TEAM HoPE
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.
POETRY. WELLNESS. HOPE. CREATIVITY. EXPRESSION. JOY. CURIOSITY. TRUST. HEALING. HOPE.
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
From: Washington, DC
Music and mentoring bring me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Now I see why I stayed.
Message to my younger self: No, it isn’t fair. But, oh, my darling… how you bloom. Learning to trust yourself will be one of the most impactful lessons you will be blessed to carry with you all of your days. Never forget to nurture yourself in all ways, always.
AA, General Education
Suni Storm
Poetry Facilitator
Gloria Truesdale
Program Support
From: Wesley Chapel, North Carolina
Helping others, crafting, making jewelry & spending quality time with family and friends brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Work Hard - Survive. Dream Big - Thrive.
Message to my younger self: Remember during the tough times, "the race is not always won to the swiftest (or the most cutest), but to the one who endures to the end." So just hang in there for this too shall pass.
Studied Commercial Arts; AA, Education; Certificate Computer Programming
Brooks Decker
Curriculum Coordinator
From: Atlanta, GA
Giving brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Everyone has a story, listen intently
Message to my younger self: Get out of your head. There is so much light at the end of the tunnel.
BA, Sociology;
Student: MA, Counseling Psychology
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 judgment, and never stop looking for opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
A.R.R.T (Radiologic Technology);
A.R.D.M.S (Ultrasound Tech)
Julie Michael
Bookkeeper
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.
Certifications in older adult and maternal fitness
Sidnie Anthony
Project Assistant
From: Ponte Vedra, FL
Family, friends, and music brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Always help others when you can.
Message to my younger self: Don't take things too seriously, everyone is beautiful in their own wonderful way. If you love yourself as much as you love others you will be able to experience the joys life has to offer to the fullest.
Taryn 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.
Student: BA, English and Creative Writing
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;
MeD, Instructional Design;
Student: EdD, Curriculum and Instruction
Erin Pruett, LMHC
Poetry Facilitator
From: Jacksonville, FL
Nature brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Others matter and you matter too.
Message to my younger self: You are navigating hard things and although you may not feel like it you are so brave and so strong. Keep being you and remember to dream big and be free.
BS, Psychology;
MA, Professional Counseling;
Felton Stergis
Poetry Facilitator
From: Jacksonville, FL
Writing brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: My heart was made to amplify...
Message to my younger self: Always believe you have a purpose in life. No obstacle can stand in your path as long as you focus and continue to push forward.
BS, Business Administration;
Student: BS, Media and Communication
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;
K-6 Certified Teacher
From: Farmington, Michigan
Reading brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Love and happiness. Smile with greatness
Message to my younger self: Live, laugh, and love while you can
BA, Early Childhood Education
Tina Floyd
Poetry Facilitator
Kathy Welsh
Poetry Facilitator
From: Kettering, OH
Music brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: I choose to live life happy
Message to my younger self: Choose to be happy. Eat less, move more, laugh triple, love without measure. Be nice to yourself, especially your thoughts to yourself in your head.
BS, Public Relations;
Certification in Exceptionnal Student Education
Kimberly Stergis
Poetry Facilitator
From: Jacksonville, FL
My garden, a cup of good coffee, and cooking for loved ones brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Even the strongest can need help
Message to my younger self: Don't worry if people "get" you
BA, Business Management and Spanish
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Stephanie Brendle
Poetry Facilitator
From Jacksonville, FL
Writing brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Regardless of yesterday, today I'm here.
Message to my younger self: Thank you for hanging in there, you did good.
BA, English and Criminal Justice
Ruth VanAlstine
North Florida Poetry Hub
From: Jacksonville, FL
Family, creating, and serving brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Live creatively, thrive in abundant joy
Message to my younger self: Follow your passion and joy. Just be happier, don't worry about... life. Savor each moment like it was your last. Don't waste time on things that don't matter. When life gets you down, remember this too shall pass.
AA, Secretarial Sciences
A very special thank you to
Hannah Joy Photography
for volunteering her time and talent photographing our staff year after year.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephanie Stephens
Board Chair
Senior Director of Professional Development Services at AIM Institute for Learning & Research
Judy Covington-Poole
Board Vice Chair
IT Manager
CSX, Transportation
Jeff Blount
Board Treasurer
Landsouth Construction
Divison Manager, Senior Living
Keitha Nelson
Anchor/Reporter
First Coast News
Dr Nile Stanley
Associate Professor of Childhood Education
University of North Florida
Cynthia Baines
Vice President
Fidelity National Financial