PARENTING EDUCATION
STAFF
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Parenting Education Staff
Laura Josephson, M.A.T
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.
Sonia Azar, B.A.
Parenting Education Assistant Director
Sonia earned a B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has over 40 years of experience in the early childhood field and has presented at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference. She began her career at Forty Carrots as a Preschool Teacher, then the Assistant Preschool Director eventually becoming the Preschool Director. Sonia relocated for a short period out of state before returning to Florida to find her home again at Forty Carrots where she joined as a Parenting Educator. During her time away she became certified in Abriendo Puertas, an evidence-based parenting program for Latino families. As a Parenting Educator Sonia co-facilitated bilingual Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting groups in SCSD, delivered an abbreviated Abriendo Puertas program at various Parenting Universities in SCSD and co-facilitated PIP groups in-house and at community partner locations. Prior to her role as the Parenting Education Assistant Director, she supported the team as the Van Coordinator and Program Administrator.
Amy, M.A.
Amy joined our program with a M.A. in Educational Leadership and a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education. She has a well-established history in the Sarasota Community where she has worked as a Teacher, and Exceptional Student Liaison for over 15 years. Amy was the facilitator of the schoolwide Children at Risk education Process (CARE). She joined the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator. She co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties, weekly parenting education groups at the CYESIS Teen Parent Program at North Port High Schools and at the Teenage Parenting Program (TAPP) in Manatee County and parenting education groups at The Salvation Army. Amy is certified Circle of Security® and A Window Between Worlds facilitator.
Brityn, B.A.
Brityn joined our team as a Parenting Educator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University. Brityn brings with her years of experience as a Parent Educator and Community Support Specialist, where she empowered families to strengthen their parenting journey through evidence-based curricula focused on positive parenting and attachment. She is certified in both the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and Circle of Security®. Brityn will be co-facilitating Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Courtney, B.S.
Courtney joins the Parenting Education team with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and is currently pursuing her MSW at UCF. She joins our team as a graduate student intern in the Parenting Education and Child and Family Therapy programs. Passionate about working with diverse family systems, Courtney is dedicated to enhancing her expertise in parenting education and mental health. She co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at library locations across Manatee and Sarasota counties, as well as mental health groups in Title I Elementary Schools.
Gipsian, B.A.
Gipsian joins Forty Carrots with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. She brings a deep passion for working with children and families, which began during her participation in Partners In Play® groups at local libraries, where she first learned about Forty Carrots. Gipsian’s background includes valuable experience in area preschools and volunteering with The First 1,000 Days Suncoast, showcasing her dedication to early childhood development and family support. Gipsian joins the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator where she co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Jaime, B.S.
Jaime joins the Forty Carrots team as a Parenting Educator. Jamie has a B.S. in Counseling and Human Services and Child Life Psychology. As a Child Life Specialist with over 20 years of experience, she has worked in perinatal, pediatric, and in-home palliative care settings. Jaime brings a wealth of expertise to our program. Jaime will co-facilitate Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Jody, M.S.W., LCSW
Jody is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in the mental health field since 1984. Jody’s focus for over 20 years has been with children and families working as a Mental Health Therapist. She was first involved at Forty Carrots as a parent with her twins and now, as a Therapist, is co-facilitating parenting education groups at Lightshare Mothers and Infants Program for mothers recovering from addictions and their babies and at SOLVE Maternity Homes, for young homeless expecting mothers at their Manatee facility.
Kelly, B.S.
Kelly joins therapy team as a Graduate Student Intern at the University of South Florida. Kelly obtained her bachelor’s in science at the University of Tampa in Applied Sociology with a minor in Criminology. Kelly is passionate about youth and adolescent mental health and plans on becoming a certified Social Worker after graduating with her Master’s. She is eager to learn and help enhance the well-being of those who she encounters. Kelly has over two years of experience as a Certified Peer Specialist for youth and adults, as well as some experience working in a juvenile assessment center. As a student intern at Forty Carrots, Kelly co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at library locations across Manatee and Sarasota counties, as well as mental health groups in Title I schools.
Lisa, B.S.
Lisa joined our team with a B. S. in Child and Family Science from Florida State University. She began her professional career as an educator in the k-12 population. Since then, she has worked as child welfare case manager supporting and empowering our most at-risk population. She joined the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator co-facilitating Partners In Play® and Welcome To Our World ® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Lisa is a registered Circle of Security® provider.
Maria, M.A.
