Parent To Parent of Miami

	Isabel C. Garcia, Executive Director Isabel Garcia joined Parent to Parent of Miami in 1989 and served as Vice President and President of the Board from 1992-1997. In 1997, Isabel was designated the Executive Director of the program, and later that year Parent to Parent of Miami became one of the first ten federally funded community parent resource centers receiving grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Isabel shares her home with her two daughters, Daniela (who has Cerebral Palsy) and Maritza, her husband Mario, Foxy the Jack Russell Terrier, and Ripley the Shetland Sheepdog. The love of her family and working with children with special needs and their families is the energy that feeds her soul. For her efforts, Isabel has been recognized with the Children’s Services Council 2002 Champion for Children Community Service Award, The Exceptional Parent Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award and in 2008 Parent to Parent of Miami received The Children’s Trust 2008 Excellence Award Programs for Children with Disabilities. In April 2009, she was honored with the Cruz-Whitehurst Advocacy Award at the Annual UM-NSU CARD Tropical Nights Event.
	Natalie M. Roque, Operations Manager Natalie Roque earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida International University and joined the Parent to Parent of Miami team in 2007. She enjoys and finds it very rewarding to work for a thriving and ambitious non-profit in South Florida, under one of the most active advocates for children and adults with disabilities in our community. The experience of working with a diverse group of individuals and having an equally diverse set of responsibilities has influenced both her growth professionally and personally.
	Lauren Bustos-Alban, Training Development Coordinator Lauren Bustos-Alban received her degree in Early Childhood Education and worked for Miami-Dade Public Schools for 10 years. She joined the Parent to Parent family in February of 2004 and has not stopped learning about Special Education, IDEA, mental health and disabilities since then. Lauren has also been a member of the Transition Task Force of Miami Dade County Public Schools for years. She is the proud mother of 3 extraordinary children: Daniela, Juan Felipe (who has a Specific Learning Disorder) and Johanna, and two very spoiled English Bulldogs named Tigger and Winnie. When asked how she feels about working at Parent to Parent, Lauren says "Parent to Parent of Miami has helped thousands of families and I am blessed to be a part of that. I am thankful for the everyday opportunity to educate and empower families who have children with special needs.
	Farides Garcia, Staff Development Coordinator Farides Garcia has been with Parent to Parent of Miami since 2003. She first served on the Board of Trustees as Treasurer in 2004 and as President from 2007 to 2009. She is the mother of two boys; her youngest is diagnosed with autism. Fari strives toward making the world a better place for children with autism and all disabilities. Her goal is to help families find their voices, and bring the family perspective to those in the community serving children with disabilities. She has been on various panels presenting the family perspective to medical students, therapists and other healthcare workers. Fari has served on other councils including the Young Children with Special Needs and Disabilities Council and the University of Miami’s Exceptional Student Education/Pre-K Disabilities/ESOL Advisory Board. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami.
	Daniela Alban, Information Specialist I am currently an FIU student majoring in Human Resource Management. I was born in Cali, Colombia but raised in Miami, FL. I started working at Parent to Parent of Miami in April of 2009 and I truly enjoy working for an organization that makes such a great difference in the lives of people with special needs. My hobbies include reading fiction and fantasy novels and spending the day at the beach with friends.
	Jackeline Acosta, Education & Support Specialist My name is Jackeline Acosta and I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. I am married and have two children, Guillermo, 17 yrs old (who has Cerebral Palsy) and Samuel, 12 (who has Attention Deficit Disorder). My interests are reading and seeing new places. I also enjoy boating, skating and volleyball. I have worked for Parent to Parent since 2008.
	Claudia Pachon, Education & Support Specialist I was born in Cali-Colombia in 1964, and have two children. I would love to be able to travel around the world, have more time for my son and for myself, and be able to spend more time with my grandson Joshua. My goal is to continue working with my son and other parent's children so that all parents see greater improvements with their children's special needs.
