19 minute read
CELEBRATING THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR
the Woman Next Door
This month, in partnership with AdventHealth for Women, we’re recognizing some of the women in our community who are selflessly giving to others while raising families, supporting their loved ones and building their careers. Whether they know it or not, their stories inspire other women in their shoes.
Thelisha Thomas
Altamonte Springs
For more than 15 years, Thelisha Thomas has been an advocate and leader in providing health services for children, women and disabled individuals within underserved communities in Seminole County. Most recently, as the executive director for the Healthy Start Coalition, she had a hand in ensuring that several local pregnant women in need of services were able to survive an economically trying 2020. Through the organization of holiday food and supplies giveaways, hundreds of families received diapers, food, gifts and health services that they would otherwise not have been able to access.
What is your WHY? My why is to make others happy! I want to help my community and make things better for those that come after me. When I had to write a paper for grad school, I focused on the standard obituary and that simple dash between the birth and death dates. I really want my dash to mean something. I want to leave good memories with family and friends. I also want my peers, families and individuals that I’ve come into contact with over the years to say, “Thelisha was a hoot!,” laugh and recall something funny or something good that I did. I want to help others and make someone happy, even if it is for a short period of time. I want my son to be super proud of his mom, present and future.
On your toughest days, what motivates you to
put one foot in front of the other? Before my son was born, I would say the quality instilled in me from childhood that you just don’t quit. You never give up. Go over, go around, go through, but don’t quit! Now, my son drives me to ensure I can’t quit … I won’t!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn from it? Being a professional single mother. Things can be scary and difficult. Others have walked similar paths and done great things. I can do all things and there isn’t a cheat sheet to help you be a perfect mother. Do the best that you can. Lean on those true support systems and enjoy the ride. All of this is temporary.
AdventHealth for Women Health Navigator Tip!
After you turn 40, you should start getting a screening mammogram to look for signs of breast cancer, such as tumors, once a year. But it’s also important to do self-exams regularly at any age after puberty.
Belinda Kirkegard
Lake Nona
First and foremost, Belinda Kirkegard is a mom who is raising “the cutest kids on Earth.” She is also the economic development director for The City of Kissimmee, where she invests her time in helping Osceola County businesses and families thrive. As a member of the AdventHealth Kissimmee Community Advisory Council, she also provides valuable insight to the AdventHealth team.
What is your WHY? Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams.” My why is because I believe in the beauty of my dreams.
On your toughest days, what motivates you to put one foot in
front of the other? My faith.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did
you learn from it? In 2008, I ran for political office unsuccessfully. It was a high-profile race. I had raised $2 million, did everything right and lost by a half percent. I struggled to understand why because I knew in my heart that’s where I was called to be. Now I look back and it’s my reminder that God has a plan for us. The experience bolstered me professionally, the connections I made across the state were incredible and, most importantly, I met my now husband on the campaign trail, which was the greatest win possible.
As the development manager at HOPE Helps, Inc., a nonprofit that works to prevent homelessness in Central Florida, Jackie Nitti focuses on fundraising and donor relations. Her role helps to sustain the organization’s programs and ensure its clients receive the support they need during times of financial insecurity. She enjoys getting to know donors, business partners and community members who support the HOPE Helps mission.
What is your WHY? I believe it’s important to do what we can to help others because that’s how our communities thrive. There will always be people who need support, whether they are underprivileged, special needs, elderly, sick, abused or marginalized, and there are so many wonderful nonprofits and people in our community who are willing to step up and help where needed. I find it inspiring to work for HOPE Helps, where every day I see the kindness in people’s hearts when they’re willing to lend a helping hand to someone who is struggling.
What word perfectly explains who you are? Optimistic. There’s a lot of contention in the world right now, and so many people are having a tough go of it. I truly believe that most people are trying their best and want our families and neighbors to be secure and successful. I’m optimistic that if we all continue to work together, our community will be a place where everyone feels welcome and safe, has opportunities to succeed and provide for their families, and lives a long, healthy life.
Jackie Nitti
Oviedo
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The specially trained registered nurses on our Women’s Health Navigation team provide expert personalized, clinical assistance and educational, emotional and spiritual support. As part of this complimentary service, we’re here to coordinate your overall care and answer any questions you may have.
Meet the Navigation Team
Doreen Forsythe BSN, RN Health Navigator Janelle Grall BSN, RN, CPN Health Navigator
Deborah DiPrato
Dr. Phillips
During the school day, Deborah DiPrato becomes DJ Debbie D, as she puts on a fun song over the intercom for students and staff to bop to as they enter campus. An Orange County Public Schools teacher for the last 16 years, she is truly dedicated to her students, consistently shopping for classroom goodies and investing hours into her lesson plans. She also juggles her career with motherhood, making sure her two daughters always feel happy and loved.
