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About

We believe children have the right to healthy, just, and equitable systems of care.

Our Vision:

Florida’s laws, policies, and practices respect, prioritize, and protect children and youth impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems.

Our Mission:

Florida’s Children First is a non-profit, nonpartisan, independent advocacy organization committed to protecting and advancing the rights of children and youth impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems through systemic reform, education, youth voice, and promoting high-quality legal representation.

Florida's Children First is at the Forefront.

When a child’s life is upended by entering Florida’s systems of care, their world changes dramatically. Ripped away from everything they know, they’re thrust into a world of unfamiliar places, faces, and rules. These children face upheavals that demand far more than the basic necessities; they deserve every opportunity to thrive—chances to go to college, learn to drive, and enjoy childhood activities like sports, scouts, or band.

Understanding these needs, we at Florida’s Children First fight tirelessly to ensure that youth have access to these life-enhancing opportunities. We fill the systemic gaps by advocating for the broader supports and protections these kids urgently require. As Florida’s premier independent advocacy organization, our relentless pursuit of meaningful and sustainable improvements is unwavering.

By raising public awareness, building partnerships, and fostering coalitions, we’re not only changing the narrative but also actively working to make opportunities for children a top priority in the consciousness of every Floridian. Join us as we advocate for a system that nurtures the dreams and aspirations of every child it serves.

Our multifaceted approach

Executive Branch Advocacy

Legal Advocacy

Legislative Advocacy

Procedural Rule Advocacy

Support for Former Foster Youth

Attorney Training & Support

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to YOUTH voice.

Too often, professionals meet and discuss problems and solutions regarding kids in care. But kids are NOT included in the conversation.

We’re committed to always giving youth a seat at the table and a platform for their voices to be heard.

Youth are the true experts in the system.

We believe that their perspectives and experiences are invaluable, which is why we created Florida Youth SHINE in 2005—an advocacy group led by current and former foster youth.

Discover Florida Youth SHINE

The Latest Win with Florida Youth SHINE

Florida Youth SHINE fought for five years for youth to be educated about their rights. In May 2023, The Nancy C. Detert Champion for Children Act (SB272/HB 1101) was signed into law!

Our History & Impact

In 2002, a team of passionate child advocates and attorneys from across Florida joined forces with a bold vision

How it All Started

While many organizations and supports existed to help, house, mentor and support youth in the child welfare system, there was a glaring gap: No one was consistently focused on addressing the major systemic issues that prevent youth in care from thriving. And, youth in state custody had no voice in matters that impact their life and well-being. We urgently needed to hear their stories, and use their input to make big, positive, and long-lasting systemic changes.

This group of committed child advocates came together to found Florida’s Children First and they have been tirelessly working to dismantle barriers, raise awareness, and ensure that every child in the state’s care has a voice in decisions that impact their lives since. Our determination to stop treating children as mere recipients of care and start equipping them with more tools to become powerful agents in their own future is the heart of our origin story and the essence of who we still are today. Informed by the voice of the youth, our organization’s advocacy and decision-making processes are continually guided by their perspectives, ensuring that our actions and policies are truly reflective of their needs and aspirations.

Since then, we have remained dedicated to:

 

Change

laws, policies, & practices

Educate

children (and the adults who care about them) about their rights

Support

Support fellow
advocates in
the trenches

Our Legislative Impact

Education & Child Welfare Interagency Agreement

Read More2004

Psychotropic Medication Consent Required

Read More2005

Creation of Children’s Cabinet

Read More2007

Children’s Access to Foster Care Records

Read More2009

Tuition Exemption Expanded to Age 28

Read More2010

Normalcy - So children can participate in sports, sleepovers and field trips

Read More2013

Attorneys for Children with Special Needs

Read More2014

Keys to Independance, Kids in foster care can get Driver’s License Assistance

Read More2017

Finding Family and Increased Support for Relatives & Nonrelatives

Read More2018

Increased Accountability for the State

Read More2020

Helping Connections with Siblings and Ensuring Smooth Placement Transitions

Read More2021

Expansion of Keys Independance to Homeless Youth and On-Campus support for youth in care

