STAFF

HEATHER TODD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Heather Todd serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc., bringing over 26 years of dedicated service to the organization. For 16 years, she worked as the Client Coordinator, where she empowered thousands of young people by providing them with meaningful second chances through restorative justice programs. With a Master's in Social Work from the University of South Florida, Heather has led the organization as CEO for the past 10 years, furthering its mission to positively impact youth and the community.

Heather is also the Treasurer for the Florida Association of Teen Courts and an active member of the National Youth Court, reflecting her commitment to juvenile justice at both the state and national levels. Beyond her professional roles, she has served on the board of the local Cal Ripken youth baseball league, supporting community sports initiatives.

Heather is a proud mother of two boys and the wife of a dedicated police captain. She brings both personal and professional passion to her work with youth and families.

DEVIN EPPS, CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Devin Epps is originally from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Devin moved to Lehigh Acres Florida at age 11. Devin graduated from Lehigh Senior High School in 2005; then immediately joined the United States Navy where he was stationed overseas in Japan. After serving in the military, Devin worked for the department of corrections (Hendry CI). Devin then continued his corrections career at Glades County Sheriff’s Office, where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. While in corrections, Devin received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Hodges University.

After receiving his degree, Devin decided to further his career at Sarasota Police Department by becoming a police officer. While employed at Sarasota Police Department, Devin has worked such positions as patrol, foot patrol, and as a school resource officer for Sarasota High School.

Devin has also assisted with several youth programs to include the Boots for Badges Program at the Boys and Girls Club in Newtown, in addition to assisting with Teen Courts Camp X-Rayd Program.

Throughout Devin’s tenure at Sarasota Police Department he has been recognized for several awards/medals to include CO-sworn officer of the quarter award, Preservation of life award, distinguished service medal, and meritorious service medal. Devin’s greatest passions are helping the youth excel in life                                                                                      in addition to spending time with his family.

Isven Chavez - Director of Student Services

Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Isven relocated to Sarasota, Florida at the age of two. A proud graduate of Booker High School's Class of 2006, he became the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning a degree from the State College of Florida.

In 2013, Isven was sponsored by the Sarasota Police Department to attend the Police Academy at Suncoast Technical College, graduating with the 123rd Class in December of that year. From 2013 to 2018, he served as a police officer with the Sarasota Police Department, where his assignments included patrol, bike patrol, walking beat, and serving as a School Resource Officer at Brookside Middle School—his alma mater.

Throughout his tenure at SPD, Isven was deeply engaged in community outreach initiatives, particularly youth-focused programs. Notable among these were the Boots for Badges initiative at the Boys and Girls Club in Newtown and Teen Court’s Camp X-RAYD program.

In 2018, he joined the newly established Sarasota County Schools Police Department, serving as a School Resource Officer at Taylor Ranch Elementary School in Venice, Florida. It was through his work with youth and community programs that he discovered a true passion: supporting and mentoring young people and serving as a positive role model in their lives.

Before assuming the position of Director of Student Services, Isven served as a Client Coordinator, where he proudly supported and advocated for nearly 1,200 youth across Sarasota County.

Outside of professional commitments, Isven enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family.

Jenelle Beckford - CLIENT Coordinator

Jenelle is originally from Brooklyn, New York and relocated to Florida in the early 2000’s. After losing close friends to violence as a teenager she became passionate about working with youths to prevent youth violence. Jenelle graduated from Argosy University where she majored in Psychology and since then has dedicated most of her career to working with the younger population. Jenelle previously worked in a mental health/substance abuse facility, a moderate risk lockdown facility, the foster care system, as a juvenile probation officer and in the school system before joining the Teen Court team.

Jenelle is also currently working on building Empowered 4 LYFE where the mission is to empower youth to foster things like self-love and self-discipline within themselves as well as, educate youth on the juvenile system so they can achieve a more successful and productive life. Jenelle is passionate about assisting youth in believing in their infinite potential. She believes that if we can equip our youth with the right information and healthy coping techniques early on, it may promote a more positive outcome despite the barriers and encourage youth to empower other peers along the way. Jenelle enjoys spending time  with her family and friends, traveling, swimming and listening to many genres of music. Being a mother to her child and dog is her greatest blessing.

