STAFF
Good Beginnings That Last A Lifetime
Michelle Kapreilian
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Kapreilian brings decades of business leadership and personal connection to Forty Carrots Family Center (FCFC) as both a parent and former board member. Under Michelle’s leadership, FCFC increased access to high-quality services through multiple fundraising campaigns and program initiatives including: the creation of the Child & Family Therapy department in 2014, a 2015 capital campaign to expand Mental Health Services, and most recently a capital campaign to expand services in all three program areas, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Her strategic vision positioned FCFC as a trusted leader in early childhood development, parenting education, and family mental health services.
Michelle is a founding leader in regional initiatives like First 1000 Days Suncoast and Bosses for Babies. Her accolades include Woman of the Year by Business and Professional Women of North Sarasota (2022) and Top Workplaces Leadership Award (2023). A passionate advocate for children and families, Michelle is recognized for her collaborative approach to strengthening support systems and improving outcomes for future generations.
MICHELLE KAPREILIAN
Chief Executive Officer
info@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 310
Diane O’Driscoll
Chief Financial Officer
Diane O’Driscoll joined Forty Carrots in June 2010, bringing over 25 years’ experience in accounting and financial management. Following careers in accounting in both the UK and South Africa, Diane relocated to Sarasota with her family in 2002, and has since filled leadership roles in both finance and development for nonprofits including the Englewood Art Center, St Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, and Suncoast Humane Society. In her quest to help build strong communities, Diane has also served as a volunteer with many local organizations including Guardian Ad Litem, Vision North Port and Literacy Volunteers.
DIANE O’DRISCOLL
Chief Financial Officer
info@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 314
CARLA JOHANNS, MA, LMHC/S
Chief Program Officer
As the Chief Program Officer, Carla Johanns is responsible for leadership and oversight of the three programs of Forty Carrots Family Center.
Carla has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University and a Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University. She has a Post-Master’s specialization in substance abuse counseling. Carla has worked in the counseling field since 1999, primarily with children and adolescents. She is licensed in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor.
She relocated to Sarasota with her family in 2015 and has been with Forty Carrots since 2016 when she started in the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator. In 2017, she was promoted to Clinical Director of Mental Health services and stayed in that role until 2021.
CARLA JOHANNS, MA, LMHC/S
Chief Program Officer
info@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 328
Erika Kohne, LMHC/S
Clinical Director, Child & Family Therapy Services
As the Clinical Director of the Child & Family Therapy services at Forty Carrots, Erika Kohne, is overseeing a group of therapists and supporting the expansion of mental health services throughout the community.
Erika has Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida and a Master’s of Sciences in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Erika has worked in the counseling field since 2011, primarily working with children, adolescents, and families. She is licensed in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and as a Qualified Supervisor. She is also a registered Circle of Security® Parenting provider and has earned her Graduate Certificate in Infant-Family Mental Health from the University of South Florida.
After receiving her Master’s degree, Erika remained in the state of South Carolina and accepted a job with the Department of Mental Health working in a community mental health center primarily with children, adolescents, and families with a broad range of emotional and behavioral concerns. She also gained experience working as an adjunct professor, teaching college courses at the undergraduate level.
Erika relocated to Sarasota with her husband in 2017, where she accepted a position as both Parenting Educator and Mental Health Therapist at Forty Carrots Family Center. During her time working for Forty Carrots, she has gained experience co-facilitating Partners In Play® groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota, parenting groups at the CYESIS Teen Parent Program at North Port and Riverview High Schools and at the Teenage Parenting Program (TAPP) in Manatee County, and Circle of Security® groups at First Step Mothers & Infants and Selah Freedom. She also served as a Child & Family Therapist for the agency’s Therapy Department, before transitioning into the role of Therapy Director.
