STAFF
Good Beginnings That Last A Lifetime
Michelle Kapreilian
Executive Director
Michelle brought years of first-hand involvement with Forty Carrots Family Center along with two decades of business leadership experience to the position of Executive Director in June 2013. Her Forty Carrots knowledge includes extensive volunteer efforts as a parent in the Parenting Program and Preschool; several key leadership positions as a four-year trustee, board officer and chairwoman of the Governance Committee. Michelle’s professional background includes leading a multimillion-dollar international import business and co-owner/ CEO of several local businesses.
In 2001, Michelle and her husband Eddie decided to make the move from Boston to Sarasota. Anxious to get involved in their new community, they came to Forty Carrots to attend a PIP class in the Parenting Center not knowing what an impact that one class would make on their entire family. Michelle quickly became an avid volunteer and long-term supporter. Their first child would continue on in the Preschool at Forty Carrots and then their second daughter would do the same. All the while, Michelle’s passion would remain with the Forty Carrots mission and she now leads the organization and their dedicated staff.
MICHELLE KAPREILIAN
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle.Kapreilian@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 310
Diane O’Driscoll
Finance Director
Diane O’Driscoll joined Forty Carrots in June 2010, bringing over 25 years’ experience in accounting and financial management. Following careers in accounting in both the UK and South Africa, Diane relocated to Sarasota with her family in 2002, and has since filled leadership roles in both finance and development for nonprofits including the Englewood Art Center, St Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, and Suncoast Humane Society. In her quest to help build strong communities, Diane has also served as a volunteer with many local organizations including Guardian Ad Litem, Vision North Port and Literacy Volunteers.
DIANE O’DRISCOLL
Finance Director
Diane.Odriscoll@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 314
CARLA JOHANNS, MA, LMHC/S
Chief Program Officer
As the Chief Program Officer, Carla Johanns is responsible for leadership and oversight of the three programs of Forty Carrots Family Center.
Carla has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University and a Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University. She has a Post-Master’s specialization in substance abuse counseling. Carla has worked in the counseling field since 1999, primarily with children and adolescents. She is licensed in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor.
She relocated to Sarasota with her family in 2015 and has been with Forty Carrots since 2016 when she started in the Parenting Program as a Parenting Educator. In 2017, she was promoted to Clinical Director of Mental Health services and stayed in that role until 2021.
CARLA JOHANNS, MA, LMHC/S
Chief Program Officer
Carla.Johanns@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 328
Flora Oynick
Preschool Director
Flora Oynick, M.A. and a B.A. in Education, with a Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Flora’s background is rooted in over 30 years of Early Childhood teaching and management. After moving to Sarasota from Mexico City, Flora has worked in Early Childhood settings as an administrator, developing curriculum, finding and creating opportunities for professional development for her staff and herself, and building relationships with children and families. Prior to becoming the Preschool Director, Flora most recently worked as a Forty Carrots Parenting Educator at the Sarasota and Manatee County Libraries. When Flora is not at Forty Carrots she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading and traveling.
FLORA OYNICK
Preschool Director
Flora.Oynick@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 308
Laura Josephson, MA
Parenting Education Director
Laura Josephson, M.A., in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education from Manahattanville College and a B.A. in Fine Art and Education from The University at Albany. Laura is responsible for overseeing the Parenting Education groups in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Laura came to the Parenting Program in 2012 with a background in Early Childhood and Middle School Education with over 8 years of teaching experience. Previous to a career in education, Laura was in corporate marketing and advertising. In addition she was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education in 2010. Laura co-facilitated Partners In Play® parenting groups at Gocio Elementary, Our Mothers House, Soar in 4, as well as Sarasota and Manatee Libraries. Prior to becoming the Director she was the Parenting Program Administrator. Laura completed her Graduate Certificate in Infant Family Mental Health from USF in 2017.
LAURA JOSEPHSON, MA
Parenting Education Director
Laura.Josephson@fortycarrots.com
941.365.7716 ext. 307
Erika Kohne, LMHC/S
Clinical Director, Child & Family Therapy Services
As the Clinical Director of the Child & Family Therapy services at Forty Carrots, Erika Kohne, is overseeing a group of therapists and supporting the expansion of mental health services throughout the community.
Erika has Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida and a Master’s of Sciences in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Erika has worked in the counseling field since 2011, primarily working with children, adolescents, and families. She is licensed in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and as a Qualified Supervisor. She is also a registered Circle of Security® Parenting provider and has earned her Graduate Certificate in Infant-Family Mental Health from the University of South Florida.
