 |
| Vice President |
|
Toylan Mills - President
I am a member of Highland Avenue Church of Christ added to the body in 1980 under the teachings of Brother Daniels and Brother Lugo. I started visiting Highland in 1978 and obeyed the gospel in 1980. I graduated high school in the 60’s; and I went to college for 3 years. I started nursing in 1971. I was born in Lake Wales, born Floridian. Parents and grandparents are deceased. I attended Baptist Church as a child and when I learned the truth my life changed. My husband is deceased he was a member of the body. I also have 4 birth children, 12 grand children. All of my children are members of the Church of Christ and most of my grands. My hobbies are reading, writing, aerobic exercise, traveling and listening to music. My favorite thing to do is to talk to God daily I could not live in this world without Jesus.
|
Albert J. Duchnowski, PH.D - Immediate Past President (2008-2011)
Dr. Duchnowski has a doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology with a minor concentration in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. He is currently Professor of Child and Family Studies and Special Education (joint appointment) at USF. Dr. Duchnowski is Deputy Director and Co-investigator of the Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health, which is jointly funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and the Center for Mental Health Services. The mission of this center is to improve services for children and families through policy research that will lead to systematic changes in education and social service agencies.
Dr. Duchnowski has been Principle Investigator or Co-Investigator on several federal grants focusing on children with disabilities and training professionals from a multi-disciplinary perspective to work with these children and their families. He has written over 40 publications in reference journals, several book chapters, and has co-edited three books on children's services. He serves on the peer-review panels for several federal agencies and is on the editorial boards of four journals and reviews articles for several others.
In addition to academic experience, Dr. Duchnowski was the Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education for 11 years in Gettysburg, PA. He has also been a consultant to state directors of special education and children's mental health in 30 states. This consultation has been in the area of collaborative, community-based systems of care for children with disabilities and their families.
He is a founding member of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, and was elected vice president for the 1994-1995 term. He is also a member of the National Coalition for Mental Health and Special Education, and several local advocacy groups.
|
Rev. Sheila Pedrosa - Vice President
The Reverend Sheila Pedrosa, RN is currently serving as the supervisor of an Intensive Care Unit at James A. Haley , Veteran's Hospital. Reverend Sheila is the Senior Pastor of Harmony Metaphysical Church. Reverend Sheila is the parent of three children, one of whom had emotional and mental health needs. She has vast personal and professional experience with children and adults who have been hospitalized mental heath Illnesses. Her passion for inspiring others aids us in the great work we have to do.
|
 |
| Board Secretary |
|
Theresa Miller - Treasurer
Theresa Miller has been an advocate for her son for over 18 years. She realizes first hand what it takes for families with mental health disabilities youth to exist in the community. She served on the board of directors for the PTFO at Bishop Eton School. She started new policies and activities there for students and parents. As a team player and leader, Theresa listens objectively before making decisions and stays abreast of changing times and resources. Theresa has volunteered on the Board of Directors for Bishop Eton PTFO, Parent Board of Boy Scout Troop 16, Parent committee for the Chocolate Nutcracker and at Mt. Olive AME Church as a Class leader, Missionary, Stewardess and various boards and auxiliaries. Theresa believes in the vision/goals of the FOF and that families need to be identifies, educated and trained. She believes that youth need to advocated for themselves and be involved in networking in order to increase their opportunities.
|
Angela Smith - Secretary
Ms. Smith is the mother of four. She has served as a Parent Advocate for the past three years. Her role has been a community voice and hotline facilitator. Ms. Smith has completed advocate training and has used her skills to assist in memorable projects with agencies, such as the Children’s Board and HKI. She currently serves as the secretary for the Federation of Families CMH Hillsborough County Chapter.
|
 |
| Board Member Youth Leadership |
|
Alphonso C. Murphy
Mr. Murphy has volunteered for the Church, Metropolitan Ministries, Epilepsy Society and Project H. He has represented FOF at conferences, learning sessions and advocacy meetings. As a youth with disabilities he wants to help young people understand mental health disabilities, make adults realize what youth have to offer and help other youth advocate for themselves.
|
 |
| Immediate Past President |
|
Joan A. Tucker, Ph.D.
Joan Tucker migrated to the United States from Jamaica in 1984. She has an M.A. in sociology and a Ph.D. in applied anthropology from the University of South Florida. Between 2005 and 2006 recently conducted field work in Jamaica investigating the political organization of persons with disabilities in Jamaica. Her dissertation entitled Local Strategies in a Global Network: Disability Rights Advocacy in Jamaica is ethnography of the Combined Disabilities Association (CDA).
Joan Tucker worked on various projects evaluating children’s mental health and special education programs and services. She has also worked as a part-time sociology at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College. She currently works as a research consultant for the Federation of State Humanities Council in Arlington, Virginia.
Joan is committed to community involvement which she started as a teenager working with youth in Eastern Kingston, Jamaica. Since 2001, she has been a member of the board of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Hillsborough County Chapter (FOF). She has president between 2002-2003 and 2005-2008.
Dr. Tucker is interested in improving the health and well-being of under-served populations. She is currently establishing an organization modeled after the Federation of Families, to educate, equip, and empower families to support their members with mental and emotional challenges. Dr. Tucker has been happily married to her husband, Ransford for over 25 years. They have two daughters - Teresa and Kimberly.
|
Carolyn Ransom, M.A
Mrs. Ransom is currently studying for a doctorate in Organizational Commentators. She has pursed collaborations addressing disproportional populations in special education. She has formed a community grassroots organization that addresses life issues.
|
Patricia Fry, M.S
Mrs. Fry graduated in December 1995 receiving her masters degree in Special Education. She has provided evaluation and consultative services to individuals, families, communities/governments, and private businesses. In addition, she has also served as a school psychologist . Her extracurricular activities include attending trainings, conferences and events for families and individuals with disabilities; traveling to historical cities and Walt Disney World.
|
|
|
