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.

Ashley is A Girls’ Circle Facilitator for The Oasis Center. She holds a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Ashley has experience in public speaking and all things media. She has worked as a Morning News Anchor, providing resources, information, and community connections. Ashley reigns as President of The Millennial Mommies Club Tallahassee Chapter-working with all moms and their children. Ashley is excited about being an advocate and ally for all types of women. Ashley takes pride in being an agent of change.

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.

Cassidy graduated with her Master’s in Social Work in May 2023 and currently works with the Stoops Center for Communities, Families, and Children through Florida’s State University’s College of Social Work. She recently joined the Peace Corps and leaves for Thailand in January to serve as a Youth in Development volunteer.

Cinthya is the Empowerment Program Coordinator 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. 

Fionna is a Child’s Advocate for the Oasis Center. She is a senior at Florida State University, majoring 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. 

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.

Mary is the Special Projects Coordinator for The Oasis Center and the Program Coordinator for the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She graduated from Florida State University and double majored in Family & Child Sciences and Psychology. She believes the best way to improve your community is by empowering others to reach their dreams. Mary is looking forward to learning and growing with Oasis!

McKenzie is the Community Engagement Manager for The Oasis Center. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida. McKenzie is passionate about creating positive change in the world; she is committed to social justice, equity, and believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

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. 

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.

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.

Amy is the Summer 2023 Intern for the Tallahassee-Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She is currently a senior at Florida State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Social Science, with concentrations in History and Geography, and a minor in Chemistry. As a previous healthcare worker at a local hospital’s Labor & Delivery OR, she was fortunate to not only help deliver more than 100 babies but also share those magical moments with the mothers. There were many wonderful experiences but some were unfortunate and disheartening, which helped shape her passion for women and girls issues. Amy witnessed a patient questioning what her placenta was, and that’s when she realized that proper, adequate, and accessible education and healthcare, to all women in our community is lacking. Through this internship, she’s excited to combine both past and present experiences with the CSWG to further expand support and awareness for accessible resources to all the women and girls!