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
Poem by
Steffani Fletcher
Emma Cooper
Curriculum Development
From: Atlantic Beach, FL
The beach brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: No apologies for who I am
Message to my younger self: It WILL pass. Take it day by day. Focus on the things you love.
Home School Graduate, Class of 2019
Poem by
Emma Cooper
Poem by
Brooks Decker
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
Student: MS, Curriculum and Instruction
K-5 Reading Endorsement
Kennedy Center Arts Integration Training
Poem by
Jamie Gustason
Saymme Hostetler
Social Media Specialist
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
Poem by
Saymme Hostetler
Jakyra Hunter
Poetry Facilitator
From: Colorado
Bodies of water bring 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
US Navy Reserve, Acoustic Warfare Operator
Poem by
Jakyra Hunter
Emily Knight-Smith
Volunteer Support
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
Poem by
Emily Knight-Smith
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)
Poem by
Sue Kornhauser
Zsa Zsa Laing
Poetry Facilitator
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 Teaching Certificate
Minor in African Diaspora Studies
Poem by
Zsa Zsa M. Laing
Virginia Lang
Grants Associate
From: Norwalk, CT and lives in Bellingham, WA
Helping nonprofits to thrive brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Lack of passion is fatal. Engage!
Message to my younger self: Be authentic, be bountiful, be radiant, be magic. Bravery counts and love is everything.
BA, English Lit
BFA, Theatre
Poem by
Virginia Lang
PHOTO COMING SOON
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.
University of Kentucky
Various fitness certifications including older adult and maternal fitness
Poem by
Julie Michael
Kristi Lee Schatz
Poetry Facilitator
From: Flagler County, FL
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, Psychology
MA, Counseling Psychology
Specialization in Creative Expression
Poem by
Kristi Lee Schatz
Kady Smaglis
Event Support
From: Jacksonville, FL
Friends, Family, and life brings me great joy
6 Word Memoir: Coffee ... the fuel of my life
Message to my younger self: Be yourself and never apologize for that
BS, Communications
Poem by
Kady Smaglis
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
Poem by
Taryn Wharwood
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
Poem by
Taryn Wharwood
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