Read More2022

Education of Youth about their Rights

Read More2023

Key Accomplishments

  • Developed a successful and sustainable model for youth voice to be included in system transformation, which is recognized as a national leader in youth advocacy.
  • Trained thousands of attorneys, foster parents, GALs, caseworkers and other stakeholders on laws, policies, and practices to best serve children.
  • Obtained ground-breaking legislation to provide driver's licenses, car insurance, and driver education to youth in care and who have aged out of care.
  • Expanded Florida’s Tuition and Fee Exemption, making it the best in the nation by providing free college to the broadest population of former foster youth and covering all undergrad, graduate, and professional coursework until age 28.
  • Boosted youth participation in court proceedings where important decisions are made about their lives.
  • Extended Medicaid through the age of 26 to ensure healthcare needs are met.
  • Addressed obstacles youth experiencing homelessness face in their education and transition to independence.

By the Numbers

0
Dollars
Donated in Professional Services
0
Publications
Created publications distributed statewide on children’s rights and issues impacting them
0
Hours
Worked with and motivated professionals to provide pro bono hours helping children
0
Briefs
Joined in important appeals in amicus briefs filed to help children
0
Hours
Provided youth hours of advocacy, training and empowerment through our groundbreaking youth advocacy organization, Florida Youth SHINE.

Our History & Impact

Executive Branch Advocacy

Legal Advocacy

Legislative Advocacy

Procedural Rule Advocacy

Support for Former Foster Youth

Attorney Training & Support

Our Team

Geori Seldine

Executive Director

About

Robin Rosenberg, Esq.

Co-Founder & Deputy Director

About

Jaye Abbate

VP Communications & Community Relations

About

Christine Smith, Esq.

Staff Attorney

About

Maria Batista

Florida Youth SHINE Statewide Coordinator

About

Kaya Lee

Florida Youth SHINE Community Development Manager

About

Lia Paul

Office Manager and Bookkeeper

About

Our Board of Directors

Howard M. Talenfeld, Esq.

President - Fort Lauderdale

About

Laura Reich, Esq.

Vice President - Miami

About

Gerald Reiss, CPA

Treasurer - Naples

About

Nathan Cook

Secretary - Orlando

About

Theodore Babbitt, Esq.

West Palm Beach

About

Dick J. Batchelor

Orlando

About

Matthew Blair

Tampa

About

Debbie Dickinson, Esq.

Weston

About

Jesse H. Diner, Esq.

Fort Lauderdale

About

Richard A. Filson, Esq.

Sarasota

About

Justin D. Grosz, Esq.

Fort Lauderdale

About

Bruce Maxwell, Esq.

Jacksonville

About

Todd R. McPharlin, Esq.

Fort Lauderdale

About

Joshua Rydell, Esq.

Fort Lauderdale

About

Richard Slawson, Esq.

West Palm Beach

About

Julie Silver Talenfeld

Plantation

About

Jennifer Voss, Esq.

Tampa

About

Edith Osman, Esq.

Director Emeritus - Miami

About

Bernard P. Perlmutter, Esq.

Director Emeritus - Miami

About

Christina A. Zawisza, Esq.

Director Emeritus Memphis - Tennessee

About

Gloria W. Fletcher, Esq.

In Memoriam

About
“If it weren’t for the FYS members fighting for the Extended Foster Care program and tuition exemptions, I might never have attended college."
Selena Rose, Florida Youth SHINE Member
"After joining FYS, I realized that there are people who genuinely care about foster children and have the biggest hearts I’ve seen.”
Alexia Nechayev, Florida Youth SHINE Member
“After feeling so alone in care, Florida Youth SHINE led me to find other youth like me who want to stand up and fight for change within the system.”
Rebekka Behr, Florida Youth SHINE, Board Chair
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Geori Seldine