KARA KOLOSKI - CLIENT COORDINATOR

Born and raised in New Jersey, Kara always had ties to Florida through her family. In NJ, Kara earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Psychology and later became a certified Exceptional Student Education teacher, specializing in meeting the diverse needs of students. 

Kara's professional journey took a meaningful turn when she joined the Youth Consultation Services. There, she worked several years with students on the autism spectrum, providing comprehensive and therapeutic services through this nonprofit behavioral health agency.  Years later, Kara contributed to the public school system in New Jersey, teaching middle school exceptional student education for 18 years.  

Relocating with her family to Sarasota, Kara transitioned into the Sarasota County School District, serving as a truancy worker collaborating with schools and families all over the county.  

Subsequently, Kara embraced a new opportunity at Teen Court as a Client Coordinator, where she continues with her passion for making a positive impact on young lives. 

Beyond her professional commitments, Kara enjoys embarking on new adventures with her husband and four children. 

EMILY SAVOCA - CLIENT COORDINATOR

Emily Savoca is a native Floridian and was raised in Sarasota. She graduated from Riverview High School in 2001 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Presbyterian College. She is a proud Tennessee Volunteer and graduated with her Master’s Degree from The University of Tennessee in Child and Family Studies.

At the University of Tennessee, she studied family systems and attachment. Upon graduating, she returned to Sarasota to continue working with children and families in the non-profit sector. Emily began her career working as a Case Manager in the Foster Care System and soon discovered her passion for working with families in preventive services. She became a certified Circle of Security Trainer in 2016 and taught parenting classes for four years to families in Sarasota County.

Emily joined the Sarasota Teen Court team in January 2022 and is the Client Coordinator for Venice, Osprey, and Nokomis. She currently serves students at Venice High School, Venice Middle School, Laurel Nokomis School, and Pine View School.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband of ten years and three young children.

WILSON PAVA - CLIENT COORDINATOR

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Wilson moved to Sarasota, Florida at the age of six. He graduated from the Riverview High School IB program in 2015, where he became involved in Teen Court as a freshman and served as a Teen Attorney throughout most of his high school years. He was also a proud recipient of a Teen Court scholarship.

After high school, Wilson left the state to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College. In 2019, he returned to Sarasota and began a career with Sarasota County Public Schools as a substitute teacher. By January 2020, he was named a long-term substitute teacher, discovering a passion for teaching. Over time, he gained experience at Riverview High, Monroe High (NC), Triad Alternative School, and North Port High.

Throughout his teaching career, Wilson has remained involved with Teen Court, both after returning to Sarasota and during his time working in local schools. In his spare time, he enjoys watching soccer, playing video games, and spending time with family.

Naomi Gomez- PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Naomi Gomez officially joined the Sarasota Teen Court staff in March 2022 as our Office Assistant. She started volunteering with Teen Court in 2014 and was the 2018 Jena Hellman recipient.

Naomi is a native Floridian, born and raised in Sarasota. She graduated from Sarasota Military Academy in 2018. She joined the Florida Army National Guard in 2020 where she is currently a Combat Medic. Naomi is a National Certified Emergency Medical Technician and is working on her National Certification for Medical Interpreting.

Naomi has previously worked with Girls Inc and helped run a soccer little league with her parents for underserved children in the Hispanic community. Naomi is now a proud mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Naomi enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. She also values spending time with family. When she's not in the office, you can often find Naomi playing soccer, deep sea fishing, and learning about different cultures, history, and medicine.

Tonia Miller – Quality Assurance

Tonia Miller has grown up in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. She graduated from Southeast High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Florida.

Tonia was working for a local accounting firm when she was introduced to Teen Court. In 2004, she ventured out on her own professionally to provide bookkeeping services to a variety of local businesses. She has worked with many small business owners and several non-profit organizations over the last 18 years. Tonia has been involved with Teen Court since 2002 in several different capacities: board member/assistant treasurer, bookkeeper, and now in quality assurance.

Tonia is married and lives with her husband and two daughters in Sarasota.

missy velez - bookkeeper

Missy Velez joined Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc. as the bookkeeper in May, 2020. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelors in Accounting and has worked in the accounting industry for 20 plus years. She has experience in governmental, public and private accounting.

Missy is a native Floridian, born and raised in Manatee County. She currently resides in Manatee County with her husband Jason and her two children.