With over 20 years of experience in social services, Chris brings a deep understanding and unwavering commitment to supporting marginalized populations. Prior to joining GCP, he worked extensively with individuals with developmental disabilities, a role that inspired his lifelong passion for advocacy and outreach.

At age 40, Chris returned to school and earned his degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Ashford University in Arizona, further deepening his expertise in human behavior and service delivery.

Beyond his professional life, Chris is a proud pet parent to two spirited dogs. He enjoys relaxing with Netflix, and whenever possible, can be found boating or fishing. Looking ahead, Chris aspires to open a no-kill shelter for unwanted dogs and establish sober living homes in Charlotte County, Florida—continuing his mission to uplift and support underserved communities.

They have secured over $6 million in support of LGBTQ+ justice, housing access, and health equity across the state of Florida and the U.S. Hal is a graduate of New College of Florida, where they focused on anthropology and indigenous archaeology and completed their thesis on the history of gender and sexuality diversity in Florida. They are also the board president and co-founder of All Rainbow and Allied Youth Inc., a nonprofit that helps LGBTQ+ youth connect with the resources, support, and love that they need to survive and thrive.
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In their free time, Hal likes snuggling with their dogs Bella and Juno, crocheting while wearing a dorky headlamp, and writing the queer sci-fi novel they’ve always wanted to read. Hal loves music from the 50s to now and is always looking for new albums and sub-genres of music to listen to. They also love hiking, kayaking, fishing, naps, and asking very out-of-pocket icebreaker questions to strangers.

Deb moved to Florida from Western New York State in 2015. She has spent her career working with non-profit agencies. Fresh out of college she worked with adults and children with a wide range of developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses. She worked at a group home and in a day program with adults. Then at a school with children of all ages – newborn to age 21.
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Her professional life evolved when she joined the Alzheimer’s Association and then later at the National MS Society. Her roles at these agencies involved case management, program management, program planning, education, training, and volunteer engagement.
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Once she relocated to FL, she worked at Charlotte Behavioral Health Care as a Targeted Case Manager certified by the State. She also worked as a certified Health Coach doing diabetes education. Deb graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport with a BS in Psychology.

When she’s not at work Deb enjoys her down time. She loves to read and enjoys outdoor activities, especially anything to do with water. Her and her husband have always had pets, currently they have a silly and sweet Great Dane, a loveable mutt with her own unique personality, and a cat who has claimed Deb as her human.

Her previous work in social services consists of overseeing and managing numerous dislocated workers under a federal grant that was distributed in an effort to aid unemployed victims of Hurricane Ian. Maria also has a unique professional background that includes experience in teaching and real estate.

Maria was born in Manta, Ecuador, and was raised in Charlotte County. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. Aside from professional and academic achievements, Maria deeply values quality time with her family and friends. She enjoys going to the gym as well as going to the beach to watch sunsets.

Brandy's roots in social advocacy extend back to her alma mater, Cazenovia College, where she began her journey of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. With a history of service spanning various communities across the US, from Texas and Kentucky to New York and beyond, Brandy has established herself as a dedicated advocate. Her past roles have seen her making significant contributions, including serving as a Case Specialist and RHY (Runaway and Homeless Youth) Advocate at Oswego County Opportunity, Inc. She has also worked as a community specialist trained in crisis response and intervention, employing a strength-based approach to her work. In these capacities, she provided vital support through information dissemination, assessments, referrals, and advocacy efforts, positively impacting the lives of those she served.
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Brandy finds solace in the tranquility of country life, surrounded by the simplicity and beauty of her rustic surroundings. An avid animal lover, she shares a deep connection with her furry companions. Following Hurricane Ian, Brandy took on the role of caretaker for a mother potbelly and her expanding litter, providing them with love and care until she found them safe homes. One of those piglets remains by her side, adding to the joyful chaos of her household along with her two goofy dogs, Dixie and Jack, and her fiancé.

Kwasi is a graduate of the University of Metaphysics in Sedona, Arizona with a degree in Metaphysical Science. Kwasi is also a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Germany, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. He previously worked as a Veteran Case Manager with Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS), and a Veteran Care Coordinator with the United Way of Lee County. Kwasi brings close to a decade of social services experience to the table and is extremely passionate about serving those who served.
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Kwasi is an avid researcher of ancient cultures and civilizations with a special concentration on Eschatology. Learning about different cultures and the people they come from is a passion that he has which helps with relating to the special populations that are served throughout the community.