PARENTING EDUCATION
STAFF
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Parenting Education Staff
Laura Josephson, M.A.T
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.
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
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
Brityn, B.A.

Courtney
Courtney, B.S.

Gipsian
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
Jaime, B.S.

Jody
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
Kelly, B.S.

Lisa
Lisa, B.S.

Maria
Maria, M.A.

Marci
Marci, M.A.

Molly
Molly, B.S.

Quincy
Quincy, B.A.

Rebekah
Rebekah, B.S.

Stacy
Stacy, M.A.

Tesha
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
Toni Ann, M.S.

Wendy
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.





Tesha, MSW 