I began my career in education over 30 years ago in Palm Beach County before relocating to Lee County. I have taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels serving students with exceptional student education (ESE) needs. Over the past decade, I have worked as an ESE Staffing Specialist, supporting schools, educators, and families to ensure appropriate services for students.
I have also served on the Florida Professional Association of Staffing Specialists (FL-PASS) Board for the past nine years in various leadership roles, including Historian, Treasurer, President, and currently, Past President. I look forward to connecting with colleagues at the 2026 FL-PASS Annual Conference as we continue our shared commitment to serving students with integrity and excellence.
I have been an educator in Martin County, FL for 32 years. I started my career as an Exceptional Student Education teacher in a pilot program with Kindergarten and First Grade students, guiding their first experiences coming from a center school to a comprehensive school campus for the first time. I moved on to become a school based Mainstream Consultant, basically functioning as a school-based Staffing Specialist but also supporting students so that they could be successful in mainstream classes. I then moved to the district level and worked as a Behavior Specialist, eventually earning credentials as a Behavior Analyst. I left the district for a period of time and started a business with a colleague working with the Early Intervention and Medicaid system providing Behavior Analysis services. I returned to the school district, again as a Mainstream Consultant for several years. I am currently back at the district office as the Lead ESE Program Specialist. I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the Vice President of Membership for FL-PASS.
I began my teaching career 18 years ago in Trenton, New Jersey teaching students with Emotional/Behavior Disabilities. In 2017 I began teaching Exceptional Student Education in Hillsborough County Public Schools as a Varying Exceptionality Teacher at the elementary level. I just completed my first year as a Staffing Specialist with Hillsborough County Public Schools. I am excited to join the Florida PASS board as Treasurer and look forward to working with Staffing Specialists throughout the state
Hello everyone! I am currently entering my 17th year in education. I started out teaching general education elementary then moved to a seperate class setting for grades 6-8. Needless to say it was a large leap. However after 14 years in special education I know this is my passion! I have worked as a Staffing Specialist, Transition Specialist and this year I am excited to expand my knowledge as an ESE Learning Resource Specialist for Academics. I am excited to continue serving in the role of your FL-PASS Historian this year and continue to document the collaboration, mentorship and most of all FUN we get to have throughout the year! Looking forward to meeting more colleagues to learn and grow from.
Dr. Leslie Brown serves as a Regional Staffing Coordinator for Hillsborough County Schools. She has been a dedicated Educator with HCPS for almost 20 years. Prior to her employment with the school district, she was the Unit Manager for the Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida for 10 years. She has served in the role of Varying Exceptionalities Teacher, ESE Specialist, Staffing Specialist and Coordinator. Dr. Brown is proud graduate of Florida A&M University and the University of South Florida. She has obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Master of Arts degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling and a Doctoral Degree in Cultural Anthropology. Dr. Brown is currently the Parliamentarian for the FL-PASS Board.
Bio coming soon!
I began my career in education as a parent volunteer in 1994. Encouraged by my son and his second-grade teacher, I returned to school and discovered my true calling—teaching. I started as a substitute and paraprofessional before becoming a Middle School EBD (Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities) teacher in the Syracuse City School District. My journey then led me to Florida, where I served in Palm Beach County as an ESE resource teacher, ESE Coordinator, and for 12 years, a teacher of Gifted and mixed-ability kindergarten classes, while also teaching Extended School Year (ESY) during summers.
My passion for leadership and student advocacy brought me to Martin County, where I worked as a Staffing Specialist at both the elementary and high school levels. Currently, I am honored to serve the Monroe County School District as the District ESE Coordinator, Program Specialist, 504 Contact, and Family Empowerment Scholarship liaison.
I hold a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Reading, an add-on certification in Educational Leadership, multiple professional certifications and endorsements, and a Growth Mindset Microcredential. My contributions include authoring content for CPALMS, leading the Florida Department of Education’s “Dads at School” initiative, managing after-school tutorial grant programs, and completing an Assistant Principal internship for ESY.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to mentoring others—whether as a clinical educator, an FAU Exceed Mentor, the leader of Teachers of Tomorrow, or the advisor for high school Student Government. One of my proudest achievements is mentoring parents and previous students to become substitute teachers and, eventually, educators themselves.
Professional development is a personal passion, and one of the most rewarding experiences was co presenting an ASD/Learning Strategies workshop in Grenada to administrators, teachers, and parents. I am proud to be the President-Elect of FL-PASS and look forward to continuing to serve, lead, and inspire.
“Gina” is a dynamic individual who exudes positivity and passion for education and community service. With three decades of experience in education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role as she is currently the Learning Resource Specialist for Transition for Lee County Public Schools. Growing up in a family of educators, she understands the importance of shaping young minds and empowering others to reach their full potential.
Gina's enthusiasm for Teaching and Learning has her serving the Florida PASS board as President, Part-President, Historian and as General Member at Large as she guided the board even when not directly in office for over a decade. She loves FL-PASS as it’s an opportunity to engage with positive changemakers, champions for compliance and service to children, their families, our schools, communities, and state. This reflects her belief in collaboration and collective action towards a better tomorrow. With her infectious energy and unwavering dedication, Gina continues to leave a lasting impact on those around her, inspiring others to embrace optimism, kindness, and the pursuit of excellence through service.
As a graduate of Lee County Schools, Vo-Tech Center & Florida State University, Gina's roots run deep in her community, and she remains actively involved in various International, National, State, educational, community organizations and causes. Her involvement in church, civic groups, and service projects highlights her belief in giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.
Her motto of "Loving Living My Dash!" reflects her zest for life and her belief in making every moment count. Gina's commitment to using her words to uplift and inspire others underscores her belief in the power of positivity and encouragement.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Gina enjoys exploring different cultures through travel, engaging with people from all walks of life, and indulging in the arts, particularly theater. Her role as a mother and "GlamMa GiGi" brings her immense joy and pride, further fueling her commitment to shaping a brighter future for the next generation.
With over a decade of experience in education, Alisha Nesbitt has dedicated her career to supporting diverse learners across a wide range of educational settings. She has taught at both middle and high school levels, as well as in an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Center, where she worked closely with students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Her passion for inclusive education has also led her to teach adult and underage GED students, along with Home Based and Home Bound learners.
Currently serving as a Related Services Program Coordinator, Alisha plays a vital role in ensuring students receive the support services they need to thrive. Now in her fifth year on the FL-PASS board, she is honored to continue her service in the role of Member at Large, following her term as Past President. Alisha looks forward to another year of collaboration with educators, families, and community partners to further the mission of FL-PASS and support student success across Florida.
My name is Dr. Joy Bonnaig and I am an ESE Coordinator in Collier County. This is my 21st year in education. I spent my first two years as a general education teacher in Collier County. By my third year, I found my passing in working with students with disabilities and been in a special education role ever since. I spent seven years working as a school based staffing specialist, and then transition to the role of district trainer for our county’s ESE Staffing Specialist for four years. This is my second year in the role of Secretary for FL Pass and I am looking forward to a great school year!
With 18 years of experience in education, Tiarra Cummings is dedicated to empowering students with diverse learning needs and their families. Specializing in Varying Exceptionalities, she has worked with both elementary and middle school children as well as general education intensive reading. Currently entering her second year as a Staffing Specialist in Hillsborough County, Tiarra continues to advocate for inclusive education and provide tailored support for students, parents and educators. She is also excited to be a member of FL-PASS, furthering her commitment to educational excellence.
