Board of Directors

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Executive Director - Stephanie Ryan
Stephanie joined Inspire as a member of the Board of Directors in 2015 and was appointed the Executive Director in June 2016. Stephanie previously served in law enforcement for 35 years, retiring from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Stephanie has always held a passion for adults with differing abilities, as her brother Danny was diagnosed with an intellectual disability at an early age. As a lifelong public servant, she considers it to be a tremendous honor to serve as the Director of Inspire. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida in Criminal Justice. If you would like to connect with Stephanie, she may be reached at SRyan@inspirecfl.org.

Operations Manager - Lilly Continanzi
Lilly joined Inspire of Central Florida in 2022 and oversees all program operations and services, bringing valuable experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through child welfare programs. Passionate about empowering others, Lilly focuses on helping individuals build the skills and confidence they need to achieve independence and success. Her dedication to fostering growth and self-reliance is at the heart of her work with the Inspire community. She holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida. If you would like to connect with Lilly, she may be reached at LContinanzi@inspirecfl.org.

Adult Day Training Coordinator - Harrette Thompson
Harrette has been a dedicated member of the Inspire of Central Florida team since 1987. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in the organization, serving as the overseer of the Adult Day Training Center program. Harrette is passionate about empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential and has been instrumental in creating a supportive and enriching environment for participants. Her long-standing commitment to Inspire reflects her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. If you would like to connect with Harrette, she may be reached at HThompson@inspirecfl.org.

Residential Services Coordinator - Sara Owen
Sara joined the organization in 2022 and currently serves as the Residential Services Coordinator. With more than three years of experience working with residential programs and employment initiatives, Sara has successfully developed and implemented programs that foster independence and community integration. Her leadership skills are reinforced by over three years of supervisory and management experience, where she has guided teams toward achieving organizational goals and ensuring quality service delivery. Sara is passionate about creating inclusive environments and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, demonstrating a commitment to improving lives through advocacy, collaboration, and innovative solutions. Sara is an experienced professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, emphasizing Social Work, and over a decade of impactful work in the social services field. If you would like to connect with Sara, she may be reached at SOwen@inspirecfl.org.

Operation G.R.O.W. Coordinator - Kennedi Martin
Kennedi joined Inspire of Central Florida in 2024 and supervises Operation Giving Real Opportunities for Work (GROW). She also supports lesson planning and life skills classes in the adult day training program. Kennedi has a background in education where she taught in the public schools. She has also worked in the non-profit space, supporting curriculum development and implementation of social and life skills classes for the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD) and their supporting non-profit, Providing Autism Links and Supports (PALS). Her main passion is supporting those in need, and she has been working with individuals with disabilities since 2016. Kennedi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Central Florida and holds several teaching certificates from the state of Florida. If you would like to connect with Kennedi, she may be reached at KMartin@inspirecfl.org.

Lou Garcia – President
Paula Dimperio – Vice President
Steve Baum – Treasurer
Christy Daly Brodeur – Legislative Advisor
Sofia Abarca – Secretary
Chris Anderson – Board Member
Sharon Bryan – Board Member
Elise Eslinger – Board Member
Sandy Hughes – Board Member
Kevin Neal – Board Member
Cecil Smith – Board Member
Marisa Zaharoff – Board Member

SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE

OUR AMBASSADORS

Shana Sullivan

I have been employed with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Child Protective Services Division (CPS) since October of 2000. I also sit on numerous boards and committees directly related to the betterment of children and families. I became a member of Inspire’s Special Events Committee upon its inception in 2015. Unfortunately, I think that Inspire of Central Florida is one of Seminole County’s best kept secrets and I look forward to continuing to try to change that through community awareness and fund raising. I am incredibly moved and “Inspired” every time I visit Inspire of Central Florida!!!

Dee Keck

Dee is our senior committee member. She was born in Florida and grew up in Tallahassee where she attended Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University. She retired from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Dee is also a Real Estate Associate and has served five years as the House Director for Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority at FSU. Dee has been a member of several community and service organizations throughout her career. For the past several years she has been the caregiver for her parents. Her mother, at age 93, is still doing well. Dee moved to Sanford three years ago to be closer to family members.

Claire Sullivan

“To be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible” Claire actively lives these words while donating her spare time to the INSPIRE of Central Florida Organization. Working to fundraise for the organization and clients at INSPIRE is a beyond rewarding experience for Claire and she looks forward to the planning and successful execution of future events with the Special Events Committee.

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM