and skills have made her an invaluable asset to FL-ICI, allowing the organization to feel more confident in achieving success in all of its programs.
Sterling Ring is an exceptional Program and Employment Specialist who is passionate about helping individuals with unique abilities. Sterling’s commitment and dedication to making a positive difference in the community is inspiring. In addition, Sterling’s pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, revealing their passion for learning and self-improvement. Starting as a volunteer with SOAR 22, a charity organization supporting individuals with unique abilities, Sterling discovered their true calling. Their diverse knowledge base allows Sterling to train program participants and help them achieve their career aspirations. Sterling’s commitment to the community is unwavering, and their selfless drive to help others is awe-inspiring. Sterling has made a significant contribution to countless individuals’ lives and has become an invaluable member of the team.
Brittany Denihan is a dedicated and passionate individual who has proven an invaluable asset to our team as the Director of Education and Employment Specialist. Her unwavering commitment and intense enthusiasm have contributed significantly to the success of our initiatives. In 2017, Brittany earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education from the University of Central Florida. This educational background, coupled with her sincere passion, has enabled her to approach her responsibilities with a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of education, leading to innovative and impactful strategies for our organization.
Brittany’s aspirations for this program are centered around fostering growth and collaboration within our community, particularly with individuals possessing unique abilities. Her vision revolves around empowering these individuals to attain their utmost potential and accomplish their future objectives. Through her dedicated leadership and passionate drive, Brittany aims to create a supportive and enriching environment that facilitates personal development and cultivates a sense of belonging and achievement for everyone involved.
Juan Roman, Director of Finance and Employment Specialist, has proven to be an indispensable asset to our team since he arrived in 2022. His determination is awe-inspiring, and he consistently exemplifies an unparalleled work ethic. Juan’s dedication is unwavering, and he is known for being tireless and persistent. When he embarks on any project, he approaches it with resolve and a wholehearted commitment, consistently surpassing our expectations with the outcomes he delivers. His ability to tackle challenges head-on and transform them into opportunities for excellence is a testament to his exceptional skills and character.
Juan’s passion for assisting others has consistently shone through on numerous occasions, solidifying his status as an indispensable member of our team. His genuine enthusiasm for imparting knowledge and aiding in cultivating essential life skills is evident in his every action. Backed by his background in management, he is more than capable of navigating and effectively addressing any challenges that may arise. His passion-driven approach and extensive expertise make him an invaluable asset to our organization.
Karina Calzada-Santos is a dedicated Program Assistant and Program Specialist for SOAR Beyond 22. Currently studying psychology, Karina brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical skills to their role, supporting young adults with disabilities as they transition into the workforce. Karina provides crucial support in the planning and delivery of our programs, ensuring each session is well-organized and impactful. They assist participants in identifying their strengths and goals, using psychological insights to enhance self-awareness and personal development. In their role, Karina works closely with participants to develop employment skills, offering guidance and encouragement throughout their journey toward independence.
Karina collaborates with instructors and team members, provides hands-on support during workshops and activities, and engages with families and partners to communicate program details and offer assistance. They play a key role in maintaining accurate records, tracking participant progress, and contributing to program evaluation and improvement. With a passion for psychology and a commitment to making a difference, Karina is dedicated to empowering young adults to achieve their full potential.
Heidi Schuhmann has been a valued Program Assistant at Florida Includes Me for the past three years and also works for SOAR Beyond 22, bringing reliability, experience, and a deep commitment to our mission. With a strong background in supporting young adults with disabilities, Heidi plays a key role in the daily operations of our programs, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and participants have a positive experience.
Throughout her time with us, Heidi has consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail. She assists with program planning, manages schedules, and helps prepare materials for workshops and events. Heidi is also a crucial point of contact for participants and families, providing clear communication and support whenever needed.
Alexandria Sadler serves as an Employment Specialist, where they bring passion, expertise, and dedication to helping young adults with disabilities achieve their employment goals. With a personalized approach, Alexandria works one-on-one with participants to identify their strengths, interests, and career aspirations, guiding them on the path to meaningful and sustainable employment.
In their role, Alexandria assists participants with job readiness skills, including resume building, interview preparation, and workplace communication. They also connect with local employers to create opportunities that match participants’ skills and interests, fostering inclusive work environments. Alexandria is committed to providing ongoing support, including job coaching and follow-up services, to ensure that participants succeed in their roles.
Ethical Conduct, Training Requirements and Reporting Misconduct
Standards of Ethical Conduct
1. Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
2. Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student’s potential. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
3. Concern for the student requires that our instructional personnel:
a. Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety.
b. Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
c. Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
d. Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program.
e. Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
f. Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
g. Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
h. Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.
i. Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
4. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the community, employees of our school must display the highest degree of ethical conduct. This commitment requires that our employees:
a. Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
b. Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
c. Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
d. Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
e. Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.
Training Requirements
All instructional personnel and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.
Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators
All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.
Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to Dr. Lisa B. Jester, Executive Director.
Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Dr. Lisa B. Jester, Executive Director.
Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services.Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in school office and on our website at www.FloridaIncludesMe.org .
Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect
All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.Signs of Physical Abuse: The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
