Women on the SCENE 2015 by SARASOTA SCENE Magazine

A Legacy of Stability

Whether it's protecting special needs children, helping new to the area families take root, assisting those who lose their spouse, advising a newly divorced person on how to start anew, or providing keen financial knowledge, the women at Caldwell Trust Company understand, listen and support with unmatched expertise and compassion. They continually deliver superior one-on-one client service, absolute accessibility, and give back to this community with very giving and passionate hearts. Area attorneys and CPAs know them well and appreciate their professionalism, attention to detail, as well as their outstanding communication skills every step of the way to achieve a successful outcome for all parties involved. Their commitment to area boards such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota, Make-A-Wish Foundation, SKY Academy, Tidwell Hospice, and Sarasota County Search and Rescue speaks to their high standards of commitment and integrity.

These are the ladies of Caldwell Trust Company. From left to right, Sheryl Vieira, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Jan Miller, Executive Vice President, Sonya Kristie, Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer, Ashley Harrison, Assistant Vice President of Operations, Susan Hines, J.D., Vice President and Trust Officer, and Wendy Fishman, Executive Vice President and Senior Trust Officer. Privately-held Caldwell Trust Company, with its experienced and dedicated staff, promises a stability of leadership, a tradition of service, and a legacy of trust from generation to generation to generation.

A S P E CTAC U L A R V I E W

of Living

At Plymouth Harbor, wellness is defined by continuing broad interests and a healthy lifestyle for an active mind and body. Our new 10,000 square foot wellness center engages both equally. Here you will find a rich myriad of activities surrounded by spectacular views of Sarasota Bay. Start your day with a workout in the fitness center, a soothing Tai Chi class, or a dip in the pool. Maybe you prefer the creative outlet of our woodworking shop or art studio. Join in on a game of bocce or a sit in on an educational lecture. There is so much to choose from, the possibilities are endless. And it is not just a possibility, but everyday life here at Plymouth Harbor.

Once you see Plymouth Harbor and meet the vibrant people who call it home, you will change the way you think about your future. Residents treasure the time they spend in their lovely, spacious apartment homes – yet appreciate all of the thoughtful services and amenities that are part of the Plymouth Harbor lifestyle. And they love the beautiful setting that looks like a first-class resort, but feels just like home. Come see for yourself – and get a new perspective on retirement living. Call us today for a tour of our award-winning campus, our new wellness center, luxury accommodations and amenities.

A S P E C TA C U L A R V I E W O F R E T I R E M E N T

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Every woman profiled in this magazine has a story to tell. They come from different backgrounds, have different skillsets and goals, and are passionate about what they do. They are all unique. Each one of them faced challenges and had some doubts along the way, but through it all they forged ahead with enthusiasm and fortitude to become the successful and resilient women they are today. They contribute every day in a positive and productive way to the fabric of our community. They are our 2015 Women on the SCENE. This much anticipated triennial issue is one you will want to keep on hand and use as a resource guide. I encourage you to utilize the services, patronize the businesses and support the causes of the women we so proudly feature. Please take time to read every profile and appreciate the achievements of each and every one of them. I am sure you will agree having women in our community of such accomplishment makes our future all the more brighter.

Julie Milton, Executive Editor

CEO/Publisher Ronald W. Milton

Executive Editor Julie A. Milton

Issue Coordinator Debbi Benedict

Cover Photography: John Revisky Model: Viktoriya Gots Clothes: La Femme Fatale Hair and Makeup: Ana Molinari Assistant: Dylan Jon Wade Cox Location: Downtown Sarasota 15th and 16th floor, 4,000 square foot plus penthouse at Marina Tower with dazzling water and skyline views. Listed for sale at $4,295,000 by Carole Samuels, Re/Max

Profile Writer Sue Cullen Vice President Sales Steve Slocum Art Director Michelle Cross Distribution Dick Jackson

Alliance Group (330-503-9035).

Profile Photographers Nancy Guth Keith A. Millard John Revisky Jessica Tasetano Office & Mailing Address: 5939 Approach Road, Sarasota, FL 34238 941.365.1119 Fax: 941.954.5067 scenesarasota.com SCENE Magazine is a locally owned, operated and printed publication. Women on the SCENE is published by RJM Ventures, LLC. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

Women on the SCENE 2015

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The Designers of Seeing a Robb & Stucky truck pull into the driveway

vendors such as Century, Chaddock and Vanguard, and

and anticipating its signature white glove service delivers

the “Leading Ladies” of its state-of-the-art interior design

a frisson of excitement knowing that luxury furnishings

studio. Robb & Stucky is the largest employer of trained

are arriving that will enhance a home’s beauty for

interior designers in Southwest Florida. These creative,

years to come. Robb & Stucky is celebrating its 100th

knowledgeable, and experienced professionals ensure

Anniversary this year, a testament to its commitment to

the interior design process is easy and fun, making Robb

customer service, strong relationships with high-quality

& Stucky shoppers customers for life.

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Women on the Scene 2015

The company’s successful combination of professional

likes spending time with her black Lab, Sam, and walks in St.

interior design and luxury home furnishings has led it to

Pete’s Vinoy Park. Kristin Goff’s favorite activity is spending

expand to Florida’s East Coast in 2016 in addition to its

time with family and friends. Caroline Von Weyher is a former

showrooms in Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Along with

Hollywood executive producer and set designer who has

their passion for their profession, these interior designers

two adorable Cocker Spaniel rescues. Jacqueline Cantwell’s

believe in paying it forward by supporting organizations

passions are music, tennis and France. Her daughter is

such as Habitat for Humanity and the Jewels on the Bay

a singer in Paris. Oui! Pamela Yates is a fun-loving drama

Showhouse fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of

queen/dancer. Marsha Ritter jumped out of an airplane

Sarasota. Get to know Robb & Stucky’s talented Leading

for her 50th birthday. Rosemary Zottola spent a couple of

Ladies a bit better with some fun facts about each of them.

previous lives as a sous-chef and owned a shoe store for 12

From left to right: Dagmar Bartlett grew up in Germany

years. Robin Azevedo enjoys turning up the romantic heat

and enjoys international travel, experiencing other cultures

by taking tango and salsa lessons with her husband. Kelly

and food, and meeting people everywhere. Carol Grabert

Kilgo has amazing physical prowess. She can run in heels.

Women on the SCENE 2015

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| Women on the Scene 2015

Melodie Cassandra Dickerson Holmes Robyn Bell For nearly six decades, State College of Florida,

knowledge fuels her passion for engaging donors in SCF’s

Manatee-Sarasota, has built a reputation for helping its

mission, programs and students in her role as Executive

students obtain jobs or move on to additional academic

Director of the SCF Foundation. Inspired and encouraged

achievement through quality and affordable programming.

by her entrepreneurial mom, Cassandra went on to earn two

Now, SCF also is being recognized as a vital part of the

bachelor’s degrees, in accounting and management, after

Cultural Coast with the region’s only open access fine and

receiving an associate degree from Santa Fe Community

performing arts program and a robust music program that

College. She worked in finance for Walt Disney World

is earning accolades and making its mark on the area’s

before entering the nonprofit and education sector, serving

performing arts scene. In recent years, the public has grown

as development director for St. Joseph Catholic School and

familiar with SCF’s symphony orchestra, symphonic band,

the Manatee Community Foundation prior to joining the

jazz ensemble and combo, and guitar ensemble along with

SCF Foundation in 2014.

concert and chamber choirs.

The multitalented Melodie Dickerson is Director of

This past season, the chamber choir was asked to

Choral and Vocal Studies and Music Program Manager.

accompany Susan Boyle at the Van Wezel, and its sold-

Melodie, a soprano, has an impressive resume of

out production of the ambitious and challenging Carmina

performances in concerts and musicals. At SCF, she has

Burana was a resounding success. The extraordinary growth

directed many performances in her 12-year tenure, including

and accomplishments of the music program are due in

The Boyfriend, The Gondoliers, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

large part to the leadership of four women. These women

Melodie teaches private voice and music appreciation and

are passionate about the program and care deeply about

conducts the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Music

SCF students for whom music may become a career or, just

Theatre Ensemble. Previously, she taught and was Choir

as important, can provide the feeling of belonging that is

Director and Drama Advisor for Mount Ida College and

vital to keeping them engaged enough to complete their

was a voice instructor at the University of Cincinnati where

education despite sometimes challenging circumstances.

she founded the Summer High School Musical Theatre

Dr. Carol Probstfeld, President of SCF, was raised with

Workshop. Melodie greatly appreciates her hardworking

a strong work ethic by parents for whom hard work was a

parents – her mom taught piano and her father was a

daily part of farm life. They instilled in Carol the importance

minister – for supporting her desire for a career in the arts.

of earning her way, facing life’s challenges head on, and

As a high school senior playing trumpet in the band,

the value of a college education. It was a lesson she took

Robyn Bell knew she wanted to be a music teacher.

to heart, earning a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from

Somewhat uniquely, Robyn is an experienced conductor for

Argosy University and an MBA from John Carroll University.

both band and orchestra, which is the perfect fit for SCF. In

Carol has 20 years of higher education experience, joined

addition to her responsibilities as Director of Instrumental

SCF in 2003 as Vice President of Business and Administrative

Studies, Robyn teaches music appreciation and conducts

Services, and was named President in 2013. SCF’s mission

SCF’s Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. She also

has always resonated with her because Carol also faced so

is conductor of Sarasota Orchestra’s Pops Orchestra and

many of the same challenges she now sees SCF students

former conductor of its Youth Orchestra. Prior to joining SCF,

working so hard to overcome.

Robyn built a highly successful program as band director for

Cassandra Holmes also identifies closely with SCF

Ridgeland High School and taught classes and conducted

students since she began her higher education at a

the jazz band and chamber orchestra for Covenant College,

community

both in Georgia. She recently was awarded her doctoral

college.

Cassandra

knows

firsthand

the

supportive role it can play in a student’s future success. That

degree in music education at Boston University. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Women on the Scene 2015

Kelly Gettel As a fourth generation real estate entrepreneur and a licensed Realtor of 17 years, Kelly Gettel has an in-depth understanding of excellent customer service that, combined with her flair for out-of-the-ordinary marketing strategies, has earned her a stellar reputation and the praise of her clients. “Working with Kelly has been a delight. We were extremely fortunate to have met Kelly at an open house, and we knew that she would be the Realtor we wanted to work with,” remarked Bob and Gay Moxley. “Throughout our experience with Kelly, she has been extremely professional, committed to our needs and incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of real estate. She responds quickly and is very reliable and honest. She has always had our best interests in mind and has gone above and beyond to serve us as clients throughout this process.” An independent sales associate affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate’s Sarasota Downtown office, Kelly utilizes every tool the Coldwell Banker® brand provides – an international network, unmatched online property exposure, innovative technology and powerful marketing resources. But she doesn’t stop there. Relying on her vast knowledge of the local real estate market and creative problem-solving, Kelly is able to deliver unexpected solutions to help her clients achieve their goals. She employs every possible method to promote a listing – whether it’s showcasing a property in an 8 -page fashion spread in a Tampa magazine or throwing a Margaritaville-themed party at a beach-style home. Knowing that this is a relationship-driven business, she takes a handson approach and enjoys being personally involved with every client. She attends every open house, answers every question and proactively addresses every concern. Backed by a strong and dedicated team, she gives her complete support and attention to all of her clients, from first-time buyers to relocating CEOs. A full-time Sarasota resident since her school days, Kelly’s roots in the area run deep, giving her an extensive network of resources through which she delivers concierge-style services, covering everything from doctors to seawall inspectors, interior designers to movers. She’s with her clients every step of the way, and never hesitates to go the extra mile – once even going so far as to hop on a plane to New York City to meet with clients at their convenience.

Women on the SCENE 2015

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To say that Catherine Csaky has faced some challenges in her life is a bit of an understatement. Born in Hungary under Communist rule, as a young girl she was separated from her parents who defected, were branded as traitors during the height of the Cold War, and faced execution if they returned to the land of their birth. The communist Hungarian government essentially held Catherine hostage for three years until finally allowing her to leave the country and join her parents when she was 12. While her story has a happy ending, her experiences laid the foundations for a life of service and empathy for others who are in challenging circumstances. Today, Catherine is a highly credentialed Client Care Advocate for Life Planning Law Firm of Sarasota. She serves as a guide who solves problems and implements solutions for seniors and their families as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and the intricacies of long-term care. Life Planning Law Firm, founded by Kevin Pillion, has a mission to help elders retain a high quality of life. Using a team based, holistic approach, they address legal, medical, and financial concerns as well as the social and family issues that seniors face by developing a Life Care Plan. The plan makes seniors’ wishes clear and helps avoid negative consequences like family disputes or even involuntary court-ordered guardianship. Catherine, who has a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University, serves as clients’ point of contact when needs arise, and she brings a great deal of empathy and compassion to her relationship with them because she has walked in their shoes. When she was working toward completing her dissertation for a Ph.D. in health psychology, she received a phone call that changed her life in an instant. Her widowed mom had received a serious diagnosis and needed her help. Without hesitation, she sold her home, took a leave from her doctoral program, and moved to Venice to care for her mom until she passed away. During a typical workweek, Catherine helps clients who find themselves in a variety of circumstances. Many clients come to her in the midst of a crisis, such as needing to find an appropriate nursing home for a client whose needs mean they can no longer stay in assisted living. Catherine will meet with administrators and healthcare providers and coordinates the move, often in a very short timeframe. She also serves in an advisory role for seniors or their family members. That could involve intervening when clients are about to be discharged from the hospital to ensure they are sent to the best facility for their needs rather than to just any facility that has room for them. Catherine also will serve as a care coordinator for clients. She may get a call from a family member saying that mom can’t live independently anymore, but wants to stay in her home and needs help 24/7. With 120 home health agencies in the area, finding the right one can be an overwhelming task. Catherine’s familiarity with local agencies means she can recommend the best options for the highestquality care – the type of care that she wanted for her own mom. Her recommendations also are backed by strong professional credentials. Catherine’s work has been focused on seniors her entire career, including with senior housing and private duty home health care. She also has worked in a variety of clinical settings with a private psychiatric practice, psychiatric facility, and mental health centers. This experience and her advanced training in geriatrics and gerontology also have allowed her to gain a deep understanding of dementia patients and the anxiety and depression from which many suffer. What Catherine loves best about her job is being able to see the positive impact she has on clients and their families, and many tell her they couldn’t have gotten through it without her. Although she devotes a lot of time to the seniors she helps through Life Planning Law Firm, Catherine relishes relaxing by tending her garden, and she is an advocate for animal welfare who works with many dog rescue organizations. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Dr. Judy Dr. Sandra Genshaft Stone Dr. Teresa Anne Rawe Weintraub

