Ms. Ellen Piekalkiewicz joined the Stoops CFC Center as its founding Executive Director in 2019. 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.

Ms. Piekalkiewicz 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, Mrs. Piekalkiewicz 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 (B.A., Political Science, 1985) and the University of Kansas (M.A., Political Science, 1987), Mrs. Piekalkiewicz 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.

Prior to her work at the Stoops CFC Center, Tai received a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from North Carolina State University, a Master of Divinity (2007) and Master of Christian Education (2009) from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and a Master of Social Work (2020) from Florida State University. She has expanded upon her higher education background by becoming 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. Mrs. Collier 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, Mrs. Collier provides strategic and operational leadership across the Stoops CFC Center. She 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. Ms. Collier aims to foster professional development and collaboration among staff to support leadership growth and cross-project integration.

Mrs. Collier 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. Mrs. Collier also contributes to the implementation of the Panhandle Pathways to Para-Professions Project.

Prior to her work at the Stoops CFC Center, Mrs. Collier received a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky in May 2018. Mrs. Collier furthered her education by completing her Master of Social Work degree at Florida State University in August 2019. Mrs. Collier has expanded upon her higher education background by becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Outside of work, Mrs. Collier is currently pursuing a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and authoring a book on trauma and resilience.

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

Prior to her work at the Stoops CFC Center, Ms. Dujovic earned two bachelor’s degrees. Her first degree in Humanities at Florida State University in 2008, and second bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Florida International University in 2015.

Ms. Margarita Amado-Blanco joined the Stoops CFC Center in January 2022. Ms. Amado-Blanco 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, Ms. Amado-Blanco oversees the implementation of the Reducing Substance Use Disorder in Justice-Involved Populations project by engaging community members and partners and facilitating data collection.

Prior to her work at the Stoops CFC Center, Ms. Amado-Blanco received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida State University in May 2021. Ms. Amado-Blanco then expanded upon her higher education background by pursuing two master’s degrees in social work and public policy & administration from Florida State University which were completed in May 2023. Additionally, Ms. Amado-Blanco 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 Ms. Amado-Blanco 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. Amado-Blanco says.

Ms. Raegan Hamilton joined the Stoops CFC Center in November 2022. Ms. Hamilton 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, Ms. Hamilton 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.

Prior to her work at the Stoops CFC Center, Ms. Hamilton received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in political science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in December 2020. Ms. Hamilton furthered her education by completing her Master of Social Work at Florida State University in May 2023. Ms. Hamilton is currently expanding upon her higher education background by practicing as a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern to work toward obtaining her Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential.

Ms. Carli Lucius joined the Stoops CFC Center in August 2021. Ms. Lucius contributes to the overall success of the Stoops CFC Center by developing grant proposals, conducting community outreach, developing marketing materials, and ensuring the Stoops CFC Center website is up to date. As a Program Manager, Ms. Lucius assists in the implementation of the Southeast Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (SE ROTA-RC) by developing and disseminating training, providing technical assistance, and conducting community outreach.

Prior to her work at the Stoops CFC Center, Ms. Lucius received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida State University in August 2021. Ms. Lucius furthered her education by completing her Master of Social Work degree at Florida State University in August 2022. Ms. Lucius has expanded her higher education background by pursuing a certificate in child welfare from Florida State University. She is trained to facilitate Rebound and Recovery for Early Childhood and as a Super Coach for the Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience curriculum.

Outside of work, Ms. Lucius enjoys practicing Pilates and is pursuing a 538-hour comprehensive Pilates instructor certification through Balanced Body Education.

Ms. Caroline Senkowicz joined the Stoops CFC Center in January 2022. Ms. Senkowicz 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, Ms. Senkowicz 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.

Prior to her work at the Stoops CFC Center, Ms. Senkowicz received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Florida in December 2018. (include statement on additional degree/s if applicable). Ms. Senkowicz furthered her education by completing her Master of Social Work degree at Florida State University in July 2022. Since completing her MSW Ms. Senkowicz has received her Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential to practice clinical social work in the state of Florida.