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FORTY CARROTS WHO'S WHO
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Taber Chadwick III
Dan DeLeo
Minta Getzen
Kim Githler (Emeritus)
Pauline Joerger
Stanley Kane (Emeritus)
Betsy Kane-Hartnett (ex-officio)
Richard C. Lawrence
Rodney Linford (Chair)
Julie Luhrsen (Secretary)
Lynn Morris
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Jennifer Pendery
Mark Perlman
Jan Pitchford
Jeff Rubin
Jeanne Smith
Jeff Steinwachs (Treasurer)
Lisa A. Van Ullen
Terri Vitale
Diane Weiss (ex-officio)
Richard Williams III
Meg Wittmer |
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FORTY CARROTS FAMILY CENTER BIOS
Betsy Kane-Hartnett, Co-Executive Director
Betsy Kane-Hartnett graduated from Cornell University in 1975 with a major in Human Development and Family Studies. Two years later she earned her Masters Degree from Columbia University's Teachers College in Curriculum Design. Betsy taught preschoolers for a number of years before opening The Sage School for Nursery Years in Bedford Hills, New York.
In 1989, pregnant with their third child, Betsy and her husband John decided to relocate to Sarasota, Florida. Shortly after, she was hired to be the Preschool Director of a nationally accredited Early Childhood Learning Center by Diane Weiss, their Parenting Center Director. After three years of working side-by-side, Betsy and Diane decided to found Forty Carrots Family Center - a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to strengthening families through educational programs for parents, their children, and professionals in the field. Since 1993, Forty Carrots has reached over 14,000 families.
Betsy has presented workshops at the national, state and local level. Her presentations include: What Should I Say: Confronting Taboo Subjects, Delivering Difficult Messages, Engaging Cooperation, Praise and Encouragement, Sparking Creativity, Classroom Management and Curriculum Planning.
In addition to being Co-Executive Director of Forty Carrots Family Center, Betsy is a Trustee at The Out-of-Door Academy .
Contact: Forty Carrots Family Center, 1500 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34239.
Phone: (941) 365-7716 .
email: betsy@fortycarrots.com
website: www.fortycarrots.org
Diane Weiss, Co-Executive Director
Diane Weiss, M.S. earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in special education and psychology. Following several years of working as a behavioral and educational consultant, Diane brought Parenting Education to Sarasota, Florida. In 1985, Diane founded Sarasota's first comprehensive early childhood parenting program. She authored a Birth-to-Three parenting education curriculum for leading parent groups. Diane is a presenter at national conferences, as well as at workshops for parents, teachers, and other professionals locally and statewide. Her articles have appeared in professional journals and local magazines. She also works with parents in groups, as well as on a private consulting basis.
In 1993 Diane co-founded Forty Carrots Family Center, a non-profit agency dedicated to serving the community by strengthening families through educational programs for parents, their children, and professionals in the field. As Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Diane has helped to bring parenting education to many of the community's most at-risk families.
Diane has been married to Sarasota Pediatrician, Robert Weiss, for 34 years and is the mother of 3 grown sons.
Contact: Forty Carrots Family Center, 1500 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34239.
Phone: (941) 365-7716 .
email: diane@fortycarrots.com
website: www.fortycarrots.org
Our Staff
Meet Ann Sweeney Barker, MA., Ann is starting her third year as the Parenting Programs Director. Ann coordinates the Parenting Programs with twelve talented Parenting Educators. The Parenting Programs offer classes in the Parenting Center, at each of the eight county libraries, and seven community agencies totaling 34 classes weekly. Ann received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Illinois Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and her Masters in Counseling from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Prior to her work at Forty Carrots Ann spent over twenty years in social services, most recently as the Executive Director of Montgomery County Youth Services in Conroe Texas. Ann and her husband Lynn, have two children Kara, 14 and Kevin, 10, and enjoy a plethora of extended family in the Sarasota area. email: ann@fortycarrots.com
Meet Susie Wells, A.S. ECE, B.A. Human Development, the new Forty Carrots Preschool Director. Susie will work together with staff, children and families to offer a supportive and engaging environment. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Susie has been the Director at Community Presbyterian Preschool, Education Coordinator at the Early Childhood Center at Church of the Palms, and opened a preschool, Building Blocks, in Indiana prior to moving to Sarasota. Susie has been married to Dave for 31 years. They have two children, Carly, 28 and Sam, 24. They love to spend time with their two grandsons, Cole and Chase and look forward to a new grandchild due in November 2007.
