Family Care Council Florida Meets

The Family Care Council Florida (FCCF) held its bi-monthly meeting in Orlando on May 21. Its main guest presenter was Shevaun Harris from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) answered questions on the Medicaid State Plan program.  Harris spoke and responded to question for two hours. She also volunteered to come back to another meeting to provide additional information about the State Plan. APD Deputy Director of Programs Denise Arnold was also there to answer questions and talk about increasing the number of foster homes for children with developmental disabilities.

FCCF Chair Pauline Lipps of Sarasota was recognized with a plaque and cake for her outstanding service as her term came to an end. The incoming FCCF Chair will be Mary Smith of Jacksonville.

FCCF chair Pauline Lipps with incoming FCCF chair Mary Smith of Jacksonville.


Shevaun Harris answering questions at the FCCF meeting in Orlando.


Also, recently Governor Rick Scott announced 16 appointments and five reappointments to the various Family Care Councils.

Area 1

Jim Howard, 52, of Pace, is a specialist with the Family Network on Disabilities Education. He is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending July 25, 2018.

Deborah Moore, 43, of Pensacola, is an engineering specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection. She is reappointed for a term ending June 15, 2017.

Area 2

Nancy Whitfield, 72, of Tallahassee, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending May 18, 2019.

Area 4

Denise Torres, 56, of Jacksonville, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending May 18, 2019.

Area 5

Cynthia Dyer, 49, of Clearwater, has worked as a licensed practical nurse for over twenty five years. She is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending May 18, 2019.

Amelia Sklar, 72, of Palm Harbor, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She is reappointed for a term ending December 12, 2016.

Area 7

Leslie Levy, 44, of Winter Springs, is a co-owner of Helpers in Heels. She is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending July 25, 2018.

Sara Brothers, 46, of Altamonte Springs, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She is reappointed for a term ending August 13, 2018.

Rose Marie Aldred, 56, of Orlando, is a project administrator with Electric Services Inc. She is reappointed for a term ending August 13, 2018.

Area 8

Vicki Kurkimilis, 48, of Fort Myers, is the owner of a cleaning service, the Dirt Stops Here. She fills a vacant seat for a term ending May 18, 2019.

Area 9

Claire Falik, 68, of Wellington, is a former member of the Goodwill Transition to Life Academy Board of Directors. She succeeds Andrea Thompson for a term ending July 2, 2016.

Area 10

Steve Poitevien, 32, of Hollywood, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. He is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending May 10, 2019.

Area 11

Sandra Ames, 69, of Homestead, is a retired educator. She is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending June 15, 2018.

Jose “Ernie” Martinez, 52, of Miami, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. He succeeds Aida Gutierrez for a term ending June 21, 2018.

Janet McDaniel, 49, of Miami, is an adjunct professor at Florida International University Honor College. She is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending May 18, 2019.

Area 13

Simone Bratcher, 53, of Spring Hill, is an inclusion specialist with the Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County. She is appointed to a vacant seat for a term ending July 1, 2016.

Lesli Clark, 56, of Inverness, is an exceptional education teacher. She fills a vacant seat for a term ending July 1, 2016.

Maryellen Richmond, 71, of Inverness, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She fills a vacant seat for a term ending August 26, 2017.

Stephanie Hopper, 70, of Inverness, is a retired teacher with Citrus County School Board. She is reappointed for a term ending August 26, 2017.

Area 14

Tosha Littles, 35, of Lakeland, is the current multicultural outreach coordinator for the Family Network on Disabilities. She succeeds Manyvone Champavannarath for a term ending July 25, 2018.

Area 15

Anthony Mancuso, 65, of Sebastian, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. He filled a vacant seat for a term ending May 18, 2019.