2021 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Adult Awards
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2021 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Adult Awards
President’s Message
Welcome to the 2021 Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Adult Awards season.
Congratulations to the amazing members who are being recognized this year for their
service and dedication to the Girl Scout movement, our council, and fellow members.
We are thrilled to honor all of you who have given so much to our organization. You are the
pacesetters, the people who push the rest of us to be our best. Because of you, we want
to do more and do better. We see in you the best version of ourselves. We are all in this
together, but without so many of you leading by great example, we would surely fall short in
our mission—to build girls of courage confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
You are outstanding examples of the values within Girl Scouts. You strive to make a difference for that one
girl out there who needs Girl Scouts and, without you and your efforts, wouldn’t be able to discover, connect,
and take action, or experience something new and realize her potential.
2020 & 2021 has taught us some valuable life lessons, including how the most important things in life are
the connections with others that we make along the way. For many of us, our Girl Scout friends are more
like family. From an early age, Girl Scouts learn about friendship, life skills, and making a difference, and the
adults sitting next to them learn those same lessons and even more. I’d like to think that the world is a better
place because of all of you.
Thank you for CHOOSING to be a big part of, and spend time with, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Laura Webb
Nothing teaches
Hope, Kindness,
Courage, and Compassion
like helping others.
2Girl Scout National Awards
Appreciation Pin is awarded to registered adult members who have completed the
appropriate training for their position, have delivered outstanding service to at least one service unit,
geographic area, or program delivery audience, and have received two nominations outlining that
outstanding service.
Sarah Aldrich, Wai Lani Noelle Herrman, Coacoochee Dana Robinson, Wai Lani
Marie Anderson, Sand Piper Beth Hunt, Spring Mermaids Samantha Smith, Magical Dreamers
Lisa Bloom, Crystal Waters Cathi Kessel, Angel Echo Keith Smith, Not affiliated with SU
Jocelyn Boswell, Crystal Waters Lindsay Kamenker, Joining Rivers Marianne Stanley, Sand Piper
Christa Broderick, Tierra del Sol Jessica Kizilelma, Whispering Pines Jennifer Strom, Fossil Valley
Sarah Carroll, Crystal Waters Angelique Lewis, Fossil Valley Sharon Stubbs, PALS
Crystal Crist, West Wind Stacy Mullaney, Wai Lani Heather Tibbetts, Land O’Lakes
Alexandria Davies, Boca Ciega Kelly Nicolas-Russ, Fossil Valley Shelly Tindell-Nodine, Boca Ciega
Jennifer Dixon, Sand Eagles Devon Osborne, Mulberry/Highlands Frances Tough, Rainbow
Laura Dufort, Wai Lani Kimberly Peatee Feld, Coacoochee Amber Van Denzen Suarez, Tierra del Sol/
Shelia Eakes, Whispering Pines Angela Pittman, Beautiful Butterflies Mulberry Highlands
Erin Ellis, Beautiful Butterflies Lindsay Potterbaum, Friendship Laura Webb, Not affiliated with SU
Kristen Emerson, Smiling Sisters Rustie Pritchard, West Wind Jerald Woloszynski, Crystal Waters
Winifred Fowler, Lil Manatee Julie Pusateri, Wai Lani Julie Wright, Coacoochee
Carrie Gentner, Fossil Valley Lisa Ranon, GSWCF Staff
Saundra Harkey–Young, Fossil Valley Jennifer Reyes, Crystal Waters
Honor Pin is awarded to registered members who have completed the appropriate training
for their position, have delivered outstanding service to two or more service units, geographic
areas, or program delivery audiences, and have received three nominations that clearly outline
that outstanding service.
Ryan Benefiel
Ryan is a council outdoor facilitator (challenge course and archery), he also volunteers at council
fundraising and recruitment events. He makes a great effort to get on the girl’s level, meet them eye to
eye, and treat them with the same respect and attention he gives adults. This allows him to effectively
communicate with them and coach them. He’s always enthusiastic, energetic and is just as excited for
each activity as the girls are. It really helps the girls be engaged and open to the activity. When working
with girls on challenge courses and archery programs, he not only gives girls the tools they need to
succeed, but uses emotional intelligence and empathy to cheer them on and encourage them to expand
their comfort zones, never pushing too hard or going past “challenge by choice”. In addition, Ryan was
instrumental in the set-up and logistics of the Thin Mint Sprint, a council wide fundraising event.
Nancy Calder
Nancy Calder supports the Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie Program for the Wai Lani and Beautiful
Waters service units. Specifically, Nancy has taken on a lot of the day to day help with Ebudde, Clover,
and communications to the service unit over email, ensuring troops who do not use Facebook are
included in the communications pipeline. Nancy makes sure no detail is overlooked to ensure a great
cookie season! Although Nancy no longer has a Girl Scout in the organization, she continues to selflessly
give her time and talents to support the girls and adult volunteers in the service unit. She responds to
all phone calls and emails in a timely fashion and works with you until your issues are resolved. Nancy is
very involved in the Wai Lani service projects especially Operation Christmas Child and Ronald
McDonald House.
