(850) 222-2747 admin@theoasiscenter.net

Our Team

Working together with you to build a community in which all women and girls thrive!

Mary Deschler

Special Projects Coordinator

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!

Cinthya Dominguez

Director of Empowerment Programs

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. 

Danielle Dozier

Office Manager

Learn More About Danielle

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 Garren

Girls' Circle Facilitator

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.

Rachel Hecker

Child Advocate

Learn More About Rachel

Rachel is a Child Advocate at The Oasis Center. A recent graduate of the University of South Florida, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Health. In January 2025, Rachel will begin the Accelerated Nursing Program at Florida State University. While she is still exploring her specific career path, Rachel is passionate about making a meaningful impact on women’s health as a future nurse. 

Rachel is grateful to have a dedicated role in fostering an empowering, nurturing, and welcoming environment for children and families here at the Oasis Center. She is proud to be part of an organization that makes a difference in the lives of women and children. 

Raven James

Women's Empowerment Program Coordinator

Learn More About Raven

Raven is the Women’s Empowerment Program Coordinator 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. 

Myara Jefferson

Child Advocate

Learn More About Maya

I’m a Preschool Educator with over 16 years of experience in early childhood education. I earned my Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Development and Management from Tallahassee Community College. Currently, I serve as a Child Program Specialist and VPK Lead Teacher at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Educational Research Center for Child Development (FAMU ERCCD).
I’m passionate about creating positive, nurturing learning environments and specialize in implementing Conscious Discipline techniques in my classrooms. I also present at various conferences, sharing my insights on how to effectively integrate social-emotional learning into early childhood education.
In my spare time, I enjoy writing and recently published my first book. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to continue learning, growing, and sharing my experiences with others in the field.

Kelly Otte

Executive Director

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.

Cece Pierre

Girls' Circle Facilitator

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.

Gabrielle Seibert

CSWG Program Assistant

Learn More About Gabby

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 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.

Molly Snashell

MSW Intern

Learn More About Molly

Molly is an intern at the Oasis Center for Women and Girls. She is currently at Florida State University, earning her masters degree in social work. Molly is originally from Binghamton, NY. She graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Molly has worked with Florida State University’s Stoop Center for Communities, Families, and Children, leading young students in social-emotional learning activities. She has a passion for adolescent mental health. Molly hopes to receive her LCSW and practice therapy with adolescents and families. 

Fionna Sosa Kerner

Girls' Circle Facilitator

Learn More About Fionna

Fionna is a Girls’ Circle Facilitator for the Oasis Center, where she passionately supports and empowers young women. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Psychology, minoring in Women’s Studies. As a proud Latinx woman, Fionna is deeply committed to fostering mental health awareness and advocacy within her community and beyond. She is driven by a belief in the transformative power of a strong, supportive community, recognizing its critical role in enhancing individual well-being. Through her work at the Oasis Center, Fionna aims to create a safe, nurturing space where women and girls feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Kanijah Stevens

Intake Counselor

Learn More About Kanijah

This is Kanijah Stevens, she currently works as the Intake Counselor. Kanijah holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in African American studies from Florida A&M University. With experience in both mental health and administrative roles Kanijah is passionate about supporting the livelihood of individuals, particularly women, within her community. She gives thanks to her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated for fostering her love of community service and teaching her the importance of womanhood and sisterhood. Kanijah is driven by a strong belief in advocacy, community-centered care, and expanding her skills to better serve those in need.

Kayden Washington

Child's Advocate

Learn More About Kayden

Kayden Washington is a Child’s Advocate at The Oasis Center. She is a junior at Florida State University, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Public Policy. Kayden wants to work at the local and state level in educational policy and reform. She hopes to improve the lives of teachers and ease their workload while simultaneously working to enrich every child’s K-12 education across the state of Florida. Kayden is ecstatic to start working at Oasis and making a difference in Leon County!