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Women on the Scene 2015

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, including offering a four-year curriculum for the first time and launching the highlysuccessful College of Hospitality and Tourism Leadership. Plans for the future are no less ambitious with USFSM’s leadership focusing on creating even more success for students and faculty, developing a vibrant campus life, and finding new ways to engage and demonstrate value within the community among other initiatives. Helping to lead this ongoing transformation are four talented and committed women of diverse professional backgrounds who are united by a passionate devotion to USFSM. Dr. Judy Genshaft, President and CEO of the University of South Florida System, has led the university to significant growth and success for the past 15 years. During her tenure, USF has been recognized as one of the top 50 research universities and has grown into the nation’s ninth largest public research university with an annual economic impact of more than $4.4 billion in the Tampa Bay region. In keeping with her belief that women are equal in their capacity to demonstrate professional success in all areas, she made history as the first woman to chair the NCAA Division 1 Board. Having been raised in a hard-working, leadership-oriented, and self-made family, Judy crafted an impressive career, moving steadily up the academic ranks, prior to joining USF. Her passion is fueled by her desire to ensure USF continues to drive student success, serve business’ workforce requirements, and contribute to economic development. Dr. Sandra Stone is USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Regional Chancellor and has immersed herself in helping create a new five-year strategic plan for USFSM and forging relationships within the local community during her first year in the position. Although she has extensive experience in higher education administration, her background is somewhat different from career academics. Sandra’s degrees are in psychology and sociology. She is a certified mediator and has a post-doctoral certificate in organizational behavior. Her early working years were spent as a social worker dealing with family violence. She also worked in public health for the CDC, and with drug enforcement for the U.S. Justice Department and in Atlanta where she was Mayor Andrew Young’s drug policy advisor. She is energized by how well students, staff, and faculty pull together around a shared purpose and by her own goals to make USFSM an even more integral part of the community. USFSM alumna Anne Weintraub brings her keen intellect, depth of caring, and propensity for connecting others synergistically to her service as a board member. Anne, an attorney whose practice is focused in real estate law, is passionate about education and paying it forward, believing that when it comes to scholarships for students, more is always better. For her dedication to helping others, she received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from Temple Sinai, and her work to aid distressed homeowners following the housing crisis has helped many families. She recently gave a boost to USFSM’s hospitality students by connecting the college with a restaurant and hospitality group where they can learn real-world service values. Anne has served on the board of Stetson University, her law school alma mater, and is currently active with other organizations. One of the things she enjoys particularly is meeting other USF graduates at work in the community. Dr. Teresa Rawe practically sizzles with energy and brings her zest for life and passion for all things Manatee County to her work with USFSM’s board. She loves her work as Medical Director of the Emergency Department for both Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and contributes a perspective from the healthcare community as well as from the many other organizations with which she is involved. It was a broken leg that awoke Teresa’s interest in the medical profession, a lofty ambition in a family where no one had gone to college, so she understands the role education plays in achieving students’ dreams. She uses her lifelong connections here to serve as an ambassador for USFSM with the business community so leaders understand what the university can bring to the table. Teresa also hopes to influence curriculum development, including adding more certificate programs, to meet business needs. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Women on the Scene 2015

Amy Robinson Amy Robinson is a top real estate agent in the Sarasota area, but her life wasn’t always filled with glamour and success. Raised by a single mom, a schoolteacher, Amy was taught at an early age a healthy work ethic. She started working at the age of 13 for her uncle’s property management company mowing yards with a push mower. Her next job of handing out samples at the grocery store is where Amy recalls her first lesson in sales. The store manager would tell Amy that people buy from people they like and to just be nice and people will buy. She’s worked ever since, including through college, where she graduated with a BBA in Marketing without owing a single penny in student loans. Her passion for real estate began when she purchased her first house at the age of 19, which then sold two years later for more than double the original purchase price. Ultimately, Amy knew real estate was the quintessential opportunity to leverage her desire to be an entrepreneur. It had been preached to her since she was a little girl – get your education and work hard and you can do whatever what you want. There are no limits, no excuses. Put your mind to it and it’s yours. Never one to turn down an opportunity, Amy had an incredible career in marketing, working with and learning from one of the best public relations and marketing executives in the country. It meant leaving a “cushy” job at Motorola for a start-up company, yet she jumped without hesitation. That experience was a game changer for Amy, who is considered a visionary and innovator in marketing and sales, a strength she fine tuned during her years at General Bandwidth, and further mastered during her time at Dell. Amy learned early on clients don’t want to hear something can’t be done – they don’t want to hear the word no. Intuition helps, and being a problem solver enables her to intuitively navigate the complexities of every real estate transaction. Her unique marketing approach coupled with her desire for exceptional client service and fierce loyalty to her clients separates Amy from the rest. In 2014 Amy had over $23 million in sales of the $33 million achieved in total by her and her team. In 2015, Amy is on track for another record sales year. Her 2014 sales didn’t come from selling a few seven-figure trophy properties, but came from closing over 50 transactions. That volume of closings enables Amy to continue practicing the art of negotiating, putting the right buyer with the right house, while always keeping her clients’ needs and goals front of mind. With an eye on getting better before getting bigger, six months ago Amy and her team of five shared a space just over 100 square feet. Now she’s opened her own flagship office with over 2,000 square feet in the heart of North Siesta Key Village. Every surface reflects Amy’s personality. It’s a little sexy and a lot glamorous with high-end finishes that include imported Italian tile and sleek Italian modern furniture, as well as state-of-the-art technology. It’s mostly white and very bright, with a little pink, and drenched in natural light. The space epitomizes today’s modern office, inspiring in every way from the house music to the lighting and the lavender scents in the air. It is a fabulous recruiting beacon designed for growth of new team advisors. Amy strategically created a space that she, her advisors and her clients will love for years to come. Success, Amy believes, comes from her integrity and professionalism combined with her passion for the business, as well as her clients, who she truly loves. Known for her astute business acumen, no-nonsense approach, thorough market knowledge, and incredible work ethic offset with a light hearted attitude and an iconic and whimsical brand – the pink flamingo – it all just works. She rightfully should be considered a true American success story. Every single thing she’s earned, she’s done on her own. Her love for her community doesn’t stop at real estate. Amy is thankful and grateful every day and gives back in many ways to numerous organizations including Operation Second Chance and various animal rescue organizations. Women on the SCENE 2015

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When it comes to the short list of organizations that make a profound contribution across a wide swath of our community, JFCS definitely must be on it. From newborns to centenarians, JFCS’ wide range of wraparound services provide individuals and families, who are overwhelmed by difficult circumstances, the support they need to become self-sufficient. JFCS programs feed the hungry, prevent homelessness, aid veterans, help seniors live independently, and provide counseling for children, adults, and families, and so much more. Supported by an involved board and a truly caring staff, JFCS also is fortunate to have these two tireless advocates heralding its mission. Rose Chapman, JFCS President and CEO, believes strongly that she has a responsibility to see that JFCS makes the best use of all funding, to foster collaboration among organizations, and keep an open door for anyone wanting to learn more about the organization. Rose emigrated here from Cuba as a child, grew up and began her social work career in New York. She has been with JFCS for 22 years and loves to convey her knowledge to the next generation as an adjunct professor at USF teaching counseling and macro-level community and policy work. Gerri Aaron has been a JFCS board member for many years, and is well known for her volunteerism and philanthropy with many local organizations. She finds JFCS’ comprehensive wraparound services — which are available to everyone regardless of background or finances — especially appealing. Although she began her career as a school counselor, Gerri always yearned to be in social work. JFCS allows her to indulge her passion for helping families, through the Building Strong Families program, along with her dedication to homelessness prevention and aiding at-risk children. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

At heart, Rita Altman, P.A. helps people feel good and look as good as they feel both in her aesthetic medical practice and as a yoga instructor who has amassed a considerable local following. Through her business, Rita Medical Elite, she performs noninvasive procedures that transform faces in a natural way through neuromodulators, such as Botox, and by offering a range of proven dermal fillers. Her results leave clients looking refreshed, happy and younger and also feeling better about themselves. Rita is a nationally recognized expert in injectable procedures and has trained dozens of professionals, including plastic surgeons and dermatologists, in her successful techniques to reverse facial aging. Rita’s goal always is to look at and listen to clients carefully to understand what they want to achieve and deliver a natural, youthful appearance gradually rather than a sudden, overdone change. In addition to this outside-in approach, Rita believes in working on oneself from the inside out and credits yoga with helping her achieve balance in her life. As a popular instructor, she shares its healing and physical properties with others. This yin/yang mix of science and art has been part of Rita’s persona from an early age. She earned a master’s degree in physician’s associate studies from Emory University School of Medicine and worked in surgery for 20 years. She also completed a secondary degree in dance as an undergraduate. Being a breast cancer survivor taught Rita the importance of maintaining a balanced life and doing what she loves every day – and she does. That positivity is reflected in her continually-growing practice. Ninetyfive percent of her business comes from returning clients and the friends and family they refer. Rita also has always given back by volunteering for medical missions through Flying Doctors of America and locally with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and SPARCC. Women on the SCENE 2015

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When Linda Apple moved to Sarasota in 2004, she chose this area because she wanted to retain the lifestyle elements of her Northeast Ohio home where she was active in the arts and loved gardening. Having sold her successful business consulting practice in Ohio, Linda decided to pursue her love of homes, decorating, and new construction to become a luxury real estate agent. Because she initially was traveling to Ohio frequently, Linda focused on buyers at first and still enjoys showing her clients the wide variety of lifestyle options here whether they are golfers, like to run the beach, or love being downtown amid the arts and the action. Bringing her consulting skills to her real estate business, Linda advises clients to consider the lifestyle they want to create before falling in love with a particular home. She works with many international clients and appreciates Sotheby’s strong international reach and presence. While she is a multimillion-dollar producer, Linda prefers to represent a handful of luxury listings, which she defines as “just fabulous” regardless of price point. Since she lavishes a lot of personal attention and invests in her listed properties, she only accepts those in market condition, counseling clients on work needed for a timely sale and to maximize market price. If work needs to be done, Linda makes it easy on homeowners by bringing in a skilled handywoman to get the property market ready. Linda’s goal is to be her clients’ Realtor for life and, from her roots in consulting, a trusted advisor. She truly enjoys entertaining clients, putting together dinner parties and–because so many are passionate about pets–she hosts fundraisers for the Humane Society. Linda also follows her own passions by being active with the Sarasota Ballet, Ringling Museum of Art, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Dr. Jenifer Back knows first-hand that transforming someone’s smile can be life changing, and she also knows how painful an experience with a dentist can be. As a young girl growing up in a Kentucky small town, Jenifer experienced the pain of a bad dental experience. But that was turned around by a female orthodontist who transformed an awkward teenager with “rabbit teeth” into a beauty pageant winner with a great smile. Having both those experiences inspired Jenifer to become a cosmetic aesthetic dentist where she feels she can make a difference in people’s lives by giving them the confidence of a beautiful smile. During her 20 years in practice, Jenifer has carefully crafted what her patients at Sarasota Smile Design will experience whether they come for preventive check-ups and cleanings, invisible aligners, or cosmetic dentistry. From the home-like waiting room furniture and dental chairs to warm blankets and patients’ choice of aromatherapy, she wants them to feel like they are comfortable old friends. Her desire to create lasting relationships means she focuses on clearly communicating and truly listening to what patients say they want. Jenifer even offers a lifetime guarantee when she enhances someone’s smile. She can do that because she has confidence in the quality of her work and technique. Plus, patients can preview digital images so they know what their new smiles will look like before work begins, and her veneers, crowns and onlays use advanced materials and are precision-made using computer assisted design. The quality of Jenifer’s work has been recognized nationally in NewBeauty® magazine, and her articles have appeared in publications such as Woman Dentist Journal and PinkTooth.net, the online clinical journal. She gives back professionally by helping the next generation of cosmetic dentists as a mentor for the Nash Institute for Dental Learning. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Dr. Holly Barbour Dr.

Holly

Barbour

has

been

fascinated with faces since she was a young girl intrigued by the subtle aesthetics that can create beauty at any age. Rigorously trained at Case Western Reserve University and Duke University, Dr. Barbour is one of only about 500 oculofacial plastic surgeons in the nation. In her more than 20 years in practice, she has refined techniques for delivering her consistently soft, natural look. So much so, in fact, that a portion of her boutique practice involves correcting unnatural looks created by over-stretched skin, visible surgical tells like “pixie ears”, or poorly sculpted, over-done “sausage” lips that look abnormal. With a fine arts degree from the well-regarded Pratt Institute and an early career as a New York fashion designer, Dr. Barbour understands that a difference of just one millimeter on the small canvas of a patient’s face can impact the final result. Her technique has produced such consistently beautiful results that she is one of very few plastic surgeons who offer permanent fillers, and recently spoke on that subject to an international audience at the prestigious Foundation for Facial Aesthetic Surgery. Discerning use of permanent fillers relieves patients with “needle fatigue” from the need to refresh fillers continually, often at considerable expense. Dr. Barbour’s Sarasota practice offers everything for the face and neck from deep, medical-grade facials to facial surgery. In the middle of that continuum are treatments that stimulate collagen — which is what gives youthful faces tightness and elasticity — like micro-needling and lasers. What underlies Dr. Barbour’s success with both her surgeries and other procedures is an infatuation with control and precision, which extends to her avocations as a couture level seamstress and off-loom beading and colored pencil artist. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

For Cindy Barry, it is all about the children. For over thirty two years, Cindy has worked to bring positive change to Family Law especially when children are involved. Cindy is a native Floridian and graduated from Florida State University School of Law in December of 1982. Naturally, she is an avid Florida State Seminoles Football fan. She has been a licensed Florida attorney since 1983 to the present. Cindy began her career as an Assistant Public Defender, Assistant State Attorney, and former Insurance Defense Litigator prior to becoming a Family Law Litigator. Based on her experience, Cindy quickly realized that there had to be a better way for families to resolve their differences outside the traditional court system. As such, Cindy became Florida Supreme Court Certified as both a Circuit Civil and Family Law mediator, an elder law mediator, a Parent Plan Facilitator, a Parent Coordinator, and Collaborative Law Attorney and facilitator. Cindy was actively involved in Teen Court and Teen Court Too, a juvenile delinquency diversion program, for more than seventeen years. For over thirty years, she mentored attorneys, mediators, collaborative law attorneys, and other professionals involved in the Family Court system. Cindy also established the first private supervised visitation program where she works with parents and children who have been estranged from one another, with the ultimate goal of a safe, healthy and positive reunification. Cindy also spearheaded local collaborative law, the newest alternative dispute resolution process. In this process, the parties, their attorneys, financial experts, and mental health professionals all agree to work cooperatively to resolve their case outside of the traditional court system. It is more cost efficient than the traditional legal system and focuses on an individualized settlement that works for the entire family. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Having seen her two greatest achievements — her sons — successfully heading into their adult lives, Michelle Bianchi Pingel has turned even more of her considerable talents toward ensuring the future of her other “baby”, volunteer and

The Players Theatre. Michelle joined The Players in 2002 as a saw her responsibilities increase over the years, finally taking the helm as Managing Director/CEO in 2008 — just as the economy headed into deep recession. With the backing of the theatre’s

very supportive Board, she instituted some bold steps, including a unique split

management team. That team approach allows her to focus on operations,

finance, and fundraising allowing Artistic Director Jeffery Kin to bring edgy, challenging, and highly appealing entertainment to the stage — a combination that has brought The Players from near bankruptcy to the thriving organization it is today. Michelle is laying the foundation for continued firm financial footing with the launch of an endowment fund, currently on track to meet its first goal of $360,000 by December 2016. She also has secured space in the new Rosemary Square development for The Players Performing Arts Studio to accommodate growing student enrollment. Looking even farther toward the horizon, she is energized by the idea of a capital campaign to eventually redevelop The Players’ 40-year-old building on the corner of 9th Street and Tamiami Trail. In addition to transforming The Players, a personal transformation also has been underway as Michelle adjusts to the empty nest of college age children. This year, she has created a new, physically fit version of herself by working out with a trainer at Yvette’s Health and Fitness Center and biking about 30 to 40 miles a week.

