Meet this year's speakers:
Paula Petit-Frere attended the University of South Florida where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology and later a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Since 2012, she has provided services in a variety of settings including: early intervention centers, residential facilities, schools, group homes, family homes and independent living. She joined Adapt & Transform Behavior in 2022. Paula has developed a passion for driving meaningful outcomes by promoting a team-based approach that ensures her clients get the best support available.
Greg VanPelt is the Clinical Director with the Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, Inc. and has served in this role since 2009. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and has held endorsement through the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health as an Infant Family Specialist and Reflective Supervisor. He has focused his work over the past decade into managing and developing programs focused on serving young children and families. Greg is a past board member of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health, has chaired Hillsborough County’s Infant Mental Health Steering Committee, and currently co-chairs Hillsborough County’s Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACES) workgroup.
Amanda Mackney is a highly skilled and compassionate professional with 12 years of experience specializing in Autism, neurodiversity-affirming therapy, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. She is a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA), Certified Autism Clinical Specialist, Inclusion Specialist, Behavioral Therapist, and Executive Functioning Coach.
Amanda earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology from Fredonia University of New York and her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Autism certification from Ball State University. As the mother of a non-speaking 5-year-old autistic son, Amanda finds her greatest purpose and inspiration in her personal journey, which drives her dedication to supporting and empowering neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Her expertise, combined with her deep personal connection to the Autism community, allows Amanda to create inclusive, affirming, and impactful therapy and coaching experiences.
Kevin Smith is a retired big-box retail store manager known for creating small-town service cultures in multimillion-dollar big-city locations. Happily married and the proud father of two children, Kevin's life took on a new purpose when his son was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Over the past 25 years, he has dedicated himself to supporting not only his son but also other parents navigating similar challenges.
As a passionate parent advocate, Kevin has spoken at national Muscular Dystrophy conferences, where he has also facilitated breakout sessions addressing the unique ways men and women process grief. He has been a source of support for fathers, helping them find purpose in their journey, and has offered guidance to parents during their most difficult moments.
Kevin's advocacy extends to recruiting runners for fundraising marathons and lobbying Congress to pass the MD Care Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush.
Now residing in Valrico, Kevin enjoys restoring antique jukeboxes as a hobby. He studied philosophy at John A. Logan College, a foundation that continues to inspire his thoughtful approach to life and advocacy.
Anna Winneker has worked with the University of South Florida for 17 years. 14 of those years have been with the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC) supporting early childhood and K-12 to use Positive Behavior Supports in schools and classrooms. Prior to this work, Anna was a Special Education teacher supporting children with behavior needs with a passion for inclusion.
Anna is currently the Project Director for Program-Wide Positive Behavior Supports (PWPBS) at USF and also works on the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center and the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI)wi. PWPBS supports childcare in Hillsborough County to create environments to support social-emotional skill development by coaching teachers and working with families to identify effective supports for each and every child.
Paola Ramirez, M.S., is a Bi-lingual Trainer/Coach for the Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support Project at the University of South Florida.
Paola has a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Paola previously worked for 6 years in Miami Dade providing consultation and services to early childhood staff, directors, children and families.
Dharini “Sona” Zaveri is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Florida for 20+ years. She has worked with pediatric population with various diagnosis like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Fragile X just to name a few. Her passion is to work closely with the family and caregivers along with other professionals who are involved in the treatment of the child for a truly collaborative approach. She is the owner of True Blue Peds Therapy, small business therapy company. She enjoys working with children from 0-21 years old with various skills in their natural environment like homes, daycares, schools and clinics. She has certifications in Therapeutic Listening Program, Rocktape (Kinesiology tape) certified therapist, Physical agent modalities training and ADHD Certified Rehabilitation specialist.
Tina Gill is a dedicated educator, advocate, and inclusion specialist with a passion for supporting children with disabilities. After completing pre-med at Loyola University Chicago, began her career as a corporate trainer for a Fortune 100 company before following her calling to open her own preschool.
Tina is a certified Circle of Security Facilitator, On-site Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Coach, and a tireless advocate for children with special needs. She has spearheaded the Inclusion Project, training and mentoring parents and educators across Florida to create more inclusive environments for children.
Tina’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was honored as Foster Parent of the Year, nominated for both Excellence in Education, and the prestigious Mayor’s Alliance Award for her impactful work in the community.
As a mother of four children, two of whom have special needs—including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and mitochondrial disease—Tina brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. Her mission is to empower families and educators while fostering environments where all children can thrive.
Cynthia Vega Ortiz is a married mother of two young boys who enjoys spending free time with her family, traveling, and visiting the beach.
Cynthia's journey began in Puerto Rico, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2006. Since 2007, she has been dedicated to working with children with special needs, a role she finds deeply fulfilling. Cynthia is passionate about helping children learn to communicate, supporting families, and training teachers to create inclusive environments.
In 2020, she relocated to Tampa, Florida, and has been working with Independent Living Inc. as a Speech Therapy Assistant since 2021, providing support in daycares and schools for children with special needs.
Cynthia is excited to contribute to the Inclusion Project as an Inclusion Specialist and
Professional.
Madalynn Boncz is a proud graduate of the University of South Florida, holding a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
With 26 years of experience in the county, she has taught Kindergarten, Special Needs Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and served as a Varying Exceptionalities Educator. She had created and implemented hundred's of IEP's that support inclusive learning.
Madalynn is ESOL and Reading Endorsed, holds Exceptional Student Education certification, and has completed a Reading Interventionist program.
Her innovative teaching strategies have impacted thousands of children, while her kindness and compassion have provided invaluable support to their families.
She is a dedicated mother to two teenage boys, a loving wife, and an avid gardener. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Florida's natural wonders.
Cristy Carmo is an accomplished occupational therapist based in Valrico, Florida, with a heart for service and a passion for helping others. With two sons in college, Cristy uses her time and talents to make a difference both locally and internationally.
Cristy has embraced opportunities to volunteer through "voluntourism" trips, including a life-changing journey to Cuba and later to Bolivia with HOPE worldwide. During her time in La Paz, Bolivia, she worked alongside the team at Hospital Arco Iris, teaching and training physical therapists in Spanish to enhance patient care. Cristy also brought two large suitcases filled with donations and orthopedic supplies—resources that were invaluable to the therapists and their patients.
While in Bolivia, Cristy volunteered at Hipoterapia Fundación Porvenir, a horse-therapy program for children with physical and mental challenges. Her work with the children, their families, and the therapy team left a profound and lasting impact on the community.
In her professional role, Cristy works at TRUE BLUE Pediatric Therapy, where she is highly regarded for her compassion, expertise, and innovative approaches. She developed the "High 5 Training Series," an empowering program for parents and teachers to support children’s development effectively.
Cristy’s dedication to serving others, both through her career and her volunteer efforts, continues to inspire and uplift those around her. Her compassion, talent, and unwavering commitment to making a difference have touched countless lives.
Crystal Rios, MSW, PhD is a bilingual social worker whose career has spanned over 30
plus years in a variety of settings including working with survivors of domestic violence,
HIV/AIDS patients, teen girls and for the last 22 years, the Pre-K population including
those with special needs via Head Start and Child Find within Hillsborough County
Public Schools. The Pre-K population has overtaken Crystal’s heart as she enjoys the
unique abilities and gifts that each Pre-K child possesses. She strives to assist each
child and family find more gifts and abilities that are hidden just below the surface so
that every child can expand their horizons. Crystal strives to educate, elevate and
advocate for the needs of those little ones and their families who at this age, don’t
always know or have the words or abilities to do these things for themselves.
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