3Girl Scout National Awards
Honor Pin (continued)
Kristin Crawford
When the COVID pandemic hit, Kristin came up with an amazing activity, The Great Girl Scout Scavenger
Hunt North Pinellas. The GGSHNP spanned across five communities; Crystal Waters, Old Harbor Bay,
Gulf Sands, Beautiful Waters, and Wai Lani. Using safety guidelines she worked with the five service unit
managers to come up with five unique scavenger hunts for families to do in an afternoon. Additionally
Kristin helped design the patch set. A Facebook group was created to track progress and it had over 231
members. The pandemic didn’t stop Kristin from delivering outstanding social distancing program to girls
within the CDC and Girl Scout guidelines. Her list of events included a Women’s Suffragette Walk, the
Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest, an Art Walk, and a Shoe Box Float parade.
Deirdre Dixon
As the Chair of the Board Development Committee, Deirdre has led several efforts in the past year
to train the board. She provided important insights and helped deliver the new Board Member
Orientation, and was instrumental in the design and production of the board retreat. Deirdre has spent
countless hours revolutionizing our nomination process for the board. Deirdre ensured that every board
meeting included a meaningful training experience focused on DEI-RJ. These trainings have resulted in
extraordinary board engagement. Deirdre has taken the lead to use best practices in developing our
future board. She has put in numerous hours of researching and communicating with the appropriate
people to make sure we are in alignment in creating a diverse board. Deirdre is leading the examination of
our bylaws. This will ensure that our leadership pipeline has maximum opportunity to attract, grow and
engage diverse perspectives spanning the eight counties of our footprint. She incorporated industry best
practices for board composition into the BDC’s recommendations to the board. As a new governance
manager, Deirdre has been a great mentor and leader to other board members.
Lynn Stephanie Dorman
Our board and overall governance process is better because of Lynn’s work! Lynn has gone above and
beyond as a Board Development Committee Vice-Chair by leading all of our DEI-RJ trainings in board
meetings and at the board retreat. She spent hours researching and developing presentations to support
the board’s education and influence on our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Lynn poured so much
energy into these presentations. The board benefited tremendously as individuals,and as a collective
body of leaders for the organization. As the Board Development Committee Vice-Chair, Lynn took the
lead with the chair to use best practices in developing our future board. She put in numerous hours
of researching and communicating with the appropriate people to make sure we are in alignment in
creating a diverse board.
Eugenia (Genie) Gohman
Genie has been key in working with the North Pinellas service units; Split Pines, and Hoxie on The Great
Girl Scout Scavenger Hunt. She looks at the bigger picture—the greater Girl Scout community and
movement for ways to engage both girls and their families. Throughout the past year, Genie has gone
above and beyond to offer the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls throughout our council by sharing
dozens of virtual Girl Scouting activities with several service units, including Hoxie, Boca Ciega, and Split
Pines. Genie is dedicated to ensuring that our girls have had every possible opportunity to continue their
GSLE, whether in person on virtually. Genie is a valuable asset, not only to her service unit, but to our
entire council.
4Girl Scout National Awards
Honor Pin (continued)
Kathleen (Kathie) Keiderling
Kathie is the co-leader and cookie manager for two troops in different service units (Beautiful Waters &
Wai Lani). She helps keep the troops’ inventories in control by checking to make sure they have enough
or helping them to get rid of excess. She is constantly working with all troop cookie managers to manage
cookie booths. Kathie monitors the service unit Facebook group to help with cookie inventories as well
as extra booths that become available. Last year Kathie started running a cookie training program for our
newer troop cookie managers. We call it Cookie University. Kathie was able to answer all the questions
these new volunteers had and continued to support them throughout the cookie season. She has had
several top sellers in her troops, therefore she has expert advice on sales tips, accurate ordering, running
booths, and sales motivation. Because of Katie, everyone felt more comfortable in their job and knew
they had someone to go to if they needed to.
Colleen Kurtz
Colleen is an amazing leader and role model for her two troops and the Sunset Scouts service unit. In
addition to keeping both her troops active during the COVID pandemic, she also mentored other leaders
in working with their girls. She was a huge part of Sunset Scouts’ Virtual Encampment this year. We
would not have been able to have this great event without Colleen. She purchased supplies, organized
planning groups, and lead activities (some impromptu) for the virtual encampment weekend. It was an
excellent program for the girls and it included an encampment packet that outlined the itinerary and all
of the activities they did. This packet is now being offered to the other service units in the council as a
resource for ideas to help plan their own virtual encampments.
Sabrina Nirenberg
This year Sabrina took on managing both recruitment and retention, for GSWCF and while in a pandemic!
Sabrina did not hesitate to pivot everything to virtual when in–person events and meetings were no
longer an option. Under her leadership our council facilitated its first virtual Membership Kick-Off and
it was a great success. Her can-do attitude has kept the council moving forward and she has been a
great example to staff and volunteers. She helped the CMM’s reach their retention goals even during a
pandemic. Her professional manor and friendly attitude makes it easy and fun to work with her. She’s
open to new ideas and uses her past experiences to help her team think outside the box. With an
incredible amount of detail and organization, Sabrina goes above and beyond to answer the call of duty.
She’s always honest and fair, treats others as an equal and respects us as her Girl Scout sisters.