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Women on the Scene 2015

A strong desire to help others, an ability to take action when opportunities arise, and a conviction that there is a solution to every challenge, has helped Kimberly Bleach achieve success as a financial planner. Kimberly and partner, Paul Hudson, lead a team of 30 specialists in providing estate planning, fiduciary investment and administration, structured credit, and estate settlement services to high net worth families. They have created a multifamily office environment at U.S. Trust, Bank of America, which often encompasses their clients’ friends, extended family, children, and grandchildren. Kimberly feels she’s done her job well when her clients can sleep well. Two of Kimberly’s greatest assets are her positive attitude and a willingness to work hard at whatever she does. Her readiness to seize opportunities led her down a road less traveled. Prior to completing school, she accepted a position sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean on private yachts. That experience earned her a full scholarship to Stetson University from a Florida family who cofounded a Fortune 1000 company and, more importantly, led to meeting her husband of 17 years, Etienne. It also drove her to the warm Gulf waters of Sarasota from her hometown in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Never one to do anything halfway, Kimberly has achieved several professional designations in her 14 years in business, including as a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, Certified Trust and Financial Advisor, Accredited Domestic Partner Advisor. She also holds Florida securities and insurance licenses. Helping others in the community is an important component of who she is. Kimberly serves on the Executive Board of the Asolo Repertory Theatre, as Co-Chair of the Equality Florida Suncoast Celebration, and member of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council. She is driven by human rights issues and takes satisfaction in knowing her efforts have helped drive change. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Rebecca Bolletti As a financial advisor, Rebecca Bolletti likens her profession to what architects and builders do in constructing a home. While they create a plan and assemble all of the necessary materials to build the structure, Rebecca also custom designs a plan for clients’ portfolios to help meet their individual needs and then determines the “building blocks” among asset classes that can best meet those needs. She helps clients construct portfolios, which like a home, are intended to provide shelter, comfort, and security for their families for many years to come. Her goal is to help clients each step of the way from articulating their risk tolerance and determining their investment priorities to ensure they

clearly

understand

every

recommendation she makes. That meticulous focus on her clients’ needs has meant that she now is starting to work with the fourth generation of some of the client families she has served since 1979. Along the way, she has become a household name and valued Financial Advisor who has seen her client families through life’s challenges and transitions. One of her greatest joys is watching families engage younger family members in the investment process through building their own portfolios. Rebecca was one of Sarasota’s first female financial advisors, having worked her way up in various aspects of the business. Community-wise, she is very visible as a volunteer photographer for the Sarasota Film Festival and lends her time to the New College Library Association and other organizations. A physical fitness enthusiast, Rebecca is an avid rower who loves getting up early to begin her day on the water. It is an activity at which she excels, having won a bronze medal in the 2013 US Rowing Masters National Championship, and she was bow coxswain when her quad won a gold medal at the 2014 Sarasota 5000. ©2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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Women on the Scene 2015

CRC124319807 07/15

Teresa K. Bowman Elder

law

attorney

Teresa

Bowman has built a reputation as a stalwart champion who aids families in crisis and helps them with the planning required to maintain their quality of life. Teresa is always ready to step in to help clients navigate issues that can arise from a diagnosis, disability, or health crisis. She employs both her legal expertise and an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which can make a critical financial difference for individuals and their spousesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; futures. Working in elder law satisfies Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifelong desire to help people, and she particularly enjoys the hugs she gets from clients she has helped. Teresa also is known for standing up against those who exploit the elderly, whether

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

through

inappropriate

sales of annuities or the many scams aimed at the elderly or unsophisticated. Her support extends to helping clients find trustworthy resources for everything from financial planning to in-home care. In addition, she does probate work, administers trusts, and helps families create longterm plans through the creation of the proper estate documents. Teresa also helps parents with disabled minor children ensure their continued care and counsels veterans regarding how VA benefits, in combination with long term care and other benefits, can help them remain in their homes. Having spent 15 years as an elementary school teacher, Teresa decided to fulfill a lifelong goal and attend law school in 2003. She excelled at Stetson University College of Law where she concentrated in elder law and earned the Order of the Barrister for her advocacy work. Raised in a family that came to Florida in 1896, she relishes spending free time at her rural-urban home with her husband, a small flock of chickens, and a very inviting porch swing. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Heidi Brown Heidi Brown, the CEO of KobernickAnchin-Benderson, brings to the senior living campus a dynamism and boldness of vision aimed at elevating an already high level of services for residents, their

loved

ones,

and

surrounding

community. Heidi’s passion for serving seniors began early in her career, and she brings 20 years of experience with senior living communities in the Washington, D.C.,

area

her

leadership

role.

Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson provides a continuum of care personalized for seniors including independent living with supportive services, assisted living, secure memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Heidi and her husband moved to Sarasota to be near family including her brother and 82-year-old father who now lives with her. With her family all together, the position at KobernickAnchin-Benderson was a fortuitous fit for her. She resonates with the organization’s underlying Jewish family values, including caring for others and honoring one’s parents. Heidi is enthusiastic about renovations and enhancements underway on the campus, which will improve residents’ experience and quality of life. Plans also include expanded brain health services and partnering with community senior care experts to share Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson’s unique Multisensory Room through which personal “sensory diets” are created to improve resident functioning. Heidi enjoys recharging on campus in the Kobernick rotunda and finds mingling with residents a guaranteed stress-buster. She is touched by their stories and the impact they have had on their own families and society. She believes there is no better place in Sarasota for seniors. At Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson residents and families have peace of mind knowing their needs will be met at every level. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Bonti Burgess possesses a gift for operational excellence that, in combination with a compassionate spirit, has helped her create a leading home healthcare agency in Sarasota County. Bonti founded Bright Day based on a passion for making a difference in the quality of people’s lives and the opportunities she saw for providing truly exceptional home care locally. She knows that smooth operations in “backroom” functions like rigorous hiring practices, optimal insurance coverage, and responsive communication are critical to providing the consistency of care and excellent experience clients want. Striving for the best, Bright Day was accredited by the Joint Commission, the most stringent accreditation program. Bright Day’s success comes from the attention given clients. Bonti finds the most rewarding part of her job is getting to know her clients and learning about their interesting, talented lives. She has been known to spend hours listening to a client‘s life story. Bonti was raised in Napa, California, and received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California. In 1994, she moved to Sarasota with her husband and a dream of starting a family and her own successful business. While she encountered setbacks along the way, most notably finding herself a single mom raising two daughters on her own, Bonti overcame the difficulties of starting a business and running the family household. Today, Bright Day has emerged as a thriving private duty home health business, her eldest daughter is a chemical engineering major at Clemson, and her youngest is in the IB Program at Riverview. Bonti enjoys devoting time to giving back to the community and serves on the Pines of Sarasota Wit & Wisdom of Aging committee and is Chair of the Sarasota Opera Guild’s History of Verdi Opera fundraising event on November 9 at the Herald Tribune building. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Josephine Coco Josephine Coco knows how to build a successful business and, when her four children were young, she found being a business owner gave her the perfect opportunity to balance work with her devotion to family. As her children grew older, Josephine and her husband, Bob, grew tired of Northeastern winters and moved to Sarasota, where they vacationed frequently. Not yet ready to retire, starting another small business was appealing. As a merchandising major

the

Fashion

Institute

Technology in Manhattan, Josephine worked for fashion icon Giorgio Armani, and opening a Budget Blinds franchise was a natural fit with her flair for design and strong background in sales. Working with an array of fabrics and colors satisfies Josephine’s artistic side, and she truly enjoys guiding customers through the extensive array of window treatment options to find a look they love for their homes. Soft treatments are very popular now, so she also helps them with coordinating draperies, bedding and pillows. Budget Blinds is the largest window covering franchise in the nation with offerings to fit every budget. It is a Hunter Douglas Showcase dealer. Josephine appreciates Budget Blinds extensive training program, which keeps her informed about current market trends, new products, and the latest colors. In just four years here, Budget Blinds has expanded its staff, outgrown its original facility, and will be moving to a new headquarters and retail space on University Parkway. The Cocos’ daughter, Jennifer, has moved here with her family and joined the business, and their son is a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy. Being able to spend time with her close-knit family is something she loves. Josephine also is on the Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s tennis team, and as an avid boater, she is passionate about spending time on the Gulf. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Aimee Cogan is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley where she is celebrating her 10th anniversary this year, with over 25 years in the industry. She is co-founding partner of the Bellwether Group at Morgan Stanley, a diverse team responsible for $700 million in assets under management to date. Consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top financial advisors, Aimee has been named to the respected Barron’s Top 1200 for five years and to its Top 100 Women Financial Advisors for four. She has also been named a Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisor. In addition to working with a team of eight professionals with wide ranging expertise in numerous aspects of wealth management, Aimee offers clients personalized assistance with a comprehensive suite of services custom tailored to their current and changing needs. Aimee, the Bellwether group partners and their team are able to provide a range of guidance from utilizing Morgan Stanley’s private healthcare and home platform, known as Lifestyle Advisory, to helping their clients’ families create and preserve their family legacies. The Bellwether Group also spends time helping to guide the next generation of wealth inheritors on how to be responsible stewards while they integrate estate planning and more traditional wealth management services into the client relationships. Aimee continually focuses on expanding her knowledge base, and along with having her CFP® and CIMA® designations, she is excited about the expanded resources she can offer ultra-high net worth clients, having recently earned the elite Family Wealth Director designation. She is also co-chair of Morgan Stanley’s Consulting Group Council, which gives her direct access to the firm’s executive team and to a host of corporate resources to benefit clients. Aimee and her husband, Chris, are devoted to their daughter and the community, giving support to many local charities including the Child Protection Center, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Ringling College of Art and Design, and Asolo Repertory Theatre. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Although you’ll often find her behind the scenes, diners at St. Armands Circle’s

anchor

restaurant,

Café

L’Europe, ultimately have owner Betsie Coolidge to thank for the quintessential fine dining experience they enjoy. For 42 years, diners have come to Café L’Europe for an exceptional experience to celebrate a special occasion, even if that is simply “It’s Wednesday.” Although Betsie was familiar with the restaurant from its earliest days, in 1995 she wed its founder, the late Titus Letschert, and Café L’Europe has been an integral part of her life ever since. Today,

Betsie

takes

care

many back office functions including finance, marketing, menu development, and vendor relations to ensure the freshness of top-notch ingredients. She also keeps an eye on quality, which enviably involves a lot of tasting as well as ensuring plated dishes leaving the kitchen, or for catered events, are all they should be. Some of those dishes are customer favorites that have been on the menu since the beginning, including tableside prepared or presented dishes like Chateaubriand, Dover Sole, Crêpes Suzette, and Bananas Foster. In addition to meticulous devotion to providing quality meals, Betsie credits much of the restaurant’s success to its staff, whose professionalism ensures a great dining experience, and a number of them have been there from the start. Betsie is a graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park and worked for 15 years as a stockbroker. She grew up in New Jersey, but her parents had a home in St. Petersburg and later on Longboat Key. She has always loved the shopping and the vibrancy of St. Armands Circle. Many Sarasotans know of Café L’Europe’s extensive community support providing gift certificates and catering for fundraisers. Betsie particularly enjoys partnering with nonprofits for Community Mondays where the charity receives a percentage of the evening’s proceeds. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

As a third generation Sarasotan, Michelle Crabtree remembers horseback riding in what is now The Landings, when the south access to Siesta Key was a one-lane bridge and University Parkway was just a dirt road. Today, as a Broker Associate with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle enjoys her memories of a sleepier town but loves the vibrancy, culture, and amenities of a Sarasota that is now not just known for sandy beaches, but also for sports, the arts, and eco-tourism. Year after year, Michelle sits among the area’s top Realtors®. She has earned much professional recognition, including Five Star Realtor for eight years, Florida Realtors® Honor Society for eight years and Meritorious Service Award from the local Realtor Association, where she is active on several committees. Michelle has expertise in both Sarasota and Manatee counties and was manager of the Lakewood Ranch Visitor Information Center in the days when it was celebrating its 1,000th home. She enjoys helping buyers find the perfect home whether they like golf course communities, downtown living or enjoy the feel of an island lifestyle. Michelle is a strong proponent of continuing education having earned 12 advanced real estate designations. She is also a graduate of the Florida Realtors® 2014 Leadership Academy. The same commitment she shows for her profession extends to the community. Michelle serves on the Sarasota Habitat for Humanity Board, has co-chaired its fundraiser and worked on building sites. She is also involved with her alma mater USF’s Brunch on the Bay, SPARCC’s annual fundraiser and the Junior League. When she has time to relax, she enjoys boating on the Braden River with her husband and dog. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Estelle Crawford is in an enviable position, having the privilege of seeing the fruits of her labor virtually every day. As President of the Pines of Sarasota Foundation, Estelle sees residents who are active and engaged, family members appreciative of the attentive care given to their loved ones by a dedicated staff, children and seniors enjoying each other’s company at the on-site day care center, and so much more. She also experienced

first-hand

the

comfort

of knowing that her own late mother was safe and embraced in the care of a compassionate staff when she came to live at the Pines in her later years. The Pines offers assisted living, skilled nursing care, dementia and Alzheimer’s

care,

and

rehabilitation

services, including for those residents who outlive their ability to pay. Estelle’s approach is mission-driven and fiscally responsible with a focus on ethical and transparent foundation operations and ensuring best practices and policies are in place. She sees her role as serving the volunteers and donors who want to make a difference in the community. Estelle has seen significant changes to the campus in her nine years as President and also is excited about the Pines’ many initiatives. Those include the Education Institute, which offers training on dementia and other aspects of aging for caregivers – professionals and family members – through seminars, webinars, and DVDs as well as a balance/fall prevention initiative offered on an in- and out-patient basis. Estelle is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. She also has a Certified Fundraising Executive designation. Vivacious and fun-loving, Estelle likes to spend her precious leisure time with her husband and their two dogs and enjoys dancing, travel and outdoor activities, including boating, kayaking or just watching the stars come out over the beach. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

When it comes to supporting the needs of seniors, Judy Cuppy has been in the forefront of creating services that help them remain independent and safe in their home environment. Seeing her grandmother’s experience in a nursing home spurred Judy to start one of Florida’s first senior home care companies in 1992. Senior Home Companions is based on the concept of care “for seniors by active seniors”. Now approaching its 25th anniversary, Senior Home Companions provides services in Sarasota/Manatee, Fort Myers, Palm Beach, Martin County, and The Villages. As a state licensed Nurse Registry, Judy offers seniors the flexibility to choose caregivers with whom they are comfortable and can relate, including someone nearer their own age. Caregivers may provide services hourly, overnight, or on a 24-hour basis to provide companionship, general supervision, errands such as shopping and doctors’ appointments, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Skilled caregivers (CNA/HHA) help with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, feeding, and range of motion exercise and use of assistive devices as directed. Judy selects caregivers personally, visiting each in their home prior to registering them and her agency provides Level II FBI background checks, employment verification, seven-year driving record review, and a physician’s statement. She also has added a popular Concierge Service for anyone needing safe transportation and help getting settled after a dental or medical procedure. Judy also is very active in the community. Sarasota County Commissioners appointed her to its Senior Advisory Council, and she is involved with Senior Friendship Centers, First Step, and the Jewish Housing Council. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and is a member of the prestigious International Women’s Forum. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Bringing a unique combination of smart and sensible to the legal field, Janelle

