At FIL we often say that we don’t like talking about people’s disabilities but their abilities. Still, when Elisa approached Executive Direct Mark Jacoby with an idea to tell the story of her disability so… Resident Story: Elisa and Spina Bifida
The Savannah Bananas tagline is “Fans First. Entertaining Always.” As the residents of FIL recently found out, that is certainly true. Making their way up to West Palm Beach, the residents of FIL weren’t quite… Enrichment Update & Savannah Bananas Baseball
Ticket to Work (TTW) is a Social Security Administration (SSA) program available to Floridians who qualify for social security disability benefits and want to work. SSA issues tickets that may be used at any employment network… Ticket to Work and Vocational Rehabilitation
We’ve often said it: The Residential Support Professionals (RSP’s) are the cornerstone of FIL. Yet if you want to be the best, you have to hire the best and then do continuous training. To that… Residential Support Professionals Reboot
As we’ve mentioned many times, FIL is always looking to improve. We’re excited about the changes that are taking place at Enrichment, and now we’re excited to announce two new changes happening in our Health… Nutrition and Fitness: A Step-Up at FIL
Empowerment is defined as “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.” Not that the participants in our Women’s Empowerment Group were ever really wallflowers, but… Women’s Empowerment Group & Fitness Challenge
Changes are afoot with FIL’s Enrichment program. 2023 is promising to be an exciting year in the department’s evolution. Improving the resident’s everyday routine is essential for a better quality of life. This starts with introducing… Enrichment for the Whole Person at FIL
Who doesn’t love a good donut? But did you ever think that donuts might just build independence? We show a lot of pictures of our residents having fun, and fun is important. But FIL never… Social Skills Out in the Community
Thank you to the kind employees at the Coconut Creek City Hall and the Coconut Creek Police Department for inviting the FIL community to take a tour of your home. Each month, FIL Board Member,… FIL Residents Tour City Hall
Getting the input of our residents is critical to everyone at FIL. After all, this is their community. To that end, two groups of residents have been meeting with the Executive Director and team twice… FIL Resident Advisory Meetings
Rolonna Taylor is the Foundation for Independent Living’s Finance Director.
Mabell Angel is the Foundation for Independent Living’s Marketing Director.
Shenika Nichols is the Executive Chef for the Foundation for Independent Living. She is responsible for all the dietary needs of the FIL residents. This includes a fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day for the residents. Shenika joined FIL in February of 2021 as our Sous Chef and in a few months became she became our Executive Chef. Shenika studied at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale Florida earning an Associates’ Degree.
Aimee has twenty years of clinical experience working closely with adults suffering from mood and thought disorders, substance abuse issues, individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, those with PTSD, and those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Aimee is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities and believes strongly in infusing a variety of techniques including somatic, psychodynamic, mindfulness, parts work (Internal Family Systems) and intuitive therapy. She is an EMDRIA certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) as well as a Certified Forest Therapy Guide (Shinrin-yoku). She believes strongly in a multi-disciplinary approach and utilizing nature and mindfulness whenever possible within the healing process.
During the pandemic, Jill starting looking for a community for her daughter Hallie. It became evident that she needed much more than the quiet, suburban life in which she was living with her parents. Thus, the search began, fanning out from IL. When she found FIL, it was the heart of the staff and the community of residents that peaked her interest. But it was Hallie who, upon her 1st visit, asked if she could please live there that sold her. As a family, the decision was made and Hallie moved in late January 2022.
As FIL became very important to Hallie, Jill started attending Board meetings. She officially joined in June 2023. She hopes to bring a “Mom’s” perspective to this very committed Board. When teaching, students become her “kids.” That is how she feels about the residents at FIL.
Clint Corey was born just outside of Boston, Massachusetts in 1977. The son of a car salesman and waitress, Clint moved with his family to South Florida in 1989. After graduating from Coconut Creek High School in 1995, Clint took college classes in the morning while juggling multiple jobs on afternoons and weekends.
In 1998, Clint was hired by the City of Coconut Creek as a 21-year-old Park Ranger. It was through this position that Clint first came to meet the residents of FIL as one of his responsibilities was to open City facilities for FIL dances.