Jennifer Rosario
Jennifer is not only committed to recruitment and sustaining membership in North Pinellas and Pasco
county service units, she is dedicated to the Girl Scout program. She leads a multi-level troop in Silver
Forest and another troop in Crystal Waters service unit. Jennifer participates in monthly service unit
meetings and is supportive of all our leaders. Her troops meet virtually and in-person, in an outdoor
format. During this difficult time, Jennifer did everything she could to help recruit new girls virtually
and when we were able to open recruitment to in-person events, she contacted engaged volunteers
immediately to help set up a plan. She never leaves us hanging and always fills our last minute requests
for flyers, book marks etc. Jennifer is such a huge asset and is so wonderful to work with.
5Girl Scout National Awards
Honor Pin (continued)
Kelly Williams-Puccio
Kelly is the service unit manager and adult awards coordinator for the Mulberry Highlands service unit, a
region J delegate, and a member of the CEO Roundtable. Each year she financially supports her troops in
her service unit, the Polk Task force special projects, and the Service Unit Family Partnership campaign.
Kelly is willing to financially sponsor girls in other Polk County service units. She is a Senior/Ambassador
troop leader and is active in all recruitment efforts and promotion of Family Partnership.
Tammy Van Loan
Tammy is a wonderful example of a volunteer who pushes both girls and leaders to be their best. She
returned to Girl Scouting after her troops had graduated to help promote the High Awards in Polk County.
She travels all over the county to attend troop and service unit meetings when needed, to provide
support and training to the girls for their Bronze, Silver and Gold Award projects. She provides training
on the requirements of the awards throughout Polk County and mentors leaders and girls on projects to
ensure they know with the appropriate effort, the awards are achievable. She takes her time to explain
every detail to the girls and is willing to attend many troop meetings, working with the girls to guide them
during their high awards projects.
Thanks Badge I is awarded to registered members who have completed the appropriate
training for their position, and have delivered outstanding service to the entire council or Girl Scout
movement. Thanks Badge recipients have received at least four nominations that clearly outline their
extraordinary service.
Vickie Abbott
Vickie has served for many years on the Gold Award Committee for GSWCF and has been instrumental in
getting girls to complete their Gold Award. She mentors young women to be leaders, and never falters in
her resolve to support Girl Scouts through hurdles and challenging times. Her council wide effort is truly
bettering the Girl Scout Movement with her advocacy of High Awards. She is a shining example of Girl
Scout leadership in action. Vickie’s troop graduated and have been lifetime members for almost 4 years,
but she continues to volunteer at the council and service unit level. Her dedication is inspiring.
Sharron Bauer
Sharron works with all council departments to ensure they have the proper training courses available for
their area. She keeps volunteers up to date on gsLearn and the trainings they need. She works very hard
to make sure staff are involved, and helps promote recognitions across the entire organization.
By nurturing and engaging the service unit adult recognition coordinators she inspired a need to assist in
the council recognitions among volunteers and added to volunteer retention. In 2020, when the annual
recognitions ceremony would not be facilitated in-person, she spent numerous hours researching and
creating a plan to deliver the awards in a public and intimate recognition while educating the community
about the adult awards our members can receive. Our adult awardees were not only surprised, but felt
appreciated for all of their Girl Scout efforts. Furthermore, Sharron recognized a gap that some service
units had in providing onboarding and training to new volunteer leaders. She made a significant impact
when she created a shorter, more detailed training paths that the new leaders could easily access online.
Sharron Bauer exemplifies world class work throughout the entire council.
6Girl Scout National Awards
Thanks Badge I (continued)
Antoinette (Toni) Collello
Toni’s impact on the council reaches far and wide. Working from Early Bird registration campaigns pre-
COVID to her Flora the Flamingo recruiting videos—a viral internet sensation, to her work with various
service unit managers, to her problem-solving abilities, she makes herself available to so many. She
brings her Girl Scout voice to Kappa Deltas to collect stuffed animals for the Lakeland Police Department.
She is always willing to lend a helping hand and encourages all around her to be the best version of
themselves. Ms. Toni participates with enthusiasm and excitement, bears a positive and fun-loving
attitude. and spreads joy and awareness of Girl Scouts throughout our council.
Yesenia DeJesus
Yesenia is an active troop leader, and council trainer for Wilderness Camp Training which includes three
rigorous sessions teaching primitive hiking and camping skills over a three-month period. She also trains
a Wilderness First Aid certification which is completed in two, eight-hour days. In addition, she is a trainer
for another organization, bringing Project Wild certification training to our members. Yesenia is selfless in
giving her time and talents to the greater good of our council.
Michelle Gagnard
Michelle is extremely passionate and a strong proponent of the Girl Scout Highest Awards. Michelle
facilitates the Bronze, Silver & Gold awards workshops for as many girls as possible. She does trainings
in several areas of the council and is willing to travel to help get them done. She has done over 6 hours of
trainings in one day (Bronze, Silver and Gold)! Michelle is always willing to go the extra mile to help girls
and their leaders understand the High Awards.