Esposito

has

assisted

many

clients in complex business litigation matters, real estate and title issues, corporate and business law, and trust and estate matters. Janelle ensures her clients have the documents needed to safeguard their interests, but should disputes occur, she is a seasoned litigator having litigated matters in both state and federal court. One of Janelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths is her ability to explain complex legal issues without resorting to obscure legalese. She ensures clients can receive assistance at any time and fosters a team approach in her office so her clients can receive assistance right away. Janelle assists both large institutions and small business owners with needs that include creation of business entities, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and employment issues. She also handles commercial and residential real estate closings, loan document preparation, loan modifications, and correcting complicated title defects. Janelle also helps clients prepare for end of life issues, preparing powers of attorney, wills and trusts, and representing them in court if necessary. After graduating from the Valparaiso University School of Law honors program cum laude, Janelle practiced in Chicago, but with her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage and much of her family in Florida, she returned here in 2007. She is active in her profession and the community. Janelle is a member of the Manatee County Salvation Army Advisory Board, Manatee Memorial Foundation Board, Bradenton Enterprise Zone Board, Excelsior Education and Training Foundation Board, Legislative Committee of the Manatee County Chamber, and has completed a term as President of the Bradenton Rotary Club. Janelle was selected a finalist for the Tampa Bay Business Journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Business Woman of the Year Awards. She and her family live on the Manatee River, and she relishes enjoying the water with her husband and three children. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

In her practice as a family law attorney, Angela Flaherty sees people at the most stressful and emotionally fraught moments. Angela works in all aspects of family law including divorce, alimony, custody and child support, paternity, and domestic violence and practices primarily in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice. While representing her clients vigorously in court and at the appellate level if necessary, she knows the risks of battle and the high costs, financially and emotionally. Angelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to help her clients ensure all of their rights are protected and that they are prepared for litigation if it becomes necessary. Believing strongly that clients can, and should, understand the legal elements controlling their cases, Angela spends time educating them about the context in which the judge will be making decisions. She is a straight shooter who counsels clients about the benefits of maintaining a reasonable stance and realistic expectations. Divorce and other family law matters can be complex and cover multiple areas of the law, which is one reason why Angela enjoys and regularly participates in continuing education seminars to ensure she is up-to-date on the many areas of the law that can impact family law cases including the identification, valuation and distribution of marital and non-marital assets and debts; the determination of income support entitlements; and all matters pertaining to minor children. Angela is a Sarasota native and earned her undergraduate and law degrees at Florida State University. She became a member of the Florida bar in 1997 and shortly thereafter directed her area of practice to family related issues where she has been primarily focused for the last 18 years. Her husband also is a family law attorney and they have three children ranging in age from 12 to 16 to whom they direct their attention when not practicing law. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Mary Forristall Whether it relates to creating a truly successful family business, her own personal development and community involvement, or to her family, when Mary Forristall commits to something, she commits. Professionally, that has led Mary, who is co-founder and President of Forristall Enterprises, to be named the first female board chair of the influential Gulf Coast Builders Exchange. She most definitely has the credentials for the job, having earned a Florida general contractor’s license and LEED AP Certification and completed her master’s degree. Forristall

Enterprises

specializes

in all types of demolition, primarily commercial work. She and her husband, Stephen, founded the company in 1990, working initially in salvage since Mary’s father owned a salvage company in Miami where she met Stephen. Forristall Enterprises is definitely a family business that she and Stephen have built together. Mary credits Stephen’s savvy business practices with much of its enduring success, particularly through the real estate downturn. As her three children grew up, they all worked in the business. Today her son, Michael, still is part of the company. This year, Forristall Enterprises celebrates its 25th anniversary while Mary and Stephen are celebrating 35 years of marriage. Mary has an abiding love for Manatee County. She has served on the Manatee County YMCA Board for four years and on the Meals on Wheels Plus board for six years, diligently letting people know that the nonprofit does so much more in the community than just operate its much needed meal delivery service for homebound seniors. Mary takes a body/mind/spirit approach to life. A devoted fitness buff who works out every morning, she acts as a substitute teacher at the Y and believes staying physically fit helps her stay clear, sharp, and focused. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Anne Garlington’s passion to help people led her to a career in banking so she could provide a tangible way to make a difference in others’ lives. Her dedication to excellence, tenacity and personal charm paved the way throughout her career. Today, she is vice president and senior banking advisor for PNC Wealth Management in Sarasota, which manages the financial needs of hundreds of affluent families in the area. She has made a mark on this town by maintaining a 24/7 open-door policy and by keeping a pulse on the best and the brightest professionals in the area with whom to work. This personalized strategy has made Anne rank among the best in the industry. Her clients trust her so much that she is the go-to person for most of them when they need advice about whom to use for everything from accountants and attorneys to cleaning services. With 30 years of wealth management and banking experience, Anne is instrumental in advising clients about deposit services and loan products. Particularly in today’s more complex lending environment, her goal is to streamline the process and enable a smooth transition for them. For Anne, clients’ interests always come first at PNC and that unwavering commitment is one of the main reasons why clients join and stay with the bank and encourage their family and friends to do the same. PNC’s team approach to client service allows Anne to help meet clients’ needs easily by connecting them with experts in trusts, investments, estate and tax planning, and their philanthropic interests. Plus, she appreciates that PNC has a long history of partnering with non-profit organizations that enrich the lives of those in the community. She sees that support every day throughout Sarasota, and that makes clients take notice and makes her especially proud. Giving back to the community is a strong value for Anne. She is currently on the boards of the Child Protection Center, The Field Club and the Jewish Housing Council Foundation. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Sometimes love wins out. Just ask Danielle Garrow, a stylist and clothing designer who owns Malibu Fox, a chic boutique that is decidedly fashion forward while delivering on its promise of having something for everyone, including gifts, accessories, and clothing for babies and toddlers. Raised by parents who were medical professionals, Danielle was on her way to becoming a pharmacist when she made the bold decision to pursue a career in retail and fashion. Success followed quickly when Neiman Marcus picked up Danielle’s initial Malibu Fox clothing line, for which she named her store. As a working mom with sons aged two and four, she’s put big department store sales on hold for now, but offers the Malibu Fox line through her boutique. Danielle’s all-silk pieces have a decidedly comfortable and relaxed California beach vibe that is reflected in the other often-exclusive, moderatelypriced lines she offers and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere at the store. Danielle and her stylists have a gift for creating outfits that can satisfy 20-something fashionistas or provide a fresh and updated look for an older professional woman. It’s a recipe that customers apparently like. Malibu Fox hadn’t even hit its first anniversary this summer when it was named the 2015 Favorite Women’s Boutique by a local newspaper. Danielle also loves building relationships with her customers and often hosts fundraisers for local nonprofits and private shopping parties for birthdays or girls nights out, offering special discounts and fun touches like mini-manicures. Her ultimate goal is to team up with other boutiques to transform Sarasota into a regional fashion mecca similar to Charleston where she worked as a stylist, store manager, and buyer. That may have to wait a short while since Danielle and her husband are making plans for another big event, the birth of their third child, a daughter and mini fox named Dakota.

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Women on the Scene 2015

Being an independent consultant for Rodan + Fields, the nation’s fourth largest premium skincare company, has meant much more for Elizabeth Haynes than just radiant skin, although that may be one of the first things people notice. It has helped a somewhat shy, stay-at-home mother of three move out of her comfort zone and transform into the confident leader of a business enterprise with international reach. Last year, she earned Rodan + Fields’ prestigious designation of Level V Lexus Achiever, which means you’ll see her driving around town in a new Starfire Pearl Lexus. Elizabeth gives all the credit for that success to her team of 500 consultants who not only are in Florida, but range from Hawaii to Canada. She considers them her best friends as well as savvy business partners, and locally, her Rodan + Fields team gets together for lunch every second Thursday at Café Baci to have fun and introduce others to the company’s products. Elizabeth also credits her success to the dermatology-based skincare products developed by company founders, Stanfordtrained dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields. Their mission is to connect people with the products, knowledge, resources and opportunities to change their skin and change their lives. In 2009, when Elizabeth joined Rodan + Fields — at the persistent urging of her sisters who wanted this single mom to get out of the house more — it was soon after the company moved from high-end retail to direct marketing via social commerce. She was one its founding Florida consultants and the first in Sarasota. Elizabeth, who is a Y Angel supporting the YMCA Foundation, resonated with Rodan + Fields Prescription for Change Foundation, which supports buildOn, a program aiding students in impoverished communities. An avid reader and gardener, Elizabeth most treasures time spent with her family and playing with her dog, Lucy. Women on the SCENE 2015

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For

Kameron

Hodgens,

helping

others has been a lifetime endeavor. As a little sister whose brother had Down’s syndrome and autism, Kameron slipped comfortably into the big sister role, helping him tie shoes and cross the street. In her role as CEO/Executive Director of the Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center, she takes her desire to help others to another level by leading an organization that also helps the nonprofits and the people who provide vital services for the needy in this community. Kameron joined Glasser Schoenbaum in 2014 after serving for six years as Vice President of Programs for Easter Seals Southwest Florida, which had provided services for her brother. As someone whose goal in life is to relieve suffering, she resonates with Glasser Schoenbaum’s mission to make it easier to obtain help by housing essential social services in one location for everyone from infants to seniors. Kameron also enjoys being a resource, rather than just a landlord, within the collaborative environment that has developed among the 19 nonprofits on site, including offering speakers on topics like risk management and healthcare insurance options for staff. Born and raised in Sarasota, Kameron’s family — her dad is well-known attorney Bill Partridge — always was passionate about causes and encouraged her to help others where she could. She earned a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and elected to return to Sarasota to serve people in her hometown. Kameron’s work here earned her recognition as Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Sarasota-Manatee in 2014, and this year she received a Women in Business Award. She also serves on the Community Alliance of Sarasota County. Recently, Kameron was delighted to take on the role of mom with the birth of her baby daughter. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

As a fifth generation Floridian, Christine Johnson grew up along the Manatee River and gained a genuine love of the land that she now helps protect as President of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. As the mother of two teens, she wants future generations to be able to run through green spaces and play near pristine waterways as she did. A business orientation honed while earning her MBA, means that Christine knows saving land not only protects valuable fisheries, beaches, and drinking water, but also is an economic driver bringing both tourists and permanent residents to the area. One of only four nationally accredited land trusts in Florida, Conservation Foundation’s mission is to save land forever by purchasing land and holding land conservation agreements. Education for children and adults is a critical component as well. As a leader, Christine works to maintain a balance between the urgency of having only about 20 years to protect key properties and the need to keep a long-term view. She was raised to work hard and play hard, so she ensures the Foundation’s dedicated staff takes time to celebrate incremental victories. And those victories have meant saving 32 properties, totaling almost 8,60 0 acres, in four counties. Those results have helped earn an Excellence Award from the national Land Trust Alliance, and Christine has been named to its Leadership Council. She sits on the boards of Visit Sarasota County, the Science and Environment Council, Ringling College Library Association, and is on the executive committee of two regional organizations. Looking forward to taking a morning walk surrounded by the area’s natural beauty gets her going in the morning as does the chance to spend time with her family. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Being faced with an IRS issue can be life altering, and attorney Mary King’s goal is to help clients get their lives back. With the IRS’ far-reaching powers to collect taxes and penalties, having an issue like being audited, owing back taxes or not filing a tax return at all can quickly escalate. Mary helps clients who are at risk of having wages or Social Security income garnished and bank accounts drained. Although it isn’t easy, she has also successfully helped reduce penalties for clients in some situations. Additionally, Mary helps businesses with financial issues as well as a wide variety of individuals facing tax, foreclosure, and other debt issues. Tax law is very rewarding for Mary because releasing clients from IRS and other financial issues removes an enormously stressful and financially perilous situation from their lives. For most of the people she helps, some life event, such as a death, divorce or serious illness, led them into difficulties, and they may have avoided dealing with the situation because it was too overwhelming. Her clients appreciate that Mary is someone local they can turn to, and she enjoys relieving them of the burden of handling the situation themselves. Her office also offers tax preparation services to help avoid issues in the first place. Mary is a Florida native and comes from a family of attorneys. She is AV rated by MartindaleHubbell®, which is the highest rating an attorney can achieve, and earned her law degree from Stetson University. Mary also has a solid business foundation with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida and an MBA in finance from Wake Forest University. She is an avid Gators fan and holds season tickets. Mary also spends leisure time enjoying concerts, theater, movies, and relaxing with her “couch potato” black Labrador, Canon. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