Clint was promoted to Code Compliance Officer in 2001, and then Police Officer in 2004. During his time at the Police Department, Clint has held various positions including Road Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, and Detective.
In 2010, Clint initiated the Police Department / FIL Roundtable Talk. These are monthly meetings in which Clint leads discussions on crime prevention and safe behaviors. An additional primary component of the meetings is to familiarize all residents and staff of FIL with all employees of the Police Department. This is accomplished by bringing in other Officers and staff on a regular basis. These meetings and relationship building events have undoubtedly created for a safer, positive, and trusting environment.
The Police / FIL relationship has evolved and grown over the years, and now also includes Field trips to City Hall, Special Olympic events, as well as the annual Police versus FIL Basketball Showdown, a crowd favorite. One of Clint’s proudest moments with FIL, was nominating FIL resident Joseph Benenati to become the 1st and only honorary Police Officer in Coconut Creek History (2017).
Clint lives with his wife, Ashley (a Coconut Creek Firefighter), and their teenage son and daughter in Palm Beach County. When not at work, Clint enjoys spending time with his family at sporting events and touring National Parks.
Steve Bederman is the Chairman of the FIL Board. He has served as a member of the board for 20+ years and prior to that, attended meetings. Steve’s brother Michael was one of the original five residents at FIL’s inception in 1985.
Steve’s parents were focused on finding a life for his brother that allowed him the same privileges and opportunities as their other children: the ability to meet his potential. After finding no other way to get to this outcome, they began to meet with a small group of other like-minded families, led by Scott and Harriet Mishner, finally deciding that they would do it amongst themselves.
Steve felt deeply about the purpose originally determined by the founding families. He believed that maintaining this distinct approach was the ‘secret sauce’ behind why FIL was a magical environment for so many. Steve has seen the incredible outcomes of so many residents and strongly believes in the benefits to residents as the single reason for FIL in the first place, for the next generation, and into perpetuity. He doesn’t want to imagine a day when that changes in any way. Steve firmly believed that his own point of reference would be a critical piece in the establishment of a sustainable future with this perspective in mind.
Steve has been in business management for small to enterprise-level organizations throughout his career. As an entrepreneur, Steve has built companies from inception through growth. He has managed budgets, staff at all levels, and successful outcomes. He has held various board seats and been president and/or CEO of companies for 25 years. Currently, Steve is the President of Nobel Biz, a technology company with offices in the US, Montreal, Morocco, Malta, Dubai, and with world headquarters in Bucharest, Romania. In addition, to his professional background, his family experience aids him in understanding the application of the Foundation and the necessity for it in our society and in his own family.
Steve is a long-distance marathon runner. Author of Mitch Jacob’s Corporate Thriller Series (fiction). A songwriter who also plays the guitar Steve is currently writing my fifth novel as well as a business book: ‘Lessons I’ve Learned in No Particular Order.’ He cares deeply for my family, social equality, and financial responsibility.
Jeffrey Leck is a Director and Chair of the FIL Aging Committee. He was the former Board Treasurer of the board. Jeffrey joined the board in the late 1990s, and his sister, Sherri, joined the FIL in the mid-1990s.
Jeffrey is a big believer in the FIL’s philosophy of building and sustaining a long-term community. He thinks it’s truly what everyone is seeking—a place to belong and enjoy life and friends. Jeffrey has been involved with financial planning and analysis all his life. After that, the most important focus is to serve the FIL residents to the best of our ability. The next critical item is to ensure the long-term viability and financial health of FIL.
Jeffrey enjoys playing club lacrosse in North Carolina. He is raising five children who are all at very different points in their life journeys—from kindergarten to recently married. Jeffrey chairs a Haitian charity that provides care and education to 130 mostly handicapped Haitian children.
In 2022, Roy joined the Board of FIL and serves on the Board Development Committee. He attended Board meetings for two years before being asked to officially join the Board. Roy’s daughter, Molly, became a resident of FIL six years ago. At that time, Molly was the youngest FIL resident at 22 years old. She came from a residential program in West Virginia, yet Roy and his wife Margrey were looking for a more family-oriented program with oversight specifically by a Board of Directors. When Molly and Margrey visited FIL, they both knew it was the right fit for Molly. They viewed FIL and discussed with Molly that this is her long-term home. Roy’s vision of FIL as Molly’s home gives him a deep level of commitment and a vested interest in the sustainability and longevity of the FIL program. His commitment is to ensure the ability of individual residents to flourish and for their family members to be confident in the residents’ safety and growth within the FIL community.
