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
Bradenton Campus
"The Academy to me resembles purpose, union, and growth. Being part of the Academy is a unique experience where I get to use my life experience to add value to others lives. At the same time it is enriching to my life as well. More than happy to call this my second home."
Raquel Bierman
Business & Tech
Sarasota Campus
"A community built on wellness, empathy, inclusivity, and productivity has the power to bring healing to people’s lives. That is what I am so honored to be a part of here at the Academy. It is a privilege to impart some of my professional experience to our members, offering them individualized support and unconditional advocacy."
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
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."
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."
Jodi-lee Weiss
Program Coordinator
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."
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You're invited!
Stop by and see what we're all about
We welcome you to come take a tour of the Academy. See the teams in action and enjoy a healthy lunch prepared onsite. To better accommodate you, appointments are preferred.
Schedule a tour Contact us