Leslie Parker
Leslie has taken our water safety training to the next level, including two brand new trainings for canoes
and kayaks. She helped design the new “Open Water” training - which involves training adults on how to
canoe and kayak in the waters surrounding Camp Wai Lani, plus the new “Paddling 101 for Adults” course
teaching adults paddling basics, and how to teach girls. We would not have been able to bring these
valuable trainings to adults in our council without her input and efforts. Leslie is very generous with her
time and talents. Because of her, hundreds of volunteers have been trained and thousands of girls have
been enabled to explore the water.
Kelsi Ramdeo
Kelsi initiated the council’s primary focus and work dedicated to new leader onboarding. This work
included study and research conducted with numerous councils with high first-year retention,
participating in strategy groups facilitated by GSUSA, assisting in the launch of a council pilot, and
producing processes to recognize the significantly impactful best practices. She was integral in
implementing the monitoring of several service units to understand how the size of service unit and
volunteer team structures influence retention. Kelsi gathered with her team to educate service units and
provide various strategies to increase new leader retention among first-year volunteers.
Andrea Weaver
Andrea Weaver loves Girl Scouting! She has been an active troop leader as well as helping several service
units with their encampments. Andrea has served on the CEO Volunteer Roundtable for four years, been an
adult trainer for six plus years, served on the Council Product Committee for one year, and served on the Alum
History Committee for two years. She volunteered at Camp Wai Lani for five summers as a waterfront leader,
lifeguard, and archery instructor. Andrea also offered extra girl trainings such as campfire cooking and sleep
overs. Andrea is dedicated to the Girl Scout Movement and is admired and looked up to by other leaders.
7Girl Scout National Awards
Thanks Badge II is awarded to registered members who have already earned the Thanks
Badge, have continual high performance and have used their skill or sphere of influence to benefit the
entire council in another endeavor. Thanks Badge II recipients have received at least four nominations
that clearly outline their extraordinary service.
Carrie Alexander
Carrie is on the adult awards committee, and participated at the council level, reviewing nominations
submitted to the council and was part of a sub–committee reviewing two new awards that are still in
development. This sub–committee is very labor and meeting intensive. Her participation was greatly
appreciated, and valued. She worked very hard to promote adult awards in her region and across the
entire council. Carrie is a former member of the CEO Roundtable, where she gave service for several
years. Carrie is also the former spokesperson for the Daisy Circle at Membership Kickoff and has
volunteered for Women of Distinction & Dessert First. Carrie has a deep love of Girl Scouting and
commits to it 110%.
Karen Bachmann
Karen Bachmann is one of our council trainers, specifically for Pocket Knife Safety, and BOLT training.
She’s able to help the participants prepare their girls in all outdoor aspects: progression in camping,
planning, menus, cooking, gear, and activities while camping. She has a great impact on encouraging
the participants to lead their girls to camp, while stressing the greater skill of building leadership
and independence in girls. She impacts adults and girls throughout GSWCF, as well as furthering the
mission of Girl Scouting. Being a great trainer, she fills in when needed, even on short notice and is very
knowledgeable in outdoor skills which is a benefit for the adults who come to her trainings.
Nerissa Casanova
As a National Delegate, Nerissa went above and beyond to support volunteers, Girl Scouts, and staff who
were part of National Council Session. With the changes of a new CEO and governance manager, Nerissa
took the lead in many ways to help the council navigate through this first-time virtual experience. First,
she reached out and provided historical context for GSUSA’s NCS, as well as the roles of delegates and
alternates. Next, she was the first to truly dive deep into all of the resolutions and then she gathered
insights from across the council and helped the other delegates to shape their own perspectives on
each issue. During the National Council Session (36+ hours of Zoom in three days), Nerissa continuously
supported other delegates in their understanding of what was happening. Post-event, she brought
numerous insights to what could be done to improve the whole experience for the future.
Brenda Hover
Four years ago, Brenda worked very diligently on getting Showcase of Skills/Camp Greenbloods
established (a re-invigoration of the Showcase of Skills). Since then, Camp Greenbloods has become
more successful each year. She works year–round to research classes to provide meaningful information
to leaders/volunteers to bring back to their girls. She also sources low cost/no cost materials—literally
driving around and picking up pallet boards that can be stripped down to make wooden signs or visiting
garage sales to obtain wine bottles for glass cutting class. She organizes the volunteer staff to assist
her as well as organizing the volunteers to teach the classes. She never complains about working hard.
Brenda is impacting hundreds of girls by dedicating herself to creating a learning event, for
adult volunteers.
8Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Awards
Thanks Badge II (continued)
Kathryn Owen
Kathryn Owen is ready to do anything outside her role of COO when a volunteer or staff is unavailable.
She volunteered as a mentor and helper for Camp CEO when the designated person was not able to
attend. Kathryn helped to create and implement COVID protocols for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
when we first entered the pandemic. Her steady leadership was key during a very difficult time. Through
research and expert guidance from a number of sources, she helped lay the foundation of our pivot to
maintaining Girl Scouts in unprecedented times. Her knowledge and experience of Girl Scouting has
placed GSWCF in a position of advantage and growth. Kathryn has given tirelessly in her time with GSWCF
and we will be forever in debt to that effort.