Executive Director

Geori Berman Seldine, Executive Director of Florida’s Children First (FCF), has spent most of her career fearlessly advocating for children and ensuring that children and youth are put first when making policy decisions. Geori became Florida’s Children First’s Executive Director in 2022, after nearly a decade of working at Florida’s Children First as the Statewide Director of Florida Youth SHINE (FYS). Geori brings a broad range of experience to the organization including program development, fundraising, leadership and advocacy skills, expertise in child welfare policy, and leadership in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Florida’s Children First, Geori worked in the field of Student Affairs in leadership, social justice, and student programming where she developed innovative programs to arm students with the tools and support they need to be successful change agents and leaders. Additionally, she worked with the Enough is Enough Anti-Violence Campaign, The Global Center for Social Entrepreneurship, and as an AmeriCorps at Boys Town. Geori received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of the Pacific and her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Sociology from Florida Atlantic University.

Robin Rosenberg

Co-Founder & Deputy Director

Robin L. Rosenberg became the Deputy Director of Florida’s Children First in April, 2007. Prior to joining the staff, Ms. Rosenberg was a founding board member of the organization. She is a Board-Certified Specialist in Juvenile Law and holds the highest rating assigned by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. Her professional activities include serving on the Public Interest Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Florida Bar’s Juvenile Rules Committee. She was the first chair of the Florida Bar’s Juvenile Law Certification Committee. Prior to joining FCF, Ms. Rosenberg worked for almost ten years at Holland Knight LLP, serving on the firm’s Community Services Team for the last seven years. Immediately after law school, Ms. Rosenberg clerked in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Ms. Rosenberg received her B.S. in communication studies with additional majors in urban studies and political science in 1987 from Northwestern University. Ms. Rosenberg received her J.D., with high honors, in 1991 from the University of Florida, where she served as an Associate Editor of the Law Review and competing member of the Trial Team. Upon graduation, Ms. Rosenberg was elected to the Order of the Coif and the Order of Barristers.

Jaye Abbate

VP, Communications & Community Relations

Jaye Abbate joined the Florida’s Children First team in 2019. Her goal is to educate, inform and raise awareness of the critical work that Florida’s Children First has done to secure benefits for children and families impacted by the child welfare system, Prior to joining the FCF team, Ms. Abbate served for seven years as CEO of ArtServe, an award-winning non-profit arts incubator that fosters entrepreneurship and artistic growth. Ms. Abbate was previously the Marketing Manager for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts after a long career in the publishing arena. Originally from Chicago, Ms. Abbate has long been active in area civic and non-profit groups. A proud member of Leadership Florida (class 26!), she currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale, and sits on the board of the Broward Women’s Alliance. Jaye attended Northwestern University and later studied design under Massimo Vignelli at the School of Design and Architecture at Harvard University.

Christine Smith, Esq.

Staff Attorney

C. Christine Smith joined Florida Children’s First in July, 2023 as a part-time staff attorney, dedicating herself to representing young adults in dependency court and related proceedings as well as legislative and executive branch advocacy. Christine graduated with honors from Stetson University College of Law in 2006.  While in law school, Christine clerked in the staff attorney’s office at the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, clerked for the judiciary in the East Division, as well as an internship at the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office.  After law school, Christine began her career in child advocacy at the L. David Shear Children’s Law Center of Bay Area Legal Services, a nonprofit Children’s law center. In 2011, Christine joined the firm of Hernandez & Smith, P.A. as a partner focusing on juvenile and family law.

Maria Batista

Florida Youth SHINE

Statewide Coordinator

Maria Batista joined the Florida’s Children First staff as the Florida Youth SHINE Statewide Coordinator in 2021. Maria’s professional and educational background coupled with her lived experience in the foster care system equips her with the tools, skills, and perspective to empower youth to become leaders and advocates around the State of Florida. Growing up, Maria spent seven years in the Florida Foster Care system and saw the injustices that youth experienced first-hand. Maria’s advocacy journey began when she joined Florida Youth SHINE as a teenager. Maria received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Prior to this role, Maria worked at the Guardian ad Litem Office and with youth experiencing homelessness at Vita Nova.

Kaya Lee

Florida Youth SHINE

Community Engagement Manager

Kaya brings a depth of experience to Florida Youth SHINE and the Florida’s Children First team. Her core goal is expanding the leadership opportunities and mentorship provided to our youth on a local level because she believes every youth is one connection away from obtaining the support needed to reach their full potential.

