Our Team

Amari Smith

College Success Coach

I studied abroad in Peru during my undergrad at San Diego State.

I was born and raised in California.

I love biking around town and spotting gators!

(813) 574-0264

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Amber Sale

Development Coordinator

I am a second generation Tampa native.

I’ve been a ballet dancer for 20 years.

The top countries I’d like to visit include Nepal, Japan and Cambodia.

(813) 574-0293

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Angie Anthony

Dir. of Scholarships and Grant Programs

I have 2 adorable dogs & love taking them to the beach-our happy place!

I‘m Greek & Irish. I love cooking traditional Greek foods & visiting Greece.

Love my job & helping students on their path to success!

(813) 574-0273

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Chris Diaz

Teaching Tools Resource Center Assistant

I’m a member of both the Centro Austuriano and the Centro Espanol de Tampa.

I grew up just three blocks from HEF’s office & Teaching Tools store.

I got in a snowball fight at Leto High when it snowed on 01/19/1977.

813-574-0260

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Dan Grucza

Warehouse & Facilities Coordinator

I enjoy helping my kids with their house projects.

My favorite food is pizza. I could eat it every day.

Watching TV puts me to sleep, unless it is football.

(813) 574-0288

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Danielle Bangsil

Development Manager

I’m a dog mom to two Australian Shepherds, Nellie and Kylo.

My favorite places to visit are Hawaii and the Philippines.

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. Go Bills!

(813) 574-0275

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Elísabet Rivera

Mentor Coordinator

According to Myers Briggs, my personality type is ISFJ-A aka “The Defender.”

The beach (& any place near a body of water) is my happy place!

I served with AmeriCorps for 2 years after graduating from USF.

(813) 574-0272

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Hannah Coto

Executive Assistant to the CEO

I was born and raised in Florida and love to be near the water.

I am a cat mom to two, Moe and Mae.

I graduated from USF but am a Miami Hurricanes football fan.

(813) 574-0262

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Johanne Castagan

Tech Connect Program Assistant

(813) 574-0268

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Kaye Acosta

Teaching Tools Program Coordinator

On the weekends my husband and I like to go paddleboarding and eat tacos.

I lived in Spain for four years before moving to Florida.

I love to read and am currently working on writing my first novel.

(813) 463-4280

Email

Kayla Gleason

Content Creator

I have a black standard poodle named Frankie (short for Frankenstein).

I studied abroad in the UK and want to revisit Scotland.

I love to paint (animals & people are my favorite subjects)!

(813) 574-0277

Email

Kayla Zambito

College Success Coach

Love podcasts, Taylor Swift and reading (Favorite author is Taylor Jenkins Reid).

I share a birthday with two of my three sisters.

Bunny mom to a house rabbit, named Maggie.

(813) 574-0267

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Kristen Hendrickson

Program Support Assistant

Hockey is my go to sport and have had my photo taken twice with the Stanley Cup. Go Bolts!

I love 70’s and 80’s music with two of my favorite genres being Yacht Rock and New Wave.

I have a passion for gardening and am cultivating a beautiful butterfly garden.

(813) 574-0260

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Lamine Gueye

eLearning Coach

Teaching about technology has introduced me to amazing students and parents.

I love the science, industry, and art of route running.

Porus, Manchester, Jamaica is my second home.

(813) 574-0270

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Laura Grucza

Major Gifts Manager

I am a New York girl at heart.

I was a roadie for the halftime show at Super Bowl XLIII.

My glass is half full, always!

(813) 574-0274

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Liz Butler

eLearning Coach

I have two daughters who are 6 & 9 and two doodles: Gus & Daisy. 

I love spending time with my family. The zoo & boating are our favorite activities.

I love shopping and traveling.

(813) 574-0280

Email

Lynne Mantz

Grants Manager

I’ve lived in Florida for 25 years & take advantage of the active lifestyle.

My husband says the internet was invented for me – I love to discover new things!

My favorite vacation spot is anywhere on or near the water.

(813) 463-4284

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Melanie Jimenez

College Success Coach

I love going salsa dancing.

My favorite food is Sushi. I can eat it every day!

I love collecting magnets from different cities and countries, I have 55 in total.

(813) 574-0269

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Mia Wuster

Director of Take Stock in Children

Nature addict! I own over 20 plant varieties & spend most of my free time outdoors.

Open to being challenged to a spicy food eating contest (I will win).

Formerly a Disney College Program Intern stationed in Animal Kingdom!

(813) 574-0271

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Mindy Taylor

Director of Impact

I love to camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness with my family.

I have an adorable cockapoo named Ginger.

I love to read and have been in my book club for 25 years.

(813) 574-0268

Email

Mitzi Castiglione

Controller

Having grown up near a produce field, I’m a tomato and strawberry connoisseur.

My hobbies include hiking and snorkeling. I love adventure!

I love all animals, especially cats!

(813) 574-0282

Email

Natalie Doig

Director of Teacher Resource Program

#BoyMom to a high school senior.

As a Formula 1 racing fan, I’ve traveled from England to Austin, Texas to see races.

I love everything Christmas!

(813) 574-0287

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Pablo Gonzalez

Accountant

Proud dad to my four pets. Two dogs Bentley & Spicy and two cats Luna & Snow.

I love Italian food and hope to enjoy it in Italy some day!

NYC is at my core but am excited to embrace my move to Florida.

(813) 574-0284

Email

Shelby Hearn-Belluso

College & Career Center Coordinator

I love planning weekend getaways with my family.

I think DreamWorks hit it out of the ballpark with Shrek.

My favorite music genre is Pop Punk.

(813) 463-4284

Email

Stephen Ford

Director of Digital Equity Initiatives

University of Tampa – National Champion (Baseball ’93)

Hobbies – Coaching Baseball, Golf, and spending time with family

Tampa Bay Sports Fan (Rays, Bucs, Lightning)

(813) 574-0283

Email

Zarna Martinez

Events & Engagement Manager

A big fan of Taylor Swift, mac and cheese, karaoke and themed parties.

I avidly listen to a pop culture podcast called The Morning Toast.

Tik Tok addict – I sometimes even speak in Tik Tok references!

(813) 574-0279

Email