email: susie@fortycarrots.com
Meet Sonia Azar, B.A., Early Childhood, a Forty Carrots staff member since 1994. Prior to Forty Carrots, Sonia owned her own daycare center, and was a pre-K teacher in the community. Since at Forty Carrots, Sonia has presented at the national NAEYC Conference and for other agencies in the community, has taught four year olds, received her Director's Credential and was the former preschool director. Now she has return to the classroom to teach the Seniors, a Pre-K program. Sonia is married and together they have two wonderful boys, 18 and 14. Email : sonia@fortycarrots.com
Meet Elizabeth Finch Brooksbank, B.F.A., a Forty Carrots Parenting Educator since 2003. Elizabeth currently leads Let's Talk Classes for 14 to 24 month olds and is a co-educator at Character House, a medium security incarceration facility for pregnant juveniles. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Elizabeth owned a graphic design studio before teaching elementary and middle school at The Out-of-Door Academy. Elizabeth is the proud mother of two awesome girls.
Meet Alison Butler, BA, Parenting Educator. Alison leads Partners In Play classes, On Wheels classes, and works as a Play Facilitator. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Alison has worked as a nanny for 5 years, has a post graduate certificate in education 3 yrs to 11yrs, and has taught elementary school in the U.K. Alison has been married to Andrew for 15 yrs and has two children, Emily 12 and Ben 10. We have two Bichons, Nemo and Snorkels, an English Budgie Roby, and a gerbil Henry. She enjoys cooking, home improvements, bike rides, good food, wine and movies.
Meet Susan Carney, CDA, a Forty Carrots teacher since 1998. Susan currently teaches 2 and 3 year olds in the 5-day Junior class. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Susan has attended NAEYC national conferences and has taken additional college classes in early childhood education. Susan lives in Sarasota with her husband and two children, one a current Forty Carrots student; the other a graduate.
Meet Clare Carter, B.A. Communications, a Forty Carrots Parent Educator since 1995. Clare is currently facilitating Partners In Play classes, in house and at Gulf Gate Library. In addition to working as a facilitator, Clare taught the 3-day Junior class for seven years. She has worked in retail and has volunteered for many local charities. Clare is married to Scott, who is a partner with the law firm of Dunlap and Moran. They have two children, Thomas 15 and Kathleen 13. Clare enjoys reading, exercising, playing tennis and watching her childrens sporting events. She has a golden retriever, Biscuit, and two cats, Travis and Muffy.
Meet Evan Davis, BA, MS, a Forty Carrots Preschool Teacher. Evan is currently a Senior Tacher and is very excited about it. Additionally she is training to work part-time with the parenting porgram. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Evan has just completed her Masters Degree at Ohio State, has had several articles published in academic journals, and is in the process of completing several other articles for publication. She is also preparing to lead a symposium presentation at the National Council on Family Relations in November 2007 discussing how children influence the way their parents interact.
Meet Jeanie DeLa, M.S. Parenting Program Parent Educator. Jeanie Currently co-leads Partners in Play on Wheels at the Selby and North Sarasota libraries and assists with the car seat safety checks. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Jeanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Counselor and American Heart Association CPR Instructor. Jeanie is married to Jim DeLa her husband of ten years. They have a five year old son and three year old boy/girl twins. When not chasing their children, they long to once again SCUBA dive, golf, sleep late and take uninterrupted naps.
Meet Mary Jane Hathaway who teaches all ages wherever needed. Mary Jane has been working at Forty Carrots for 9 years in different areas including Sandbox, Partners In Play, Outreach Program and Junior teacher. Mary Jane has a wonderful husband and two special children, Evan 16 and Lauren 13, and her dog Bandit 5, a Boxer. She enjoys traveling, sightseeing, hiking and snow skiing.
Meet Kathleen L. Heard, BS in Communications, University of South Florida. A Forty Carrots parent educator sincce 1995. Kat currently facilitates Partners In Play classes in-house and at Selby library. She leads Let's Talk classes for families who have 2-4 year olds and co-facilitates Marriage & Parenting classes - a 9week couples program. Kat has served on the Board of Directors of Forty Carrots, chaired the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Orchid Ball, and is an alumnae of Chi Omega sorority. She has been married to husband Gary, who works at Harris Private Bank. They have a son, Jarrett 15. Together they have two cats and one pound puppy. In her spare time, Kat enjoys gardening, reading, traveling , hiking and biking.
Meet Debbie Johnson, CDA certificate, a Forty Carrots teacher since 1993. Debbie has taught juniors, seniors and is currently going into her 7th year as a Tween teacher. She is also active in attending OT with her students. Debbie has been married for 31 years, has a 26 year old son, Keith, who lives in Atlanta and a married 24 year old daughter, Amber, who lives in Tampa. She loves boating, fishing, football and NASCAR. She also makes a mean cup of coffee.