	Denise Prehay, Education & Support Specialist Denise Prehay is a native of Kingston, Jamaica and has lived in Miami for over twenty years. She was born with cerebral palsy (CP). Her determination to succeed has allowed her to accomplish her educational goals. "Honestly, I always thought that I would make it, however I did not know how I would get where I wanted to be" she stated. Although it has taken a very a long time, she obtained her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) in 2009 from Florida International University. She has gained experience while interning at Sunrise Community and Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center (MAR-JCC) with people like herself who have developmental disabilities. She is also a board member of People First of South Florida. Her experience in the previous internship setting has reconfirmed her passion for the career goal she set for herself. Denise believes that parent interaction is a key factor when working with children in order for them to develop stable and healthy relationships. She feels it's important as a social worker to understand the family structure of the client(s) in order to influentially advocate for children and their families. The goal is to inform, support, and educate the public on disability issues. Awareness is the key to help people understand and accept differences in others. Being the person with the disability, "I am convinced education will help create a more sensitive world."
	Nicole Ravinet, Education & Support Specialist My name is Nicole Ravinet and I was born in Chile. After studying German and Psychology for 2 years, I gave birth to the greatest gift of my life, Sofia. She was born with Septo Optic Dysplasia. This condition involves low vision, under developed pituitary glands, amongst other medical needs. However, she has the most amazing talent for music. Through this journey, I have learned many unexpected and profound things, and to never give up and always persist in your goals. I have been working at Parent to Parent since 2007, where I have the privilege to share with many families the challenges and joys of our every day lives with our children. We never stop learning. While we are here to support families, providing the help is a wonderful reward.
	Ana Laura dos Santos Lara, Education & Support Specialist My name is Ana Laura dos Santos Lara, I was born and raised in Cordoba, Argentina, and I studied Law and also attended Art school. Right after I became a lawyer, I married and moved to Miami. We have two wonderful boys Thiago and Thomas. Our oldest son was diagnosed with Right Hemiparesis (Cerebral Palsy) when he was 13 months old. In an effort to expand my knowledge and help our son, I came across Parent to Parent of Miami. Working at Parent to Parent and guiding other families has had a great impact in my life. I believe that my mission as a professional and a mother of a child with special needs is to help and support other families that share my emotions and concerns. To point them in the right direction and make them feel they are not alone on their journey. I help them by listening and finding resources within the community to develop advocacy skills that will make a difference in the long run and help their children reach their full potential.
	Alexian Hueso, Education & Support Specialist My name is Alexian, but everyone calls me Alex! I am 1^st generation Cuban-American, born and raised in Miami and I joined the Parent to Parent family in March 2010. I am the proud mother of the two most AMAZING kids...Damian & Danielle! Damian loves everything about animals, especially ocean life and has an extraordinary talent for music, he was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. Danielle is all about the stage, see loves the theater, dancing, singing and being in the spotlight, she has recently been placed in the gifted program. Together with my husband and all of our pets (2 cats, a dog, a rabbit, a guinea pig and 2 turtles) we share all of the joys and challenges life brings with open hearts and open minds. I look forward to working with Parent to Parent and sharing my ever changing journey with a special needs child and I look forward to learning from all of the families that we serve as well. I truly believe that we can learn so much from each other because we all have something to teach.
	Rosy Ramos, Administrative Assistant I I was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida. My strength and experience is in the field of administration and I have a passion for helping others. In 1988 I gave birth to my daughter Melissa. Melissa was diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum. Melissa's Dad and I divorced shortly after her birth. Today I am married to a man who understands my challenges, and together we have a 9 year old son named Michael. I've been working at Parent to Parent of Miami since 1999. Throughout the years, I've shared my knowledge and experience with families. It is through adversity that we become stronger and continue to grow. At Parent to Parent of Miami, we make a difference in the lives of families who have children and adults with special needs.
	Michelle Jimenez, Administrative Assistant II I was born and raised in Miami, FL and have worked for Parent to Parent since February of 2009. My hobbies include reading, watching movies, and playing with my dog Bailey. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and am considering going back to school for my Master's Degree.
	Gisel Alvarez, Telephone Survey Assistant I was born in Bogota, Colombia and I have worked for Parent to Parent since 2002. My hobbies include reading, reading and reading, and my dream and ultimate goal is to obtain a degree in Library Science. I have a precious female kitty cat named Miuex-Miuex.
	Nydia Lugo, Receptionist I was born in Jersey City, NJ. I currently reside in Homestead, FL. I am engaged to a wonderful man whom together we have two handsome little boys Daniel & Nathaniel. Being a mother has truly been a blessing. My life has been a constant lesson to be learned. I am one of the newest members to join the Parent to Parent of Miami team. I am thankful to have this wonderful opportunity to work within a non-profit organization that gives so much to families who with great efforts strive to give the best to their children!