Roy and his wife Margrey both have a medical background. Margrey is a physical therapist with a master’s degree in special education. Roy has been a general dentist in private practice for 44 years and has simultaneously been heavily involved in the organizational oversight of our profession nationally. For over thirty years, he has served at different levels in dentistry and spent 2016-2020 on the Board of the American Dental Association. Roy has chaired the Budget and Finance Committee of our 2000-member church, which has a $2 million budget. Within his community, dentistry, and church, he’s been involved in successful multimillion-dollar capital campaigns. Roy’s background on multiple boards in the community, church, and in dentistry in both the organization aspect and in fundraising will be an asset to the FIL community.
Roy enjoys reading, traveling, running and clinical dentistry. Throughout his career, Roy’s focus has been on life/work balance, raising his children, being a committed husband, maintaining exceptional clinical skills and staying healthy personally. His family has traveled extensively, and they continue to travel with and without the children. Roy has taken several adventure hikes—the back trail to Machu Picchu in Peru; the Haute Route through the Alps from France to Switzerland; and a thirteen-day hike from the west coast of England to the east coast on the Wainwright trail.
Larry Koch is the Treasurer of the FIL Board’s Finance Committee. He has been on the board for over a year. Larry first became interested in FIL through his son Jason, who has been a resident of FIL for over 2 years. Larry wanted to join the Board because he hoped to contribute to making FIL the best organization it could possibly be for all its residents.
Larry wanted Jason to have the opportunity to maximize his ability to live independently within the constraints of his challenges. He was particularly attracted by the sense of community and the social network into which Jason could integrate at FIL, and by the developmental support programming and the employment support FIL provides.
Larry is a CPA and a retired partner with Deloitte & Touche, one of the world’s largest accounting, tax, and consulting firms. He hopes his background and experience will enable him to help support FIL’s financial reporting, internal controls, and financial management.
Larry plays a lot of tennis and is a self-proclaimed gym rat. He speaks Spanish and French fluently. Larry’s wife, Caty, is from Barcelona, Spain, and they enjoy traveling there and elsewhere in Europe as often as they can.
Charles Mishner is the President of the FIL Board. He has been a member of the FIL Board since 1994. Charles’ parents, Scott and Harriet Mishner, were the founders of FIL and his sister, Luise, was one of the first five residents of FIL. Charles joined the Board to continue his father’s legacy.
Charles works in construction and is a real estate broker. He has used his connections in the industry to assist FIL with construction, remodeling and repairs and to helping resolve landlord issues. Charles, being local, is always there for FIL.
Charles is an avid sportsman. He keeps up to date with Israeli and Jewish affairs and is an American history buff. He is also a lover of blues, jazz, rock and roll music, and the arts in general.
Danny Simon has been FIL’s Board Secretary since he joined in 2017. Danny’s brother is Andrew Simon, who has been a part of FIL since 2000.
Danny joined the FIL Board because he wanted to maintain a strong connection to the organization that plays such an outsized role in his brother’s life and contribute wherever possible to its success.
Danny served as a Senior Executive for a variety of large consumer brands, most recently as the CEO of Popcornopolis, a gourmet popcorn manufacturer that was sold in 2021 to Grupo Bimbo. He hopes that his finance, operations, and leadership backgrounds can contribute to the Board’s efforts to guide FIL into the future.
Danny and his wife have four children and two dogs, all of whom keep their lives full of fun and love. They love to travel and cheer for their favorite football team, the Buffalo Bills. Danny enjoys baking and cooking, especially sour cream blueberry cake and chicken and dumplings. Danny loves to travel and his wife has recently relocated the family to Costa Rica for six months as they take a break from big-city living.
Luigy Morency officially became a member of the FIL family as an Independent Living Coach (ILC) in December 2023. Originally from Haiti, Luigy brings a strong background in business management, information technology (IT), and event installation specialization. His diverse skill set has made him an invaluable member of the team, playing a key role in enhancing operational efficiency and improving resident support.
