Children's Campaign Staff
Roy Miller - President and Founder
He is a political strategist, lobbyist, media spokesman and commentator, and, more important, an unapologetic watchdog for children.
His innovations have resulted in new non-partisan approaches to public policy, new service structures for at-risk children, and powerful new advocacy voices. His advocacy models and strategic communications ideas have been replicated in other states.
Miller got his start in direct services to children then was engaged in a political consulting firm where he managed both candidate and issue campaigns. Children's Campaign, Inc. was built on the knowledge and information acquired from both of those experiences.
In 2005, Miller received the statewide Champions for Children award from the Early Childhood Association of Florida and his work was featured for the launch of the national website for PreK Now, a project of Pew Charitable Trusts. In 2006, Miller received the statewide Presidents Award from the Florida Network of Youth & Family Services, an award that has been bestowed only four times in the previous 30 years. In 2008, the statewide Youth Advocacy Award was presented to Miller by the Florida Juvenile Justice Association.
Miller serves on the Membership Leadership Committee of Voices for America’s Children and is a member of the Partnership for America's Economic Success advisory board.
Roy and his wife Jan met in service to a community crisis center for youth and families. They love dogs of all breeds and care for golden retrievers.
Roy Miller serves as President for the Children's Campaign, Inc.
Linda Alexionok - Executive Director
As a recognized business and community leader in North Florida, Linda has long supported social justice and human service organizations. She was a gubernatorial appointee and chaired the Florida School Readiness and Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. Linda has served as chair of the local and state boards governing the American Heart Association and the Girl Scouts. She has been a member of several community boards including Consumer Credit Counseling Service, United Way of the Big Bend, FSU College of Education and Capital Network for Women. She currently serves on the board of directors of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Foundation; and FSU College of Communication and Information. Linda also serves on the Family Economic Success and Health Policy Advisory councils for Voices for America’s Children.
Linda began her leadership and community service as a Leon County public school teacher before transferring to the field of banking. She was recognized by the American Institute of Banking as “Banker of the Year”; was a nominee for the Tallahassee Chamber’s “Small Business Advocate” and “Leadership Pacesetter Awards; and received the Tallahassee Community College’s “Women Putting Their Stamp on History” award. Linda served as a Community Bank CEO from 1996-2000.
Linda has often been asked why she left the classroom. She is always quick to respond that she never left the classroom, she just made the world her classroom. Linda’s business, community service and educational knowledge and skills bring to the Children’s Campaign a wealth of experience and leadership to guide the advocacy efforts and work of the Campaign.
Pattie Crenshaw - Personal Assistant to the President/Office Manager
Pattie works directly with the President and assists him in all daily affairs of his work. She is also responsible for office administration and management, human resources, payroll, accounting, banking, grant and donation management and reporting, and employee supervision.
Pattie earned her high school general education diploma from Rosemead High School in 1971. She attended 2 years at Rio Hondo College where she majored in English with a concentration in art and ceramics. She supplemented her education with classes at Chaffey College.
Pattie’s previous employment began in 1971. Her many years in the work force have given her experience in a multitude of department knowledge: office management, human resources, payroll, employee supervision: both inter-office and warehouse staff, and all fiscal duties.
She is an accomplished “realist” artist, and animal trainer.
Amanda Ostrander (part-time staff) - Website/Communications Coordinator
Amanda has served in many different capacities for the Children’s Campaign, Inc, including Coordinator of Policy and Administration, and Deputy Director of Communications. Her current position allows her to focus on the Children’s Campaign web presence and use her background in policy and history with the Campaign to incorporate today’s technology with the grassroots advocacy work of the Campaign.
Prior to joining the Campaign Amanda worked for other child advocacy organizations, including Voices for America’s Children, and a fellowship with the Child Welfare League of America.
Amanda received her Master’s in Social Work Policy and Administration from Florida State University.
Amanda and her husband currently reside in Tallahassee, FL and are the proud parents of an energetic two year old.
Stephen Tracy (Student Intern) - Systems Administrator
Works with the Senior Systems Administrator to troubleshoot and come up with solutions for technology issues, provide help and training for users and maintain the network hardware and software. He started at the campaign as the Junior Systems Administrator in September of 2009. His work prepares him to take over as the Senior Systems Administrator in the spring.
Stephen is a Senior at Florida State University pursuing a double major in Information Technology and Editing, Writing and Media.
Rachelle Azor (Student Intern) - Webmaster
Provides updates, designs and maintains all aspects of the website. She also provides graphic design and logo assistance on an as needed basis.
She is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a degree in Information Technology. She will graduate in May 2010 with a degree in Information Technology.
John Metcalf (Student Intern) – Database Management and Communications
Responsible for all aspects of the data-base and for the on-line mass communications. Develops various drafts of communications for management review and edits. He is a senior at Florida State University. He will graduate next year with a degree in Information Technology.
Consultants
Cindy Lerner
Cindy Lerner is a former State Representative and lifelong child advocate and community activist. She was the senior staff attorney for the Eleventh Judicial circuit Guardian ad Litem program in Miami-Dade County for 16 years. She is currently the President of Grassroots Connections, LLC, providing Consulting and government relations services to non profit organizations.
She is involved in numerous community organizations, currently serving onthe Board of National Council of Jewish Women, Miami Dade Community Based CareAlliance, Friends of the Everglades, and Temple Beth Am Sisterhood.
She is the recipient of numerous awards from local and statewideorganizations, including Woman of Valor, In the Company of Women Pioneer Award, Hannah G Solomon Award, Hannah G Solomon Award and One Voice for Children award.
She has 3 adult children and is married to Dr Irving Lerner, Veterinarian.
Dr. Lawanda Ravoira
Lawanda has served as President & CEO of PACE Center for Girls, Inc. for 12 years. She oversees operations for 19 PACE Centers statewide and manages a budget of $20-million. PACE Center for Girls is recognized as a national model for programs serving at-risk girls.Dr. Ravoira has been involved in social services since 1984, having served as Director of Program Services for the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services located in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Ravoira has authored several publications on social services issues, and is also involved in many research and consulting projects.
Her current community service roles include President, National Girls Caucus, Board of Directors; Advisory Board Member, Jacksonville Community Fund; Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Community Building Initiative, co-Chair; Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Quality Assurance Advisory Committee; Florida Juvenile Justice Association, Executive Committee; and Chair, First Coast Girls Initiative, Remmer Family Foundation.
Dr. Ravoira was the national recipient of the Anthony C. Gruppo Memorial Women's Leadership Award for Excellence in Leadership presented by Child Welfare League of America in 2003.
Dr. Ravoira earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the College of Charleston, her graduate degree in Allied Health from University of North Florida, and her doctorate in Public Administration from Nova University.