ERIKA KOHNE, LMHC/S
Clinical Director, Child & Family Therapy Services
info@fortycarrots.com
941.960.2565 ext. 351
Laura Josephson, MA
Parenting Education Director
Laura Josephson, M.A., in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education from Manahattanville College and a B.A. in Fine Art and Education from The University at Albany. Laura is responsible for overseeing the Parenting Education groups in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Laura came to the Parenting Program in 2013 with a background in Early Childhood and Middle School Education with over 8 years of teaching experience. Previous to a career in education, Laura was in corporate marketing and advertising. In addition, she was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education in 2010. Laura co-facilitated Partners In Play® parenting groups at Gocio Elementary, Our Mothers House, Soar in 4, as well as Sarasota and Manatee Libraries. Prior to becoming the Director she was the Parenting Program Administrator. Laura completed her Graduate Certificate in Infant Family Mental Health from USF in 2017. Laura’s most recent accomplishment has been her Level One and Level Two Professional Certification in Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University and she received a Professional Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida Corporate Training and Professional Education in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace. She is a registered Circle of Security® Parenting provider and has a Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential.
LAURA JOSEPHSON, MA
Parenting Education Director
info@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 307
Molly Bowbeer, M.Ed.
Preschool Director
Molly Bowbeer holds a B.F.A. in Dance and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Educational Leadership. As Preschool Director, Molly leads a team of dedicated educators in creating a warm, engaging environment that fosters social-emotional development and a lifelong love of learning. A valued member of the Forty Carrots team for several years, Molly began her journey working with the two-year-olds in the Charlie classroom and the three-year-olds in the Davis classroom. Originally from New Jersey, Molly began dancing at the age of five. By thirteen, she was performing professionally with the touring production of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. She later studied dance, multimedia, and theater arts at the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts before earning her degree from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts. In 2023, she completed her master’s degree at the University of North Florida, specializing in Early Childhood Education and School Leadership. With over a decade of experience working with children, Molly has served as both a dance instructor and a program and operations director for different programs. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter.
MOLLY BOWBEER, M. ED.
Preschool Director
info@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 308
Administrative Staff
Geri Jo
Donor Relations Manager
Geri Jo joined Forty Carrots staff in 2007 after many years as a Forty Carrots parent. She credits Forty Carrots parenting classes with giving her the skills, support and education she needed when raising her own children and is passionate about ensuring everyone has those same opportunities. Geri Jo combines a background in social work with a unique perspective gained from serving on numerous boards as a volunteer for many organizations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. In her work with donors and volunteers, Geri Jo strives to honor each one for their commitment to Forty Carrots’ mission and respect for their individual philanthropic goals.
Contact: info@fortycarrots.com 941.365.7716 ext. 318
Matthew, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Human Resource Manager
Matthew oversees the human resources function for the organization. He is responsible for policy development and provides support, advice, and guidance to staff and managers. Matthew has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arcadia University and holds senior level certifications from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and HR Certification Institute (HRCI). With more than two decades of professional experience, Matthew believes that people are the most valuable part of any business and finds intrinsic satisfaction in helping others realize success. Matthew is an advocate for family, mental health, and education. As a devoted husband and father of two, he joined Forty Carrots in 2022 because of his personal ambition to improve the lives of others while creating opportunities that will enrich our local community.
Regina
Executive Assistant
Regina has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology (Child Development) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and started her professional career as a preschool teacher. She later switched to administrative roles and brings over 20 years of experience as an Administrative Professional. The combination of her degree in early childhood education, work experience in NAEYC accredited preschools, and her experience as an Executive Assistant allows her to effectively serve the mission, values, and goals of the organization. Her volunteer experience includes supporting organizations that offer support to disadvantaged families with young children. She enjoys creative writing, reading and literary events, and various arts and crafts in her free time.
Shaquana
Administrative Data Coordinator
Shaquana joined the Forty Carrots Family in August 2021. She brings over 5 years’ experience in Administrations, Data Entry, Finance and Child Welfare Case Management. Shaquana holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice from the State College of Florida, and she also holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida. Shaquana was elated to join the Forty Carrots Family because she believes in devoting her time and energy into serving the children and families in the Sarasota/Manatee community.