In the summer of 2024, Luigy demonstrated his leadership abilities when he served as the interim ILC Supervisor from July 1st through September. During this time, he was responsible for overseeing both residential and day-to-day operations.
As of January 2025, Luigy transitioned into the role of Residential Coordinator, where he continued his dedication to providing exceptional resident care and ensuring smooth operational management.
For Luigy, FIL residents have become like family, and he is deeply committed to protecting their well-being at all costs. His expertise, leadership, and passion for resident care have made him a respected and vital part of the team.
Kathleen Fee is a dedicated Supervisor of Independent Living Communities (ILCs) with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration, she has worked in both independent and residential living environments, where she has honed her leadership skills and built a reputation for her collaborative, team-oriented approach. Kathleen is known for her exceptional attention to detail, adaptability, and proficiency in various computer systems, making her a valuable asset to any team.
Throughout her career, Kathleen has demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining a supportive work environment and a strong work ethic. Her leadership style fosters collaboration among colleagues, helping them achieve common goals. She is also certified as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) and was honored with the American Heart Association Lifesaving Award in 2017 for her dedication to emergency care and service.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kathleen is a former goalkeeper for the Long Island Women’s Lacrosse Team, where she further developed her teamwork and leadership abilities. Outside of her career, she is a passionate Disney enthusiast and has had the opportunity to travel to six of the seven continents, gaining diverse experiences that enrich her perspective on life.
For Kathleen, her role at FIL is more than just a job—it’s a family. From the moment she joined, she was welcomed with open arms and immediately felt a sense of belonging. Her commitment to building meaningful connections and fostering a positive, family-like atmosphere is a cornerstone of her leadership.
Melissa Armano was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, where she developed a love for sports and hairstyling. After high school, she enrolled in cosmetology school, determined to pay her own way. At 18, she began working at Greater Lynn Mental Health, which provides housing and support for individuals with mental illnesses. Starting part-time, she quickly grew passionate about helping the residents and moved into a full-time supervisory role, where she trained staff and collaborated with caseworkers, doctors, and families.
In 2009, Melissa visited Florida, fell in love with the state, and moved there in 2010. After having her son and noticing signs of autism, he was diagnosed at 2.5 years old and thrived in an ESE program. Melissa returned to work gradually, taking on various roles, including at an addiction rehabilitation center. While she valued the experience, it wasn’t as fulfilling as her work at Greater Lynn. Eventually, she found her current role at FIL, where her passion for helping others and her deep empathy align perfectly with the work she loves.
Wislande Dormeus is a dedicated wife and mother of two children, ages 4 and 8. She enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her children, as well as taking care of others.
Originally from Haiti, Wislande studied hotel, restaurant, and travel administration and gained some knowledge in accounting. In the United States, she became a certified nursing assistant and caregiver. Wislande has also completed courses to become a behavior technician and is certified as a balloon decorator. She has experience working with special needs individuals, particularly those with autism, and has received training in CPR/BLS and as a Med Tech.
Steven Friedman is the Residential Financial Clerk at the Foundation for Independent Living, where they oversee various resident finances. Their responsibilities include investigating credit card charges, paying invoices, reconciling accounts, and finding ways to save money for residents and families while maintaining their outside services.
Born and raised in South Florida, Steven has faced many challenges in life and has learned to overcome them. They are currently pursuing a BA in Accounting at Florida Atlantic University, with plans to take the CPA exam upon graduation in the fall of 2025.
Steven enjoys their work at the Foundation and strives to treat everyone like their best friend. They believe in the importance of patience, kindness, and understanding in all interactions. The Foundation has become more than just a job for Steven – it has become a way of life, and they look forward to continuing their journey there.
Kiwi Matthews is an Occupational Therapy graduate of 2024 with over 14 years of experience in the medical field. She has worked across various specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, rheumatology, podiatry, and internal medicine, handling both front-end and back-end responsibilities such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and managing insurance and copay collections. Kiwi also spent 4 1/2 years in the operating room as an endoscopic tech, assisting surgeons with scopes, instruments, and troubleshooting equipment. Additionally, she served as an assistant manager, helping the company sell medical instruments.
