Parenting Matters Blog

Parenting Matters’ Board of Directors welcomes five new board members for their 2021-2022 term:

Katie Becker is a community leader with a background in fundraising, marketing, and resource development. Most recently, she was a Senior Corporate Relationship Manager with United Way Suncoast. Katie graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Drama from Ithaca College.

Lindsey Colley is a Educator at Oneco Elementary School in Bradenton, FL. She has 11 years’ experience in teaching middle and elementary school students within the School District of Manatee County. Lindsey has B.A. in English Literature from Florida State University.

 

Alexdrena (Drena) Green is the Program/HR Administrator at Just For Girls, serving Manatee County. As a senior non-profit executive, she brings 20 years’ experience in organizational leadership, policy development, and grant compliance and oversite.

Heather Koester is the Business & Industry Coordinator at Manatee Technical College (MTC) and owner of Koester Consulting Group. Prior to joining MTC, Heather spent five years with the Patterson Foundation as the Lead Community Engagement Consultant for the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Heather has an MBA with a Strategic Marketing Certificate from Cornell University.

Sallie Wagner is an Attorney, Licensed Real Estate Instructor and Owner of Prosperity Real Estate School LLC, Licensed Real Estate Broker, Author, and Owner of Intentional Life Coaching. Sallie received her J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law and is a member of the Florida State Bar, North Carolina State Bar, and Missouri State Bar Associations.

“We are excited to add these five women to our talented group of board members, said Katrina Bellemare, Executive Director of Parenting Matters. She continued, “their collective expertise in consulting, fundraising, law, and education will help us maintain strong operations and continue expanding our parenting education and support services in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.  I have a great respect for each of these women as mothers and professionals.  Their skills and passion make them a natural fit for our work.”

Valerie Longo, owner of PCI Communications, will serve as Board President and Chris Williams, owner of Aginto, will serve as Vice President. Dawn Custer, Banking Center Manager at Cadence Bank, and Jane Trinci, Human Resources Director at Callaghan Tires, will serve as Treasurer and Secretary.