FHCA Announces 2025 Florida Leaders

Training Program for Long Term Care Professionals Focuses on Enhancing Quality and Strengthening the Workforce

Tallahassee, Fla. –  Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Class of the FHCA Florida Leaders. FHCA's Florida Leaders program is a year-long training for emerging long term care leaders that focuses on leadership development and quality improvement principles to advance the profession and enhance the care being provided in Florida’s skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
The following individuals have been selected as members of the Florida Leaders Class of 2025:

• Amelia Fiore, Aspire Health Group in Jacksonville
• Ashley Malys, Regents Park of Jacksonville
• Claude Simmons, Jr., Lakeside Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Jacksonville
• Dakotah Nalley, Millennial Healthcare Services in Leesburg
• David Prater, Oak View Health and Rehabilitation Center in Orange Park
• Ena Findlay, Longwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Longwood
• Gabriella Diaz, Aspire at Spring Hill in Brooksville
• George Andrew Seigel, Solaris Healthcare Forest Lakes in Naples
• Gladys Christopher, Seabranch Health and Rehabilitation Center in Stuart
• Grant Buckner, Aspire at Brentwood in Lecanto
• James Clemons, The Lakes of Clermont Health and Rehabilitation Center in Clermont
• James Poindexter, Havens at Pensacola
• Jared Self, Timber Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ocala
• Jeannette Baltzly, Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation Center in DeLand
• Jennifer Reyes, Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City
• Jessica Pierre, South Orange Health and Rehabilitation Center in Apopka
• Kristin Taylor, Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation in Fort Walton Beach
• Lauren Lukes-Howard, Riverchase Health and Rehabilitation Center in Quincy
• Mariela Martinez, Aston Health Consulting Services in Brandon
• Meagan Kopstad, Blue Heron Health and Rehabilitation in Wesley Chapel
• Miranda Fraunfelter,Millennial Healthcare Services in Tampa
• Nicole Carroll, Tampa Lakes Health and Rehab in Lutz
• Pamela Paxton, Pines of Sarasota
• Staci Goldstein, RB Health Partners, Inc. in Crystal Beach
• Steve Ortiz, Aston Health Consulting Services in Tampa
• Sydney Meade Oxley, Elite Medical Staffing in Lake Mary
• Trinity Blocker, Vivo Healthcare Orange Park
• Tyler Ward, Apollo Health & Rehabilitation Center in St. Petersburg
• Zachary Gray, Bridgewater Park Assisted Living in Ocala

“Each of these Florida Leaders has demonstrated a passion for caregiving while at the same time recognizes the importance of growing the next generation of leaders within the profession,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. “These impressive individuals are the future of long term care, and we’re proud to have such a strong group representing the 2025 Class.“

 “I applaud these compassionate individuals for strengthening their commitment to improving the lives of those entrusted to their care. By taking steps to expand their knowledge and advance their leadership, they are helping to ensure Florida maintains its high standards when it comes to delivering high-quality long term care,” said Representative Allison Tant.

Since 2009, FHCA's Florida Leaders program has developed nearly 230 leaders within the Association and Florida's long term care profession, including FHCA’s current president, senior vice president, treasurer and secretary. Each year, FHCA selects an exclusive group of long term care professionals for their demonstrated leadership skills, support of the Association and an interest in pursuing leadership pathways to improve their personal and professional skills. The program kicks off with a two-day event in Tallahassee, FL, with presentations from state leaders and long term care experts.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2024

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or [email protected]