PROJECT SPECIALISTS

Ms. Shelby Arnold

Shelby is a senior at FSU studying psychology with a minor in business who is passionate about research and the environment. She is excited to work with Better Universe and Citizens to make an impact and to enrich people's lives. 

Mr. Issac Caillot

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Isaac Caillot is a dedicated project leader who cares about environmental issues. He studied at Institut Universitaire de Technologie Louis Pasteur de Schiltigheim in France.

Mr. Charles J. Cox

Charles Cox has worked in a variety of professions over 17 years including food service, office management, and educational advising, which has given him a unique combination of skills and work ethic. Because of his diverse background, Charles is able to speak competently on a wide variety of subjects, including the various forms of management. He is currently working on a degree in Strategic Communication with a minor in Marketing.

Mr. Dorlens

Mr. Dorlens is a Deputy Project Leader with a diligent work ethic and a profound passion for helping to make Haiti’s grass grow greener.

Mr. Frantzco Dormeus

Region: Gonaives, Haiti

Mr. Dormeus is a phenomenal agronomist who oversees the project’s successful operations in Gonaives.

Mr. Alphonse Ecunio

Region: Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Possessing excellent leadership skills, Mr. Alphonse Ecunio has been involved in numerous agricultural programs in Haiti including the Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church and The Haiti Outreach Ministry. He oversees our projects in the Port-au-Prince region.

Mr. Jean Elie Chery

This Deputy Project Leader is exceptionally competent as a manager and organizer with a unique interest in solving problems in Haiti.

Mr. Oscar Damato

Oscar is a sophomore at FSU studying marketing who specializes in digital advertising and website development. He wants to work with Better Universe and Citizens to help better the sustainability of the world.

Ms. Gabriella Fiore

Gabriella Fiore is a senior at Florida State University, studying psychology and minoring in sociology. She will be pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy after her undergraduate degree. She has always enjoyed volunteering and helping out different communities in any way she can. She is excited to join this project to help Haiti!

Ms. Carrleen Floyd

Carrleen is pursuing a master’s degree in media and communication studies at Florida State University. She is excited to bring awareness to the Haiti Grass Project and is currently managing Better Universe and Citizens’ website.

Mr. Nick Fowler

Mr. Fowler is an environmentalist committed to preserving ecosystems. He’s honored to be a part of The Haiti Grass Project for which he updates our collaborative partners on progress. Mr. Fowler oversees a beach recovery initiative based on Accretion Engineering, a technology that provides cost-effective, eco-safe, and sustainable coastal restoration. He’s also an internationally acclaimed musician and author whom The New York Times compared to J.D. Salinger, as well as a devout Christian with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University. Nicholas has appeared on The Tonight Show and The Sopranos. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Fowler

Ms. Kea Herron, MA, ABD

Ms. Kea Herron is a multilingual consultant proficient in Haitian Creole, French, English, and Spanish. She has administered training, planning, and evaluation programs in Haiti and Africa. She studied in Paris, earned a Master’s degree from Michigan State University, and is ABD, with a Certificate in Program Evaluation, in International Development and Education from Florida State University. 

Ms. Hailey Hubert

Hailey is a junior at Florida State University studying environmental science. She has always had a passion for conservation and helping others, and is excited to contribute her efforts to the Haiti Project.

Ms. Brooke Hughes

Brooke is a senior at Florida State University studying marketing in the College of Business. She is involved in campus organizations including the FSU Women in Business organization and the American Marketing Association. Brooke is passionate about the environment and hopes to help further raise awareness about the soil erosion crisis in Haiti.

Ms. Roxanna Kaye

Roxanna Kaye is a sophomore at Florida State University studying marketing. Passionate about sustainability and digital storytelling, she is excited to contribute to Better Universe and Citizens by using social media to raise awareness and drive engagement. Through creative content and strategic outreach, she hopes to inspire action and support for environmental restoration in Haiti.

Ms. Jamison Klettheimer

Jamison Klettheimer is a third-year environmental science student at Florida State University with specialized interests in sustainability, environmental management, and the protection and reclamation of previously exploited lands. She aims to continue her education by pursuing a master's degree in environmental management and sustainability, focusing on restoring and safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems.

Mr. Joe Lama

Mr. Joe Lama is a conscientious environmentalist who shares concerns for the well-being of communities. An avid lover of nature and country scenery, Joe spends a significant amount of time outdoors. Joe also collects art and loves music. Joe earned a degree in Business Administration from Florida State University.

Mr. Antonio Laurent

Region: Marigot, Haiti

Mr. Antonio Laurent is an agronomist by training. A hands-on and well respected leader in the region, Antonio has overseen agricultural projects for the Catholic Church for over two decades.

Ms. Samanda Leroy

Samanda Leroy holds a law degree from Université Quisqueya. In 2013, she interned in public law with the Senate of the Republic of Haiti, where she drafted a bill presented in session and reviewed by the Justice and Public Security Committee. The following year, she joined the Haitian International Legal Firm, contributing to the development of legal instruments aimed at protecting children's rights, working closely with judicial professionals and social workers. In December 2014, Samanda was honored with the Political, Legal, and Governmental Affairs award by the Junior Chamber International, in partnership with the Canadian Embassy in Haiti. She also co-founded VIPFemmes, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting women’s intellectual and financial empowerment to advance gender equity and child protection. In 2016, she lectured at the University of Moncton in Canada for the International Summer Course on Children's Rights, focusing on child rights approaches in youth criminal justice for prosecutors, defense counsel, and judges. 