Outside of work, Kiwi enjoys arts and crafts, spending time at the beach, fine dining, traveling, and watching movies.
To Kiwi, FIL represents FAMILY — a loving and supportive environment where cherished memories are created, and growth, guidance, and fun are experienced. FIL is HOME.
Marie Pierrelus is a dedicated medical professional with over a decade of experience in healthcare. Based in Tamarac, Florida, she specializes in medicine administration, behavior analysis, care support, safety management, teaching, and program management. Marie excels in both independent and team settings, with strong communication and presentation skills.
Marie has worked in various roles, including as a Recruiter, Internal Care Coordinator, and Scheduler. She has also gained valuable administrative experience in office support and candidate interviewing.
With a solid background in behavioral health, Marie has managed behavior health plans and supported families in her role as a Behavioral Health Technician. As a Direct Care Assistant, she helped young people and families improve education, gain employment, and achieve self-reliance.
Marie holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, an Associate degree in Business Management from Northern Essex Community College, and a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Keiser University. She is preparing to take her board exams. Fluent in English and Haitian Creole, Marie is proficient in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and care management software, and is certified in First Aid and BLS.
Driven by a passion for service, Marie continually seeks to expand her skills to better serve her community.
Montia Hawthorne is an Enrichment Specialist and New Jersey native who relocated to Florida to embrace the sunshine and continue his mission of uplifting and empowering others. His healthcare and public service career began humbly as a volunteer at food drives, progressing to roles as an in-home caregiver, travel companion, and Activity Director in an Assisted Living facility.
Montia has completed extensive training to work with seniors and adults with disabilities. His hands-on experience and personal life stories fuel his passion for serving this vulnerable population. Since joining the Foundation in May 2024, Montia has quickly made an impact and looks forward to furthering his influence and brightening the lives of those he meets.
Outside of work, Montia enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, as well as engaging in hobbies like beach walks, art, video games, poetry, and bowling. He is also dedicated to public service, volunteering with local organizations and supporting youth initiatives. As a mental health advocate and group facilitator, Montia strives to be a beacon of hope for those facing challenges. He believes in the transformative power of empathy and creativity to strengthen communities. To Montia, FIL represents an opportunity to fulfill his purpose.
With over 25 years of diverse experience in the music industry, Harold St. Louis has cultivated a deep expertise as a musician, producer, music engineer, teacher, and mentor. His passion for music and dedication to helping others have culminated in the creation of a unique music therapy program at the Foundation of Independent Living (FIL). This program is designed to enrich the lives of residents by harnessing the therapeutic power of music.
In addition to his extensive background in music, Harold has spent over a decade working closely with children in both school settings, churches, and private lessons. This experience has honed his ability to connect with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, making him particularly effective in his role at FIL.
Harold is known for his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all residents. His contributions to FIL are invaluable, and his innovative approach to music therapy continues to make a significant impact on the community.
Mrs. Danielle Pierre-Charles entered the United States in 1986 and completed high school in Brockton, Massachusetts. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1995, she relocated to Florida, where she started a family and built an impressive career rooted in advocacy and service.
Her professional background includes working for the Department of Children and Families, where she managed foster care children and elderly abuse records. She has served as a reunification specialist, a parent educator in home visiting programs, and an instructor of nurturing parenting for families and parents in substance abuse recovery. Before joining The Foundation for Independent Living (FIL), she worked as a case manager for the homeless population in Long Island, New York.
Mrs. Pierre-Charles has a deep passion for advocating for families and supporting those in need. In her personal life, she takes pride in being a mother of three and a grandmother of one. She enjoys gardening and watching things grow, cooking, and exploring culinary delicacies. A self-described people person, she is deeply spiritual, though not religious, and treasures meaningful connections. At FIL, Mrs. Pierre-Charles feels truly at home, embracing the family-like atmosphere. She views the residents as her brothers, sisters, and extended family members, making her work feel both fulfilling and personal. Her warmth, dedication, and nurturing spirit make her an integral part of the FIL community.
