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2025-2026 Community Ambassador Profiles
2025-2026 Community Ambassador Profiles
Celeste Baez is a seasoned real estate professional with over 21 years of experience in the residential sector. Currently working with Florida Realty Investments, Celeste has built a reputation for dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to helping families find their perfect homes. Throughout the years, Celeste has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of homeowners and has been instrumental in guiding countless clients through one of the most significant decisions of their lives.
As a community ambassador, Celeste looks forward to giving back to the community by fostering meaningful connections between local schools and families. Being selected for this role is an exciting opportunity to support educational initiatives, promote positive engagement, and contribute to the well-being of students and families in the area.
As a dedicated Winter Springs City Commissioner, Sara Baker has had the privilege of serving our community with a strong focus on collaboration, equity, and forward-thinking leadership. She is excited to bring that same passion to her new role as a Community Ambassador for Seminole County Public Schools.
Sara believes our schools are the heart of our neighborhoods—where future leaders are shaped and community values are passed on. As a parent, public servant, and lifelong advocate for youth and families, she is looking forward to strengthening the bridge between local government and our school communities. Together, we can support student success, celebrate our educators, and ensure every child in Seminole County feels seen, safe, and supported.
Alycia C. Banks brings a wealth of experience from her roles in the legal field and the public sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and an Associate of Arts from Seminole State College.
As a mother of two, Alycia is particularly excited to be selected as an SCPS ambassador, looking forward to gaining insights into the operations of an A-rated, academically high-performing school district. She is passionate about community engagement and is eager to contribute her feedback and collaborate with fellow community members for an enriching experience
Dr. Deborah Bauer is the Executive Director of the Seminole Cultural Arts Council in Sanford, Florida. She is also a historian whose main area of expertise is Florida History. She is a part-time faculty member at Valencia College in Orlando. She holds a doctoral degree from the University of South Florida in history and two Masters degrees from the University of North Florida and University of Central Florida.
Bauer is a longtime SCPS Dividend and has been a mentor in the Take Stock in Children Program with students from Seminole County Public Schools since 2020. She is an active member of the Sterling Park Elementary PTA and serves as the school's Book Fair Chair. She also serves as a member on several volunteer boards, including the Programming Committee for the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, the Scholarship Committee for the Seminole State College Foundation, and the Scholarship Committee for the Valencia College Foundation. She maintains a keen interest in helping to support many arts and cultural initiatives in Seminole County with a specific emphasis history, archaeology, education, and the written word.
As an SCPS Community Ambassador, she looks forward to supporting arts, culture, and civic engagement in our schools and helping students connect with the rich history and creative energy of Seminole County. She is excited to collaborate with educators and community leaders to promote cultural enrichment and educational opportunities. She believes this role offers a meaningful way to inspire the next generation through the power of the arts, history, and community involvement.
Mindy Black is a solopreneur/owner of “The Home Stylist.” She has been a resident of Seminole county for over 20 years and currently resides in Sanford with her husband and daughter. Mindy has been involved in many community organizations, including the local Chamber, Leadership Seminole, Rotary club, and other similar organizations. She loves philanthropic work and enjoy being able to give back to purposeful nonprofits and my community.
By being a part of the SCPS Ambassador program, Mindy hopes to gain a better understanding in the overall grading scale a school is appointed, understand testing scores - and its impact, government vs local county affairs, and a deeper dive into the school board.
Victoria K. Bruce is the Founder and CEO of The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc., specializing in environmental conservation as a wetland and species mitigation specialist. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, she has become one of Florida’s most sought-after experts in mitigation banking, habitat conservation, and regulatory strategy. Victoria is known for developing innovative solutions that balance development with environmental stewardship.
Victoria also serves as a City Commissioner for Winter Springs, where she leverages her business acumen and environmental expertise to guide sustainable urban development. Her public service focuses on enhancing infrastructure, community services, and environmental preservation while fostering economic growth.
As a daughter of two educators in public education, she look forward to the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the priorities, challenges, and successes within Seminole County Public Schools; as well as contribute my opinions of enhancing the public school system program.
As an SCPS Ambassador Victoria hopes continue that legacy of service by learning firsthand about the initiatives shaping our schools. She is especially excited about building relationships that foster collaboration between the district and the wider community. By gaining a deeper understanding of SCPS programs and needs, she hopes to share accurate information, strengthen community trust, and advocate effectively for students, families, and educators.
Ultimately, using this experience to serve as a bridge between the schools and the community—supporting SCPS in its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.
Brandy Cannon is the Vice President Sanford Historic Trust and Director of the Holiday Tour of Homes. As a graduate of SCPS she has a lot curiosity in how each department works together to provide a safe space for the next generation of learners. She spent 5 years in the classroom in Seminole County as an early childhood educator and is looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about how decisions are made beyond the classroom.
Jonathan Dean is a Software Engineer at Oracle, where he develops and supports healthcare. Before moving into software engineering, Jonathan was a paramedic in Florida, an experience that gives him valuable insight into the needs of healthcare providers. Outside of work, Jonathan is an avid woodworker and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and their 6-year-old child.
