Our staff bring many years of professional experience
to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties. Let's
meet them... |
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JONI SMITH, CHIEF PROFESSIONAL OFFICER
After almost a year of volunteering with the Club, Joni joined the staff as Chief Professional Officer in September 2010. Her transition from volunteer to staff was influenced by what she saw when she first started volunteering. “It’s a community supported organization that offers a great place for our area youth. There are a lot of great activities, and an education focus.” Joni’s goal in life is to make a difference in the world, and she does that by through her work with the Boys & Girls Clubs, and by volunteering with other organizations. A graduate of Florida State University (Bachelor of Science) and Stetson University (MBA), Joni is currently pursuing further education in the non-profit sector through Rollins College Center for Philanthropy. |
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RJ SUMNER, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Before joining the Clubs this summer, R.J. worked for Marion County Children's Alliance (MCCA) and the Marion County School Board where he gained valuable educational and administrative experience that prepared him for his new role with the Clubs. He brings a strong background with a degree in Elementary Education from UCF and a Masters in Educational Leadership to his role overseeing the operations of all Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties sites. Having served as a program monitor for the Clubs during his time with MCCA, he has a unique perspective on what makes a program successful, and has a strong dedication to see the Clubs grow and the organization to partner with other groups in Lake County to better serve the youth in our communities. |
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ROBB ELMATTI, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Robb sees the importance of investing in area young people
as his roots are in the area. Robb graduated from Lake-Sumter Community College and has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Robb has a diverse background in
working with youth. He spent three years in New Zealand
as a part of Youth With A Mission serving as Outdoor Coordinator
for a missions training school. He, also, has served as
a Program Director for the Pilgrim’s Survival Journey,
an outdoor challenge and personal development program. Robb’s
vision is to see young people develop to their full potential.
“I am committed to making the Boys & Girls Clubs
be…The Positive Place for Kids… |
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CONNIE KOLISNYK, ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Connie recently made the switch from the banking industry to the not-for-profit world. After graduating with a B.A. in Communication from Flagler College in St. Augustine, she got her first taste of community service while serving a year with the Americorps *VISTA program, helping college teams develop programs in low-income areas. Although this is her first experience with the Boys & Girls Clubs, she really enjoys meeting the kids and working on a variety of projects that support the Clubs. |
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MICHELLE PURL, SITE COORDINATOR FOR TEETER UNIT - SOUTH ST.
Michelle holds a degree in Psychology from Florida State University, and brings over 15 years of experience working with youth to her position as Site Coordinator for the Teeter Unit. After graduating from FSU, she worked with court adjudicated youth on a wagon train from Pennsylvania to Florida, an experience she says changed her life and helped shape her philosophy in dealing with youth. She joined the Clubs in the summer of 2011 as Art Coordinator and now oversees the Teeter Unit. "I believe it takes a village to raise a child," she says, and feels the involvement of the community is an integral part of a successful Club. From counseling to being a foster parent, Michelle always keeps youth at the center of her vision. |
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PRISCILLA POUNDS, PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR TEETER UNIT-SOUTH ST.
Priscilla started at the Teeter Unit as general program staff, eventually coordinating the teen program for several years, and now oversees all program areas at Teeter Unit. She brings more than 7 years of experience with BGCLSC to her current role, along with specialized training including Media Safety, Attracting and Retaining Teens, and Club Tech. Priscilla is also currently taking classes toward an A.S. in Early Childhood Education and Business. |
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TONYA PORTER, SITE COORDINATOR FOR MILESTONES LOCATION
Tonya served as Education Coordinator at the Teeter Unit for nearly 3 years before moving to oversee the new Milestones outreach site at Milestones Community Charter School at the start of the 2011-12 school year. In her time as Education Coordinator, she expanded the education projects at Teeter Unit, including readying a group of youth to attend the State Education Day competition in Sarasota in April 2011, where they competed with other Boys & Girls Clubs members from across the state in a variety of disciplines. Tonya has specialized training in Maximizing the Impact of Power Hour, Program Basics, and Developing Positive Relationships with Youth. She is also currently taking classes toward an A.A. in Early Childhood Education. |
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KELSEY JIMENEZ, SITE COORDINATOR FOR N.E. LAKE UNIT -EUSTIS
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DEE HILL, SITE COORDINATOR FOR UMATILLA LOCATION
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TRACY JONES, UNIT DIRECTOR FOR SOUTH LAKE UNIT
A graduate of the University of Missouri, Tracy has spent the last 20 years in the non-profit sector working to elevate and increase the quality of life for children and families. She first joined the Clubs in 2008 as the Lake County Targeted Outreach Coordinator, working with at-risk youth to avoid delinquent behavior and potential gang involvement by helping them excel and stay in school. “I believe it is so important to provide kids with opportunities and an outlet for growth and achievement.” Tracy was promoted to South Lake Unit Director in October 2010, and is responsible for daily operation and management of the new Club location, providing leadership and guidance to kids, staff and volunteers. |
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