Ms. Marcelyn Samuels is one of the Independent Living Coaches (ILC) at the Foundation for Independent Living (FIL). Marcelyn has six years of experience as a Direct Support Professional serving individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Marcelyn has over twelve years of experience in the Child Welfare/Human Services field in the areas of adoption advocacy, child welfare case management, child sexual abuse and crisis intervention. Marcelyn is a certified forensic interviewer in the state of Florida and has assisted law enforcement and the judicial system in multiple counties by providing expert witness testimony in criminal and dependency court proceedings. In addition to being an ILC at FIL, Marcelyn is employed at the Broward County Crisis Intervention Support Division/Human Services Department. Also, Marcelyn is currently a doctoral student working towards her Doctorate degree in Human Services.
In her spare time, Marcelyn enjoys spending time with her family, event planning and catering. Marcelyn
truly has a passion for assisting the residents at FIL to lead independent lives. Marcelyn believes that a
family is not only whom you are birthed into but what you create and FIL is her family!
I have been a part of FIL since June 2023. With an Associates in Science in Occupational Therapy Assistance, I interned in Holy Cross Hospital in the Intensive Rehab Unit and Abi’s Place, a school for children with disabilities. My passion for helping others began back in high school when I was a member of Key Club, a volunteering group that connected with multiple non-profits to staff events. I have a passion for telling stories both on stage, in front of a camera and in writing. I am proficient in American Sign Language and one day plan to get a certification as an ASL Interpreter. For leisure, you can find me going to the movies, playing video games with friends or at a concert. FIL is the first place I have worked at that makes me feel like my work matters. It’s a place where I can feel the impact I make in the lives of the residents. I wake up excited for the opportunities FIL gives me to do something good with my time.
I’m Rico Thomas, the Transportation & Facilities Coordinator at The Foundation. With a background in
digital media and communications, I’ve worked both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, and
enjoy coaching others. I’m passionate about finding creative solutions to daily challenges. What I value
most in my role is listening to different perspectives and working together to improve our community.
My personality type is ENTJ and I enjoy motivating people.
Jack Minnelli is the Fitness Manager at the Foundation for Independent Living, Inc. In his role, he oversees the Foundation for Independent Living, Inc.’s website, social media, and newsletter. Jack is also one of FIL’s Resident Support Professional. As an RSP, he has a team of residents that trains and sets them up for success.
Jack started in 2016 as a Resident Support Professional. In 2019, he transitioned to the Marketing department.
Jack graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Multimedia Studies: Film and Video.
Shirelle DeSue is one of the Foundation for Independent Living’s Residential Support Professionals. In 2005, she began working at FIL, left in 2016, but returned to October 2021. As an RSP, Shirelle sets her team up for success. She is always there for them. If it is household, shopping, or redecorating their apartments, Shirelle is there every step of the way. Shirelle knows how to spread the love and help all the residents, and fellow RSPs, that need it. She is someone everyone can count on. Shirelle also works on the weekend and takes the residents on their weekend activities.
Shirelle also works for Broward County Public Schools.
Josie Barnett is one of the Residential Support Professional (RSP) at the Foundation for Independent Living, Inc.In her role, she works with a group of the residents supporting them in time management, shopping, maintaining their household, making appointments for grooming (hair and nails) and much more!
Josie relocated from the UK in 2021, where she graduated from Wolverhampton University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business. Josie worked for many years in Local Government supporting children, adults and families.
Elvith Arauz was born in Panama and moved to Massachusetts in July 1991 then to Florida in 2001. She started her FIL journey in 2006 working part-time on the weekends, but in 2007 Elvith started working full-time as a Live-In. Elvith has the title of both Live-In and RSP.
Elvith’s responsibility as a Live-In is to be on call every other week. This means, if a resident has any issue after hours, Elvith is one of the people they will go to for help. No issue is too small for Elvith. From apartments flooding to emotional support. Elvith will be there at all hours of the night to answer the call. She has been a Live-in for15 years. As a Resident Support Professional, or RSP, Elvith has a team of residents under her that she trains. Training includes but is not exclusive to, household, shopping, and coping skills. She is always there to help her team.
Elvith graduated from Fisher College in Massachusetts for early Childhood Education. She worked as a teacher’s assistant at Monarch High School. Elvith is a proud mother of two daughters and one son, and a grandmother to one granddaughter.