James Evans is a lifelong Seminole County native, a graduate of Seminole County Public Schools, and a proud product of the community he now serves. He began his professional career as a 911 dispatcher with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, serving as the first line of response during emergencies. Today, James is a Realtor serving families across Central Florida, with a focus on first-time homebuyers, community building, and affordable housing advocacy.
Outside of his professional work, James remains deeply connected to the local community. He serves on the Seminole County Board of Adjustment and mentors students through the Take Stock in Children program within SCPS. Alongside his wife, Jordan, he co-founded Turkeys and Tartans, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding local families during the holidays. James joined the SCPS Community Ambassador program to deepen his understanding of the district and help amplify the voices and needs of the families he interacts with every day.
Sarah Hohman has worked for AdventHealth for over 17 years and is currently the Executive Director of Community Strategy. Sarah grew up in Arkansas and has always had a passion for community improvement and performing arts. She was awarded a choral scholarship to attend college at the University of Mississippi and has continued her pursuit of blending the arts and community work since college. Recently, this was demonstrated through support of Embrace Families’ Dance, Dream & Inspire event where she achieved recognition by winning the mirror ball trophy. She has also had the honor of singing the National Anthem at several high-profile sporting events including the Daytona 500 Qualifier race, Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning and most recently the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 race. In late 2019 she helped launch a brand-new church in Mount Dora, FL called HopeCity Church where she currently serves as the Worship Leader.
While working in the corporate environment, she continued her involvement in the community, graduating from Leadership Seminole Class 21 and Leadership Orlando Class 99. Sarah was elected Chair of the Leadership Seminole Executive Council in 2021 and currently serves as secretary of the Board of Directors. Additionally, she has been the co-chair of the Leadership Seminole Summit for the past five years.
When she’s not at her corporate job or pursing her personal passions, you can find her cheering on her children in multiple sports, working out, or enjoying a date night with her husband of 17 years in their beloved Seminole County.
Sarah is looking forward to learning more about what it takes to run a top-tier school system. She has four children that all attend Seminole County Public Schools and she wants to show them by example what it means to learn and serve in order to make your community a better place.
Lydia M. Lawrence-Telfer emigrated from the tiny island of Jamaica W.I. to the United States at the age of 17 and began her professional journey at 20 years old with The Depository Trust Company (DTC) in Manhattan, New York. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Pace University and an Executive Master of Science in Finance from Baruch College. With over 25 years of extensive experience in Accounting and Financial Regulatory Reporting across various Fortune 500 companies on Wall Street, she has now established her own practice with New York Life Insurance Company.
In her current role as a financial services professional, she leverages her expertise to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals. I focus on educating clients about protecting their most valuable assets by crafting comprehensive financial solutions that encompass retirement planning, college funding, tax diversification, employee benefits, risk management through life insurance, long-term care planning, estate planning, and disability solutions.
Chantel Limaye proudly serves as the PTA President at Walker Elementary. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a background in both nonprofit work and education. She has always had a passion for service and advocacy, and says being part of the PTA has given her the opportunity to support our students, families, and staff in meaningful ways.
Recently, much of her time has been focused on stepping into the responsibilities of PTA president. From planning events to working alongside dedicated volunteers, she is committed to helping her school community thrive. She believes that learning how an A-rated school system like SCPS functions will give her valuable insight and tools to help strengthen the relationship between schools and the parent community.
As a financial strategist and entrepreneur, Udgit Mehta works with families and professionals to build smarter financial habits, create multiple streams of income, and protect what matters most. Udgit believes everyone deserves a secure life and equal treatment under the law. Through his business, Finance Fitness, he has helped numerous families eliminate debt faster, establish tax advantaged retirement plans, and launch part time businesses that have grown into full time income opportunities. He has been recognized as a Top Producer Award recipient and has earned multiple leadership accolades for mentoring new associates and driving community focused initiatives. His passion is helping people achieve what he calls finance fitness—a healthy, balanced approach to money that supports both today’s needs and tomorrow’s dreams.
He is honored to be selected as an SCPS Community Ambassador and looks forward to building connections with fellow leaders, sharing resources that strengthen our schools, and contributing his expertise and experience to create opportunities that make our community an even better place to live, learn, and thrive.
Bryant Ortiz, MBA, is a proud U.S. Army Afghanistan War Veteran, former Seminole County Deputy Sheriff, and current Congressional Staffer employed with the United States House of Representatives serving within a District Office on behalf of a member of Congress. Raised in Seminole County, Bryant is a product of the very community he now serves, having attended Keeth Elementary, Sanford Middle School, and graduating from Seminole High School. His commitment to public service began early as an active member of the Rotary Club, JROTC program, and Sanford Police Explorer Post 516. By the time he graduated, he had completed over 500 hours of community service and was recognized with the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Community Service, endorsed by several U.S. Senators and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Following high school, Bryant enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he proudly served in combat during the Afghanistan War before continuing his service at home as a Deputy Sheriff in Central Florida.