Kaya began as a volunteer as college and took her first position as a Family Support worker before graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She next became an Independent Living Counselor helping foster children master an array of life skills. Then Kaya took on the job of Quality Management Specialist with the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. Kaya also took on the additional task of serving as a mentor with the Southwest Chapter of Florida Youth SHINE for five years. Having devoted her personal and professional time to helping youth prepare for their future, joining our team was a natural next step.

Lia Paul

Office Manager & Bookkeeper

Lia joined the Florida’s Children First (FCF) family in February 2014. In addition to managing the office, she also handles the bookkeeping, human resources, payroll and graphic design needs for the office.

Born in Chicago, she attended the University of Miami where she discovered her love for non-profit work and having the work she does count toward the greater good. Later, she attended the Art Institute Pittsburgh to further hone her skills. Lia has a natural ability to analyze and organize anything, simplifying processes, and saving our organization a great deal of time and resources.

She volunteers extensively for her church and has successfully homeschooled two of her three children to graduation.

Howard M. Talenfeld, Esq. – President

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Howard Talenfeld is a leading children’s rights, injury, and child disability attorney representing the needs of abused and neglected children, especially in cases of foster child abuse, child sexual abuse, child rape, and other harm and abuse of children in the child welfare system. Since 2002, Howard has served as a founding board member and President of Florida’s Children First (FCF). As a Partner in the Fort Lauderdale office of Kelley Kronenberg, Howard serves as a Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division, the firm’s practice dedicated to providing legal services to individuals who are abused or disabled and injured children harmed at home, in child welfare and foster care settings, group home settings and residential treatment centers, as well as all children harmed by the acts of others.

In addition to his work with FCF, Howard has Chaired The Florida Bar Association’s Legal Needs of Children Committee for three terms. In 2002, he was on the steering committee that advocated for the creation of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC), and in 2014, he co-chaired the political action committee that successfully advocated for its permanent reauthorization. Among his many accomplishments, Howard has been honored by The Florida Bar and received the President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the 17th Judicial Circuit and The Florida Bar Foundation’s prestigious Medal of Honor Award for a Lawyer. Howard has also been named to Florida Trend magazine’s Florida 500 most influential citizens in Florida from 2018-2022.

A dual graduate of the University of Miami, Howard earned both his Bachelor of Arts degree and Juris Doctor degree from UM.

Laura Reich, Esq. – Vice President

Miami, FL

Laura Reich is a commercial litigator and partner at Harper Meyer LLP. With a practice focusing on complex, commercial disputes and arbitration, Laura represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as before arbitration panels, at both the trial and appellate court levels. Her firm additionally specializes in the resolution of art law disputes. Laura has been involved with the work of FCF since 2005.

She was introduced to FCF by her law school mentor, Gloria W. Fletcher, who also served as FCF Vice President. Laura is passionate about pro bono work, particularly on behalf of dependent and disabled children in care, and hopes to encourage all Florida attorneys to take part. She is currently on the executive counsel of the International Law Section of the Florida Bar and is the immediate past editor-in-chief of the International Law Quarterly.

She also teaches as an adjunct professor/instructor at Florida International University School of Law and at Florida Atlantic University. Laura graduated from University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law, where she served as the galleys editor of the Florida Law Review and was a member of Florida Blue Key.

Gerald Reiss, CPA – Treasurer

Naples, FL

Gerald Reiss (Jerry) is a retired CPA having practiced in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties for over 30 years. His areas of practice included general tax, business and financial consulting. He served professional practices including attorneys, physicians, engineers, architects, real estate developers and contractors. He is now a resident of Naples, Florida. Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.

He became a Missouri CPA in December 1967 and a Florida CPA in June 1978. He was a recipient of the E.W. Sells Award for placing in the nation’s top 15 scores for the May 1966 CPA examination. From 1972 to 1976, he served as Director of Revenue for the State of Missouri. He has also been a tax columnist for the Sun-Sentinel and is a frequent speaker and writer on various topics.