Sharon Shim is the Foundation for Independent Living Supervisor, Resident Support Professional (RSP). Her duties include training and guiding the RSP staff and providing them with tools and resources to succeed in their role. Sharon has displayed great leadership and resident advocacy which became an inspiration to all those around her – resident, staff, and family. Her passion, drive, and eagerness to build the program to greater heights in order to enhance the lives of the residents is her primary goal. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is one of her favorite quotes that she lives by. She applies this principle each and every day she walks into the doors of FIL and encourages others to do the same.
Prior to officially joining the team, she was a caregiver for one of FIL’s former residents who has now passed away. After 4 years of working in the Med Room, Sharon transitioned out of the department to take on the role as the Supervisor, Resident Support Professional. With 20 years of experience in direct medical care, her heart grew in abundance for caring for individuals with Special Needs. Sharon has always gone above & beyond to ensure the life of “her” residents were lived purposely and ensure they received the best of care – in all aspects of their lives – as though they were her very own family. Sharon makes it known that the FIL residents ARE her family and will always advocate for them as such
John Washington is the Foundation for Independent Living’s Utility Worker. John assists in the kitchen, ensuring all equipment and work areas are clean and maintained. He also helps with food preparation. Prior to joining FIL, Inc., John worked at the Fort Lauderdale Health and Rehabilitation Center.
John joined FIL, Inc. February 12, 2021.
My career in the culinary arts has spanned over three decades, affording me the opportunity to hone my
skills in some illustrious kitchens and well-known hospitals. My love for cooking was kindled at an early
age, and I have made it my mission to create healthy and delectable meals. Being a native of Grenada,
the Isle of Spice, I was exposed to an array of herbs and spices that ignited my passion for cooking. I now
offer health and nutrition coaching in addition to my culinary expertise, enabling others to make
knowledgeable dietary decisions.
Althea Wellington is the Program Health Coordinator at the Foundation for Independent Living, Inc. As a Program Health Coordinator, she ensures that all medical and pharmaceutical needs of the residents are met.
Althea started as a Medical Assistant in 2003 and continues her endeavor as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Althea graduated from Everest Technical College in 2012 with Diploma as a Patient Care Tech.
Jodi Engelman was born and raised in South Florida. She started her FIL, Inc. journey back in 2007 as the Controller. As FIL’s controller, she oversees FIL’s daily accounting operations, including the accounting, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable departments. Jodi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Miami (Go Canes!) and, subsequently received her Masters of Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. She is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida. Prior to working at FIL, Inc., Jodi worked as the Assistant Controller for The Singing Machine Company, Inc., a publicly-traded company, in Coconut Creek, FL.
Betty Cadet is the Foundation for Independent Living’s Executive Director. In this capacity Betty oversees all resident facing components of FIL’s community: Our meal program, Healthy Café, the Med Room Team, and the relationship that FIL has with Cypress Shores Apartments, the complex where all of FIL’s residents live.
Betty began her introduction to mental health when she managed a group home for eight residents with moderate to severe disabilities while studying Law Enforcement in college. She soon grew an admiration for assisting this particular population which proved to her that “this” was her calling – to serve, protect and become a voice of advocacy for these individuals. Soon after, she pursued a full-time career in the Medical Care field while also continuing her childhood passion as a dancer/choreographer & performer.
Betty eventually relocated to Florida after discovering that she had “more” to offer, but at the time, she didn’t know what “more” meant. It wasn’t until she started her journey at FIL, the definition of “more” came to light when she went from medically managing 8 residents at her previous group-home venture, to over 60 residents within the FIL organization. This became a gift, a home and a family that Betty’s heart, mind & soul fully embraced.
Betty’s future plan is to continue to grow professionally within the FIL organization that she loves so much. Her experience here has inspired her to be a key part of “enlarging the vision” and carrying on the legacy left by the Founders to greater heights. To continue to impact and support many lives who are faced with mental challenges and “be the light & difference” that they’ve never or could ever experience elsewhere. Which explains her favorite quote: “As long as you do things with love and care, they become a piece of you – it becomes beautiful.”