Our Team
Working together with you to build a community in which all women and girls thrive!Learn More About Rhamira
Rhamira is the 2023-2024 Administrative Intern for the Oasis Center for Women & Girls. She recently received her Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Museum & Cultural Heritage Studies from Florida State University. Through this internship, she aims to draw inspiration from her weekly commitments to contribute to her final capstone project. Outside of Oasis and school, Rhamira owns and operates Sistah Souljahs of Tallahassee: Novel Tea Book Club; a reading group made by and for Black women living in the Tallahassee area.
Learn More About Samantha
My name is Samantha Cuttle. I am currently attending Florida State University. I am double majoring in social work and psychology. After I graduate, I want to pursue my MSW at Florida State University.
I believe that womxn and girls can do anything they put their minds to! In that, I am incredibly passionate about womxn’s issues and find places to advocate for them when I can, whether on campus or in my place of work.
Everyone deserves a place where they can feel listened to and supported; that is why I am excited to begin work at the Oasis Center—a place that does exactly that.
Learn More About Mary
Mary is the Special Projects Coordinator for The Oasis Center. She graduated from Florida State University and double majored in Family & Child Sciences and Psychology, and is currently attending NYU to obtain her Master’s in Public Administration. She believes empowering others to reach their dreams is the best way to improve your community. Mary is looking forward to continuing to change the community with Oasis!
Learn More About Cinthya
Cinthya is the Director of Empowerment Programs for The Oasis Center. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and has experience providing strength-based therapy to individuals and families. She has also worked with the Hispanic Outreach Center in Pinellas County to provide mental health services and connect families with community resources. Cinthya currently works with the Women’s Circle Program, Girl’s Circle Program, and Girls Can Do Anything! Summer Camp. Cinthya is passionate about supporting women and is looking forward to working with the girls and women in Leon County.
Learn More About Harper
Harper is currently at Tallahassee Community College, earning her degree in Business Administration. She has a passion for advocacy and loves connecting with the people around her. Harper was able to experience Oasis firsthand as a young girl through multiple programs that are offered, including our Girls Can Do Anything Summer Camp and our Support Group. Oasis provided a safe place for her where she could learn her capabilities and experience the joys of being herself. She looks forward to contributing to the positive environment that Oasis offers to our community.
Learn More About Karley
Karley is studying Human Development and Family Sciences and Psychology at Florida State University while interning for the Tallahassee/Leon Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center. Karley is also an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, where she found her passion for sisterhood, women’s empowerment, and human rights, and her goal post-undergrad is to become a lawyer and represent women and girls in the courtroom. You can find Karley in the dance studio in her free time, as she has been a dedicated dancer for sixteen years. She is excited to continue learning about the issues women and girls in our community face while extending support and resources to those in need.
Learn More About Amanda
Learn More About Raven
Raven is the Women’s Counselor for The Oasis Center. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Raven has experience providing motivational-based therapy to youth and adults. She has also worked with Volunteers of America to provide services and connect veterans with community resources. Raven currently works with the single mothers’ support group and individual counseling. Raven is excited about being a listening ear and an advocate for women, and is looking forward to making a change in the community.
Learn More About Ashley
Ashley Leland is a dedicated student at Florida A&M University, majoring in social work, and the proud mother of three talented daughters. As the Intake Counselor for Oasis Women and Girls, she brings her passion for helping others to the forefront, guiding those in need with compassion and empathy. Ashley’s commitment to community service is evident in her active volunteering and her embodiment of leading by example, making her a valued asset in any endeavor aimed at making a positive impact on society.
Learn More About Kelly
Kelly has been working to make the world a better place for women and children for 35 years, 25 here in Leon County. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Oasis. Kelly was formerly the Executive Director of Pace Center for Girls/Leon and Refuge House, Tallahassee’s domestic and sexual violence program. She has worked in domestic violence centers, rape crisis programs, and women’s centers in Carson City, Nevada, Norfolk, Virginia, Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee. In addition to her work with women and girls, Kelly has a passion for the nonprofit sector. She co-writes a column “Notes on Nonprofits” for The Tallahassee Democrat and was the first Executive Director of United Partners for Human Services, a coalition serving 90 human service organizations in Tallahassee. Kelly has been an Adjunct Professor at FSU in both the Askew School of Public Administration and the College of Social Work and formerly taught at the University of North Florida. She holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Florida.