After receiving her Master’s degree, Erika remained in the state of South Carolina and accepted a job with the Department of Mental Health working in a community mental health center primarily with children, adolescents, and families with a broad range of emotional and behavioral concerns. She also gained experience working as an adjunct professor, teaching college courses at the undergraduate level.
Erika relocated to Sarasota with her husband in 2017, where she accepted a position as both Parenting Educator and Mental Health Therapist at Forty Carrots Family Center. During her time working for Forty Carrots, she has gained experience co-facilitating Partners In Play® groups at various library locations in Manatee and Sarasota, parenting groups at the CYESIS Teen Parent Program at North Port and Riverview High Schools and at the Teenage Parenting Program (TAPP) in Manatee County, and Circle of Security® groups at First Step Mothers & Infants and Selah Freedom. She also served as a Child & Family Therapist for the agency’s Therapy Department, before transitioning into the role of Therapy Director.
ERIKA KOHNE, LMHC/S
Clinical Director, Child & Family Therapy Services
Erika.Kohne@fortycarrots.com
941.960.2565 ext. 351
Administrative Staff
Margaret Deitsch
Administrative Assistant
Margaret Deitsch joined Forty Carrots in 2004 as receptionist/administrative assistant at the Front Desk. Lovingly known as “Miss Margaret”, the children and families look forward to her warm welcome and caring words each day. When not at Forty Carrots, she loves reading, exercising and spending time with her family.
Contact: margaret.deitsch@fortycarrots.com 941.365.7716 ext. 301
Jean Lolli
Business & Facilities Manager
Jean has a B.A. from the College of New Rochelle, NY and has been with Forty Carrots since the doors opened in 1993. Throughout the years she has performed an array of jobs from accounts payable/receivable, greeting students, and running fundraisers. She loves the children, parents and relationships she makes, and her belief in our mission and values makes her call Forty Carrots her second home. In her spare time she loves reading, exercising, boating, and playing with her grandson.
Contact: jean.lolli@fortycarrots.com 941.365.7716 ext. 302
Geri Jo Manson
Donor Relations Manager
Geri Jo joined Forty Carrots staff in 2007 after many years as a Forty Carrots parent. She credits Forty Carrots parenting classes with giving her the skills, support and education she needed when raising her own children and is passionate about ensuring everyone has those same opportunities. Geri Jo combines a background in social work with a unique perspective gained from serving on numerous boards as a volunteer for many organizations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. In her work with donors and volunteers, Geri Jo strives to honor each one for their commitment to Forty Carrots’ mission and respect for their individual philanthropic goals.
Contact: gerijo.manson@fortycarrots.com 941.365.7716 ext. 318
Caroline Starnes
Development Administrator
Caroline holds a Master of Public Affairs in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University, and a dual BA in English and Communication Studies from Saint Mary’s College. Her passion for education began as middle school science teacher and led her to Forty Carrots in 2018. She works closely with the administrative team on a variety of projects with a particular focus on grant administration and management. As a Midwest native, Caroline loves living and working in the Sarasota area and can often be found outside exploring Florida’s nature with her husband.
Contact: caroline.starnes@fortycarrots.com 941-365-7716 ext. 329
Dawnyelle Singleton
Executive Assistant
Dawnyelle is a Sarasota native with a background in Communications, Programs and Community Relations. After years in advertising and graphic design, Dawnyelle found herself drawn to the world of education. She helped launch Visible Men Academy in 2013, and continued their programming and community relations for six years. She joined Forty Carrots in 2019 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. Dawnyelle is a proud graduate of Florida State University and a recent Gulf Coast Leadership Institute graduate. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and serving her community.
Contact: Dawnyelle.Singleton@fortycarrots.com 941.365.7716 ext. 350
Shaquana Dillard
Finance & Data Coordinator
Shaquana Dillard joined the Forty Carrots Family in August 2021 as Finance and Data Coordinator. She brings over 5 years’ experience in Administrations, Data Entry, Finance and Child Welfare Case Management. Shaquana holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice from the State College of Florida, and she also holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida. Shaquana was elated to join the Forty Carrots Family because she believes in devoting her time and energy into serving the children and families in the Sarasota/Manatee community.
Dillard is no stranger to the community. She has volunteered her time with local organizations such as the Manatee Sheriff’s Department, Meals on Wheels, All Faiths Food Bank, The Sarasota County School Boards’ School Readiness Program, and the Safe Children Coalition. Shaquana believes that equipping families with the support they need plays a fundamental role in the success of tomorrow’s generation. In her spare time, she is a devoted mother to her two beautiful children and spends quality time with her family. Shaquana is also very fond of all types of music specifically 80s and 90s R&B. She is an avid singer and enjoys poetry and Spoken Word.