Nathan Cook - Secretary

Orlando, FL

As the former Chief of Staff in Tallahassee from 200-2010, Nathan has had a hand in crafting many of the many of the largest pieces of legislation in the early 2000s. He has a penchant for policies that solve community problems, with special expertise in environmental issues and economic development. Nathan’s exemplary 10 years in Tallahassee, serving in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, allowed him to serve residents and businesses in Central Florida and across the Great State of Florida.

After Politics, Nathan has worked in the business community serving a number of different companies as an executive with an expertise at growth and expansion. In 2011, Nathan Cook was recognized as one of Orlando’s 40 most influential business leaders under the age of 40 by the Orlando Business Journal. Nathan is currently Vice President of Commercial Sales at Edge to Edge Roofing Orlando, FL. Outside the office, Nathan, the Dad to three amazing kids, is involved in Little League, Foster Advocacy and Mentoring young people.

Theodore Babbitt, Esq.

West Palm Beach, FL

A prominent West Palm Beach trial lawyer, Ted Babbitt has won more than lawsuits over the past four decades. He’s won accolades and esteem. He served as trial lawyer and co-counsel in the statewide foster care class action, Bonnie L. v. Bush, which challenges the poor systemic conditions in Florida’s child welfare system. Since 1973, Mr. Babbitt has been a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group limited to just 100 of the top plaintiffs’ lawyers in the country. He’s written more than 100 articles that have appeared in national and local publications, given lectures for other attorneys, chaired nearly a dozen professional committees, and been listed – for more than 20 years — in The Best Lawyers in America. All the while, he has successfully tackled some of the toughest personal injury cases in the state of Florida – and obtained numerous high-profile, multimillion-dollar recoveries for his clients. Most lawyers with credentials like these tend to oversee cases, letting junior lawyers do the legwork. That’s not Mr. Babbitt’s style. Because he is selective about the cases he accepts, Mr. Babbitt is able to give each client the attention – and the resources – they deserve. It’s a formula that’s enabled him to win cases against long odds – and win the respect of his clients.

Dick J. Batchelor

Orlando, FL

Dick J. Batchelor is a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and president the Dick Batchelor Management Group Inc., an Orlando-based consulting firm that specializes in business development, strategic governmental affairs and public policy issues, A Vietnam War veteran, Batchelor served in the Marine Corps (1966-68), where he learned to work together for a common goal. It’s been his guiding principle, most notably during his tenure in the Florida House of Representatives (1974-82). After the Legislature, Batchelor continued to serve his community, especially on behalf of children.

In 2021, the city of Orlando honored Batchelor as a Visionary Community Leader for his lifelong commitment to civil rights, education reform, child advocacy and public health, noting that his impact and influence can be seen throughout the region. A savvy political analyst, Batchelor appears regularly in local media and is a frequent source for other journalists.

Matthew Blair

Tampa, FL

Matthew Blair is the managing partner at Corcoran Partners, a full service lobbying firm, representing more than 110 clients before local, state and federal governments. Over the course of his career, Matthew has managed dozens of local, state and statewide candidate, issue and corporate communications campaigns.

Matthew got his start in politics as a campaign manager for a State Senate campaign, served four years as a legislative assistant to a Florida State Senator, served as political director for a successful statewide constitutional referendum campaign and served as the executive director for a statewide grassroots organization promoting Florida’s agriculture industry. Matthew attended the University of South Florida.

Debbie Dickinson, Esq.

Weston, FL

Debbie Dickinson received her B.A. in Accounting (summa cum laude) from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Debbie has over 30 years of legal, corporate and entrepreneurial experience. She is the Co-Founder/CEO of Thermaband, Inc., a health tech startup in South Florida with an innovative tech-enabled solution for menopause symptom management to advance women’s health and wellness.

