Meet Our Team

Kathryn is a passionate advocate and leader in child welfare, currently serving as the Executive Director of the National Center for Innovation and Excellence (NCFIE). With over 15 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families, particularly those facing behavioral health and neurodevelopmental challenges.

Prior to her role at NCFIE, Kathryn served as the Executive Director for Brevard C.A.R.E.S., where she played a pivotal role in strengthening community-based support systems. She has been an active participant in Brevard’s community system of care, working collaboratively to enhance resources and services. Her leadership has contributed to the development of increased support through a SAMHSA grant, which is currently being managed by NCFIE.

Kathryn holds a MA in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. Her expertise is informed not only by her professional experience but also by her lived experience as the child of a parent with significant mental health challenges. This personal connection fuels her commitment to ensuring families receive the compassionate care and support they need.

Through her work, Kathryn continues to drive innovation and excellence in child welfare, advocating for holistic, trauma-informed approaches that empower children and families to thrive.

Osha holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administrtation. With over 20 years of experience in business management and organization, Osha is a results-driven professional known for her exceptional leadership, problem-solving abilities, and outstanding organizational skills. She plays a crucial role in ensuring that NCFIE run smoothly and efficiently, leveraging her expertise to optimize operations and drive success.

As both a strong leader and a dedicated team player, Osha fosters collaboration and inspires those around her to achieve their best. Her keen eye for detail and strategic mindset allow her to tackle challenges head-on, implementing effective solutions that enhance productivity and streamline business functions.

Osha’s ability to maintain structure, improve efficiency, and create seamless organizational processes makes her an invaluable asset to any business. With a passion for operational excellence, she continues to drive sustainable growth and long-term success in every endeavor she undertakes.

Tracy is a distinguished Family Peer Leader, Educator, and Innovator. He holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees in business. As a founding member of the National Center for Innovation and Excellence (NCFIE), he serves as a National Advocate for change, working to improve systems that impact children and families.

Actively engaged in his community and church, Tracy is deeply committed to service and leadership. He sits on the board of the Federation of Families of Florida, where he plays a key role in shaping policies and initiatives that support child welfare and family well-being. His passion for advocacy extends beyond boardrooms and meetings—he is a hands-on leader who works tirelessly to make a real difference.

Beyond his professional and advocacy work, Tracy is a devoted father, a supportive friend, and a lighthearted jokester who brings warmth and humor to those around him. His love for family, community, and exploring the world fuels his drive to create positive change wherever he goes.

Jessica is a passionate advocate and leader in child welfare, committed to ensuring children grow up in safe, happy, and healthy environments. With 23 years of dedicated service, she has been at the forefront of advocacy, collaboration, and innovation in child and family well-being.

As the Brevard Behavioral Health Expansion (BBHE) Project Director for the National Center for Innovation and Excellence, Jessica plays a key role in expanding and enhancing behavioral health services to better support children and families. Previously, she served as the Family Support Services Senior Manager for Brevard CARES and chaired the Community-Led Child Abuse Prevention Task Force of Brevard, demonstrating her deep commitment to strengthening family support systems.

Jessica’s career has been defined by her unwavering dedication to child welfare. She works closely with community providers, professionals, and systems to advocate for the needs of children and families, fostering collaboration that leads to meaningful, lasting change. Her leadership and passion continue to make a profound impact in the lives of those she serves.

Jay has dedicated nearly two decades to working with families and communities. In his 2018 TEDx talk, he shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma while navigating various systems of care as a youth consumer, ultimately earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University. Leveraging his educational background and transformative experiences, Jay aims to enhance the capacity of staff and systems to engage and empower families effectively.

As a consultant, instructor, and coach, Jay collaborates with communities, state agencies, and organizations nationwide. His commitment and leadership in supporting youth and families have been recognized with awards from agencies such as the California Department of Social Services and the San Diego Children’s Systems of Care.

Currently, Jay serves as a master trainer and specialist with the National Center for Excellence and Innovation (NCFIE), where he directs training initiatives and ensures fidelity in the Wraparound model across the country. He brings not only passion and enthusiasm but also extensive experience, knowledge, and practical examples to his work.

Ruby is an avid advocate for non-traditional education and community service and she is dedicated to supporting families and empowering communities. With a background rooted in education and workforce development, Ruby previously served as a Director of Education, managed the Youth Build Workforce Development Program, and she has taught middle school science and math. Ruby has devoted her career to creating opportunities for underserved populations.

Ruby is a proud native of Mississippi and a graduate of THEE Jackson State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Art in Teaching.

Ruby’s journey brought her to Florida when her husband was stationed there, leading to a new chapter in both her personal and professional life. She continues to make a lasting impact by advocating for equitable education and workforce opportunities, ensuring that every family has the resources they need to thrive.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Jessie is a passionate advocate for children, especially neurodivergent students, believing that every child deserves someone in their corner. As a devoted mother of four, she is dedicated to helping her children and others discover who they are and how to navigate life in a way that celebrates their strengths. With experience as a substitute teacher, Jessie has seen firsthand the importance of support, understanding, and encouragement in education. She is committed to making the world a more inclusive and empowering place for all children.

Phil Scarpelli is the Chief Executive Officer of the Brevard Family Partnership Family of Agencies. Phil joined Brevard Family Partnership in November 2018. He has been proudly involved in Florida’s child welfare system since the inception of privatization, as early as the late 1990s.

Previously, Phil worked as part of the Department of Children and Families Central Region’s Leadership on the professional development and talent management of its middle and senior managers. Prior to that, he was the State Director with Key Assets Florida, Inc., part of the International Core Assets Group, a leading children’s services provider.

Phil has 30 years of experience working in behavioral healthcare and child welfare in clinical and administrative capacities. Throughout his career, he has been committed to children and families at risk and to developing a perpetual learning environment willing to challenge the status quo and embrace innovation, inclusion, transparency, and trust.

Phil has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Gerontology from Iona College and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Yeshiva University.

Dr. Valerie Holmes joined Brevard Family Partnership at its inception in 2004. She was instrumental in designing and refining the Brevard County System of Care: training and engaging stakeholders through the start-up, privatization, and transition from a state-run to a community-based system.

Dr. Holmes is also the founding Executive Director of Brevard C.A.R.E.S., the agency’s subsidiary that provides a comprehensive child abuse prevention continuum. She served as the primary researcher in credentialling C.A.R.E.S. as an Evidenced Based Practice through the California Evidenced Based Clearinghouse, serving on the C.A.R.E.S. replication team and as a Master Trainer in Wraparound.

Dr. Holmes led the agency through its initial accreditation in COA for intensive care coordination and case management, was awarded several state and federal grants, and is a Certified Child Protection Professional. She holds a Multi-System Integration Certificate in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare through the Georgetown Public Policy Institute at Georgetown University.

Dr. Valerie Holmes has worked in social services for 26 years and received a Ph.D. in Psychology, M.S. in Counseling and Psychology, and B.A. in Psychology.