Jeanne Smith
Jeanne leads the adult awards committee and has done an excellent job. She tests the nomination
forms, is always available to help develop new awards, review award nominations, and is available at the
annual awards ceremony to help deliver the awards to all the awardees. This year she agreed to take on
the job of chairperson of the adult awards committee and with that, the development of new, upcoming
council awards. Jeanne has been the service unit manager of Cypress Bells and the chair of area
association K for many years. She always volunteers with a smile and she bleeds Girl Scout green.
Heart of Gold Award is Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s council
award to honor registered members who perform outstanding service above and beyond
expectations both in Girl Scouting and for another organization. The award requires at least
three nominations, with at least one being about their outstanding service to Girl Scouting and
at least one being about their work for another organization, in addition to having completed the
appropriate training for their position.
Suzanne Bredbenner
Suzi is an invaluable member of Girls Scouts of West Central Florida. She is a mentor to new leaders,
volunteers countless leadership hours to a volunteer led training event Showcase of Skills/Camp
Greenbloods, and serves as a trainer for many outdoor skills for our council. As an advocate for
volunteerism, Suzi is also a Kiwanis volunteer. She is currently on the Board of Directors, Greater Brandon
Kiwanis Foundation. Suzi previously served as President, Past President, and Lt. Governor, and serves
on the scholarship, membership, and fundraising committees. Her involvement in the schools in the
Brandon, Riverview, and Ruskin area includes assisting with the food pantry at Gibsonton Elementary,
and is a sponsor of the Terrific Kids Program.
Deborah DeCan
Deb is the type of volunteer that is hard to find. She is the service unit manager for Beautiful Waters and
is an excellent role model for all the adults in her service unit. She helps plan, prepare, and run all of their
events. Of course, there is clean up afterward, and she is there for that, too. During the difficult year of
2020, Deb planned, prepared, and facilitated virtual badge programs for Brownies and Juniors. Working
with several other service units, she helped to create and promote the North Pinellas Scavenger Hunt
Patch program. In addition to all the work she does for Beautiful Waters, Deb is a Sunday school teacher.
Her interactions with her students and their parents are encouraging and filled with love and joy.
9Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Awards
Heart of Gold Award (continued)
Patricia Fry
When it comes to volunteers in our local community, Patty Fry is sure to be on that list! It’s fair to say
“reach out to Patty Fry-she will guide you!” Patty has volunteered in everything Girl Scouts, elementary,
middle, and HS PTA/PTSA, HS band and so more! Patty has been an active member of the Newsome
High School Marching Band and Indoor Percussion Boosters since 2011, having all four of her children
participating in the program. She serves as their fundraising chairperson. As a troop leader of two troops
she has given great advice and is very in-tuned to each scout and what strengths and weakness they
have. It’s leaders like Patty that make our Girl Scout community and our neighborhood community a
better place to be and live.
Kimberly Kirzirian
Kim is the volunteer that Smiling Sisters could not do without. In addition to leading a vibrant older girl
troop, she is active in her service unit events and programs. She has taken on the lead in managing
the service unit Zoom meetings, allowing the service unit manager to run the meetings effectively and
efficiently. She is an avid recruiter of both girls and adults, and shares her wealth of knowledge and
support wherever it is needed. Kim’s service to her community ranges from the Humane Society to
tutoring children in and outside of Hillsborough County. She has provided tutoring and mentoring to these
young people virtually since the pandemic began. Her guidance to students who are e-learning
is invaluable.
Candy McCloud
Candy is a mentor for a high school Take Stock in Children Program. This program provides mentors for
children that may have risk factors that could prevent them from becoming academically successful.
Her efforts have contributed to successful outcomes, and will have a long reach into the future. Candy is
a troop leader and awards chairman in Beautiful Waters Service Unit. She is quick to lend a hand for any
project in the Service Unit, and has awesome management skills. Candy is the perfect example of G.I.R.L.
(Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, and Leader)™, sharing her knowledge and skills with the girls. She
truly is helping her girls become young women of courage, confidence, and character, and they will make
the world a better place
Donna Donati-Waddell
Donna is on the Board of Directors of Elisa’s Greatest Wishes non-profit. This non-profit is named in
memory of a sister Girl Scout, and raises money for charities in North Pinellas and beyond. Elisa’s
Greatest Wishes benefits girls in Wai Lani, Gulf Sands, Beautiful Waters, and Crystal Waters Service Units
and Camp Wai Lani itself. Over $23,000 in scholarships have been awarded to girls from that area. Donna
helps her troop along with girls from troops in the surrounding area to facilitate the Elisa’s Greatest
Wishes 5K with raises thousands of dollars each year to benefit the many programs it supports. She
really pours her heart and soul into everything she does.
Christina (Mandy) Zeledon-Dumas
Mandy works a full-time job and has five children. That is enough to keep anyone busy, but Mandy’s
compassion, giving, and loving personality won’t allow her to stop there. She has a terrific Girl Scout
troop in Sand Eagles Service Unit. Mandy makes sure that each girl receives individual attention and that
her individual needs are met. She is always willing to make sure every girl has transportation to and from
meetings at events and meetings. Mandy makes sure that every girl is included, stays safe, learns, and
has fun at meetings. Mandy is the president of the PTSA at Quail Hollow Elementary and is involved at
Cypress Creek Middle School. She truly has a Heart of Gold.
10Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Awards
Trefoil Award in Memory of Linda Scott is awarded in honor and memory
of Linda Scott, a long time staff member of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Her love of the girls,
volunteers and council staff led to the requirement of at least one nomination from each of those
groups for consideration for the award. All recipients must also be registered members who have
completed appropriate training for their position and have provided outstanding service to Girl Scouting.
Julie Ross Albaugh
Julie serves on the Wai Lani Service Unit as troop consultant, event director, and high award consultant.
She is also a volunteer for the March of Dimes, Pinellas County Schools, and Dunedin Marching Band.
Julie is a council delegate and a member of Council’s Product Advisory Committee. Julie assists in
recruiting for the service unit establishing multiple Daisy troops and mentoring new leaders. Julie has
been a beacon of girl empowerment with Girl Scouts for many years. She has taught girls that they have
the power within themselves to accomplish any goal. She has allowed the girls to make and learn from
mistakes while figuring out necessary solutions. This allows their confidence to grow and gives them the
fortitude to continue trying no matter what obstacles get in the way.
Diana Allen
Diana leads and assists five troops, as the service unit recruitment manager for PALS, serves on the
camping committee, is a delegate, and mentors girls seeking High Awards. Diana always makes sure that
the girls come first. Even though she does not have any children in Girl Scouts she has still provides an
opportunity for many girls to be a part of Girl Scouts. She is a prime example of Girl Scouting. She utilizes
the lessons in the Promise and Law to girls and adults, taking on new challenges and coming up with new
ideas. This year, she helped bring the idea of new girl welcome packets to Polk County, where each newly
registered girl receives a welcome packet full of activities, helpful information and Girl Scout swag.
Alice Benefiel
Alice is a troop leader, mentor, service unit helper, and council trainer. She serves the council by being a
BOLT, Advanced Camp, Archery trainer and council New Leader Coach. Alice organized a Sandpiper Service
Unit cleanup in which the girls collected more than 40 lbs. of trash! During the onset of the pandemic, Alice
reached out to other leaders who struggled with virtual meetings and invited those troops to attend her
virtual meetings. Alice has a love of Girl Scouts that is evident. She exemplifies all characteristics of a great
leader and role model for young girls. She has confidence and brings an enthusiasm that is contagious. She
motivates, delegates, empowers, and inspires others and is positive in her interactions with the girls. She is
committed and passionate about what she does with, and for the girls she leads.
Susan Campbell
Susan started a Daisy troop in 2009 and continues to lead this troop 12 years later with 13 girl scouts. Her
commitment has led girls to complete their Gold Award in 2021. Susan’s troop members have been camp
counselors for Coacoochee encampments. Her troop taught younger girls about S’mores and campfire
safety. Susan is a lifetime member, Gold Award recipient, and long-time troop leader. She is a great
example of how, “Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout” is a reality. She continuously gives back to build
girls of confidence, courage and character who make the world a better place.
Tammy Clohessy
Tammy is the Angel Echo Service Unit Fall Product and Cookie Manager. She is a Brownie and Juliette Consultant.
Tammy trained numerous leaders for their cookie training when gsLearn had technical glitches for some
members. Tammy mentored her girls earning their High Award which benefited Camp Indian Echo, by building
five utility tables for each camping unit, plus they added 6x6 poles at archery with sails attached to provide
shade. Tammy led all Juliette Girl Scouts in selling cookies this year-new in the Angel Echo Service Unit. She is
known for her organizational skills, attention to detail, trustworthiness and ability to work with everyone.
11Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Awards
Trefoil Award (continued)
Shelby Hanna
Shelby serves GSWCF as a BOLT trainer, mentoring other volunteers who want to take their girls camping.
Shelby has helped enhance the mission of GSWCF is by volunteering to record Family Partnership PSA’s.
Shelby is a lifetime Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient. After graduation, Shelby became a leader and
soon after she joined the service unit team as a co–encampment director. Shelby is very passionate
about Girl Scouts. When she realized that Coacoochee was not meeting their Family Partnership goal,
she volunteered for the vacant Family Partnership Champion role and in her first year she met that
goal. Shelby also serves as a delegate for Coacoochee and inspires girls in the service unit to become
delegates as well.
Sierra Hover
Sierra assists Split Pines by planning events, mentoring girls working on their Silver and Bronze awards,
and coordinating encampments and cookie rallies. She is also a council trainer, teaching other leaders
BOLT and Pocket Knife Safety. Her work as a cookie rally trainer benefits our Girl Scout movement
and she is a terrific role model for young adults to volunteer to serve Girl Scouts, impacting the next
generation of leaders. She has been the driving force behind many highly successful encampments that
have inspired girls to participate in scouting and start their own projects within their own troops.
Sarah Johnson
Sarah is a troop leader, service unit manager, event and encampment coordinator, product sales
manager, family partnership coordinator, recruiter, and adult awards coordinator for Angel Echo. Sara
helped the service unit product manager with the cookie rally this year. Since they could not do an in-
person cookie rally she helped assemble rally bags for girls. Sara always encourages leaders, provides
support and guidance, and takes the time to listen to problems or concerns. She ensures girls and
leaders have a positive, enjoyable and safe experience. Her leadership and positive energy guides troop
leaders and girls to be successful.
