Ms. Ellen Piekalkiewicz joined the Stoops CFC Center as its founding Executive Director in 2018. She contributes to the overall success of the Center by ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines, fostering collaboration with interdisciplinary executive leadership and faculty, and engaging external stakeholders. Ellen provides strategic oversight of all projects led by the Stoops CFC Center, with the goal of addressing complex community challenges and advancing individual and community resilience through research, innovation, and collaboration. Her leadership has enabled the Center to build impactful partnerships with federal, state and local organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions, resulting in innovative programs that address critical needs.

Prior to her work at Florida State University, Ellen served as Executive Director for United Partners for Human Services and in leadership roles with the Florida Substance Abuse and Mental Health Corporation and Disability Rights Florida.

A graduate of Grinnell College (BA, Political Science) and the University of Kansas (MA, Political Science), Ellen brings a deep commitment to public service, evidence-based practice, and community well-being. In addition to her leadership at the Stoops CFC Center, she continues to consult with statewide organizations, local nonprofits, and federal agencies to strengthen systems that support children, families, and communities.

Tai Zimmerman Cole joined the Stoops CFC Center in July 2019. She contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by leading the development of grant proposals, guiding research initiatives, and fostering relationships with schools, funders, and community organizations. As Associate Director, Tai represents the Center through strategic partnerships and executive leadership that advance the Center’s goals, vision, and growth initiatives. She collaborates closely with the Executive Director and Dean of FSU’s College of Social Work to guide high-level planning, policy development, and long-term strategic objectives. She serves as Principal Investigator for the Panhandle Pathways to Para-Professions project and provides strategic oversight and direction for the Rebound & Recovery projects.

A graduate of North Carolina State University (B.A., Religious Studies) and Florida State University (MSW, Social Work), Tai holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an LCSW-Qualified Supervisor. Outside of work, Tai is a PhD candidate in Curriculum and Instruction for Early Childhood and Children with Special Needs at Florida State University’s Anne’s College of Education, Health, and Human Science.

Mrs. Savannah Collier joined the Stoops CFC Center in August 2019. Savannah contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by leading community outreach and protocol development, facilitating trainings, and developing curriculum. As Assistant Director, she provides strategic and operational leadership across the Stoops CFC Center. Savannah oversees all Center operations and aligns projects, people, and processes with institutional goals to ensure the effective implementation of the Center’s strategic priorities and measurable impact on communities, families, and children. Her goal is to promote professional development and collaboration among staff, thereby supporting leadership growth and cross-project integration.

Savannah also provides strategic oversight and direction for the Southeast Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center, leading technical assistance and workforce development efforts across eight states. She also contributes to the implementation of the Panhandle Pathways to Para-Professions Project.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky (BA, Social Work) and Florida State University (MSW, Social Work), Savannah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Outside of work, Savannah is currently pursuing a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and authoring a book on trauma and resilience.

Dr. Rachel Christensen joined the Stoops CFC Center in June 2021. Rachel contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center through community outreach, protocol development, and facilitating trainings. She also provides consultant support to all Stoops CFC Center teams and projects, offering a systematic approach to quality improvement and potential strategic solutions to challenging problems. Additionally, she serves as a coach to all Stoops CFC Center staff, as needed, for professional development, quality improvement, and problem-solving.

Rachael is a graduate of Guilford College, Greensboro, NC (BA, Political Science) and Virginia Tech (MS & PhD, Public and International Affairs). She holds several professional certifications that guide her leadership and coaching style at the Stoops CFC Center. These include the Nonprofit & Nongovernmental Management Certificate, Mastery of Online Teaching Certificate, Preparing the Future Professoriate Certificate, and Supreme Court of Virginia Certified Mediator.

Ms. Alison Dujovic joined the Stoops CFC Center in July 2023. Alison contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by managing the Center’s finances and business operations. As the Business Manager, she guides proposal development, financial and administrative management on projects, along with daily oversight of the Center.