After immigrating to the United States in 2018, Samanda began working in the immigration field, assisting thousands of people from diverse backgrounds. In 2020, she established Leroy & Victor Legal Group, Inc., now known as 700 Law Group, Inc., a paralegal services company, and earned her financial services and insurance license in Florida. In 2021, she served as Executive Secretary on the Board of Officers for the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce in Orlando. With a deep commitment to environmental and humanitarian causes, and a passion for Haiti, Samanda continues her service as the Donor Relationship Director for Better Universe and Citizens. 

Ms. Sophia Maslyn

Sophia Maslyn is a junior at Florida State University, studying environmental science. Passionate about sustainability, research, and preserving natural ecosystems, Sophia is dedicated to creating meaningful change. She is thrilled to collaborate on the Haiti Grass Project combining environmental advocacy with community enrichment.

Dr. Sean E. McGlynn

Dr. Seán E. McGlynn is a world-renowned scientist who has worked mostly with aquatic ecosystems from Florida to Texas. He designs watershed management practices to reduce pollution to water bodies and is the Director of the Wakulla Springs Alliance, President of the Florida Lake Management Society, and a board member of the Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council. Seán earned a PhD in the Biology of Aquatic Ecosystems from Florida State University.

Ms. Pamela McVety

Ms. Pamela McVety has a special relation with Haiti as her father retired there in the 1970s where he worked as a pilot for Air Haiti.  She was a deputy administrator for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Director of Marine Resources for the Department of Natural Resources, and leads the award-winning effort of federal, state and local governments along with the business and environmental communities to develop an ecosystem management approach for sustaining Florida’s natural systems. Pamela is also the recipient of numerous environmental recognitions including being honored as one of the most important female environmental leaders in the 20th century in Florida.  In retirement she educates and advocates for all levels of government to address the climate crisis.  Locally, she’s a member of Sustainable Tallahassee’s Community Carbon Fund, Tally 100 Coalition, and the Citizens Climate Lobby.  She also serves as the Stewardship of Creation Enabler for the Florida Presbytery.  In 2018, she was the recipient of the Presbyterian Earthcare William Gibson Ecojustice Award in recognition of a lifetime of work promoting eco justice in the Presbyterian Church.  

Ms. Andre Michelle

Ms. Michelle is the first and only female Deputy Project Leader. She has a personal desire for all land in Haiti to be erosion free.

Ms. Tamyra Nortelus

Tamyra is graduating with her bachelor’s in nursing. She has worked with the organization her entire senior year at FSU and is a first-generation Haitian student. She speaks fluent Haitian Creole. Her goal was to give back to her lineage which she has been able to do through the Haiti Grass Project where she has helped restore a land that made her who she is today.

Mr. Dudy Prevot

Mr. Prevot is a Deputy Project Leader whose hardworking and gentle nature keeps the team grounded.

Mr. Michael A. Rawers

Michael Rawers is a marketing professional with over 25 years of sales and management experience. He has successfully managed national supply chain retail sales and the distribution of magazines with extensive merchandising and in-store managerial experience over retail projects. A creative thinker, Michael is a strategist who’s managed over $1.3 billion in magazine retail sales. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mr. Andre Raymond

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Raymond is a Deputy Project Leader who is kind and desires perfection with everything he does. A trained agronomist furthering the project’s efforts in the Jacmel area, Mr. Raymond is dedicated to fighting soil erosion in Haiti and believes in our holistic approach of treating the problem rather than its symptoms.

Mr. Ridore Jean Francois

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Francois is an agrarian with proven expertise in fighting soil erosion. He plays an important role in our on-site team in Jacmel.  

Mr. Nocent Saintile

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Saintile is a Deputy Project Leader with exceptional patience who believes what he is doing is priceless to help his community. He is one of the agronomists on our team in Jacmel whose expertise helps ensure the efficient transplantation of grass from our nurseries over to barren slopes in the area.

Mr. Sebastian Vega

Of French and Colombian extraction, Sebastian is a finance and communications specialist constantly working on outreach to francophone organisations. He’s interested in art theory and history. After visiting Haiti following the 2011 earthquake, Mr. Vega developed a passion for helping Haiti overcome poverty and corruption.

Ms. Sophie Vega

Sophie is a third-year student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Psychology, with a certificate in Global Citizenship. She loves being highly involved in her community as an International Programs Ambassador, Marketing Director for the Maji Project, UROP leader, Food Recovery Network volunteer, and Public Relations Student Association member. Sophie has been passionate about environmental conservation and poverty relief from a young age, and is excited to bring awareness to the Haiti Grass Project.

Mr. Noncent Warking

Mr. Warking is a Deputy Project Leader who is always seeking available grass to transplant in eroded areas.

Mr. Pierre Louis Yvnet

Mr. Yvnet is a Deputy Project Leader who exhibits patience and is always encouraging others to do a good job.

Ms. Sally Zarling

Sally Zarling is a second-year student at Florida State University, currently residing in Tallahassee. She is pursuing a dual focus in Marketing and Creative Writing. Through her studies, Sally has developed a strong foundation in key areas such as accounting, financial markets, and strategic marketing. Looking ahead, she aspires to deepen her expertise in marketing analytics and consumer behavior. Beyond academics, Sally is a passionate advocate for the arts. In her spare time, she enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and writing.