Meet Liza Leonard, MSW, LCSW a new Forty Carrots Parenting Facilitator. Liza currently leads Partners In Play Classes in Sarasota County Libraries. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Liza has been working with children and families for fifteen years. Liza has facilitated group discussions with parents and adolescents following the Nurturing Program format. Liza also worked as a social worker at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she assisted families by providing counseling, arranging for home health services, and providing referrals for community resources. Liza was also the regional director for a local not-for-profit agency that specializes in adoption and child welfare services. Liza is married and has two boys. She volunteers at her sons schools and serves on the boards of local not-for-profit agencies. Liza also enjoys yoga and scrapbooking.
Meet Melinda Lloyd, M Ed. in counseling, BA in secondary English Education, a Forty Carrots Parenting Educator since 2005. Melinda currently co-facilitates parenting classes at First Step, North Port High School, and various libraries. She also facilitates discussion classes and Parenting Basics evening classes at Forty Carrots. Prior to her work at Forty Carrots, Melinda was a high school guidance counselor and English teacher. Melinda and her husband, Mike, have a daughter Mallory.
Meet Rebecca Lockwood, MA, a Parent Educator and Teacher. Rebecca is in her second year with the parenting programs and the first year with the preschool. She is currently completeting her PhD in Clinical Psyshologh with a child/familyconcentration. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Rebecca is also a hight school baskeball coach. In the pasy shse has done clinical work in a college counseling center, the VA and in asummer camp. She enjoys rocking out with her husband and 2 year olddaughter in her spare time.
Meet Jean Lolli, B.A., Business Manager, who has been with Forty Carrots since the first day the doors opened in 1993.
Meet Susan Jean Rigopulos, BA in Early Childhood, is a new Forty Carrots teacher. Susan currently teaches 2 and 3 year olds in the 3-Day Juniors. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Susan has worked at the University of Vermonts Children Center while earning her Early Childhood Education degree. During her summers off, she taught at Suburban Hills Preschool in Chester, New Jersey. After moving to Sarasota, she taught 4 and 5 year olds at Circle of Friends Preschool for two years. Susan, and her husband Nick, moved to Sarasota two years ago. They have two cats and are looking to get a German Shepard. They enjoy taking road trips and doing all sorts of outdoor activities. One of Susan's passions is photography. She uses pictures for reflection, learning, and as a tool to document the children's experiences
Meet Kim Schnathmann, B.S. a new Forty Carrots Tween Teacher. Kim currently teaches 3 and 4 year olds. In addtion to her work at Forty Carrots, Kim was formerly a teacher in both first and third grades at the Out-Of-Door academy for thirteen years, and tutors privately part time at the elementary level. Kim's husband is Brett. They have two children, Allison, age 11 and Trent, age 5. Kim enjoys exercising, reading, and cooking, and had a passion for good food and entertaining friends.
Meet Alicia Stevens, B.A. , a new Forty Carrots Junior Teacher. Alicia currently waits to start her new job at Forty carrots, where she will be working with 2 year olds. In addtion to her work at Forty carrots, Alicia has recently returned from living and working in Japan for three years. Alicia was born and raised in Sarasota, Fl. She learned to play classical guitar at Booker High and has practiced and taught yoga for 5 years. She loves to be outdoors, travel and explore different cultures.
Meet Kathy Varsalona, CDA, a Parent Educator since the fall of 2001. Kathy currently leads Partners in Play classes at our center and co-leads parenting classes at Cyesis, at community libraries, and at our newest location, the Sarasota County jail. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Kathy helped start a very successful greeting card business with her husband. Prior to the start of Cards Plus Distributing, Kathy was in the Banking Industry in Sarasota and Manatee counties for ten years. After having children, Kathy started taking Parenting classes, teaching Sunday school and volunteering in her children's classrooms. This is what sparked her passion for working with children and families. Kathy was born and raised in Sarasota, where she met her husband Mike. Kathy and Mike have been married for 23 wonderful years. They have two fabulous boys. Ty is 16 years old and a junior in High School. Tanner is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade. Kathy loves family trips, the beach, going out to eat, movies, shopping and social time with family and friends.
Meet Amanda Walker, MA, Amanda currently teaches 2-year-old juniors on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays and teaches the new T-time Toddler class on Tuesday and Thursday Mornings. She is also the latest author of the Forty Carrots weekly newsletter; Monday Messages. Before obtaining her master's degrees, Amanda achieved a BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida. In addition to her work at Forty Carrots, Amanda has worked as a caregiver for developmentally challenged and gifted preschoolers. She has also worked as a mentor for troubled teens. Amanda is married to James Walker and has one infant daughter Mackenzie. She mostly enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling to new places.
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