A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling and sitting on a green velvet sofa in a modern indoor setting with large plants and glass walls.
Group of diverse adults smiling and posing together in front of a green banner that reads 'I Speak Up for Kids'.
Woman smiling on stage holding a metallic spatula, standing next to a man at a podium with a microphone, both wearing denim jackets with patriotic designs, in front of a backdrop of blue curtains with silver beads, at an event with a yellow and black Felix Black Gardens logo.

Meet Our Team

A cause is only as good as its players. We could not make the impact that we do in Palm Beach County without the steadfast support of the tireless souls on our Governing Board and Team.

Interested in learning more about volunteering & getting involved with Speak Up for Kids?

GOVERNING BOARD

  • Maria Batista

    Maria Batista

    LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISOR

  • Andriene Gordon

    LEGAL ADVISOR

  • Dorothy Bradshaw

    Dorothy Bradshaw

    ADVISOR

  • A woman with dark skin and curly hair smiling, wearing a navy blazer with an embroidered crest on the pocket, a white shirt, and a heart-shaped necklace. The background has a white marble pattern with gold veins.

    Pam Brooks

    CHILD WELFARE LIAISON

  • Symone Jordan

    Symone Jordan

    ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Coleen LaCosta

Executive Director

Coleen LaCosta has dedicated her career to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, recognizing that true change happens through collaboration and collective action. As the Executive Director of Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, she leads with a vision that prioritizes the best interests of children, building layers of support that extend beyond advocacy to tangible, life-changing resources. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach to assess and address the evolving needs of foster children and their caregivers. Through innovative programs like Flourishing Futures, Embrace Kids, and the Foster Concierge, Speak Up for Kids ensures that children receive the mental health support, life skills training, and community connections they need to succeed.

Coleen firmly believes that no one can do this work alone. The strength of Speak Up for Kids lies in the partnerships and collaborations that make its mission possible. Whether working with foster parents, child welfare professionals, or community organizations, she fosters connections that turn shared commitment into meaningful impact. She is continually inspired by the generosity and dedication of the Palm Beach County community, whose support enables real change for the most vulnerable children. By uniting voices and resources, LaCosta ensures that every child’s best interest remains at the forefront, and that together, we are creating a future where every child has the opportunity to flourish.

Meet the Team That Speaks Up for Kids

  • Dani MacGregor

    Marketing Systems & Digital Platforms Manager

  • Trish Zenczak

    Director of Training & Impact

  • Barbara Scarlata

    Recruitment Manager

  • David Sucher

    SCVA/Victim Advocate Community

  • Ari Khadivi

    SCVA/Foster Youth Resource Concierge

  • Cherryl Cannon

    SCVA/Victim Advocate Awareness

  • Sherwit Elkersh

    SCVA/Program Coordinator

  • Jonathan Blair

    Victim Advocate Resource Coordinator

  • Pam Cohen

    Victim Advocate Resource Coordinator/Volunteers

  • Bonnie Rodriguez

    SCVA

  • Josiane Charlot

    SCVA

  • Peter Braun

    Support Associate

  • Diana Reese

    Director of Foster Palm Beach

  • Tonya Cajuste

    Support & Awareness Associate

  • Positions

    Speak Up for Kids has Positions. Managed through Guardian ad Litem.