Our Team

Vanessa Alcantara

Program Coordinator

Bradenton Campus

"Passion, commitment, and resilience is what brought me to the Academy in 2020. Each day I get the opportunity to make a positive impact on members lives."

Ben Burnside

Culinary Arts

Sarasota Campus

"The Academy is a great place to make use of my skills and abilities and make a difference in the lives of the members I work with."

Joanne Campbell

Graphic Design & Multimedia

Bradenton Campus

"Working with our members as they continue their mental health recovery is such a privilege. The energy and the spirit here are palpable and contagious. I am truly grateful to be part of the process."

Brooke DePuy

Wellness Coordinator

Sarasota/Bradenton

"The strength of our members and the welcoming energy of this community inspire me to be part of The Academy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support members as they pursue their passions within the eight dimensions of wellness."

Billy Elkins

Program Coordinator

Sarasota Campus

"There is something special about the Academy that you can feel when you walk through the front door. It is a blend of culture, community, and support. I love that I am able to share my passion of graphic design and photography with members as they continue their mental health recovery."

Patricia Haltinner

Enrollment Coordinator

Sarasota Campus

"I love working at the Academy because my daily work has meaning and positive impact on others. It is an amazing place to work, full of caring and passionate people."

William McKeever

Director

Sarasota/Bradenton

"I have had the privilege of being involved in the Academy since 2015, when shared dreams led to decisive action. Our journey together has been an inspiring, once in a lifetime experience."

Jennifer Page

Graphic Arts & Multimedia

Sarasota Campus

"Working at the Academy is a rewarding experience filled with collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Every day brings new opportunities to support members in achieving their goals while growing alongside an incredible team."

Diego Peguero

Culinary Arts

Sarasota Campus

AJ Ramirez

Graphic Arts & Multimedia

Sarasota Campus

"The Academy has built a positive culture that is contagious throughout the building. It is such a privilege to be part of something meaningful and have the opportunity to help transform members lives."

Lynn Rupe

Career Services Director

Sarasota Campus

"It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and collaborative team. The mutual respect and inspiring energy fuel the Academy's collective success."

Bailee Steury

Young Adult Coordinator

Sarasota Campus

"Every Day at the Academy, I am inspired by the creativity and courage our members bring to the table. It is a privilege and honor to walk alongside them as they explore new possibilities and grow into their strengths."

Juan Tello

Care Coordinator

Bradenton Campus

"When walking into the Academy, you get this feeling of warmth and belonging. It is such a pleasure to be here working alongside members on their mental health journey. It really gives you a sense of fulfillment just seeing how everyone accomplishes their goals. I can finally say I have found my purpose in life!"

Alicia Velez

Culinary Arts

Bradenton Campus

Jodi-lee Weiss

Creative Director

Bradenton Campus

"How fortunate I am to have found my purpose! Working at the Academy offers me opportunity to bear witness to lives transforming. I'm grateful to be a part of it, and to share this journey of discovery and growth with so many amazing people."