Welcome to Lindsey Smith, our team's Executive Assistant. Growing as fast as we are, we need her organizational skills and support around the office! Lindsey is a former preschool teacher who currently resides in Tallahassee, FL. She has an extensive background in the field of early childhood education and has experience working with middle and high school students. She is married to her husband Derek, and together they have two wonderfully curious little boys, Zane and Drake, and two beloved dogs named Molli and Mello. In her free time, Lindsey loves to spend time at the beach and exploring the outdoors with her family.

We have not one but TWO SPRING INTERNS! First up, Dayane Hernandez is currently a senior at Florida State University under the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice and is set to graduate in Spring of 2023. She hopes to enter the Master's program at FSU to enhance her education and pursue her passions within the juvenile justice system. Dayane is interested in entering the criminology field with a focus on the implementation and progression of preventative and reentry related work. Dayane joined our team on referral from our partners with the Florida Juvenile Justice Association. She will be assisting with our policy and youth workforce development initiatives.

Kinara Vitha is currently a senior at Florida State University, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences while pursuing minors in Psychology, Education, and Commercial Entrepreneurship. Kinara has previously worked in Special Education and Early Childhood settings to pursue her passion for serving children and families in her local community. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree, she hopes to enter the workforce and eventually further her education by attending graduate school. Kinara joined the Florida Afterschool family also as an intern and will be assisting with our capacity building and ARPA initiatives.

Already thinking about summer? We are! Florida Afterschool is putting together a three day symposium on April 13-15, 2023, at the B Resort & Spa in Disney Springs! This conference will include a dedicated leadership track, resource hall, peer-led workshops and a Saturday youth summit. Day tickets will be available. Save the date and start planning your travel today! (more details coming soon)

View tentative Agenda | Book Hotel

Questions begin a path towards discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is a great way to train staff on how to facilitate STEM learning. Register: Use the code AC227PQ

acrescoaching.org

Children’s Week Florida 2023 will be at the State Capitol, March 26 to 31! Children’s Week Florida is the largest event held in the state that celebrates and honors its commitment to children, youth, and advocates.