Our Team

Vanessa Alcantara

Business & Tech

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."

Dalya Aponte-Sotomayor

Wellness / Culinary Arts

Sarasota Campus

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."

Cathy Dexter

Business & Tech

Sarasota Campus

"There is something very special about the culture at the Academy. I love to witness how everyone treats each other with mutual respect. I enjoy working in such a positive and productive environment."

Billy Elkins

Graphic Arts & Multimedia

Sarasota Campus

Patricia Haltinner

Culinary Arts

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."

Jeffrey Jean

Program Coordinator

Bradenton Campus

"It has been an honor to be part of the Academy's mission since we opened in 2017. Each day, I am witness to the power of collaboration, camaraderie, and mutual respect."

William McKeever

Director

Sarasota Campus

"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."

Idanes Paredes

Business & Tech

Sarasota Campus

"I've been working with this amazing community for 2 years and this experience has brought me so much joy. My inspiration is to help others achieve their dreams and make a difference in their lives."

AJ Ramirez

Graphic Arts & Multimedia

Sarasota Campus

Jodi-lee Weiss

Employment Director

Sarasota Campus

"Working at the Academy with members and staff has enriched my own life at least as much as it has enabled me to serve others. I’m grateful to be on this journey of shared discovery and reflection."