Learn More About Cece
Cece recently graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. She hopes to pursue her Masters degree in Social Work in the future. She has worked with the Department of Children and Families as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Representative at the Kearney Center and has volunteered with agencies such as Habitat for Humanity. She believes every moment leads to a greater movement within an individual’s life, and she is passionate about creating those moments that can impact the lives of women and girls.
Learn More About Gianna
Gianna graduated from Florida State University, where she majored in Public Health, minored in Public Administration, and received an Emergency Management and Homeland Security certificate. While at FSU, Gianna performed with the Flying High Circus and coached at their annual youth circus camp. She began working with nonprofits while serving in Americorps NCCC and provided humanitarian aid following Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Ian. Gianna is excited to learn and grow with the Oasis Center and make a difference in the lives of women and girls in Tallahassee.
Learn More About Iyanla
My name is Iyanla Richardson, and I am a senior social work student at Florida A&M University. I am thrilled to have volunteered at Oasis’ summer camp and am now interning as a BSW intern. I am passionate about social work research and academia, focusing on the social systems that impact the well-being of marginalized communities, particularly women of color.
As a first-generation international student, I firmly believe that increasing representation and support for these communities is essential to dismantling systemic oppression. I am excited to intern at an organization that shares my values and am eager to gain invaluable professional experience!
Paisley Shumate-Lynch
Culture Consultant
Learn More About Paisley
Paisley defies expectations with her unique role as a culture consultant for Oasis and the CSWG. With her fresh perspective and unwavering dedication, Paisley brings a refreshing and inclusive approach to her work. As a culture consultant, Paisley plays a vital role in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment within Oasis and the CSWG. Paisley’s passion for social justice and equity is evident in her work. She tirelessly advocates for the well-being of women and girls.
Outside of work, Paisley enjoys exploring different cultures through books, music, and food. She believes that continuous learning and exposure to diverse perspectives are essential for personal growth and understanding.
Stephanie Shumate
Director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
Learn More About Stephanie
Stephanie is the inaugural Director of the Commission on Status of Women and Girls. Stephanie is a natural connector with a passion for always starting with “Why” when working with people and serving in her community, she believes connection and communication are keys to success. She brings the utmost commitment, energy, and dedication to the CSWG. And hopes to expand, elevate, and engage the important initiatives, programs, and services that uplift, celebrate, and advocate for the women and girls in our community. Stephanie brings almost two decades of community engagement, advocacy initiatives, production management, innovative communication strategies, leadership training, personal development, and group facilitation to the CSWG. Stephanie was most recently Vice President of Client Relations at CATECOMM, a Tallahassee based Public Relations and Communications firm, and brings experience from her prior career roles with Herff Jones as a Yearbook Specialist and Educator, Executive Director of the Leon County Responsible Decision-Making Coalition, Political Campaign Staff, and Director of The Florida Youth Delegation at The Florida Department of Education. She’s a graduate of Florida State University with a B.A. in Sociology and holds a Certificate in Leadership Studies and Theories.
Learn More About Fionna
Fionna is a Girls’ Circle Facilitator for the Oasis Center. She is a recent graduate of Florida State University, where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies. Fionna aims to receive her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and become a mental health counselor. As a Latinx woman, she is very passionate about providing and spreading mental health awareness within her community and others. She believes having a supportive community is crucial to an individual’s life and hopes to provide as much support as possible for the women and girls at the Oasis Center.
Learn More About Saylor
Saylor is a Child’s Advocate for the Oasis Center. She is a freshman at Florida State University, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Child Development. Saylor is working towards a combined Master’s/bachelor’s degree to become an Elementary school teacher or some other occupation with children as her focus. Saylor’s passion in life is to lead and teach children and be a voice in the education community regarding inequalities in the teaching profession. She hopes that her love for children will only grow while working with Oasis and seeks to make a change within her community.