Anne received her B.A from the University of Florida, her Master’s in Child Therapy from Nova Southeastern University, and her J.D. from the University of Miami College of Law. She has devoted her career towards helping children, and received the Pro Bono Award in Broward County. Complete Bio
Paolo received his M.A. in Philosophy from Trinity University, his J.D. from Florida State University, and his Pd.D. in Legal Philosophy from Fordham University. He is currently a Clinical Professor and supervising attorney in the Public Interest Law Center at Florida State University. Complete Bio
Charles received his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his law degree from George Washington University. He is currently the Chief Operations and Programs Officer within The Children’s Trust organization. He has organized a firm-based dependency pro-bono project to represent guardians in dependency court as well as… Complete Bio
Wells Fargo Private Bank Fort Lauderdale, Florida Melissa is currently the Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Fiduciary Specialist of the Fort Lauderdale Wells
David Bazerman was a doctor of podiatric medicine in private practice until a traumatic injury forced his medical retirement in 1987. He then received his
Mary received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Maine, her J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law, and her Master’s in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. In 2001, Mary joined JALA as the Project Director for the Mental Health Advocacy Project. Complete Bio
Joseph received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and his J.D. as well. He is currently the president of Camerlengo Law Group, P.L.
Chris received his B.A. in Economics from Oakland University, his Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the School of Social Work at the University of South Florida. Chris serves as the South Region Vice President for Providence Services Corporation responsible for… Complete Bio
Nicole R. Coniglio is an Associate in Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, Abate & Webb’s Children’s Rights and Foster Care/Disabled Persons Damages Division. Ms. Coniglio focuses
Andrea received her B.A. from the University of Florida and her J.D from the City College of the City University of New York. She is
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.