Maria has a master’s in psychology from Moscow State University. In addition, she has a postgraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from California State University. She joined Forty Carrots with a rich background in early childhood working as a psychologist in an early learning center abroad, then being trained as a Montessori Teacher, where she taught the curriculum for 8 years. As a Parenting Educator with Forty Carrots, she co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Marci, M.A.
Marci joined our team with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Education, specializing in students with Disabilities. She has a certification in Social-Emotional Learning and Character Education and a certification in Meditation and Mindfulness. She has been a dedicated teacher with over 11 years’ experience in elementary schools working with students in grades K-4 within a variety of classroom settings. In 2018-2019 she earned the Governor’s Educator of the Year Award in her former school district. Marci joined the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator and co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties, Welcome to Our World® In-House in the Parenting Center, and Circle of Security Groups In-house and at Lightshare Mothers & Infants Program. She is also the face behind Forty Carrots Facebook/Instagram pages, and author behind the weekly Monday Message e-mails, keeping families and professionals informed with all things Forty Carrots and the latest research in child development and parenting education. Marci is a registered Circle of Security® provider.
Molly, B.S.
Molly joined our team with a B. S. in Psychology from the University of South Florida. Molly began her professional career as a Preschool Educator and Parenting Educator at Forty Carrots before venturing into the corporate environment. Molly has a long history working and understanding the nature of agencies with visions to support the larger community of young children and families. She rejoined the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator. She co-facilitates Partners In Play® and Welcome To Our World ® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties and Parenting Education groups at Harvest House. Molly is a registered Circle of Security® provider.
Quincy, B.A.
Quincy is a graduate student intern at Forty Carrots Family Center, currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Social Work at the University of South Florida. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and brings some experience working with children and adolescents from her previous field placement going to Sarasota County schools as a counselor. Quincy is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and family systems. At Forty Carrots, she co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at public libraries throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties and provides support in mental health groups in Title I schools. Quincy is completing her internship with both the Parenting Education and Child & Family Therapy programs. Following graduation, she plans to pursue her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential to continue her work in child and family mental health.
Rebekah, B.S.
Rebekah joins the Forty Carrots team as a Parenting Educator. Rebekah has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville University. With years of experience as a registered nurse and team leader in early intervention, she has dedicated her career to supporting families in the community. Her expertise in child development and family-centered care makes her a valuable addition to the team, bringing compassion, knowledge, and a commitment to empowering parents and caregivers. Rebekah will co-facilitate Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Stacy, M.A.
Stacy has a master’s in social work from the University of Alabama. She joined Forty Carrots with a rich background in advocating for children and families in the child welfare system. In addition, she provided in-home therapeutic services to support family systems to increase positive outcomes for children. As a Parenting Educator with Forty Carrots, she co-facilitates Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Stacy is a registered Circle of Security® provider.
Tesha, MSW
Tesha joined our team with a BA in Social Sciences/Psychology and a Masters in Social Work at the University of South Florida. As a Parenting Educator she co-facilitates weekly parenting education groups at various partner locations. Tesha is a registered Circle of Security® Parenting provider, currently co-facilitating groups at the Sarasota County Jail, Lightshare Mothers & Infants program, and at Forty Carrots. In addition, she is a Window Between Worlds facilitator. Tesha also works individually with children, adolescents, and families in the Therapy Department as a registered Clinical Social Work Intern.
Toni Ann, M.S.
Toni Ann joined our program with an M.S. in Special Education, bringing over 20 years of experience in the field of education. She is certified to teach K-6 and is also a certified Media Specialist for PreK-12. Throughout her career, Toni Ann has worked across various grades and specialties, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering positive outcomes for children. With a passion for education and a dedication to supporting families, she joined the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator, co-facilitating Partners In Play® parenting education groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Wendy, M.S.
Wendy joins our team with a M.S. in PreK/Primary Education from Nova Southeastern University and a B.S. in Communication from Florida State University. Wendy has experience in early childhood education as a Preschool and Kindergarten teacher. She has been a Parenting Educator since 2008. She holds The Happiest Baby on The Block certification, is A Windows Between Worlds facilitator, and is a registered Circle of Security® Parenting™ Educator. Wendy is also the Circle of Security Program Coordinator. Wendy co-facilitates weekly parenting education groups at Lightshare Mothers & Infants Program, SOLVE Maternity Homes, the CYESIS Teen Parent Program at Riverview High Schools, Lightshare CORT and Circle of Security programs individually and in groups. In 2017, she completed her Infant Family Mental Health Graduate Certificate from USF.