What is your WHY? For children to achieve academic as well as social and emotional success, they must be happy in school and motivated to learn.
Would you change anything about how you have handled challenges
or successes thus far in your life? Maya Angelou said, “There’s a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror. Where you’re going is so much better than where you’ve been.” I would agree with that!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn from
it? My biggest challenge was reinventing myself when our family decided to move from Connecticut to Orlando in 2000. I was a financial manager of an executive suite business. I had taken many education classes in college. I started substituting in my daughters’ elementary school. The substituting led to teaching full time. The career, in fact, found me, but I do believe that this is what I was supposed to do with my life.
As the community relations officer for Seminole County, Ashley Moore is responsible for public information dissemination and the management of public education campaigns. As she balances work with parenting two young daughters, she is also an active member of the Venue on Lake Lily event committee, a founding board member for Apopka Community Trust and a volunteer mentor for Embrace Families.
What is your WHY? I carry life lessons from my parents, who taught me to do as much as I can for as long as I can, because one day, I won’t have the same abilities and energy to accomplish as much. To me, that translates across all facets of life — at home, at work and in service to others. Carrying on these principles is part of my purpose.
Have you drawn inspiration from other women? I put my mom on a pedestal. She’s my constant, giving me unconditional love when I didn’t deserve it, showing me how to have a career with not only a paycheck, but also purpose, and how to steadily balance life in light of adversity. Most importantly, she’s shown me the best example of how to be a mother. If I’m half the mom she has been, I’ll consider myself a success.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and what did you learn
from it? I lost my dad three years ago to leukemia. I’m continuing to learn so much about grief and its complexity with each day that passes; particularly, that grief doesn’t go away. Rather, I’ve found that life begins again and grows around the grief, making it seem less overwhelming. I’m also learning how to honor my dad and his legacy — mostly by making, not finding, time to give my talents to those who deserve them.
Ashley Moore
Maitland
Emily Kinnunen
Winter Garden
A music teacher for Orange County Public Schools, Emily Kinnunen lives, breathes and plays music. Even when classes went virtual, she continued to come up with the most creative lesson plans for her students and did everything in her power to brighten their days. She even attends her students’ musical performances and after-school activities in her free time, truly showing how her dedication to her students shines both inside and outside the classroom.
What is your WHY? I have wanted to be a teacher from the moment I entered a school. My biggest goal is to always leave the world a little bit of a brighter place. As a music teacher, my biggest WHY is that I absolutely love what I do, and I can’t imagine doing anything else because I love being able to make music with the most amazing young musicians every single day.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of being confident in my own skin and not being afraid to be who I am. For so many women and young girls, being confident in one’s own skin is something that they often struggle with. I am a firm believer that being true to yourself never goes out of style and there is nothing better than being exactly who you are.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced and
what did you learn from it? When I think back on some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced, I often think back to when I was growing up and my peers telling me that I was different, that I didn’t fit in with everyone else, and that I would never be good at what I do. Instead of letting these hurtful words set me back, I always knew that if I set my mind to something, that I would be able to achieve my goals. Along with this, I knew that being different from everyone else is what made me special. I always tell my students that I love them for being just the way they are, and I believe that my experiences have helped shape that lesson that every child leaves my classroom knowing.
AdventHealth for Women Health Navigator Tip!
A well-woman exam is a yearly checkup performed by either your primary care physician or your OB/GYN. This annual screening is a great time to catch up with your care provider to review your medical and family history and share any changes with your body over the last year. If you’ve had a hysterectomy, it’s still recommended that you have a pelvic exam every three to five years, even if you’ve never had an abnormal result.
As the leader of the cheer and dance programs at Bishop Moore Catholic High School, Shannon Lambert is a mentor to studentathletes, both in their sport and their faith. She also volunteers with the AdventHealth chaplain. Last year, she felt called to minister to the elderly, so she started taking classes to become a CNA to meet requirements for serving this population in the hospital environment.
What is your WHY? Life is tough in some way for everyone, and I learned early on that you don’t have to become a product of your environment. However, it would require goal setting, a game plan, hard work and to always stay true to yourself and your values. As I matured, I recognized my happiest moments were when I was helping others. I started serving those who felt lost or struggled with poor self-image and, when that wasn’t enough, I heard the call to care for the elderly. I have state championship and national titles, but none measure up to the moments when you’re thanked for making a difference in a life.