& When our local arts organizations were in infancy, the women behind the

nonprofit

consignment

Woman’s

store

Exchange

provided

critical

nurturing to help them blossom and ultimately

transform

this

area

into

Florida’s Cultural Coast. Since 1962, the Woman’s Exchange has aided many area arts organizations and helped hundreds of talented youth pursue studies in visual and performing arts. It is one of downtown Sarasota’s oldest businesses and has grown into a $3 million annual enterprise, the majority of which is returned to the community in grants, scholarships, and commissions paid to consigners. Helping lead the organization today are Elizabeth Lindsay, who co-founded the Woman’s Exchange and serves on its board, and CEO/Executive Director Karen Koblenz, who has overseen a $1 million growth in budget since she joined the organization in 2010. Elizabeth recalls the early days when the Asolo was only a summer troupe and the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Florida Studio Theatre, and The Players Theatre were in their formative stages. Each has benefitted from the organization’s grants for at least 30 years, and some for as many as 50 years, along with many others whose fiscal processes also were sharpened since grant eligibility has always required solid financial documentation. A key objective for Elizabeth and the other founders was that the Woman’s Exchange be able to fund the arts by earning the money rather than through fundraising among their friends. That goal has been realized, and today the organization is debt free and selfsustaining with about 95 percent of funds raised through consignment. In order to expand its impact, the Woman’s Exchange will also handle offsite estate sales. Both women, when not working, are focused on their families. Elizabeth’s four children were raised here, and she now has nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Karen has close ties to her son and daughter and greatly enjoys walks in the park with her two young grandsons. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Jennifer Lee grew up in the world of financial advising going on appointments with her father and to his office on weekends. Watching how he served his clients, she gained a solid understanding of the work ethic and ethical values of a dedicated financial advisor. Today, as Founding Partner of Modern Wealth, Jennifer directs her financial acuity to helping those who are in transition — whether divorcing, recently widowed, buying or selling a business, retiring, inheriting assets or merging families after remarriage. Her goal is to be a trusted advisor who provides independent analysis, develops strategy, and walks clients through the process of understanding their financial lives and securing their futures. Working collaboratively with clients and their other advisors, Jennifer will create net worth statements, income calculations, and negotiating points for attorneys. She helps ensure, for instance, that if divorcing clients are to receive alimony, provisions are made to protect them if their former spouses die or are disabled. She helps clients transfer assets, understand their risk tolerance, what income they need, and choose the right portfolio manager. The fact that 99 percent of Jennifer’s business comes from referrals is testament to the positive impact she makes. Originally from Maryland, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to her work. She studied business and economics in college, minored in accounting, and is a registered financial advisor in multiple states. Jennifer founded Modern Wealth in Maryland 19 years ago, relocating to Lakewood Ranch in 2012, and has earned nearly all of her business through referrals from those she has helped. She loves the area’s arts and culture and its gorgeous beaches as well as cooking, entertaining, and hosting a steady stream of visitors. She also delights in one of the perks of her job — throwing the occasional “Independence Day” divorce party for clients. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Tiffany Liashek When it comes to fitness, Tiffany Liashek’s refreshingly down-to-earth approach and unrelenting focus on safety and effectiveness has fueled exponential growth for Studio South Fitness. Tiffany’s studio has garnered accolades for having one of the nation’s most highly certified teams of trainers and as the country’s first Functional Movement Certified facility. Her vision of a luxury personal training facility has proven so successful, she has seen 40 percent annual growth every year since she first opened the doors in 2012. This phenomenal growth led to the opening this year of a new, very well appointed 12,000 square foot facility in downtown Sarasota that has seen tremendous success in a very short time. With characteristic modesty, Tiffany credits her highly credentialed staff for Studio South Fitness’ success — a staff that has grown from two to 27 in just three years. It’s not hard to imagine that a large part of her success derives from Tiffany herself. As someone who “hates to exercise,” she created a workout venue with broad appeal. Her interest in the business grew during an eight-month rehabilitation after she was injured under the direction of a trainer in a big box gym. As a result, all her trainers have at least undergraduate degrees in exercise physiology or sports science, and clients undergo a thorough assessment prior to the creation of a personalized regimen. Tiffany believes strongly in giving back to the community that has helped her succeed, and in the past year the business has donated $40,000 to local schools and charities. She serves on the executive committee for Forty Carrots’ Wine, Women and Shoes fundraiser and also lends support to the Child Protection Center. Tiffany’s leisure time often involves being on the water with her husband and two young children and indulging their shared love of boating. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Pattie Having been in the jewelry business since age 16, Pattie Light clearly has an affinity for things that sparkle — just like her own engaging personality. It was a year ago that Pattie opened up the Pandora store at the new Mall. She had just relocated to Lakewood Ranch from the West Palm Beach area along with her son and business partner, Jared, following the sale of three successful Pandora stores there. In keeping with her warm and welcoming demeanor, Pattie elected to open a store based on a new concept that creates greater personal interaction and a more intimate experience for customers. The concept fits with the highly individualized jewelry Pandora helps customers create to fit their own personal style. Guests know that they will be welcomed into the store for water, chocolate, and a visit, whether they are buying something or not. Pattie’s very first job was as an inventory clerk for a jeweler in Detroit. Moving to Akron, Ohio, in the late 1970s, she led a multitude of special projects at Sterling Jewelers, the parent company of Kay and Zale Jewelers. Launching one of the first on-site day care programs was a challenge she loved. Later, Pattie found a great deal of fulfillment as Executive Director for Jewelers for Children where she worked with jewelers around the world to aid children whose lives have been impacted by catastrophic illness, abuse or neglect. She is excited about getting more involved with the community now that the store has been launched successfully. Pattie returns to the Jupiter/Palm Beach Gardens area regularly for another business she and Jared have started there, but she considers the Sarasota area “home”. She starts every morning by walking with her beloved Labradoodles, Boomer and Benji. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Lynette Mancuso Although she is a skillful litigator with 31 years of experience, Lynette Mancuso, a family law attorney and founding partner at Burgess, Harrell, Mancuso, Colton & LaPorta, P.A., defines herself as a peaceful warrior. Understanding the toll divorce can take on families, Lynette was an early proponent of cooperative and collaborative divorce. She has advocated these less adversarial approaches for years, particularly when maintaining relationships and co-parenting are priorities. Lynette has been at the forefront in bringing collaborative and cooperative divorce to the area. Both methods aim to spare families the emotional and financial toll of litigation and can also allow a higher degree of privacy since less is often required to be made part of the public record. While she sees her calling as a peacemaker, that does not mean Lynette wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t champion a client in court if necessary. Last year, she won a career-topping case where she was given special admission to the Washington state bar and successfully represented a 14-year-old boy in a high-profile custody dispute. Being double board certified in family and real estate law puts Lynette in elite company. Less than 1 percent of Florida Bar members have two board certifications. She is also certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Family and a Circuit mediator, allowing her to mediate both family and commercial matters. Lynette also directs her many talents toward helping local community organizations. She has joined the Board of the YMCA Frank G. Berlin Sr. Branch and competed in the annual CANDance fundraiser for the Community AIDS Network. The former nationally competitive figure champ can also be found working out at the gym and competing in local runs and fitness challenges.

Women on the SCENE 2015

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Jennifer McClain knew at a young age that she wanted to be an attorney. She grew up watching her father practice law, even going to the courthouse to observe his trials. Today, she practices law with her father, John, at Dent & McClain Chartered in the areas of business and civil litigation, real estate, estate planning, probate and family law. Jennifer concentrates in family law, which appeals both to her love for the law and for helping people. Being part of a small family law firm, which her father established in 1967, gives her the opportunity to continue his focus on building lasting relationships. Jennifer helps clients negotiate settlement agreements, deal with child support or paternity issues, and modification of alimony. In less harmonious situations, she has litigated those cases that ultimately have gone to trial. Whatever the circumstances, Jennifer brings compassion along with expertise to her clients’ situations. Having gone through her own divorce and now raising her young daughter gives her insight into what her clients are experiencing, and Jennifer believes that makes her a better attorney. She knows the stresses and fears her clients go through and the value of a reassuring phone call or email to say that everything will work out. Growing up on Siesta Key in a community service oriented family — her mom is Kathy Dent, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections — has fueled her dedication to the local community. A devoted mom, Jennifer enjoys exposing her daughter to the beauties of the area, and they both enjoy boating, tennis, and travel. The whole family shares a passion for the Florida Gators. Jennifer is a University of Florida graduate, both undergraduate and law, and her dad played football for the Gators, so on game days during season, you’ll know where to find them. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

She’s outgoing, has a good head for business, is a people person and a fashionista. All of these could be used to

describe Lindsey McDaniel, who co-owns and operates Sarasota’s well-known Laura Jean’s Consignments, but there is a side to the bubbly Lindsey that one would never guess from her pulled together, eclectic-style appearance. Inside beats the heart of a true outdoorsy country girl who loves nothing more than to don boots, cut-offs, and a

sleeveless t-shirt and putter around her five-acre Myakka property. A propensity she shared with her late mother and store namesake, Laura Jean. While growing up, her family spent summers for 10 years traveling in a VW bus to shows along the Eastern Seaboard where her parents sold their art before opening the store. Along the way, Lindsey learned the value of hard work and how to connect with people of all ages – skills that serve her well today as Laura Jean’s attracts multiple-generations of women as well as tourists from all over the world. That eclecticism extends to the store’s merchandise, which can range from like new or new $14 blouses to a $500 bargain for a designer handbag and has something for everyone. Lindsey, in her typical humble fashion, credits her parents for building the store’s reputation as a welcoming, friendly place for everyone. Laura Jean’s has always had devoted and helpful staff members who are treated like family. She particularly likes knowing that young women they have trained have gone on to thriving fashion careers with Jill Stuart, Zac Posen, Mara Hoffman, and others. For Lindsey, the most rewarding part of what she does is helping women find apparel that makes them feel like a million bucks without breaking the bank. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Vivacious, outgoing and athletic with a thousand megawatt smile, Telese McKay defies stereotypes defining attorneys as formal and staid. Rather, Telese combines a down-to-earth approach and strong communication skills with proficiency in advising board members of condominium and homeowners associations. She describes association law as being like an old fashioned general practitioner because it is broad in legal scope yet — to work well — founded on a solid, comfortable attorney-client relationship. Telese helps associations proactively address, and avoid problems with, areas ranging from proper use of funds and correct meeting protocol to employee issues,

contracts,

collections,

and

covenant enforcement. If unavoidable, she will represent clients in mediation, arbitration, and court. With a master’s degree in real property development, she also has expertise in handling plat errors, easement issues, and SWFWMD. Other important strengths are her gifts for discerning how best to communicate with clients and for clear explanations of complex issues, which gives clients comfort in their decisions and in explaining issues to their communities. This has made her a popular public speaker, writer, and continuing education instructor in the area of association law. Her skills have earned Telese an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and landed her among the Top 40 Under 40. Born and raised in Florida, she is the oldest of five siblings. With everyone still living in the state, including her parents, family plays a large part in her life. She enjoys outdoor activities, particularly with her six-year-old son, and is an avid runner, often competing in half marathons. Telese also is a shoeaholic who likes to start her day by choosing an outfit to match shoes selected from a vast collection. A relatively recent and serious passion is her work as a guardian ad litem representing children’s interests in legal situations. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Denise Mei brings together all the elements of a well-lived life. She is engrossed in work she loves, devoted to her family, and finds time to help others in the community who are less fortunate. As a Broker/Associate and top producer with Michael Saunders & Company, Denise’s dedication to customer service means she works long hours. However, she says those hours don’t feel like work because she thoroughly enjoys searching for just the right home for a buyer or helping sellers move on to their next dream home. With 22 years of experience as a flight attendant for American Airlines, Denise has a knack for ensuring customers feel well informed and supported, part of her thorough understanding of how to deliver top-notch service. As a Sarasota resident for 25 years, who has owned businesses here, including Café Baci with her husband, Roberto, and the former Classic Toys, she brings business expertise, sharp negotiating skills, and an in-depth understanding of the community to her real estate transactions on behalf of clients. Her goal is to have everyone walk away from the closing table happy. In addition to having her broker’s license, Denise has a GRI designation along with designations in international sales and luxury home marketing. Her work in the community is hallmarked by a devotion to children’s issues. She is a member of the YMCA Foundation Board, works with foster children, and is a member of the Y Angels, a team of women who support Y programs for at-risk kids. Denise also is active with United Cerebral Palsy where her daughter is development director. Supporting and spending time with her husband and grown children also is a key priority. She enjoys assisting Roberto in the kitchen, and they all enjoy taking cruises and spending quality time vacationing together.

Women on the SCENE 2015

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Alex Miller Like many of us, Alex Miller aspires to a life in balance. As CEO of Mercedes Medical, a multi-million-dollar national medical supply and equipment business, and mother of two tweens, who also holds elected office and gets hands-on in her community service, balance is not the word that comes to mind. Yet, Alex radiates a focused serenity, which has allowed her to create a unique workplace that is casual and fun while also highly effective.

Mercedes

Medical’s

dog-

friendly environment with subsidized massages also encompasses a culture of accountability and performance from her team. This employee-oriented, resultsdriven balance has helped propel the company to $35 million in annual sales, a $10 million increase in three years. Under Alex’s leadership, Mercedes Medical

has

expanded

include

laboratory equipment in addition to consumable medical supplies. The company now offers dermatology practices that perform Mohs surgery, and hospital-based histology laboratories, a new line of instrumentation manufactured by a sister company, Tanner Scientific. Having served on the supply chain side for 20 years, Alex is finding it rewarding to gain perspective from the clinical provider side as an elected member of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board. Not one to shy away from new experiences, she is looking forward to running for her first re-election next year. When time permits, Alex is always interested in helping philanthropically with fundraising events that support the causes most important to her. She started and still co-chairs the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s Paws on the Catwalk luncheon, which is coming up on its 10th year and will co-chair Key to the Cure, which supports the hospital’s foundation. She practices yoga faithfully and loves exotic travel. Alex believes in the quote, “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Jill Miller and Therese Goode share a passion for women’s health and personalized patient care. At OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, they work with a team of three physicians, a midwife, and staff who share a compassionate, patient-focused approach. The OB-GYN Women’s Centre was the first private practice to bring midwives, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to Manatee County. It also offers extended hours to accommodate working patients and has bilingual staff and providers. The practice cares for women from puberty through menopause and is conveniently located in a building attached to the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Women and Children’s Center. Jill has been an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner for more than 20 years. She grew up in Sarasota and headed to Nashville to earn her master’s degree in nursing at Vanderbilt University. Following graduation, Jill had a successful career in obstetrics, gynecology and urogynecology in Tennessee, but decided to return here in 2001 to raise her family. Today, she works with patients age 14 and up and particularly likes resolving gynecological issues and seeing women through their pregnancies. She also likes getting to know patients and their families and considers it the highest compliment when patients refer their mothers, sisters, and friends to the practice. Therese is a certified Physician Assistant who works with patients for well-woman visits, obstetrics care, and post partum visits in the hospital. She grew up on Long Island, relocated to Florida in 1981, and has spent her adult career in healthcare. After 20 years as a respiratory therapist, Therese realized she missed patient care and enrolled in the University of Florida’s physician assistant program. Following graduation, she has enjoyed all aspects of women’s healthcare, including utilizing her undergraduate degree in education to teach patients about the importance of healthy exercise and nutrition. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Veronica Brandon Miller With a track record of innovation in creating successful philanthropic partnerships, Veronica Brandon Miller has helped Goodwill Manasota achieve its goals of job creation and providing programs that help people achieve selfsufficiency through employment. In her role as Vice President for the Foundation — Goodwill Manasota’s philanthropic arm —Veronica’s devotion to worthy causes and raising money for organizations that support those in need has proven contagious. She has been able to ignite a passion for Goodwill’s mission in local businesses and foster their appreciation for the benefits of cause marketing. Goodwill

Manasota

programs

help individuals overcome barriers to employment like disabilities, illiteracy, transportation

difficulties,

and

even

post traumatic stress disorder, which has had such an impact on many returning veterans. Over the past year, Veronica has worked closely with local firms, such as Turner Tree and Landscaping and Cool Today, to demonstrate that cause marketing is more than just good corporate citizenship, it creates a strong positive brand. Financial support from JP Morgan Chase helped kick off a project Veronica spearheaded, which was to give veterans the opportunity to learn a trade in the plumbing, electrical, horticultural or heating/air conditioning industry and find well-paying jobs to support themselves and their families. Veronica views these partnerships as more than just transactional relationships, something she has demonstrated throughout a career in development and cause marketing spanning more than 25 years. She relocated to Sarasota nine years ago from Washington, D.C., where she helped increase revenue and secure major media coverage for organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Navy League. She also helped launch a nonprofit for Lowe’s. Those who know Veronica understand very well that her devotion to helping those in need is more than just a job. It syncs perfectly with her personal and professional mission and ultimately defines her as a person. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Kathy Mitchell learned a passion for patient care from her father; a physician who took her on house calls, caroling sick patients during the holidays. She has been the Chief Nursing Officer for Doctors Hospital of Sarasota since 2008 and continues to promote relationship-based care. Kathy is responsible for all Nursing units, the OR, ER, Pharmacy and Wound Care, comparing herself to an orchestra leader with responsibility for alignment of talents, collaboration, and professional development that can deliver her vision for quality and service. You can feel a sense of pride and appreciation when she talks about the numerous quality awards and accreditations achieved by Doctors Hospital. She openly acknowledges that those results are dependent on compassionate but accountable culture throughout the organization, including Nursing, Housekeeping, Quality, Therapy, and Physicians, and believes a patient’s visit should begin with a warm reception and end with a thank-you for choosing Doctors Hospital. A few years ago she became inspired by unsolicited letters from patients describing their care as considerate, respectful, responsive, and cheerful. She believes that quality results and these attributes set them apart from the competition. All patients receive a personal invitation to the “Patient Focus” lunch with Kathy and share their perceptions. Kathy was raised in Michigan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in leadership from Central Michigan University. She spent 16 years as an ER nurse and held a variety of management positions prior to becoming a CNO. She takes great pleasure in coaching the next generation of nurses to be the very best. Kathy and her husband, Charles, have been together since the ninth grade. They have two daughters and three grandsons. One grandson attends the Out-of-Door Academy where he is actively involved in athletics. The family focuses a lot of time on his progress and hitting the road in the RV when possible. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Like the clothing in her Dream Weaver Collection boutique, Joan Morgan is definitely one of a kind. With an eye for color, a flair for timeless fashion, and an understanding of the styles that will flatter her customers, Joan has led Dream Weaver well into its third successful decade on St. Armands Circle. She continues to seek out small American, Canadian, and European designers who stay close to their artistic roots. Joan’s clothing lines are not available elsewhere in Southwest Florida, allowing her customers to create unique looks. Her labels include the highly successful Catherine Bacon, Susan Green Jewelry, and Zonda Nellis, who have been top designers for Dream Weaver for 25 years. Joan recently has been seeking out more European designers like Annette Gortz, who will be in Sarasota for the first time at a Dream Weaver trunk show in November. Gortz’s fashions skim the body and look effortlessly stylish, one of Joan’s criteria for helping customers achieve youthful looks and slim lines. Not one to rest on her laurels, Joan also has been revamping the boutique’s interior with new flooring and displays for a more elegant look and spacious feel. Five years ago, Joan opened Planet, a sister boutique next door to Dream Weaver specializing in clothing designed for a relaxed attitude with sophisticated styling. She originally came to Sarasota when customers of her Martha’s Vineyard boutique kept telling her she should open a store on St. Armands. Now that she’s here full time, Joan loves boating, enjoying the Sarasota Yacht Club, and supporting charities through fundraising weekends and fashion shows. She loves spending time with her family spanning four generations. Her mom, son Eric Seace, owner of Massage Envy, and grandson, Evan, all live nearby. She dotes on her shaggy dogs who spend as much time at Dream Weaver as she does. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Next fall, the new library at Ringling College of Art and Design will open, transforming campus life and impacting the

greater

Sarasota

community.

