EMERGING LEADERS pROGRAM
The Emerging Leaders Program is a year-long program that facilitates leadership development of FSCA members.
Co-Leaders
Janet Riley
Hillsborough County
Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Topdemir
Pasco County
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
FSCA believes strongly in facilitating leader development amongst the membership. To support leadership and develop FSCA leaders, the Emerging Leader program was launched in 2015. Since this first cohort, over 100 FSCA members have completed the Program. Many of the completers have then served on the Board of Directors, a Committee Chair, or served in both leadership positions over a few years.
TIMELINE
The application period is announced each spring. By June the new cohort is announced. A virtual orientation is held and committee assignments announced. Prior to the opening of the annual state convention, a three-hour training is conducted.
ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE
To be eligible for the program, the applicant must:
- be a current member of the Florida School Counselor Association and maintain membership through the term;
- be a professional school counselor or a current graduate student in a school counseling program; and
- attend the annual FSCA Convention November 13-15, 2025 in Orlando, FL (at your own expense).
Benefits
- A one-year free FSCA membership after completion of the program
- Advance leadership your skill from the training and mentorship
- Network and connect with school counselors across the state
- Gratification from promoting and advancing Florida school counseling
- Make new friends and have fun
Commitment
- Serve as a co-chair for a committee through the year
- Provide assistance at FSCA events
- Attend the training and participate in the mentorship
- Attend the annual convention and serve as a FSCA host/hostess
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the application packet using the link below
- The application must include your resume, two professional references, and one letter of support from a supervisor or faculty member.
- The deadline to submit the application is May 25, 2025
EMERGING LEADER COHORTS |
2024-2025Karley Drapp Hillsborough County Vincent Geigel Seminole County Nigel Johnson Palm Beach County Jonathan McGowan Marion County Mary Fonda Moore Hillsborough County Mary Palmer Putnam County Sarah Putnam Dr. Ashlee Haynes Razor Duval County Stephanie Rocha Hillsborough County Madison Smith Lee County Alison Whitehurst Citrus County | 2023-2024Kelly Daane Jamie N. Flatley Collier County Phillip Horn Hillsborough County Samantha "Sam" Lopes Hillsborough County Bridget Mantooth-Urso Palm Beach County Liz McNairy Duval County Kalin Sandow Pasco County Sara Tullis (Keys) Hillsborough County Keri Tutterrow Lee County Kelsey Wrye | 2022-2023Dawn Bugar Magdalena "Maggie" Cermola Gabrielle "Gabby" Jackson Tarance "TD" Le'Noir Kayla Nolan Frank "Alex" Quinto Kianna Rojas Aaron Tillman |
2021-2022Lauren Daharry Brianna Diaz Gabrielle "Gabby" Jackson Katie Babb Shilah James Tessa Melson Siobhan Murphy Madison Ohling-Laurino Karen Parham Elizabeth Yeslow-Huggins | 2020-2021Melissa Bailey Melissa Buquo Felicia Burbaugh Kristin Calvert Noel Fortney Drew Grissell Rachel Kusher Deldrick Leonard Rachel Matthews Cheryl Taylor-Mearhoff Shante Norton Tim O'Bryan Brianna Patterson Jenny Ritz Alexis Smith | 2019-2020Monique Byrd Polk County Candace Carsey Marion County Tabbatha Johns Clay County Alejandra Mourin Broward County Lavieria Nottage Polk Couty Alyson Savage Marion County Takeisha Wilkins Duval County Kimberlae Williams Duval County Evan Willis Hillsborough County |
2018-2019Courtney Binnion Hillsborough County Brittany Morgado Hillsborough County Olivia Gordon Dade County Lauren Malone Hillsborough County Kari Rankine Palm Beach County Laquieria Nottage Polk County | 2017-2018Courtney Crutcher Pinellas County Samantha Desjarlais Duval County Kyle Fischer Pinellas County Ashley Lawrence Duval County Anna Owens Palm Beach County Lindsey Towns Pasco County Heather Wakefield St. Johns County Michelina Walker Palm Beach County | 2016-2017Beth Behner Pasco County Tess Belanger Duval County Ashley Harvey Jackson County Sarah Johansen Pasco County Lori Landes Palm Beach County Abigail Martin Duval County Randi Schietz Palm Beach County Lynette Thorstensen Brevard County |
2015-2016Catherine Bekkedel Duval County NaToria Campbell Duval County Courtney Elkin Palm Beach County Shaneka Ferrell Duval County Haley Gaidosh Pasco County Natalie Garner Leon County Michael Kane Palm Beach county Amber Shepard Thompson Pinellas County Audrey Tedder Hillsborough County Lauren Tenholder Duval County Thomia Thompson Hillsborough County Debbie Veldkamp Sarasota County |