Shaquana is no stranger to the community. She has volunteered her time with local organizations such as the Manatee Sheriff’s Department, Meals on Wheels, All Faiths Food Bank, The Sarasota County School Boards’ School Readiness Program, and the Safe Children Coalition. Shaquana believes that equipping families with the support they need plays a fundamental role in the success of tomorrow’s generation. In her spare time, she is a devoted mother to her two beautiful children and spends quality time with her family. Shaquana is also very fond of all types of music specifically 80s and 90s R&B. She is an avid singer and enjoys poetry and Spoken Word.
Ella
Development Manager
Ella serves as Development Manager for Forty Carrots. She has a master’s in public administration from Florida Gulf Coast University and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Florida. Her non-profit experience includes leadership roles in development and fundraising for Girls Inc, The Child Protection Center, and the Suncoast Blood Bank. Additionally, Ella served previously as President of the Junior League of Sarasota. She is a Sarasota native and mom to three girls. She has a passion for giving back to the local community, especially children and families.
Kaitlyn
Grants Administrator
Kaitlyn holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive, Neuroscience, and Social Psychology from the University of South Florida. As a psychologist, she brings a deep understanding of how children develop and learn, along with a passion for making science meaningful, joyful, and accessible. Before joining Forty Carrots, Kaitlyn worked in curriculum and youth-centered program design with nonprofit organizations, where she discovered a passion for creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for young learners. Her background includes designing and leading engaging, inquiry-based programs that spark curiosity and encourage exploration.
Kaitlyn is committed to building nurturing, inclusive classrooms where science comes alive through play and discovery, and where every child feels empowered to ask big questions and explore new ideas. Outside the classroom, Kaitlyn enjoys watching Formula 1 races and spending time with her family.
Marguerite
Development Administrator
Marguerite joined Forty Carrots staff in 2025. As Development Administrator, she supports the administrative team in a range of development efforts. Marguerite has a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Florida and is currently working towards a Masters of Nonprofit Management (with a concentration on fundraising) at the University of Central Florida. Passionate about child and family services, Marguerite has a long personal and professional history with Boys & Girls Clubs. Marguerite enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and going on runs with her dog. She is thrilled to join the Forty Carrots family and is excited to give back to her hometown.
Caroline
Communications & Grants Manager
Caroline holds a Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University, and a dual BA in English and Communication Studies from Saint Mary’s College. Her passion for education began as middle school science teacher and that led her to Forty Carrots in 2018. Since then, Caroline has successfully held several fundraising support roles before being named Communications & Grants Manager in 2026. She oversees all aspects of Forty Carrots Family Center’s communication initiatives working closely with the development and program teams. As a Midwest native, Caroline loves living and working in the Sarasota area and can often be found outside exploring Florida’s nature with her husband and daughters.
Contact: info@fortycarrots.com 941-365-7716 ext. 319
Denise
Finance Manager
Denise joined Forty Carrots in 2025, bringing with her over 18 years of experience in finance and administration. For more than 13 of those years, she served as a Certified District Manager for a Special Fire District and in local government. Denise has a deep appreciation for the structure of accounting and finds working in Excel both fascinating and rewarding.A longtime resident of Manatee County since 2000, Denise is actively involved in her community of Palmetto Point, where she serves as the elected Treasurer of the Civic Association. She is passionate about community engagement and regularly participates in local events, volunteering efforts, and fundraising activities.
Outside of work, Denise enjoys crafting, fishing, and is an avid reader. As a proud mother of four and grandmother to four granddaughters, she was drawn to Forty Carrots because its mission and values deeply align with her own personal and family-centered beliefs.
Joseph
Facilities Manager
Joseph serves as Facilities Manager responsible for building-related operations and contracts, equipment and infrastructure maintenance, communication systems, campus security, and environmental health and safety. Joseph has fifteen years of operations management experience in multiple industries. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Governors State University – University Park, Illinois, and holds several professional certifications from the Management and Strategy Institute – Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Motivated by the impact Forty Carrots has within the community, his passion at work is ensuring operational excellence, providing exceptional service, and working with others toward a common goal. Joseph relocated from the Chicago area in 2019 with his wife and son. Since living in Florida, they all share a love of finding and collecting fossilized shark’s teeth and enjoy traveling the state in search of Florida’s ancient history.