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.

Trena earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Park University in Kansas City, MO. She went on to earn her Master's of Science degree with the emphasis on Behavioral Studies from St. Leo University in St. Leo, Florida. Trena recently moved to Venice, Florida from Kansas City, Missouri in June 2022 where she was the Program Director for the Western Region of Missouri for those struggling with opioid use and substance use disorders. Previous to that, she worked for the police department serving the community primarily in mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and crisis. She has over 25 years experience in the social services field.

Shannon Harrington earned her bachelor’s degree in human services. She has served in the social services field for the past five years, specializing in child abuse and neglect investigations, working with victims of domestic violence, and helping those with substance abuse and mental health challenges.

As a supervisor for The Florida Center’s Healthy Families program in Charlotte County, Shannon finds enjoyment and purpose in helping others and serving her community. Shannon’s favorite place to be is at the beach spending time with her family.

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.