We serve families with excellence, respect, accountability, proactivity, innovation, and with decisions that are family-focused.
Tara
Executive Director
Tara brings deep experience in both direct services and systems-level leadership to her role as Executive Director of Family Promise of Brevard. With a background in clinical social work, special education, and nonprofit management, she has spent her career designing and leading programs that center family voice, address root causes, and drive sustainable change.
She began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA Victim Advocate and a Guardian Ad Litem, supporting survivors through trauma-informed, community-based services. That early work continues to ground her approach today: one that combines immediate support for families with long-term strategies to influence systems.
Tara holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor’s in Special Education from the College of Charleston. Tara is a proud graduate of LEAD Brevard’s Class of 2020, and her leadership reflects a commitment to equity, innovation, and the belief that every child—regardless of zip code—deserves a safe place to call home and the opportunity to thrive.
She currently serves as the Direct Services Chair for the Advisory Council of the Brevard Continuum of Care, a Board Member of the Accelerate Brevard Chamber of Innovation, and acts as a National Affiliate Council Member for Family Promise.
With a strong track record of building innovative, strengths-based solutions to family homelessness, Tara leads work that spans the full continuum—from one-on-one support to cross-sector partnerships. She and her family have proudly called Brevard County home since 2009.
Mike
Programs Director
Mike graduated from the University of Central Florida with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work and is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. As our Programs Director, Mike oversees all of our program areas, ensuring the highest quality of support for the families we serve. With deep expertise in stabilization services and a versatile skill set, Mike brings compassionate leadership and a commitment to excellence across every aspect of our program delivery.
Andrea
Intake Coordinator
Andrea works as the Intake Coordinator for Family Promise of Brevard. Andrea graduated from the University of Central Florida with her bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and has been working in the social service field serving veterans and their families since 2017. Andrea has a strong commitment to using her people skills, welcoming attitude, and love of service to provide the best possible experience for members of her community
Tatianah
Prevention Coordinator
Tatianah was born in Manhattan and moved to Brevard County in middle school. She obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work from Florida State University. Tatianah brings years of experience supporting youth and families navigating homelessness, foster care, juvenile justice, and runaway systems. She is deeply committed to meeting people where they are, empowering them to overcome challenges, and walking alongside them on their path to stability and success.
Johanna
Stabilization Coordinator
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Johanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ana G. Mendez University and a master’s degree from Interamerican University. She brings over 20 years of experience as a social worker and case manager, supporting low-income families and diverse communities across the island. Through this work, Johanna has developed a deep understanding of the importance of compassionate, client-centered care and remains committed to walking alongside individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments.
Shayla
Director of Elevate Brevard
Shayla Murray Smith, a Brevard County Native, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Sports Management from Florida International University and a Master of Science Degree in Church Management from Villanova University.
She has ten years of experience in administrative management, business administration, and government relations consulting. As the Director of Elevate Brevard, Shayla will use the Collective Impact Model to leverage the power of connection with her passion for community and collaboration to help tackle economic mobility through the attainment of education and training in 32922.
Kali
Sr. Development Specialist
Born and raised in Brevard County, Kali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in Food Systems and Sustainability. She has always been passionate about working within her community and supporting individuals as they navigate their unique journeys in life.
With more than six years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she brings a diverse background in volunteer and donor engagement, mentorship program coordination, social media and marketing management, and community outreach. Her work has included supporting food access initiatives, including time with the nonprofit Meals on Wings at the University of North Florida, which provided meals to seniors who were on the waitlist for Meals on Wheels.
Inspired by the strong support of her own family, she is passionate about sharing that same sense of encouragement with others, because people need people. She enjoys connecting individuals to causes they care about, helping them discover what fulfills them, and strengthening the sense of community that brings people together.
Jennifer
Operations Director
Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida. She has over 25 years of experience supporting operations in large engineering and manufacturing companies and has resided in central Florida for over 20 years. Having held multiple positions that required collaboration and networking across organizations, building and leading teams, developing strategies to support business execution, and managing and tracking projects, she is now following her passion to serve our local community and utilizing her diverse skillset as our Operations Director.
Nancy
Director of Finance
Nancy was born and raised in Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She worked for many years managing accounts receivable and payable departments. She has also held Assistant Controller and Financial Analyst positions along with general bookkeeping and organizational positions.
Adriana
Business Coordinator
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Adriana graduated from Ana G. Mendez University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She has worked with small and large financial institutions holding diverse positions in different departments from customer service to purchasing, human resources, and administration; allowing her to learn and understand the different aspects of business processes.