Making this library a reality has taken tremendous community support, but it is an achievement fueled by the unflagging enthusiasm of Library Capital Campaign co-chairs, Isabel Norton and Carolyn Johnson. Both women’s families have deep roots in the community and share a similar history with the college. Both have served as chairs of the Ringling College Library Association and its fundraising arm, the Town Hall Lecture Series, and as chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. Working together on the library’s capital campaign was a natural partnership based on their 40-year friendship and mutual love for the college. The need for a new library has long been on the radar-screen for Carolyn as the student population has more than tripled in the past two decades and the majority of students are now housed on campus. She believes the library will be the “heart of campus”, incorporating a student union, café, and technology and resource centers. The building will be architecturally significant, reflective of Ringling College’s reputation as a pre-eminent center for art and design. Like Carolyn, Isabel is involved in many ways in the community, but she says her work with the college is fulfilling because it satisfies her passion for education, young people, libraries, and art. She is enthused about the new library’s spaces for students and faculty to collaborate, special collections area for the display of the college’s exquisite hand-crafted books, and that it will be open to the general public. Isabel and Carolyn have been deeply motivated by the knowledge that this new facility will make a significant difference for students, faculty, and the community for years to come. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Anyone who has attended a formal event or is active in the social scene likely either already knows Badra Nanayakkara or has seen the results of her work when catching sight of someone who looks great in a stunning dress. Badra owns Contessa Couture where her passion for fashion, keen eye for what will look good on a customer, and a certain honesty about the latter, has made her store a go-to destination for dressy occasions. Her customers range in age from 12 to 100 — literally — and they return to her store time and again for proms, galas, mother of the bride dresses, or other events. Originally from Sri Lanka, Badra came to the United States in 1978 and worked in administration at a Washington, D.C., hospital while raising her two children. She and a coworker used to dream about indulging their love of fashion by opening a boutique someday. In 2002, when Badra and her late husband retired to this area, she followed that dream, opening a store in 2004 on Venice Island, which evolved into the current Contessa Couture on the Venice mainland. Today the store carries a large inventory of dresses from designers such as Mon Cheri, Sherri Hill, Teri Jon, Daymor, and Sue Wong to name a few. She personally trains her associates to discern customers’ styles and likes, and to be honest even if it means losing a sale. Badra’s appreciation of beautiful clothing and devotion to her customers shine through in her large inventory, which often includes unique items she loves or buys with a particular customer in mind. She strives to be a one-stop shop also carrying shoes, handbags and jewelry. Badra gives back in many ways, producing runway shows for nonprofits like Children First and the Women’s Resource Center, and donating prom dresses to disadvantaged students and gowns to the nearby Venice Theatre. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Coral Pleas Giving back has always been part of Coral Pleas’ business model for the successful Cutting Loose Hair Salons she founded on the premise of E2=Exceeding Expectations. That commitment

community

has

expanded into the business world with the launch of Pleas Formula, a consulting business that helps salons and other businesses prosper. It began organically as Cutting Loose vendors sent other salon owners to Coral to learn the approach that helped her expand to four salons – despite opening her first salon in 2008 just as the country headed into deep recession. Coral loves her profession and is still cutting hair two days a week even though she is also the visionary who manages the brand and the company. But her family is of paramount importance. Her son and daughter, Travis and Taelor Scheuer, are both hairstylists and manage the Cutting Loose locations in Lakewood Ranch and downtown Sarasota. Located with the Honore Avenue salon is another unique business, Protégé by Cutting Loose The Academy, which provides a comprehensive training program for hairstylists in Cutting Loose’s French hair cutting and coloring techniques as well as its emphasis on customer service. Family time with her husband, Michael, her children and their spouses, and her two young grandchildren is a priority, and Coral and Michael spend one day a week taking care of the grandkids. She, personally, and Cutting Loose also are committed to helping nonprofit and educational organizations. Coral is a board member and has been a passionate volunteer with SPARCC for 20 years. Cutting Loose has supported Girls Inc, Locks of Love, Day of Hope, Designing Women Boutique, and more as part of its mission to give back to the community that has helped them grow so successfully.

Women on the SCENE 2015

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Lynette Revill While outsmarting bad guys is part of the job, Lynette Revill can attest that being a private investigator isn’t as action-packed as portrayed on television and in the movies. Lynette hasn’t been called upon to engage in hand-to-hand combat even once during her 30-year career as a licensed PI even though she spent a spell as one of three real-life Charlie’s Angels when a renowned Texas entrepreneur brought the TV series to life. What does hold true is Lynette’s passion for maintaining high professional standards and helping others. The former model opened the Sarasotabased private investigation agency, Revill Associates, in 1998. She’s considered a profiler, a skill she uses while performing in-depth background investigations for businesses and individuals. Lynette is active on the boards of several associations that promote a stringent code of ethics for PIs. She travels the world for her national and international clients, some of whom are celebrities. Discretion, of course, is paramount. In addition to background investigations, her repertoire includes cases involving elder fraud, online dating scams, missing persons, and business intelligence. She’s very good at finding out if that special someone is actually whom he or she claims to be. Lynette has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Pennsylvania State University and spent the early part of her career in corporate management, specializing in business intelligence for two Fortune 500 retailers. She also made the rounds on national TV and radio talk shows for a book she co-authored on residential security. As a girl, Lynette adored James Bond movies and gravitated toward hobbies like target shooting with her father, a World War II vet and Korean War POW. Nowadays, she stays physically active by swimming and hiking. She also enjoys cooking, NFL football and, you guessed it, fictional PI shows. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Julie Riddell As

long

time

area

resident,

many people met Julie Riddell as she worked tirelessly helping local nonprofits. Many also know her for the enthusiasm Julie brings to her work in educating people about the world of

alternative

investments.

Helping

people understand they have options for building wealth, deferring taxes, and generating significantly greater income than currently paid on CDs, money markets and savings accounts gives her a great deal of satisfaction and makes her excited to come to work each day. Julie is a registered representative and offers securities through Concorde Investment Services, LLC, member FINRA/ SIPC, and has many years of experience with 1031 exchanges, a field introduced to her by her husband, Jeff, an attorney who founded U.S. 1031 Exchange Services. She guides clients through the process of 1031 exchange replacements allowing them to increase their real estate holdings with the advantage of deferring capital gains taxes. Julie also has expertise with nontraded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which provide income as well as the opportunity for their investment to appreciate. While all investments may involve some type of risk and the opportunities for increased potential returns are not guaranteed, Julie works with her clients to ensure each product is the right fit to help minimize any downside. Originally from Michigan, Julie and Jeff found the Florida lifestyle very attractive and moved to this area in 1983 when he received a job offer from a local law firm and she was a young mother. Their children grew up here and graduated from Sarasota schools. Over the years, Julie made significant contributions to local nonprofits, chairing many galas, serving as past President of the New College Library Association, and chairing the Junior Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100th Anniversary celebration. Today, her daughter, Cynthia, is an attorney working in their firm, and her son, Mark, a former professional tennis player, works for IMG Academies. Julie also loves to play tennis and is enjoying learning how to play golf.

Women on the SCENE 2015

SCENE

Jennifer Rust Knowing that she is working hard, both

for

Synovus’

Management

Private

clients

and

Wealth for

the

community, gives Jennifer Rust a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction. Not surprising for someone who has enjoyed working since she was 14 years old. Always willing to go the extra mile, she enjoys her role as Private Wealth Advisor in Synovus’ new downtown Sarasota office. Jennifer helps build relationships

the

community

and introduces people to Synovus’ comprehensive, team-based approach, including customized portfolio management, trust, brokerage, credit and cash management products and services along with financial planning. Outgoing and people-oriented, Jennifer enjoys getting to know clients more deeply as part of the team devoted to serving them. She also believes in knowing one’s strengths and having the wisdom to call on others’ expertise for help. With a past successful career in real estate in Atlanta, she knows the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, having the persistence to work through challenges, and maintaining equilibrium in the face of uncertainty. Jennifer has extensive banking and wealth management experience and appreciates Synovus’ strong support for community involvement. She is excited to be incoming president for Designing Daughters, which is fast emerging as one of the area’s most vibrant not-for-profits, and co-chair of Asolo Rep's Gala for the second year. Jennifer is on Asolo Rep’s board, and she is co-chair of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s first Sarasota event in 2016. Jennifer also helps manage a family foundation that provides scholarships in her brother’s memory. While a strong work ethic is a must for Jennifer, so is maintaining great relationships with family and friends. She loves to travel, meet new people, and experience new cultures, which she did this year on a tour of Italy. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Dr. Mary Sanders

Dentistry has been nearly a life-long love for Dr. Mary Sanders. Growing up in Dunnellon, Mary spent her after-school hours pitching in to help at the dental office where her mom worked. She is very focused on her patients, and her goal is to create a soothing atmosphere and achieve 100 percent satisfaction. Now, with many research studies identifying the direct effect that oral health has on overall health, Mary has

been concentrating on educating patients about this and implementing programs to help them. She has dedicated herself to making people aware that good oral hygiene should be as much a part of a wellness plan as eating well, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. Mary lets patients know that eliminating the pockets that form between the teeth and gums reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth â&#x20AC;&#x201D; high levels of which are associated with diabetes, heart attack, stroke, dementia, osteopenia, and arthritis. Recently, she implemented a soft tissue management program, personalized for each patient, that is designed to prevent and heal periodontal conditions, often without surgery. Mary offers soft tissue laser and new antibiotic procedures that have proven effective. To benefit patients who have a complicated health condition or are taking a lot of medications, many of which can affect oral health, Mary will collaborate with their physicians. Fighting oral cancer also has become a passion because early detection vastly improves survival rates. She is well prepared to address these issues having started her career as a dental assistant at age 16 and managed dental practices while attending dental college at the University of Florida where her devotion to patients and the profession helped her excel. Mary earned the peer-selected C.W. Fain Award for outstanding ethics and professionalism and a Presidential Award for achievement. Women on the SCENE 2015

SCENE

Smart, accomplished, and hardworking, Lisa Seidensticker can do just about anything she sets her mind to. Lisa

grew up in the hospitality business when she started bussing tables at age fourteen. By college, she switched directions and began studying nursing, which led to operating a home healthcare agency in New Hampshire. A few years later, her father, Steve, opened Libby’s restaurant, which led to the entire family rallying around this new family business. Since then, Lisa, her father, and her two brothers,

have built TableSeide Restaurant Group, in which Lisa is a Managing Partner and the dynamo behind the success of Modern Events, a special events catering company which encompasses the popular Francis venue. The catering business grew organically as customers asked Libby’s to provide food for events. Lisa found she loved creating custom, handcrafted menus and memorable celebrations for customers. Modern Events has catered everything from a special occasion for two to a crowd of 3,500 for the grand opening of The Mall at University Town Center. It’s managing catering complexities from off-site events to flawlessly executing sometimes challenging circumstances that truly motivates her. Lisa’s efforts have led to great success with Modern Events, now the in-house caterer for The Ringling Museum, and she sees tremendous potential for creating outstanding dining experiences in the famed gorgeous location. Although she and her staff work long hours, Lisa always devotes time to her family and her two young sons’ lives and activities. Biking, camping, spending time outdoors together at Myakka River State Park and at the beach are what keeps her family happy. Lisa is also a big believer in giving back working with a wide variety of nonprofits and helping them through the business. Personally Lisa focuses on supporting the LBGTQ community and serving on the board of Our House. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Dr. Alissa Shulman of Sovereign Plastic Surgery is known for her skill in sculpting bodies. Dr. Shulman is a board certified plastic surgeon, and a gifted artist and sculptor, who focuses her talents primarily below the neck. This year, in addition to her busy practice, she is stepping forward in a more prominent way professionally as Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s first female Chief of Surgery. She also is the only woman on the board of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons and is serving as President of the Sarasota County Medical Society. Dr. Shulman is well known for her breast lifts, augmentations/reductions, and for her work with cancer patients and the support she lends to breast cancer awareness. Her artistic ability is particularly evident in her body contouring procedures — tummy tucks, butt lifts and liposuction. Dr. Shulman has elevated awareness of fat grafting in Sarasota, adding pouf to cleavage and natural curve to Brazilian butt lifts. Dr. Shulman believes in using proven techniques and has great success with the nonsurgical fat reducing treatment, CoolSculpting. She is very enthusiastic about the results from this noninvasive procedure, which requires no downtime so patients can have it done during a long lunch hour. As busy as she is professionally, Dr. Shulman is a devoted mom to her seven and nine-year-old daughters. She loves watching them develop their individual talents and personalities as she shares creative activities such as drawing, sculpting, sewing, and cooking. Working to create a more active lifestyle, Dr. Shulman has been enjoying all kinds of water activities — swimming, paddle boarding, and pushing her own envelope by scuba diving. She is grateful for her loyal staff (including her mom/office manager) and her husband, because their support has been vital to her success. Women on the SCENE 2015

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Patricia Staebler Over the past 10 years, Patricia Staebler has built a highly successful business that has earned her national recognition in her field. Patricia is a commercial appraiser specializing in insurable value whose largest segment of

clients

are

condominium

and

homeowners associations but includes all commercial construction. She travels 30,000 miles across Florida each year appraising buildings ranging from small commercial property to mixed-use highrises. Her appraisals are based on actual construction value, rather than market value, which provides a more accurate valuation for insurance purposes. Patricia also prepares reserve studies for condo and homeowners associations, as well as special use properties like churches and schools. She conducts complex cost segregation analyses, which allow for favorable depreciation schedules. Born in Germany, Patricia began her career in hotel management but, while waiting to begin a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree program in that field, she began doing construction bidding, cost estimating, and project management for an engineering firm and found she loved it. She moved to Anna Maria Island in 2000, obtained insurance adjuster and appraiser licenses, and created the perfect marriage of professions she loves. Because Patricia has significant expertise in coastal properties, she is highly sought after to teach other appraisers and has conducted nationwide seminars through the Appraisal Institute, with which she is very active. She advocates for regulation and education for her discipline at the state and national level. Patricia also was treasurer and a board member for the Community Association Institute and is a member of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange. She is an accomplished artist who creates large-scale oil paintings in the non-objective style, which is a category sometimes referred to as abstract or non-representational. You can also see her riding around town on her Harley or find her recharging with Bikram yoga. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Hillary Steele Reaching out to make a difference in the lives of others is one of the things, along with family, that makes life worthwhile for Hillary Steele. Hillary leads by example in encouraging others to be involved, and not just financially. Her definition of involvement includes being

informed

and

engaged

helping the community address issues of importance. Hillary is known for her love for Sarasota, where she grew up. Although she did not expect her life path would allow her to live here, when her mom became ill 20 years ago, Hillary characteristically returned to help her parents and to reconnect with the community in which she grew up. As a single mom, not only did she get involved with the community, but enlisted her son and daughter and their friends to help feed the homeless and deliver for Meals On Wheels. The Sarasota Ballet has been Hillary’s abiding passion. She has worked with the ballet for many years, was on the search committee that brought in Director Iain Webb, and has been board chair for four years. Hillary is an unabashed cheerleader who thoroughly enjoys letting people know of the ballet’s successes and accolades. Other organizations that have benefitted from her generous support and capable leadership skills are the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, All Faiths Food Bank, the YMCA, and many others. This year, she is co-chairing the American Jewish Committee gala. Hillary also is an accomplished businesswoman and oversees a family business that manages apartments in Bradenton and employs a staff of 25. In her “spare” time, she spends as much time with family and attends as many arts performances as she can.