Debbie is passionate about serving the underserved, especially as it relates to issues involving women, health care and educational disparities, and matters affecting abused and neglected children. She has served on the Executive Board of The Achievement Project which partnered with high schools in Chester, PA to work with disadvantaged high school students to successfully ensure preparation for and access to a college education. She also served as Fundraising Chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Drifters, Inc. which provides college scholarships annually to deserving high school seniors. She has also been very active with the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance, requesting and obtaining appropriations from the state legislature to allow PTSA to support children with Tourette Syndrome. Debbie has also served in various leadership capacities in Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and with both the Girls Scouts of the United States and the Boy Scouts of America, where she has mentored several scouts to attain Eagle Scout rank.

Debbie is a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens where she is active in the women’s, justice and education ministries. She also serves on the Board of the Jamaican Women of Florida. As a foster and adoptive mother, Debbie is honored to serve on the Board of Florida’s Children First to advocate and advance the legal rights of at-risk children in the state of Florida.

Jesse H. Diner, Esq.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Jesse H. Diner is known as a “litigator’s litigator” for his deep knowledge of civil law and trial procedure. He focuses his practice on resolving commercial disputes. During a career that spans more than 49 years, Diner has advised and represented clients in a wide range of business matters, including real estate, probate, financial and other commercial disputes. Diner is currently a shareholder and practicing attorney with the firm Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in Fort Lauderdale.

He is a past president of the Florida Bar and was a member of the Bar’s Board of Governors for 14 years. Diner has also served as President of the Broward County Bar Association and Legal Aid Service of Broward County. FCF recognized Diner as the 2010 Child Advocate of the Year at its annual Broward awards reception for his work regarding the legal needs of children and for believing that children in foster care have the right to legal representation.

Richard A. Filson, Esq.

Sarasota, FL

Richard A. Filson is the founder and managing shareholder of the firm Filson & Penge, P.A., located in Sarasota, Florida. Mr. Filson received his B.B.A. from Stetson University in 1981 and his J.D. from the University of Florida in 1984. Mr. Filson is a member of The Florida Bar, as well as the Bars for the U.S. District Court for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Florida. He has also been active in the Sarasota County Bar Association and is involved in The American Association for Justice and Florida Justice Association. In addition, Mr. Filson has also served on the Advisory Board of Florida’s Children First since 2007.

A personal injury attorney for over twenty-five years, Mr. Filson has been representing children who have been neglected, injured and abused while under the State’s care since 1994. In addition to his professional dedication to providing all foster children with the highest level of legal representation possible, he has also made a personal commitment to ensure that every child in foster care has a voice that is heard.

Justin D. Grosz, Esq.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Justin D. Grosz is a co-founder of Justice for Kids®, a division of Kelley Kronenberg PA, and a national practice focused exclusively on representing children who have been sexually abused, physically abused, neglected, or who have suffered catastrophic injury and/or death as a result of the negligent and intentional acts of others in all settings, including child welfare systems, foster care settings, group home settings, daycare facilities and residential treatment centers.

A veteran trial lawyer of more than 25 years, Justin has devoted his legal career to fighting for the less fortunate who have been victimized at the hands of others. He has achieved multi-million-dollar awards for clients, including at-risk children, in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and other matters.
During Justin’s decade-long career as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, Florida, he oversaw the investigation and prosecution of violent career criminals; and supervised fellow prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of individuals charged with serious criminal offenses. After leaving public service, and prior to co-founding Justice for Kids®, Justin devoted time to the representation of police officers and police departments in civil rights cases; was appointed on several occasions to serve, and try cases, as a Special Prosecutor; and ran his own firm handling catastrophic personal injury cases for victims of all ages.

Over the course of his impressive career, Justin has tried in excess of 230 jury trials to verdict, fighting for those killed or catastrophically injured. He has helped recover millions of dollars and find justice for his clients.

Justin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. A father of two daughters, Justin enjoys surfing, creating art, supporting the community, and spending time with his family.

Bruce Maxwell, Esq.

Jacksonville, FL

Currently an attorney at Terrell Hogan, Bruce Maxwell started his career in Georgia. He has been active in the Jacksonville legal community and is a member of numerous associations and boards. Bruce is very active in the Jacksonville community, including Host Committee involvement and other participation with Florida’s Children First. He has been a Special Olympics sponsor for many years and has much experience with handicapped children, having raised a daughter with Cerebral Palsy. He frequently attends legal aid community events. He has handled several large pro bono cases over the years, obtaining successful results for his clients. He is also involved in the Jacksonville Bar Association on both the Judicial Relations and Professional committees. Bruce has been a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer licensed by the Coast Guard since 2003. He is able to assist injured workers within the maritime industry. He and his wife, Leigh, are animal lovers and enjoy training their two German Shepherds.

