TEAM H PE
Hope at Hand is a recognized service provider specializing in struggling youth populations. Blending poetry with art and wellness strategies creates a safe environment for participants to realize their own abilities, cope with their extraordinary stresses of life and become better able to contribute to their communities. We facilitate hope.
Since 2009, Hope at Hand has developed from a small grassroots nonprofit to one that now provides services to a wide range of populations and community organizations. Hope at Hand staff members have specialized training in education, meditation, poetry therapy and counseling. Our reputation as a direct service provider is reliable and the demand for services is increasing.
Steffani Fletcher
Founder & Executive Director
From Jacksonville, FL
Family, friends, travel and downtime brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Sink or swim? I grew fins.
Message to my younger self: Follow your heart and avoid toxic people. Move about the world with grace and courtesy, after 40 it's smooth sailing.
BA, Elementary Education
MA, Educational Leadership
American Montessori Society
International Federation of Biblio/Poetry Therapy
Jamie Gustason
Poetry Facilitator
From: Naples, FL
Learning new things brings me great joy.
6 Word Memoir: Change your perception, change your reality.
Message to my younger self: There is so much more to be revealed. Be patient, stay curious, and never forget that your voice is the greatest power you have.
BS, Elementary Education
MS Curriculum and Instruction
K-5 Reading Endorsement, Kennedy Center Arts Integration Training
Jakyra Hunter
Poetry Facilitator
From: Colorado
Bodies of water brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: I am indestructible to life's challenges
Message to my younger self: You are going to go so far and you will lead many to better also.
BS, Psychology
Saymme Hostetler
Support Staff
From: Jacksonville, FL
Empathy, honesty and self-worth brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Not every action requires a reaction
Message to my younger self: Don't be afraid to speak your truth. If you never ask the answer will always be no.
AFA, Photography
Emily Knight-Smith
Poetry Facilitator
From: Jacksonville, FL
Nature and Water brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Make time to see something beautiful.
Message to my younger self: Take small steps that scare you, everything will fall into place.
BA, English Literature
Minor in Professional Education
ESE Certification & Reading Certification
Sue Kornhauser
Administrative Assistant
From: Boston, MA
My family brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Reach others and make a difference
Message to my younger self: Live with more curiosity, love without judgement and never stop looking for opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Studied at Northeastern University
A.R.R.T (Radiologic Technology)
A.R.D.M.S (Ultrasound Tech)
Zsa Zsa M. Laing
Administrative Assistant
From: the Bahamas
Seeing a spark of interest and understanding in a young person's eyes brings me great joy.
6 Word Memoir: Love is what I strive for
Message to my younger self: Give yourself time to grow, things are never as desperate as they seem and you have much to offer. Take chances. Go adventuring!
BA, Interdisciplinary Studies
English 6-12
Minor in African Diaspora Studies
Virgina Lang
Grants Manager
From:
xxxxxxx brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir:
Message to my younger self:
EDU/Specialization
Julie Michael
Bookkeepr
From: Southern Chester County, PA
Loving and being loved brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Living Actively, Marching to My Drumbeat
Message to my younger self: Be true to yourself. Choose to be happy. Embrace challenges. Keep moving forward.
University of Kentucky
Various fitness certifications including older adult and maternal fitness
Sarah Niss
Poetry Facilitator
From: Rye, NY
Friends, family and the outdoors brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Always look forward to new adventures
Message to my younger self: Dream even bigger.
BA, Political Science
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
K-6 Certified Teacher
Kristi Lee Schatz
Poetry Facilitator
From: Flagler County
Dancing brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Playful professional opening hearts and minds
Message to my younger self: May you always find the courage to express yourself fully.
BA in Psychology
MA in Counseling Psychology
Specialization in Creative Expression
Taryn C. Wharwood
Poetry Facilitator
From: Miami, FL
Helping others, creating and meeting new people brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Life: All you need is love.
Message to my younger self: It's never too late to be what you might have been.
College coursework completed at Florida A&M University
POETRY. WELLNESS. HOPE. CREATIVITY. EXPRESSION. JOY. CURIOSITY. TRUST. HEALING. HOPE.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephanie Stephens
Board Chair
Early Literacy Content Specialist
Ed Reports.org
Keitha Nelson
Anchor/Reporter
First Coast News
Judy Covington-Poole
Board Vice Chair
IT Manager
CSX, Transportation
Dr. Natalie Indelicato
Assistant Professor & Clinical Director
Jacksonville University
Jeff Blount
Board Treasurer
Landsouth Construction
Divison Manager, Senior Living
Cynthia Baines
Vice President
Fidelity National Financial
Dr Nile Stanley
Associate Professor of Childhood Education
University of North Florida
Ashlie Hufford
Business Banker
First Citizens Bank