On your toughest days, what motivates you to put one foot in
front of the other? It’s simple: for the love of others. I enjoy seeing people grow, get healthy and learn to love and accept who they are. I pray daily that those I encounter will get a glimpse of Jesus in me.
BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY
BRADY GIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Alfreda Clark
Downtown Orlando
As the center director for the AdventHealth for Children West Lakes Early Learning Center, which opened last April to provide education and care for essential workers’ young children, Alfreda Clark oversees the daily operations of the facility’s clinic, comprehensive services, community outreach and school. She has dedicated her career to providing children and families with optimal experiences that contribute to positive outcomes in life. Her efforts have been integral in growing the center to 90% of its capacity.
What is your WHY? I am a difference maker, a change agent. I know it’s my calling to contribute to humanity by using my gifts and my whole heart to be of service.
On your toughest days, what motivates you to put one foot in
front of the other? I get centered, and in my self-talk, I reconnect with God and recite the verses and sayings that have contributed to resilience and perseverance in my life: “Where you find yourself is where you are, and where you are is where you need to be,” “This too shall pass,” “Only a fool returns to his folly,” and “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” I also seek advice from a circle of confidants that continue to pour into me and inspire me.
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of being the mother of an amazingly spirited 5-year-old and watching her grow and witnessing her loving heart. I’m also proud of feeling like I’m extended family to so many amazing friends and that I have a family that is like none other. I have been truly blessed in those areas of my life.
Sonja Nicholson
Winter Park
Originally from Alabama, Sonja Nicholson speaks in a soft southern accent though her nurturing personality and passion for her community command the room. Her heart for philanthropy is apparent with her name connected to investments in education at UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and in the health of the community at AdventHealth Winter Park’s Nicholson Center. In her nomination, it was said, “I’ve seen firsthand how much she cares for the wellbeing of the community and gets involved to make an impact. Overall, she is generous, kind, compassionate, warm and inspiring.”
What is your WHY? Making a difference. I want to make a positive impact on the lives I touch, whether large or small. This includes my family, friends, our community and our country. I believe making a difference starts at home. I always feel you get back more than you give when giving from the heart!
Have you drawn inspiration from other
women? Yes, over the years my mother, sister, daughters and a few special friends. I learned to raise the bar for my life in every way, which includes loving God, holding family dear to my heart, being adventurous, never giving up on dreams and living life to the fullest.
What is the one word that perfectly
explains who you are? Genuine. Many people have used this word to describe me over the years. I have never lost sight of who I truly am.
AdventHealth for Women Health Navigator Tip!
Typically, regular colorectal screenings should begin at age 45 to determine the presence of any cancerous or precancerous cells in your lower digestive tract. However, it may be recommended sooner if you have risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer. The screening usually takes less than an hour and is not anywhere near as uncomfortable as you might think. Your doctor will provide some level of anesthesia, whether conscious sedation or Monitored Anesthesia Care, which has a rapid onset and a quick recovery time.
Jessica Wickey Byrd
Southwest Orlando
GREG BYRD Jessica Wickey Byrd is an instructor and internship program director at Rosen College of Hospitality Management. She launched human trafficking education last summer to enhance the students’ internship education. She’s a member of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force and the Central Florida National Academy Foundation’s Advisory Board for high schools with hospitality and tourism programs.
What is your WHY? My professional “why” is to mentor future leaders of the hospitality and tourism industry. The highlight of my day is when a student calls or emails me to tell me they got their dream career. Their success brings me such joy! I truly enjoy guiding them to be the best versions of themselves and, in the process, they teach me to be the best version of myself.
On your toughest days, what motivates you to put one foot in front of the other? I suffered a traumatic loss of my twin sister in 2010, and my mother in 2009. Losing them changed the trajectory of my life. Prior to their deaths, I lived a carefree life with a modest concept of goals. After their passing, I try to consciously take advantage of time with family and friends and plan strategic, obtainable goals. I try to be present in conversations and a better listener. Everything I do, I do with them in mind. I want to live life to the fullest, travel to every country, taste every food and meet new people — all things they’re not able to do. I often find myself stepping out of my comfort zone to take advantage of opportunities that would make them proud.
What is the one word that perfectly explains who you are? Can I have three words please? I live each day following the three Ps: positivity, passion and productivity. When I worked in the hospitality industry, they used to call me the “smiling general.”
– William Shakespeare
What truly remarkable stories these local women have of finding and living their life’s purpose. We hope you are as inspired by them as we are.
Learn more about the women featured here and the work they do within our community at www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com
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