Alison is a graduate of Florida State University (BA, Humanities) and Florida International University (BA, Elementary Education).

Ms. Margarita Amado-Blanco joined the Stoops CFC Center in January 2022. Margarita contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by conducting community outreach, facilitating training, developing curriculum, and writing grant proposals. As a program manager, she oversees the implementation of the Reducing Substance Use Disorder in Justice-Involved Populations project by engaging community members and partners and facilitating data collection.

A graduate of Florida State University (BA & MSW, Social Work & MPA, Public Policy & Administration), Margarita is well-versed in curriculum development processes, including research, planning, and development within Learning Management Systems such as RISE360.

In her free time, you can find Margarita leading group fitness classes, which “has given me an avenue to foster community, practice leadership, and support others in reaching their goals while continuing my own personal growth.”

Ms. Raegan Hamilton joined the Stoops CFC Center in November 2022. Raegan contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by conducting community outreach, social media development, facilitating trainings, and developing curriculum. As a program manager, she oversees the implementation of the Rebound & Recovery project by establishing measurable outcomes and objectives, overseeing project-based day-to-day operational procedures, maintaining collaborative relationships with community partners, and managing team performance.

A graduate of Florida A&M University (BA, Sociology, minor in political science) and Florida State University (MSW, Social Work), Raegan is currently practicing as a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern and working toward obtaining her Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential.

Mr. Gary Russ-Sills joined the Stoops CFC Center in December 2025. Gary contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by conducting community outreach, supporting strategic planning efforts, and fostering collaborative relationships with educational institutions, community organizations, and workforce partners. As a program manager, he oversees the implementation of the Panhandle Pathways to Paraprofessionals project by managing and coordinating project activities, leading recruitment, and developing partnerships that expand workforce pathways for emerging paraprofessionals across the Florida Panhandle.

Prior to his work at the Stoops CFC Center, Gary served in a number of roles within the Gadsden County School District, including positions in family and community engagement, school social work, and classroom education. He also brings municipal leadership experience through his service with the City of Gretna as City Commissioner, and previously as Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor.

A graduate of the University of South Florida (BA, Psychology) and Florida A&M University (MSW, Social Work), Gary holds Florida Department of Education certifications in Social Science (6–12) and School Social Work (PK–12). He is also a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Florida State University.

Ms. Caroline Senkowicz joined the Stoops CFC Center in January 2022. Caroline contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by conducting community outreach, facilitating training, developing curriculum, and writing grant proposals. As a Program Specialist and Clinician, she leads the implementation of evidence-based therapeutic programs, oversees intern training, contributes to grant writing and program development, and strengthens community partnerships in Palm Beach County, Florida. Her work focuses on advancing the Rebound & Recovery initiative and supporting children and families.

A graduate of the University of North Florida (BA, Psychology) and Florida State University (MSW, Social Work), Caroline is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida.

Ms. Dassani Alonso-Natera joined the Stoops CFC Center in June 2023. Dassani contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by conducting community outreach, developing curriculum, and facilitating trainings. As a Program Specialist, she supports the Rebound & Recovery project by assisting with the development, coordination, and implementation of social-emotional learning initiatives across early childhood sites in Leon County, Florida. Dassani’s role bridges curriculum design, training, and data-driven program support to ensure fidelity and impactful delivery.

Dassani is a graduate of Florida International University (BA, Psychology) and Florida State University (MSW, Social Work).

Ms. Nia Holmes joined the Stoops CFC Center in August 2024. Nia contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by conducting community outreach, developing social media content, and facilitating trainings. As a Program Associate, she supports the Rebound & Recovery project by troubleshooting challenges related to classroom implementation and ensuring program quality, consistency, and team alignment. Nia also ensures project continuity by tracking data related to the Rebound & Recovery project in Leon County, Florida.

Nia is a graduate of Florida A&M University (BA, Psychology) and Florida State University (MSW, Social Work. Outside of work, Nia is working toward obtaining clinical social work licensure (LCSW).