Todd R. McPharlin, Esq.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

For the past 25 years, Trial Attorney, Todd R. McPharlin, has fought for the rights of everyday people who have been injured, catastrophically harmed, killed, assaulted, or discriminated against by private or governmental organizations including law enforcement. Todd began his professional career as an Assistant State Public Defender for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County, Florida. Todd is committed to advocating for the rights of all children, especially those in foster care. Todd was inspired to get involved after the passing of his sister, Tracey, who dedicated her career (and so much of her personal life) to representing kids in foster care and fighting for the rights of these needy and vulnerable kids. Todd graduated from Auburn University and Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad College of Law.

Joshua Rydell, Esq.

Coconut Creek, FL

Joshua Rydell is a career long criminal defense attorney and advocate who has also served on the Coconut Creek City Commission since 2015, currently as Mayor. During his tenure on the Commission, Rydell has been a part of award-winning budgets, community-policing efforts, smart development, and fighting for state-funded projects for the City. He has been a fierce advocate for children’s issues as well as both mental health and substance abuse issues in and around our County and Communities. In addition to his work on the Commission, he is the founding and principal attorney at the Law Offices of Joshua D. Rydell. Rydell holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

Richard Slawson, Esq.

West Palm Beach, FL

Richard Slawson has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s premier Insurance Bad Faith civil trial attorneys. He has been assisting victims of insurance abuse and personal injury for more than 40 years. Richard has obtained numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients. Richard is a Past President of the Florida Justice Association (FJA) which has recognized him with all of its highest honors. The Palm Beach County Crime Prevention Officers Association has presented him with its Appreciation Award for Dedicated Services. Richard also serves as a long -standing member of the Advisory Board for Place of Hope, a state-licensed organization providing programs and services to children, youth, and families to end the cycles of abuse, neglect, homelessness, poverty, and human trafficking in our local communities.

Julie Silver Talenfeld

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Julie Talenfeld is the Founder and CEO of BoardroomPR, which she founded in 1989. Julie has extensive experience in social and digital media marketing and reputation management, having led assignments with major corporations, non-profits and family businesses in over 10 industries around the country for three decades. She’s seen as a staunch brand ambassador for her clients and a well-connected source of invaluable business introductions. She also has launched and operates three unique Facebook pages, delivering heightened coverage for clients in the legal and real estate industries and as the de facto “mayor” of Plantation, Fla, and Aspen, Co. Julie is an Ambassador for the Holocaust Museum of South Florida and remains a strong advocate for female founders across the state and nationwide. Julie currently splits her time between BoardroomPR’s South Florida and Aspen offices, where she is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

Jennifer Voss, Esq.

Tampa, FL

Jennifer Voss is the managing partner of Shook Hardy & Bacon’s Tampa, office. Jen litigates complex, high-stakes matters for Fortune 500 companies, concentrating on product liability, tort, and commercial litigation. She has represented product manufacturers in a variety of fields and highly-regulated industries. Her work often involves coordinating defense strategy in multi-defendant cases, conducting all aspects of fact and expert discovery, preparing witnesses for trial and serving as trial counsel.

Jen has received the following recognitions: 2022 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators, a CVN Top Defense Verdict of 2021, Florida Super Lawyers (2010-Present), Florida Legal Elite (2016-Present). Jen is a proud board member of Florida’s Children First. Jen is also passionate about diversity and inclusion and civil rights.

Jennifer graduated second in her class at the University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law. While in law school, she served as the research editor of the Florida Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif.

Edith Osman, Esq.
– Director Emeritus

Miami, FL

Edith Osman’s practice includes business litigation, matrimonial law, and mediation. She has significant experience representing clients in complex family law disputes. Edith is a trained collaborative professional who works with teams of neutral mental health and financial experts to resolve family law cases out of court. Edith is also a Florida Supreme Court certified civil mediator and a Florida Supreme Court certified family law mediator.

