Dave’s passionate commitment to New Hope for Kids has its roots in the grief he experienced following the death of his 16 year old son, John, in 1986. His journey began in the business world when he received a BS degree in Business and Economics from St. Mary’s University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. After years of working in the technology industry, Dave served as United Way Campaign Chairman for Seminole County for 2 years and was a member of the board of directors of Hospice of Central Florida for 15 years. He was a founding board member of New Hope for Kids in August 1996 and has served as Executive Director since September 2000. On weekends, Dave can be found riding his bike with the Florida Freewheelers group.
Gloria joined New Hope for Kids in August 2011. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelors degree in Finance and a minor in Marketing. Gloria is responsible for the care, coordination and communication of volunteer activities of the organization. She will also work with staff to develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies that will celebrate and expand New Hope for Kids mission and increase the awareness in the Central Florida community. Prior to joining the New Hope for Kids family, Gloria was the Director of Program Marketing for Art & History Museums, Maitland. She lives in Maitland with her husband, where she enjoys renovating their new home and collecting art.
Dana’s first experience with New Hope was in 2002 after the death of her 16 year old daughter, Sarah. She and her daughter, Amy, participated in our grief program where they both experienced the life-changing benefits New Hope provides. Dana now offers her experience to others by leading an adult grief support group at her church and by writing for various local organizations on the topic of grief. In June 2006, after years of extensive volunteer work and care-giving, Dana proudly rejoined the workforce as New Hope’s Office Manager. In addition to the traditional duties of this position, she also provides support for the finance, event, volunteer, wish and development directors and administrative assistance for the executive director.
At the heart of the Center for Grieving Children you’ll find Tamari Miller, our Grief Services Program Director. Prior to entering this position in 2000, she worked with at-risk youth and foster children in the Central Florida area, Lansing, MI, and Montgomery, AL. Her professional experiences and personal childhood grief experience (the loss of her mother at age 17) have served as valuable resources to address the needs of the grieving children we serve. Tamari earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1994 from Texas Southern University in Houston. She furthered her education by receiving a Master of Arts degree in Community/Agency Counseling from Michigan State University in Lansing, MI in 1998. Tamari and her husband, Jerome, have 2 very active and precious sons.
Rhonda grew up in Southwest Michigan and attended school at Lake Michigan College. She has been part of the New Hope for Kids family since 1989 when her daughter was granted a wish, and understands what it’s like to be the parent of a child with serious medical issues. Rhonda also brings with her a special insight when working with the families of our grief program. The death of her dad in 1969 and her newborn son, Sammy, in 1980 were 2 significant losses that deeply affected her life. When not planning family support events and fundraisers, Rhonda enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Marla Sullivan joined New Hope for Kids as Director of Development in August, 2002. In this role, she helps coordinate fundraising efforts and writes grants in support of the NHFK’s Grief and Wish Programs. Prior to coming to New Hope for Kids, Marla lived in Guatemala where she helped initiate fundraising programs in the Del Valle University, Friends of Lake Atitlan Association and Seeds of Hope Children’s Hospital. She also has an avid interest in archaeology and has taken part in fieldwork and served as Interim Curator of the Popol Vuh Museum in Guatemala. Marla enjoys traveling and exploring, and visiting her son Danny in Central America and other family members around Florida.
Tezmon joined the New Hope family in 2017. Her previous career as a television producer introduced her to world of wish granting. Working on the hit television show “Hannah Montana” she was the set liaison for wish families from all around the world. Seeing the impact of a wish first hand inspired her to become a celebrity wish escort. Tezmon’s desire to become more involved in the wish process lead her to become a wish granter for Make-A-Wish. She is excited to continue her wish journey at New Hope for Kids. In her free time she enjoys traveling, Disney 10k’s, and redesign projects.