Jennifer Lawton
Jennifer researches, assists, and promotes virtual programming opportunities for all girls in Whispering
Pines Service Unit. She helps with recruitment, product sales, and encampments. She mentors
leaders and girls, is a troop consultant, and helps manage conflict resolution for struggling troops.
Jennifer worked with a troop that was having issues with leadership. The girls in the troop had to be
divided between three troops. Jennifer provided guidance to the girls in the troop about the benefits
of continuing in Girl Scouts, gave them information about future programming and potential travel
experiences, and overall program benefits resulting in the continuation in the Girl Scout program. Jennifer
is instrumental in helping many troops navigate through cookie season and beyond!
Carol White
Carol is a longtime volunteer, mentor, troop leader, and co-service unit manager for Wai Lani. Carol
provides outstanding support to new leaders by providing assistance with administrative duties and
one–on–one support to new and existing leaders. Carol performed new leader orientations and ongoing
help to ensure all leaders feel welcomed and supported. She took over several troops when a leader was
not available to ensure the continuation of troops. Carol provides extraordinary program opportunities
and serves as a mentor to other leaders. Carol is very dedicated to the enrichment of every Girl Scout.
There are a very few leaders that put their troop needs ahead of their own or their own child but Carol
does without hesitation or question.
12Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Awards
Trefoil Award (continued)
Christa Vail
Christa is a trainer for outdoor programming which includes BOLT, Advanced Camp Training, and
Advanced Outdoor Cooking. She also manages the delegates in her service unit, mentors girls seeking
higher awards, and serves as the service unit trainer for new leaders in West Wind. Christa is an
extraordinary resource to girls who are earning their Gold Award and is a consistent source of support.
She lends her professional knowledge and expertise to girls while respecting their efforts and helping
them to thrive and succeed. Christa has served on many committees at the local and council level. She
served as Area Association chair for many years and encourages girls to take the lead in their service
units to serve as delegates. Christa is also a National Council Delegate.
Years of Service Pins recognizes a registered adult member for years of active
volunteer service at 5-year intervals up to 40 years. After 40 years, pins are available at 10-year
intervals. Years of Service Pins are presented by the service unit for 5 years of service and by Girl
Scouts of West Central Florida for 10 years of service and beyond.
5 Years of Service
Deborah Attaway, Beautiful Butterflies Lavina Harris, Fossil Valley Timothy Robinson, Split Pines
Manuela Barreiro-Soto, Caloosa Darla Hoffman, Rising Daisies Jenny Russell, Sunny Palms
Helena Berg, Beautiful Butterflies Sue Huttig, Sunburst Shilow Sack, Sunny Palms
Ashley Berman, Sunset Scouts Sundus Iraq, Sunset Scouts Elizabeth Sanchez, Fossil Valley
Mercedes Bleattler, Silver Forest Jessica Jex, Caloosa Alicia Sanjurjo, Beautiful Butterflies
Emily Bonderman, Rising Daisies Catherine Kay, Rising Daisies Thomas Sanjurjo, Beautiful Butterflies
Shannon Boyer, Joining Rivers Jennifer Knauss, Split Pines Kyle Schmidt, Silver Forest
Jessica Burbo, Beautiful Butterflies Tiffany Liu Shakhnes, Caloosa Melissa Shelby, Caloosa
Marie Christopher, Rising Daisies Lora Maggio, Sunset Scouts Cheryl Shepherd, Whispering Pines
Miranda Clink, Whispering Pines Bruce McClintock, Whispering Pines Christian Simmons, Sunburst
Jennifer Dallner, Brooksville Ridge Rebecca McClintock, Whispering Pines Mike Sinnett, Brooksville Ridge
Rita Donahue-Simmons, Whispering Pines Jessica Mendez, Rising Daisies Tanya Slicker, Whispering Pines
Sheila Eakes, Whispering Pines Catherine Rose Morris, Brooksville Ridge Kristinia Springer, Split Pines
Erin Ellis, Beautiful Butterflies Rebecca Muldoon, Sunny Palms Sarrah Stutzman, Rising Daisies
Alicia Escalante-Tyler, Caloosa Tami Murchio, Silver Forest Irene Tharin, Beautiful Waters
Serena Fitzgerald, Rising Daisies Sarah Newcomb, Sunny Palms Rebecca Thorn, Fossil Valley
Meg Forehand–Karakis, Sunny Palms Margaret Orchalek, Whispering Pines Jamila Thornton, Sunburst
Deanna Fortson, Caloosa Denise Pare, Council Staff Ashley Trehan, Sunny Palms
Audrey Fowler, Joining Rivers Pinkal Patel, Fossil Valley Joey Vanderbilt, Split Pines
Livinia Gardner, Sunburst Rosanna Pena, Sunburst Christopher Volk, Beautiful Butterflies