Women on the SCENE 2015

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Whether it’s making patients feel at ease in her ophthalmology practice or cooking an epicurean meal with friends, Dr. Dee Stephenson loves – and devotes herself fully to – all that she does. As the CEO of Stephenson Eye Associates in Venice, she and her staff work hard to be responsive and create a good patient experience, which is helped along by the beauty of her office, housed in a restored 1926 Italian Renaissance home. In addition to general ophthalmology, Dee is a board certified ophthalmic surgeon with a special expertise in custom laser cataract surgery and Premium Intraocular lenses. Having known she wanted to be a doctor since age five, Dee was attracted to ophthalmology because it offered the professional satisfaction of a field that is rapidly advancing while allowing the flexibility of devoting time to family. Recognized in Who’s Who in Ophthalmology, she is a founding member of AECOS and new President of the American College of Eye Surgeons. She is Associate Professor at USF, is on the editorial boards of ophthalmology journals and surgical advisory boards of leading companies like Bausch & Lomb, LENSAR and I-Optics, participates in many clinical trials, and lectures internationally. Dee also is part of a group of female ophthalmologists who generously share their experiences with young women entering the field to help them build successful practices and create a balanced life. She also loves spending time with her mom, who lives locally, and her 20 -year-old daughter with whom she has traveled all over the world. Dee is a strong supporter of the Venice Theatre and the Venice Lions Club, where she has been a member for 25 years and participates in its free eye care clinics. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Marian Strickland Unless you’re a new arrival to Sarasota’s shores, you know that noticing a unique and stunning piece of jewelry being worn or auctioned at a fundraiser very likely means one thing. It is a oneof-a-kind piece from MK Designs. The woman behind those creations is Marian Kaye Strickland, and her love for the gems and her eye for exquisite – and sometimes whimsical – design is evident. Marian creates jewelry in 14- or 18-karat white gold, yellow gold, and platinum that optimizes the beauty of the rare and unusually colored gemstones, diamonds and pearls she thoroughly vets for quality in her on-site lab. Her jewelry is sold online and at The Golden Image on Palm Avenue. Marian’s love for beautiful baubles led her into jewelry design as something of an encore career. She had a very successful medical career in California where she was clinical director of an outpatient surgery center. When her late husband retired, they moved to Sarasota, and Marian eventually became a registered gemologist and gemology appraiser. The scientific aspect of working with gems in the lab is appealing to her as is simply being surrounded by their sheer beauty. Marian acquires gems from around the world, including unusual specimens like alexandrite, zircon, apatite, tanzanite, iolite, sphene, and color changing sapphires, garnets and Zultanite. She finds bringing a customer’s dream design to life particularly rewarding. In addition to the many nonprofits she has helped, Marian is a staunch supporter of local businesses, especially her downtown neighbors, and has a cordial rapport that often converts customers to friends. Children’s charities are closest to her heart, including Joining Our Youth, the Guardian Ad Litem auxiliary, and Forty Carrots. She’s also a huge NFL football fan, particularly the Bucs and Steelers, an outdoor enthusiast, and a self-described “gym rat.” Women on the SCENE 2015

SCENE

Talk about a dynamic duo. As a mother-daughter team, Nikki Sedacca and Montana Taplinger represent an explosion of creative talent, business savvy, and style as well as an admirable resume of community service. As owners of 530 Burns Gallery in historic Burns Court, the two women have complimentary skillsets and a shared passion for art and the artists who create it. Inspired by their travels, the gallery offers a variety of forms from American artists, including contemporary acrylic paintings, watercolors, glass, pottery, sculpture, and Nikki’s own one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry along with that of other designers. Their goal is to develop long-term support that allows talented artists to continue to innovate and keep living their passion. Launched this summer, they now also offer a consultation service to help art collectors most aesthetically display their art, including for those who need to adapt existing collections to Florida lifestyles. It’s a labor of love for two women who literally grew up steeped in art. The pair has expanded into other markets with their unique art and jewelry concept, opening two locations in Edgartown, Massachusetts. This has opened them to a wider client base of international art collectors and allowed them to serve clients from around the world. Nikki was born in Florida, and her family has been in Sarasota since the 1970s. She is well known for her long time support of numerous nonprofits, including current and past involvement with the Florida Winefest, The Ringling Museum, and Asolo Repertory Theatre, to name a few. After graduation from the University of Florida, Montana fell in love with Sarasota all over again and is carrying on the family tradition of service as a founding member and President of Designing Daughters and an event chair for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s first local gala this spring. She has also served on committees for various other groups including Girls, Inc., and Asolo Rep. Both women appreciate having family time with their husbands and Montana’s two-year-old daughter. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

As a fifth generation Floridian, Nelda Thompson understands what encompasses the Florida dream lifestyle. Through her real estate brokerage, Nelda Thompson and Associates, she has been helping homeowners achieve that special laid-back, sand-in-your-toes lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of Manasota Key. As a longtime resident of the key, Nelda’s appreciation for the area shines through in the enthusiasm with which she approaches her work, and in the significant contributions she has made in her many years of community service. That dedication to community was instilled from childhood through her family’s involvement in political and civic affairs. Nelda was instrumental in providing Englewood residents with nearby access to healthcare by donating an office building for a walk-in clinic, fulfilling a long-held dream of her late husband, Jim. She also was one of the original group of residents who envisioned an artists’ haven amid Manasota Key’s beautiful surroundings, out of which grew the world renowned Hermitage Artist Retreat. Nelda has served on the board there and at the Venice hospital for many years. She also has served on the board of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, participated in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, and is known for rarely saying no when asked for help. While she’s flirted with the idea of retirement, Nelda knows that sitting back and watching the world go by is not for her. Feeling that there is a limit to what one can do well, she is content with running her boutique real estate brokerage, which remains the leading brokerage for Manasota Key sales, indulging her interest in political affairs, and continuing to serve the community she loves.

Women on the SCENE 2015

SCENE

With an aptitude for finance, a keen sense of style, and a love for fashion, it’s no surprise Tatiana Twarowski is at home in the fine jewelry business. In 2013, Tatiana and her husband, Greg, founded Carats

Fine

Jewelry

and

Watches.

Their vision was to create a familyrun luxury jeweler in the heart of the neighborhood in which they live with their three young children. While Carats draws shoppers from around the region, Tatiana considers it a true neighborhood store with deep community roots. The Twarowskis take pride in offering the warm personal interaction and service of a family business, with the sophistication and full service capabilities of a large urban jeweler. As a CPA with a master’s degree in

accounting,

Tatiana

understands

how to run an efficient business with broad appeal and accessible pricing. Carats offers brand name luxury and fashion jewelry, watches, and bridal sets, including high-end lines like Hearts On Fire®, as well as selections for more budget-conscious customers. Carats also carries a unique selection of estate jewelry and previously owned designer watches. Tatiana’s full-service concept means master jewelers handle everything from simple sizing to complex repairs, restoration, and custom jewelry design at a state-of-the-art onsite lab. Shoppers can create personal wish lists, identifying favorite items to guide their special someone when looking for gift ideas. Carats also provides discreet collateral loans and even allows customers to “trade up” their diamonds for larger stones. For Tatiana, the goal is simple, that is for customers to be educated about their purchases and always to leave 100 percent satisfied. When she’s not immersed in the jewelry business, you can find Tatiana at social events supporting local nonprofits, such as Forty Carrots and Girls, Inc., or enjoying family time with a neighborhood bike ride or beach outing. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Chris Voelker Chris Voelker’s life is busier than ever these days, and she loves it. Chris is a familiar face at charity events and is known as an animal welfare champion who is very involved with the Humane Society of Sarasota County. She also is known as the proprietress of the State Street Eating House + Cocktails, which brought a big-city urban vibe to

downtown

Sarasota’s

restaurant

scene. Although she always has been involved, Chris now is managing the restaurant — a role she finds exciting and stimulating. She honed her business acumen as an executive with a large utility company and as a small business owner with her husband, Kirk, with whom she also runs a charitable foundation. Her experience has been a boon although Chris doesn’t downplay the challenge of learning the restaurant business and adapting to a seven-day schedule. Brimming with ideas, Chris has instituted significant changes including opening for breakfast/brunch, updated menu offerings, a three-hour happy hour and expanded snack menu, mixology classes, and wine, whiskey and gin tastings. The experience has made her even more appreciative of the restaurant’s talented, dedicated staff and loyal customers. Chris’s ability to bring a vision to reality has also helped the Humane Society where she has served as past Board President and currently is on the Executive Committee. Under her leadership, the organization brought in a new team that revamped operations resulting in more adoptions and more lives saved. She also has helped achieve a long-term goal with the opening of a low-cost wellness clinic bringing more affordable care to the community. As busy as she is, Chris considers herself to be in a great place in life and still manages to find time to spend with her husband and close cadre of female friends, and to enjoy the area’s bountiful arts. Women on the SCENE 2015

SCENE

Janet Walter’s roots run deep in the community, and it is this expertise that she brings to her clients whether she is helping them sell their properties or find the right home. When she moved to the area 21 years ago from St. Louis, she initially lived on Lido Beach and for the past 13 years has been on the north end of Longboat Key. Having spent family vacations and spring breaks on Longboat, she knew from the start that she would love it there. Now working out of Michael Saunders & Company’s south Longboat Key office, Janet enjoys helping others make this area their home. She works from Anna Maria to Casey Key with a particular emphasis on Longboat, downtown Sarasota, and waterfront properties. Prior to entering residential real estate, Janet was a marketing manager with Sarasota Square Mall and Southgate Plaza, where her responsibilities included commercial leasing and overseeing a major renovation. That experience helps her assist buyers who are drawn to new homes and condos, including a $4 million downtown penthouse she recently placed under contract. The years she spent with the malls also gave her an extensive background in marketing, deepened her sphere of influence within the community, put her in contact with many nonprofits, and developed relationships with local news media — all of which benefit clients whose property she lists. Janet is family oriented and community minded. She is a graduate of Leadership Sarasota and has co-chaired many events, including Asolo Rep’s Grand Gala, Top Dog for Donte’s Den, and Brandy’s Wish Foundation. Janet also has been active in the Parent Teacher Student Societies at her two daughters’ schools. Her free time is spent with her family and a host of household pets. She particularly loves horseback riding with her girls who are competitive hunter jumpers. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Linda Ware Using skills honed as an executive coach and corporate trainer, Linda Ware’s approach as Sarasota Bay Club’s Director of Sales and Marketing is to focus on her clients’ wellbeing. Linda’s overarching goal is to establish a good relationship right from the start by focusing on their needs. While SBC’s gorgeous bay views, spacious floor plans, modern finishes, and upscale amenities appeal to many, she looks beyond the mechanics of making a sale to help prospective residents determine the best retirement community for them. As a Certified Senior Advisor and coach, she is uniquely qualified to help them think through their options. Linda especially appreciates that SBC is privately held by local owners who are actively involved and accessible to residents. She wants residents to feel that by purchasing a condominium, they can live vibrant lives, and also that SBC can achieve its goal of enriching their lives every day. Her approach has been clearly effective with sales growing to an all-time high since she joined SBC in 2012. Maintaining a positive attitude is an important tenet that Linda demonstrates and imparts to her staff, creating an environment that effectively mixes a serious approach with lighthearted fun. She thrives on making a difference in people’s lives even if it is just giving them a friendly smile or a warm touch in passing. For many years, Linda has taught others how to “beam love” and still hears from people who tell her how powerful that has been. In her early career, Linda was a physical education teacher and still enjoys remaining active with biking, swimming and working out at the gym. She lives with her family in Nokomis and is very active in her church where she sings in the choir and helps with technology for the Sunday service.

Women on the SCENE 2015

SCENE

As a former Florida public school teacher, Jane Windsor witnessed the struggles faced by special learners and their families. As the parent of a student with ADHD, she experienced the difficulties many parents face in obtaining the right diagnosis necessary in order to understand academic difficulty. Now, in her education law practice, Jane’s unique qualifications help her successfully advocate for students with learning disabilities. Jane helps students get services they need for academic success, but ultimately she helps them learn to work around their disabilities so they can be successful in life. She is intimately familiar with the intricacies of the education system and the various bodies of law that govern education law. Jane went to law school and established her education law practice to help others overcome these hurdles. She works closely with educational professionals to determine clients’ learning needs and aids in creating educational plans including obtaining the necessary testing accommodations. Jane is a powerful advocate with the skills, knowledge, and tenacity to fight for her clients to receive all the legally allowable services they need in their school. She is so passionate about helping her clients achieve academic success that she opens her office after hours to provide them tutoring and computer access to specialized learning programs. Jane has helped clients from grades K-12 through college and post-graduate degrees, including those in medical, dental, and law schools. She has also obtained testing accommodations for clients taking state and national professional board examinations. A Florida native, Jane is a graduate of Sarasota High School and Florida State University. She attended law school in Michigan, obtaining her Juris Doctor degree in 2009. She is very active professionally, a member of the Counsel of Parent and Attorney Advocates (COPAA), as well as a recent graduate of the William and Mary Law School’s Institute of Special Education Advocacy Program. SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

FOR YOU

3.02 Carats Radiant Cut Diamond Ring D VS2 GIA $67,500

PHOTO: JENNIFER WRIGHT

www.CaratsFineJewelryAndWatches.com

1922 Bay Road, Sarasota FL 34239 (941) 926-3335 gregt@caratsfjw.com Fine Jewelry - Full Watch & Jewelry Service - Private Estate Buying - Collateral Loans - Custom Design

Some day,

she’ll be freedom.