Academically, Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science in Investigative Forensics and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), both of which support his leadership in public service and business. Today, Bryant serves as a Congressional Staffer, advocating for constituents, helping residents navigate complex federal agencies and coordinating federal grant opportunities to support local needs. He is also the founder and owner of Guardian Eye Drone Services LLC, a veteran-owned aerial imaging company providing high-resolution documentation for real estate, emergency response, and disaster preparedness. FAA Part 107 licensed and OSHA 30 certified, Bryant brings precision, professionalism, and mission-focused leadership to every flight. His contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including a formal proclamation from the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners honoring him as Veteran of the Month for April 2025, and more than eight memorandums of recognition from the Seminole County Sheriff, including the School Safety Division Deputy of the Quarter award. A longtime VFW member and advocate for veterans’ rights, Bryant remains deeply committed to the people of Seminole County, serving with integrity, passion, and a lifetime of dedication to his community.
Amy Rode is a seasoned financial professional with over 25 years of experience in commercial banking and lending. As a Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at Ameris Bank in Orlando, Florida, Amy specializes in helping business owners navigate complex financial challenges. Her expertise lies in providing strategic guidance and tailored business solutions that enable her clients to grow their businesses and strengthen their bottom line.
A proud native of Central Florida, Amy earned her degree from the University of Central Florida. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for her deep understanding of commercial finance and her unwavering commitment to the success of her clients. Amy thrives on offering practical, effective solutions that foster business growth and stability.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Amy is passionate about giving back to her community. As a mother of two, she is excited to be an Ambassador for Seminole County Schools, where she plays an integral role in supporting local education initiatives and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Amy’s dedication to community involvement reflects her belief in the importance of supporting both business and education to create long-term positive impact.
Yadi Soto takes great pride in being an active parent and community member, always seeking ways to support our schools and families. She currently serves as Secretary of the Hagerty High School PTSA, Vice President Co-Chair for the Hagerty High School Band Boosters, Vice President of the Lawton Chiles Middle School PTSA, and Vice President of Development for the Seminole County Council PTA. These roles have allowed her to give back and stay deeply connected to our schools for the past 15 years.
Yadi’s “why” is her children. She hopes to be their biggest example of showing kindness, giving back, helping others, and always having the confidence to speak up and use their voice. She is passionate about advocating for students and ensuring they feel supported, seen, and heard.
Outside of her volunteer work, she spends time with husband and their two children. She enjoys cooking and baking, long weekends watching movies together, and planning events that bring people together and build community.
Lesley Staton is a dedicated supporter of public education, as a public-school graduate as well as a former national board-certified elementary teacher in Alachua and Seminole County. Raising her two children, now 11 and 14, pulled her out of full-time teaching, but opened new doors to making a difference in their schools as a Dividend, reading tutor, and stakeholder. She fills her days serving as a school and county PTA leader, chairing the leadership team at her church, and spending time with her family. Lesley is eager to be a Community Ambassador and learn more about the inner workings of our school system and ways she can better advocate for the students and staff in our district.
Jaai Underwood-Smith is the Director of Education at the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, where she leads innovative professional development programs and manages a robust curriculum for over 20,000 real estate professionals across Central Florida. With a background in business leadership, Jaai is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences, fostering community partnerships, and inspiring professionals to pursue excellence. She also serves on national education committees and is a proud member of the Student Conduct Board at Valencia College, where she contributes to upholding integrity and student success. Jaai is currently a full-time college student at Valencia College, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business & Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resources.
As a newly selected SCPS Community Ambassador, Jaai is excited to deepen her connection with Seminole County Public Schools and support educational initiatives that uplift students and families. She looks forward to building bridges between industry and education, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, and using her platform to promote equity and opportunity for all learners. Outside of work, Jaai is a devoted mother and an avid baker who believes in the power of education to change lives.
Steven Young is the Seminole County PTA President, a real estate investor, notary, and proud father of two SCPS students. Passionate about learning and personal growth, Steven enjoys connecting with others and fostering a sense of unity within the community. He believes that everyone has valuable experiences to share and is inspired by the opportunity to learn from those around him.
As an SCPS ambassador, Steven looks forward to deepening his understanding of the district and exploring ways to further support students and promote education for all children. He is excited to continue building relationships within the community, strengthening partnerships that positively impact families, and contributing to a culture of collaboration and growth.
Kelly Zalneraitis, an accounting consultant at Verizon, brings a diverse educational background to her professional life, holding a BA in Criminology from the University of Florida, a law degree from Florida State University, a Masters in Accounting from the University of Central Florida, and an MBA from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Beyond her demanding career, Kelly is a dedicated wife and a mother to three daughters, including a set of twins, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or creating magical memories with her family at Walt Disney World.
Kelly is enthusiastic about the prospect of becoming a Seminole County Public Schools Ambassador. She looks forward to leveraging her varied experiences and passion for education and learning to contribute positively to the Seminole County school community. She is eager to connect with peers and families, support students, and help foster a thriving educational environment for all students.