Kimberly Gilberti, Beautiful Butterflies Lara Peppard, Sunny Palms Linde Whitney, Rising Daisies
Nicole Gingell, Beautiful Butterflies James Pittman, Beautiful Butterflies Jaima Woodiwiss, Beautiful Butterflies
Tania Goldman, Beautiful Waters Jenny Rhodes, Fossil Valley
10 Years of Service
Wende Anderson, Crystal Waters Judy Clink, Whispering Pines Jackie Grimes, Sunburst
Yamel Belen, Strawberry Erica Clough, Fossil Valley Amber Grissom, Joining Rivers
Cristina Bonilla-Warford, Sunset Scouts Elizabeth Cox, Beautiful Butterflies Amanda Hamilton, Woodlands
Diane Brand, Wai Lani Emily Crumpton, Woodlands Nadine Hill, Strawberry
Sabine Burns, Fossil Valley Carla Gibson, Silver Forest Caeti Hyer, Council Staff
Dave Clink, Whispering Pines Jacqueline Griggs, Sunny Palms Patrcia Kane, Crystal Waters
13Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Awards 10 Years of Service (continued) Kathleen Keiderling, Beautiful Waters Tara McDaniel, Sunset Scouts Sarah Ruggieri, Spring Mermaids Lorie Kittendorf, Sunny Palms Danyele McGeorge, Circle of Springs Manar Sarsour, Sunset Scouts Colleen Kurtz, Sunset Scouts Lynette Mills, Toppercrest Shikha Sharma, Sunny Palms Ava Lawrence, Crystal Waters Melissa Neher, Whispering Pines Michelle Sikorksi, Crystal Waters Lauren Levy, Sunny Palms Kelly Nicholas-Russ, Fossil Valley Barrie Taft, Crystal Waters Tanya Loyd, Sunset Scouts Angela Pittman, Beautiful Butterflies Layna Tedford, Fossil Valley Veronica Markiewicz, Trailblazers Laura Pringle, Whispering Pines Karen Thomas, Fossil Valley Jamiel Maze, Rising Daisies Angela Puckett, Crystal Waters Kandice McCorkel, Brooksville Ridge Kelsi Ramdeo, Council Staff 15 Years of Service Kathleen Antis, Whispering Pines Lisa Cavanaugh, Whispering Pines Julie Piper, Joining Rivers Jeanne Baldi, Beautiful Butterflies Sylvia McPherson, Beautiful Butterflies Maureen Trishka, Silver Forest Darlene Bennett, Beautiful Butterflies Brenda Napier, Sunburst Janet Blair, Strawberry Dylan Newton, Circle of Springs 20 Years of Service Suzanne Bredbenner, Beautiful Butterflies Sabrina Nirenberg, Council Staff Isabella Wooldridge, Rising Daisies Yvonne Hughes, Beautiful Butterflies Lynn Wagner, Fossil Valley Toni Knowles, Joining Rivers Heather Marie Wolfertz, Circle of Springs 25 Years of Service Debra Dereniski, Council Staff Lorrie Miller, Rising Daisies Elaine Eaton, Beautiful Butterflies Sheryl Vanetta, Sunburst 30 Years of Service Camella Dennis, Sunburst Laura Welborn, Council wide Joanne Wolff, Wai Lani 35 Years of Service Deborah Holton-Fisher, Sunburst Sheila Hill, Sunburst 50 Years of Service Mary Urquhart, Whispering Pines Numeral Guards signifies the total number of Girl Scout year membership and includes both girl and adult years. We especially celebrate 30 years and higher with this award. 30 Years of Service Kelly Custer, Spring Mermaids Julie Linhart, Northern Circle Katherine Sapp, Spring Mermaids 35 Years of Service Cammie Dennis, Sunburst Lynn Sansspree, Joining Rivers Sheryl Vannetta, Sunburst 50 Years of Service Mary Urquhart, Whispering Pines 55 Years of Service Sheila Hill, Sunburst Deborah Holton-Fisher, Sunburst 14
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Board of Directors
Officers
Laura Webb, President Cami Gibertini, Third Vice President
Abby Mackness, First Vice President Gwin Londrigan, Treasurer
Monica McLaughlin, Second Vice President Kelly Flannery, Secretary
Members at Large
Jodi Avery Lynn Jackson Dorman Denise Reddick
Leland Baldwin Michelene Everett Marion Rich
Susan S. Craig Nicole DeLoach Hubbard Keith Smith
Lauren Debick Grace Maseda Lavinia “Vinnie” Vaughn
Deirdre Dixon Stephen Ponzillo
Ex-officio Member - Mary Pat King, Chief Executive Officer
Girl Board Members
Emily A.
Casey I.
Special Thanks to the
Adult Awards Committee Members
Jeanne Smith, Committee Chairman
Carrie Alexander, Committee Member Pam Clouston, Committee Member Amy Motta, Committee Member
Jenifer Boswell, Committee Member Cathi Kessel, Committee Member Jill Painter, Committee Member
Adrienne Brown, Committee Member Bonnie Laforme, Committee Member Laura Welborn, Committee Member
Sharron Bauer, Adult Learning Manager
Carmen Serrano, Administrative Assistant
15Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be and to honest and fair, respect myself and others, friendly and helpful, respect authority, considerate and caring, use resources wisely, courageous and strong, make the world a better place, and responsible for what and be a sister to every Girl Scout. I say and do,
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