Some day, this cute, cuddly—and not just a little bit crazy—10-week-old will be the difference between a life half lived, and one fully engaged. But it’s not easy. It takes two years, thousands of dollars, and hundreds of volunteer hours to turn raw potential into polished performance. And it’s all possible because of people just like you.

Some day, with your help, starts today.

Your Hometown Heroes

Directory ALTMAN, RITA, PA., MPAS

BROWN, HEIDI

Aesthetic Medicine Rita Medical Elite 2161 Siesta Dr. Sarasota, FL 34239 941.951.2161 ritamedicalelite@gmail.com ritamedicalelite.com

Chief Executive Officer Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson 1951 N. Honore Ave. Sarasota, FL 34235 941.377.0781 x103 hbrown@kobernickanchin.org kobernickanchin.org

APPLE, LINDA

BURGESS, BONTI

Sales Associate Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 8141 Lakewood Main St., Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.586.0553 Linda.Apple@sothebysrealty.com TheLindaAppleTeam.com

CEO/ Administrator Bright Day Home Healthcare 2620 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239 941.955.8900 bonti@brightday.care brightday.care

BACK, JENIFER C., DMD

COCO, JOSEPHINE

Cosmetic Dentist/Owner Sarasota Smile Design 3800 Clark Rd. Sarasota, FL 34233 Info@sarasotasmiledesign.com Sarasotasmiledesign.com

Owner Budget Blinds & Inspired Drapes 343 Interstate Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34240 941.342.0900 jcoco@budgetblinds.com | sarasota@budgetblinds.com budgetblinds.com

BARBOUR, HOLLY L., MD Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon 1250 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste 302 Sarasota, FL 34239 941.951.2220 Dr.barbour@comcast.net HollyBarbourMD.com

BARRY, CYNTHIA S. 941.704.7146 csb@conflictssolvedbybarry.com

COGAN, AIMEE Managing Director – Wealth Management, Family Wealth Director, Wealth Advisor Morgan Stanley 2 North Tamiami Trail, Ste 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.363.8513 aimee.cogan@morganstanley.com morganstanleyfa.com/bellwethergroup/index.htm

COOLIDGE, BETSIE BLEACH, KIMBERLY, CFP®, CTFA, ADPA Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management 50 Central Ave., Ste 750 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.951.4104 kimberly.bleach@ustrust.com pages.ustrust.com/Kimberly.Bleach

BOLLETTI, REBECCA S. Vice President – Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley Wealth Management 2 North Tamiami Trail, Ste 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.364.7406 | 800.237.9441 x406 rebecca.s.bolletti@ms.com MorganStanleyFA.com/rebecca.s.bolletti

BOWMAN, TERESA K. Attorney Teresa K. Bowman, P.A. (in association with O’Brien, Ellis, Bowman & Bennett, LLC) 1800 2nd St., Ste 735 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.735.5200 tkbowman@tkbowmanpa.com tkbowmanpa.com

Proprietor and President Cafe L’Europe 431 St. Armands Circle 941.388.4415 betsie@cafeleurope.net | info@cafeleurope.net CafeLEurope.net

CRABTREE, MICHELLE Broker Associate Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 8141 Lakewood Main St., Ste 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.724.4663 michelle.crabtree@sothebysrealty.com michellecrabtree.premiersothebysrealty.com sales@crabtreehomes.com | crabtreehomes.com

CRAWFORD, ESTELLE

catherine@lifelawfirm.com LifeLawFirm.com

CUPPY, JUDITH V. President/Owner Senior Home Companions, Inc. SM For Seniors by Active Seniors® 2447 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34239 941.924.0494 jcuppy@comcast.net seniorhomecompanions.com

ESPOSITO, JANELLE L., ESQ. Esposito Law Group, P.A. 537 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 P.O. Box 9266 Bradenton, Florida 34206-0551 941.251.0000 janelle@espositolegal.com

FLAHERTY, ANGELA D., ESQ. Law Office Of Angela D. Flaherty, P.A. 434 South Washington Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.706.2860 angela@srqfamilylaw.com

FORRISTALL, MARY President Forristall Enterprises, Inc 3404 17th St. East Palmetto, FL 34221 941.729.8150 mary@forristall.com forristall.com

GARLINGTON, ANNE RIKER Vice President, Senior Banking Advisor PNC Wealth Management 1549 Ringling Blvd., 3rd Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941.363.5062 anne.garlington@pnc.com PNC.com/wealthmanagement

GARROW, DANIELLE Owner/Buyer Malibu Fox Boutique 5275 University Parkway #103 University Park, FL 34201 941.312.2439 Danielle@malibufoxshop.com malibufoxshop.com

President Pines of Sarasota Foundation 1501 North Orange Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.955.6293 ecrawford@pinesfoundation.org pinesofsarasota.org

GETTEL, KELLY

CSAKY, CATHERINE

Level V Executive Consultant Lexus Achiever Rodan + Fields 941.587.7394 elizhaynes27@verizon.net rodanandfields.com

Client Care Advocate Life Planning Law Firm, P.A. 1671 Mound St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.914.6000

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 100 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.315.2525 kelly.gettel@floridamoves.com

HAYNES, ELIZABETH

Women on the SCENE 2015

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Directory HODGENS, DR. KAMERON

MCCLAIN, JENNIFER A.

NANAYAKKARA, BADRA J.

CEO Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center 1750 17th St., Bldg. J-1 Sarasota, FL 34234 941.365.4545 khodgens@gs-humanservices.org gs-humanservices.org

Attorney/Partner Dent & McClain, Chartered 3415 Magic Oak Lane Sarasota, FL 34232 941.952.1070 jmcclain@dentmcclain.com dentmcclainchartered.com

President Contessa Couture, Inc. 1243 US 41 Bypass S. Venice, FL 34285 941.244.2394 contact@contessacouture.comcastbiz.net contessacouture.com

JFCS

MCDANIEL, LINDSEY

Rose Chapman, LCSW, President & CEO Gerri Aaron, JFCS Board Member 2688 Fruitville Rd. Sarasota, FL 34237 941.366.2224 rchapman1@JFCS-Cares.org JFCS-Cares.org

Owner Laura Jean’s Consignments 3830 S. Tuttle Ave. (Tuttle Bee Plaza) Sarasota, FL 34239 941.922.5535 LauraJeansConsignments@gmail.com LauraJeansConsignments.com

OB/GYN WOMEN’S CENTRE OF LAKEWOOD RANCH

JOHNSON, CHRISTINE P.

MCKAY, TELESE

President Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast PO Box 902 400 Palmetto Ave. Osprey, FL 34229 941.918.2100 Christine@conservationfoundation.com conservationfoundation.com

Partner/Co-Founder McKay Law Firm, P.A. 1904 Manatee Ave. W., Ste 300 Bradenton, FL 34205 941.251.4951 tmckay@mckay-law.com mckay-law.com

Jill S. Miller, ARNP, Nurse Practitioner Therese E. Goode, PA-C, Physician Assistant Certified 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Ste 240 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.907.3008 obgynwc.com

PINGEL, MICHELLE BIANCHI Managing Director/CEO The Players Theatre 838 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.2494 info@theplayers.org theplayerstheater.org

MEI, DENISE KING, MARY E., ESQ. Tax Attorney Law Office of Mary E. King, PL 3389 Magic Oak Lane Sarasota, FL 34232 941.906.7585 tax@kinglawpl.com taxlawyerflorida.com

LEE, JENNIFER RENEE Founding Partner Modern-Wealth, LLC 6710 Professional Pkwy. W., Ste 201B Sarasota, FL 34240 941.251.0510 Jennifer@modern-wealth.com

LIASHEK, TIFFANY Owner Studio South Fitness 55 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.4584 tiffanyL@studiosouthfitness.com studiosouthfitness.com

LIGHT, PATRICIA A. (PATTIE) Co-owner PANDORA Store at University Town Center 140 University Town Center Dr. #169 Sarasota, FL 34243 pattie@ujpholdings.com pandora.net

MANCUSO, LYNETTE R. Attorney and Mediator Burgess, Harrell, Mancuso, Colton & La Porta, P.A. 1776 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.366.3700 LMancuso@burgessharrell.com BurgessHarrell.com SCENE

Women on the Scene 2015

Realtor ®, Michael Saunders & Company 1801 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.685.3198 denisemei@michaelsaunders.com denisemei.michaelsaunders.com

MILLER, ALEX CEO, Mercedes Medical 7590 Commerce Ct. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.355.3333 x228 AMiller@MercedesMedical.com MercedesMedical.com

PLEAS, CORAL Owner Cutting Loose Salons 1950 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.5586 8429 Honore Ave. University Park, FL 34201 941.358.6000 5820 Ranch Lake Blvd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.404.7100 cuttingloose.net

REVILL, LYNETTE MILLER, VERONICA BRANDON Vice President Goodwill Manasota Foundation 2705 51st Ave. East Bradenton, FL 34203 941.355.2721 veronica.miller@gimi.org experiencegoodwill.org

Revill Associates Private Investigation Agency State of Florida License A-9700185 Sarasota, FL 941.320.7541 LynetteRevill@aol.com revillassociates.com

RIDDELL, JULIE MITCHELL, KATHY Chief Nursing Officer Doctors Hospital of Sarasota 5731 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34233 941.342.1100 doctorshospitalofsarasota.com

MORGAN, JOAN Owner Dream Weaver 364 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236 941.388.1974 dreamweavercollection.com

Registered Representative Concorde Investments, LLC 3400 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste 202 Sarasota, FL 34239 941.366.1300 jriddell@concordeis.com 1031replace.com

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Isabel Norton Carolyn Johnson 941.309.4733 librarycampaign@ringling.edu

Perfect for those times when you don’t want or have time to cook but still crave something delicious. Morton’s kitchen offers an amazing array of gourmet entrees and comfort foods, all prepared from scratch and packaged to go. Save time, money and effort while savoring the city’s best take-out, hands down. Don’t miss our huge selection of freshly made salads too!

Historic Southside Village ∙ 1924 South Osprey Avenue ∙ Sarasota (941) 955-9856 ∙ MortonsMarket.com

Directory ROBB & STUCKY INTERIOR DESIGNERS Robb & Stucky 7557 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 941.702.8400 info@robbstuckyintl.com robbstucky.com

ROBINSON, AMY Broker Associate Amy Robinson Real Estate Advisors Group / RE/MAX Alliance Group 5011 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242 941.928.2044 amy@amyrobinson.com AmyRobinson.com

RUST, JENNIFER

941.752.5580 dickerm@scf.edu | scf.edu/Academics/Music/ BELL, DR. ROBYN - Director of Instrumental Studies 941.752.5579 bellr@scf.edu | scf.edu/Academics/Music/ HOLMES, CASSANDRA - Executive Director State College of Florida Foundation 941.752.5390 holmesc@scf.edu | SCFFoundation.net

STEELE, HILLARY Board Chair, The Sarasota Ballet 8213 Midnight Pass Rd. Sarasota, FL 34242 941.812.2459 HGS8@comcast.net

STEPHENSON, P DEE G., MD, FACS, ABES, FSEE

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor Synovus Wealth Management 1605 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.556.1012 JenniferRust@SynovusBankFL.com synovusbankfl.synovus.com

President, American College of Eye Surgeons 200 Palermo Place Venice, FL 34285 (o) 941.485.1121 | (c) 941.468.6363 eyedrdee@aol.com www.stephensoneye.com

SANDERS, MARY A., DMD, PA

Gemologist, Jewelry Designer MK Designs The Golden Image Jewelry Store 30 S Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.364.8439 info@mymkdesigns.com mymkdesigns.com

2677 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 941.366.0616 info@marysandersdentistry.com marysandersdentistry.com

SEIDENSTICKER, LISA Managing Partner TableSeide Restaurant Group 1289 North Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.552.9650 tableseide.com

SHULMAN, ALISSA M., MD., F.A.C.S. Chief of Surgery (SMH), Chief of Plastic Surgery (SMH), President of Sarasota County Medical Society Sovereign Plastic Surgery 1950 Arlington St., Ste 112 Sarasota, FL 34239 941.366.5476 DrShulman@sovereignps.com sovereignps.com

STAEBLER, PATRICIA Principal Staebler Appraisal and Consulting 941.705.0123 patricia@staeblerappraisal.com staeblerappraisal.com

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, MANATEE-SARASOTA PO Box 1849 Bradenton, FL 34206 PROBSTFELD, DR. CAROL, F. - President 941.752.5201 morrocs@scf.edu | SCF.edu DICKERSON, MELODIE Music Program Manager, Director of Choral/Vocal Studies

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Women on the Scene 2015

STRICKLAND, MARIAN KAYE

TAPLINGER, MONTANA SEDACCA, NIKKI Co-owner’s, Designer (Nikki) 530 Burns Gallery 530 Burns Lane Sarasota, FL 34236 941.951.0620 530burnsgallery@gmail.com 530burnsgallery.com

813.974.2011 USF.edu RAWE, DR. TERESA - Medical Director Manatee Memorial Hospital Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 206 Second St., E. Bradenton, FL 34208 941.746.5111 ManateeMemorial.com STONE, DR. SANDRA - Regional Chancellor University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941.359.4200 USFSM.edu WEINTRAUB, ANNE - Attorney Anne Weintraub P.A. 1800 Second St., Ste 882 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.685.4300 anneweintraub.com

VOELKER, CHRIS Proprietor State Street Eating House + Cocktails 1533 State Street Sarasota, FL 34236 941.951.1533 Chris@statestreetsrq.com

WALTER, JANET H. Real Estate Professional Michael Saunders & Co. 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228 941.232.2000 janetwalter@michaelsaunders.com janetwalter.michaelsaunders.com

WARE, LINDA Director of Sales and Marketing Sarasota Bay Club 1301 N. Tamiami Trail 941.552.3284 lware@sarasotabayclub.net Sarasotabayclub.com

THOMPSON, NELDA M. Owner/Broker Nelda Thompson & Associates, LLC 1354 Manasota Beach Road Englewood, FL 34223 941.716.0530 nelda@neldathompson.com neldathompson.com

TWAROWSKI, TATIANA Owner Carats Fine Jewelry & Watches 1922 Bay Rd. Sarasota, FL 34239 941.926.3335 tatianat@caratsfjw.com caratsfinejewelryandwatches.com

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE GENSHAFT, DR. JUDY - President University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33620

WINDSOR, JANE WATSON Attorney, Education Law Windsor Law Firm 2014 Fourth St. Sarasota, FL 34237 941.487.7527 | 800.449.1051 jane@windsoreducationlaw.com windsoreducationlaw.com

WOMAN’S EXCHANGE INC. OF SARASOTA Karen Koblenz, CEO & Executive Director Elizabeth Lindsay, Co-founder/President 539 S. Orange Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.955.7859 kkoblenz@sarasotawex.com sarasotawex.com

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364 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236 941-388-1974 dreamweavercollection.com

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D A L E O B B E E B B

UNIQUE JEWELRY FOR THE WOMAN WITH STYLE T h e G o l d e n I m a g e / 3 0 S . P a l m Av e . , S a r a s o ta , F L 3 4 2 3 6 mymkdesigns.com / (941) 364-8439 2015 WOTS $3.95 U.S.