Expert Speakers:

Meet this year's speakers:

Paula Petit-Frere attended the University of South Florida where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology and later a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Since 2012, she has provided services in a variety of settings including: early intervention centers, residential facilities, schools, group homes, family homes and independent living. She joined Adapt & Transform Behavior in 2022. Paula has developed a passion for driving meaningful outcomes by promoting a team-based approach that ensures her clients get the best support available.

Lindsey Solots has been an early childhood educator since 2016 and currently works at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Preschool in Tampa, Florida. She advocates for every child’s right to play as an active Playworker with Rooted in Play, a non-profit organization founded in 2019. Lindsey holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida in Studio Art and received her Master of Arts in Innovative Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado. She worked as an Atelierista for several years and continues to teach art to elementary-aged children with Yellow Bird Art Studio in Tampa. She is passionate about creating spaces and inclusive classroom cultures that value every child’s unique abilities and strengths. She is also the proud mother of two daughters.

Carmen Longnecker has a background in occupational therapy and has worked as a pediatric OT in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 20 years. She specializes in supporting children using sensory integration principles and a neurodevelopmental treatment approach. As a mother of four, she also spent time as a preschool teacher while her children were young, which strengthened her passion for working with the birth-to-five population.

She has since focused on promoting inclusion through sensory-motor-based activities that support development, play skills, and self-regulation. Currently, she serves as an Inclusion Support Specialist with ECC, where she takes a whole-child, whole-environment approach to understanding behavior and supporting young children in early learning settings. She works closely with teachers and center directors to create inclusive environments for all children and to connect families with the resources and services they need.

Adrienne Bovan serves as a leader with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC), bringing extensive experience in early childhood education, program quality, and family support. She is dedicated to strengthening early learning systems through collaboration, coaching, and data-driven practices that support both educators and children. Adrienne is passionate about ensuring equitable access to high-quality early childhood experiences and works closely with providers to enhance inclusive practices, school readiness, and positive outcomes for all learners.

 Amanda Mackney is a highly skilled and compassionate professional with 12 years of experience specializing in Autism, neurodiversity-affirming therapy, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. She is a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA), Certified Autism Clinical Specialist, Inclusion Specialist, Behavioral Therapist, and Executive Functioning Coach.

Amanda earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology from Fredonia University of New York and her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Autism certification from Ball State University. As the mother of a non-speaking 5-year-old autistic son, Amanda finds her greatest purpose and inspiration in her personal journey, which drives her dedication to supporting and empowering neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Her expertise, combined with her deep personal connection to the Autism community, allows Amanda to create inclusive, affirming, and impactful therapy and coaching experiences.

Anna Winneker has worked with the University of South Florida for 17 years. 14 of those years have been with the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC) supporting early childhood and K-12 to use Positive Behavior Supports in schools and classrooms. Prior to this work, Anna was a Special Education teacher supporting children with behavior needs with a passion for inclusion. 

 Anna is currently the Project Director for Program-Wide Positive Behavior Supports (PWPBS) at USF and also works on the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center and the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI)wi. PWPBS supports childcare in Hillsborough County to create environments to support social-emotional skill development by coaching teachers and working with families to identify effective supports for each and every child. 

Paola Ramirez, M.S., is a Bi-lingual Trainer/Coach for the Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support Project at the University of South Florida.

Paola has a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Paola previously worked for 6 years in Miami Dade providing consultation and services to early childhood staff, directors, children and families.

Dharini “Sona” Zaveri is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Florida for 20+ years. She has worked with pediatric population with various diagnosis like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Fragile X just to name a few. Her passion is to work closely with the family and caregivers along with other professionals who are involved in the treatment of the child for a truly collaborative approach. She is the owner of True Blue Peds Therapy, small business therapy company. She enjoys working with children from 0-21 years old with various skills in their natural environment like homes, daycares, schools and clinics. She has certifications in Therapeutic Listening Program, Rocktape (Kinesiology tape) certified therapist, Physical agent modalities training and ADHD Certified Rehabilitation specialist. 

Tina Gill is a dedicated educator, advocate, and inclusion specialist with a passion for supporting children with disabilities. After completing pre-med at Loyola University Chicago, began her career as a corporate trainer for a Fortune 100 company before following her calling to open her own preschool.

Tina is a certified Circle of Security Facilitator, On-site Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Coach, and a tireless advocate for children with special needs. She has spearheaded the Inclusion Project, training and mentoring parents and educators across Florida to create more inclusive environments for children.

Tina’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was honored as Foster Parent of the Year, nominated for both Excellence in Education, and the prestigious Mayor’s Alliance Award for her impactful work in the community.

As a mother of four children, two of whom have special needs—including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and mitochondrial disease—Tina brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. Her mission is to empower families and educators while fostering environments where all children can thrive.

Cristy Carmo is an accomplished occupational therapist based in Valrico, Florida, with a heart for service and a passion for helping others. With two sons in college, Cristy uses her time and talents to make a difference both locally and internationally.

Cristy has embraced opportunities to volunteer through "voluntourism" trips, including a life-changing journey to Cuba and later to Bolivia with HOPE worldwide. During her time in La Paz, Bolivia, she worked alongside the team at Hospital Arco Iris, teaching and training physical therapists in Spanish to enhance patient care. Cristy also brought two large suitcases filled with donations and orthopedic supplies—resources that were invaluable to the therapists and their patients.

While in Bolivia, Cristy volunteered at Hipoterapia Fundación Porvenir, a horse-therapy program for children with physical and mental challenges. Her work with the children, their families, and the therapy team left a profound and lasting impact on the community.

In her professional role, Cristy works at TRUE BLUE Pediatric Therapy, where she is highly regarded for her compassion, expertise, and innovative approaches. She developed the "High 5 Training Series," an empowering program for parents and teachers to support children’s development effectively.

Cristy’s dedication to serving others, both through her career and her volunteer efforts, continues to inspire and uplift those around her. Her compassion, talent, and unwavering commitment to making a difference have touched countless lives.

Erin Sizemore, M.A., is a Trainer/Coach for Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support Project at the University of South Florida. This project is funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. 

After teaching children with hearing loss for 18 years in Pasco County, Erin joined the PBS team in 2016. Her primary areas of interest include early childhood education, Positive Behavior Support, and listening and spoken language development for children with hearing loss and inclusion.

Crystal Rios, MSW, PhD is a bilingual social worker whose career has spanned over 30

plus years in a variety of settings including working with survivors of domestic violence,

HIV/AIDS patients, teen girls and for the last 22 years, the Pre-K population including

those with special needs via Head Start and Child Find within Hillsborough County

Public Schools. The Pre-K population has overtaken Crystal’s heart as she enjoys the

unique abilities and gifts that each Pre-K child possesses. She strives to assist each

child and family find more gifts and abilities that are hidden just below the surface so

that every child can expand their horizons. Crystal strives to educate, elevate and

advocate for the needs of those little ones and their families who at this age, don’t

always know or have the words or abilities to do these things for themselves.