Our Team

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!

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. 

Danielle is the Office Manager for the Oasis Center. Danielle has her Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology from the University of West Florida and is finishing her Master’s Degree at Florida State University. She has a background in local non-profits, event & volunteer management, and marketing & public outreach. In her free time Danielle enjoys veggie gardening, reading, creating art, and spoiling her two cats.

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.

María is an MSW Intern for Summer 2024 with the Oasis Center. She graduated from Florida State University in 2019 with a Dual Bachelor’s in Sociology and International Relations and is currently working on a Master’s in Clinical Social Work also at FSU. María hopes to become a compassionate clinician in the community and is passionate about the interconnectedness and reintegration of mental health and physical health, environmental justice, and trauma-informed practices. She is looking forward to contributing meaningfully to the needs of women and girls this summer!

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. 

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.

Alexandra is a Graduate Intern for the Oasis Center. She graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University where she majored in Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Social Work at Florida State University. She has volunteered with organizations such as Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Big Bend Habitat for Humanity. Alexandra is eager to learn and be apart of a team that is focused on creating a healthy community for women and girls to thrive at every stage in life.

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.

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.

Gabby graduated from The Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science, and a minor in Women’s Studies in 2022. She is passionate about victim advocacy, education and resource accessibility, and law and public policy. She hopes to become a family lawyer, specifically for those experiencing domestic violence. In her free time, she can be found studying for the LSAT, building miniature houses, or hiking with her dog, Cooper. Gaby is excited to join the CSWG and Oasis team and looks forward to contributing to the empowerment of all women and girls in our community!

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 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.

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. 

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.