Niki Karabetsos Friedman
Community Volunteer, Nonprofit Management
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I feel it is important that in public education all voices are represented and heard. Our youth need access to the same level of education, athletics and mental health support regardless of their income levels.
Ashmeet Kalra
Director, Rehabilitation Services, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I believe education opens multiple opportunities for children to pursue their dreams and access to great public education is the key for any country to have a bright future generation.
Eric Boughman
Attorney/Mediator, ForsterBoughman Law Firm/Boughman Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
Education is a societal strategic and moral imperative. We want our children to be good citizens, by being educated, well-rounded, kind, service-oriented, and able to engage harmoniously with people from various backgrounds. Public education presents the most promising avenue for every child, regardless of their background, to realize this vision.
Amy Perkins
SCPS ESE ParaProfessional, South Seminole Academy
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I am passionate about supporting educutation because not only do I have 2 boys attending Seminole County Schools, but I am a newly hired ESE Paraprofessional and feel that I can help make a difference by not only what I have to offer, but all I can learn in hopes to be able to be part of solutions and offer ideas to better the future for our children and be an advocate for those children that need it most. I am also excited to have an opportunity to collaberate with other professionals with the same mindset and goals.
Christie Hyde DeNave
Strategic Communications & Community Engagement Consultant
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I believe all children have a right to a good education with teachers and administrators who care about their success. Every child, regardless of their ZIP code, home environment or family income, should know that people care about their well-being and future and are there to support them in their development.
Kierra Mitchner
CEO, Ello Puppet
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I am passionate because having a positive public education experience prepares our children and economy for success.
Wayne Bowen
Interim Associate Dean, College of Undergraduate Studies, and Professor of History, UCF
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
The teachers and staff of Seminole County Public Schools deserve the strongest possible support, as their dedication to students shows in positive results year after year. As an ambassador and parent of children in SCPS, I hope to learn more about the hard work and challenges faced by our district, as well as how to be more effective an advocate.
Jessika M. Barrera
Assistant Property Manager
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I am passionate about supporting public education because today’s children are tomorrow’s future. A quality education that enables all students to reach their highest potential is something to be proud of. I am excited to be a member of this committee, yet even more excited to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and the lives of all students within it, including my own two littles.
Ameer Robinson
Sr. Account Manager, Veritas Technologies
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
As a parent with young children in the district I not only want to learn the ins and outs of the district and find ways to support and spread all of the great things that are happening within it.
Lauren Hamilton
Assessment Design Specialist, Edmentum
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I am passionate about public education because it has a direct and profound impact on the world. The students in our public school system are the leaders of tomorrow, and every moment they spend in the classroom should be focused on exploring new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities. Teachers must be provided with the tools and resources necessary to prepare our students to be leaders in a global society. It is my hope that this cohort of Community Ambassadors can network with our communities to support this endeavor to ensure our teachers and students thrive.
Amisha Sheth
VP/Programs, Heathrow PTA
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I would like to help bring a wide range of educational opportunities to students and support the staff across all Seminole County schools.
Elizabeth Bagley
Professional Development Specialist, DreamBox Math
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I am a product of SCPS and I am raising my child as a product of SCPS schools. I have worked as an educator in public schools and I want to continue to promote the amazing work that SCPS and their schools are doing!
Tiffany Hughes
President, KBI Staffing Solutions LLC
Take Sock in Children - Mentee, League of Women Voters Orange County - President
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
As a graduate of the Florida Public School system I am blessed to have had amazing teachers, faculty and friends that challenged me to think bigger, push harder and to be a leader throughout my community. As a mom and mentor in Seminole County, I am honored to pour back into our children, the future leaders of the county, state and our Nation.
Shannon Green
Digital Content Manager, AdventHealth
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
At its best, public education shapes family opportunities for empowerment, innovation and belonging with local and global reach. A great educational experience can change a child’s life. So can a bad one. As a parent of two beautiful children, one of them being impacted by a learning difference, I’m particularly attune to the importance of partnering with educators who embrace multiple pathways toward a wholistic learning experience.
Beyond my personal experiences, I’m generally curious and engaged in sharing information that serves a public interest with my background as a former journalist and editorial board member for the Orlando Sentinel. Public education is essential for our democracy and I’m committed to learning more about how we can support healthy programs and systems that serve our children, uplift our educators and administrators and support parents.
Chris Sileo
Licensed REALTOR®, Chris Sileo - The Bitmoji REALTOR®
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
My children are the biggest priority in my life, and education is a huge part of theirs. I love to be involved with their schools and learning. Whether it be getting to know the teachers and staff, or being familiar with the curriculum, or learning more about the workings of SCPS in general, there are many facets to being involved and supporting the school system. I'd love to do all of it!
Shannan Negron
Recording Secretary & SAC Member, Hamilton Elementary PTA/Hamilton Elementary School
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I am passionate about supporting children in any way that I can. One of the easiest and most effective ways to help and advocate for children is by being involved in their education. Most students in Seminole county attend public school. By supporting public education I can have a positive impact on more children than any other means. I can't think of any other institution serving children that is more diverse and as populated as public education.
Seth Winterton, MD
Physician, Waves Family Health
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
After completing 12 years of education and training since graduating high school, with requirements to continue education throughout my career I realize that I have been in education for most of my life. I realize that I will continue to be a life-long learner. I have 4 children who are, or soon will be, in public schools in Seminole County. As important as education has been in my life, I know it will be invaluable to them as well. I feel a duty to serve those around me in my career with the education, training, and skills that I have obtained and I desire to improve the lives of my children and my community. I have recently made a career change to hopefully allow myself to be more available and involved in my community by advocating for the physical health, mental health, nutrition, and safety of our children.
Kendra Cassell
Client Development Manager, Terracon Consultants
Why are you passionate about supporting public education?
I support all types of education because it’s important for the success of any community and neighboring communities.