Edith Osman received her BA from the State University of New York, and her JD from the University of Miami School of Law. She has served as President of the Florida Bar from 1999 – 2000.

Bernard P. Perlmutter, Esq.
– Director Emeritus

Miami, FL

Bernard P. Perlmutter is Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Children and Youth Law Clinic, which he established in 1996 where he trains and supervises law students who handle cases involving abused, abandoned and neglected children and adolescents in a variety of legal proceedings. He has litigated numerous federal and state court class action lawsuits seeking to reform Florida’s foster care system. He has submitted amicus curiae briefs in a number of cases of national significance.

Professor Perlmutter has published law review articles on the due process rights of foster children facing commitment to psychiatric facilities, the use of therapeutic jurisprudence in clinical legal education, and the constitutionality of shackling children in juvenile court. Professor Perlmutter was formerly a staff attorney at Legal Services of Greater Miami. Professor Perlmutter has a B.A. from Bennington College, did graduate work in English and Comparative Literature at Brandeis University, and received his J.D. cum laude from the UM School of Law.

Christina A. Zawisza, Esq.
– Director Emeritus

Memphis, TN

Chris Zawisza is a nationally recognized expert and practitioner in the field of children’s law. She was a founding board member of Florida’s Children First. She has represented children at all levels of the court system from administrative levels to the United States Supreme Court. Among her achievements are: litigation and settlement of a class action lawsuit, M.E.v. Bush, on behalf of 45,000 dependent and delinquent children in Florida to obtain necessary mental health treatment; representation of foster children in challenging the gay adoption ban in Florida in Lofton v. Florida Department of Children and Families, 157 F.Supp. 2d 1372 (S.D. Fla. 2001), 358 F.3d 804 (11th Cir. 2004), 543 U. S. 1081 (cert. denied 2005); drafting and advocacy to create a funded relative caregiver program in Florida; drafting of the Florida constitutional amendment providing universal pre-kindergarten education to four year olds; and representation of Amici Curiae before the Tennessee Supreme Court in In re A. M. H., 215 S.W. 3d 793 (Tenn. 2007), which resulted in a unanimous decision clarifying termination of parental rights requirements and the concept of substantial harm.

Gloria W. Fletcher, Esq

In Memoriam

Gloria Fletcher practiced in Gainesville Florida for over 25 years. Throughout her legal career, Gloria took a special interest in children’s issues. She served on the ABA Bar youth Empowerment Project, Florida Advisory Committee, Chaired the Alachua County Juvenile Justice Committee and the Florida Council on Crime & Delinquency.

Throughout her life Gloria had two main passions: her family and the welfare of children. She was devoted to her husband, proud of her own children, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her life. Second only to her family was her dedication to children’s advocacy, and she devoted seemingly endless time and energy to that cause.

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Alexia Nechayev

FYS Events & Meeting Chair
(Palm Beach)

Hello, My name is Alexia Nechayev. I am 25 years old and I am an alumna of Florida International University where I received my B.A. in Psychology. My future career goal is to be a Lawyer. I was in care for about one year from age 17 to 18. Prior to entering care, I only knew about the negative stigma regarding foster care and while in care that narrative was unfortunately my experience.

In school I felt like I was on display because my status in care was broadcast to other students and in my placement behavior was leveraged for “privileges” that should be a natural right of all children. Because I did not know my rights I did not know that what I was experiencing was wrong. Today this is exactly why I advocate, because I don’t want this to be the same for other youth who are experiencing foster care.

This is my second year on the FYS Statewide Board and I’m happy to be the Events and Meetings Chair this year because my main goal through advocacy is to reach as many people as possible. My favorite thing as a board member is to see how comfortable members become while working together. The community needs to know that youth in foster care are real people, going through some of the hardest moments of their life and youth need to know that their voice is powerful. I believe that we have to speak up and bring these issues to people’s attention so that they do not forget us. Advocacy, education and consistency is the only way.

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