Meet the team
Our Leadership Team
Introducing our exceptional leadership team, a group of forward-thinking professionals committed to steering our organization towards success. Each member brings unique expertise and a shared vision, driving innovation and excellence in all that we do.
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix
CEO & Director of Programs and Clinical Services
Lisa has specialized in evaluating and treating children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities for over twenty years.
A former collegiate tennis player at Duke University and the University of Florida, followed by WTA tournaments, Lisa enjoys combining her tennis experience and speech therapy background to teach the sport to children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
After working six years as the Florida program director for a national autism non-profit, Lisa was inspired in 2017 to develop her own non-profit, Love Serving Autism, a 501(c)(3) organization.
- USPTA and PTR Elite Certified Tennis Professional
- ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist in the field of autism
- Adaptive Training and Education Subcommittee, National co-chair, focused on developing adaptive tennis curriculum; elected by USTA in 2021
- 2020-2025 USPTA National Adaptive Task Force, Chair
- USTA National’s 2022 Eve Kraft Award for community service
- 2024 Professional Tennis Registry Humanitarian of the Year
Vallye Adams
Director of Development, Fundraising, and Special Events
Vallye Adams is the Founder and CEO of Etavele Solutions, LLC, a national nonprofit consulting firm based in Tampa Florida. Unique like her name, Etavele offers solutions to ‘elevate’ and enhance events, engage boards, specializing in proven sustainable revenue development in the not-for-profit sector.
After attending the University of South Florida, Vallye’s professional experience spans over twenty years, including multifamily property management, real estate sales, and over fourteen years in executive nonprofit management, fundraising, event development, expansion strategies and new market growth.
Her “WOO” (Winning others Over) strength and collaborative style has cultivated relationships, sponsorships and corporate partnerships, paving the way for organizations around the country to elevate revenue and enhance event fundraising. Vallye’s strategies have ensured organizations elevated revenue growth to over $10 million in the last 5 years. Experienced in expansion initiatives and new market growth in 22 states, Vallye focuses on grassroots efforts, growth initiatives, strategic planning, building cohesive teams, motivating volunteers, and developing active, structured boards.
Vallye believes actions speak louder than words and offers to personally help your organization make “the ask” and show you the MONEY $$! She is a licensed Florida auctioneer and emcee with the incredible team at Alpert Enterprises! She offers to consult and coach clients on cultivating exceptional events and or actually facilitate, manage and lead the revenue appeal from the frontlines….the stage!
A #1 International Best-Selling Author of, “YES I CAN!” 16 Success Secrets from Inspiring Women around the World” and “Living an Empowered Life”, and collaborator of a #1 National Best seller, “The Impact of Influence ”. Vallye shares her success secrets and energy on multiple podcasts, international publications, leadership series and conferences.
Vallye is honored and proud to serve part time as LOVE SERVING AUTISM’s Director of Development and Special Events, focusing on creating and executing fundraising initiatives to raise awareness, expand the mission and promote programmatic growth to ensure thousands of children and young adults with Autism are accepted, included, and learn life skills, on and off the tennis courts.
Jason Adams
Director of Program Management
Jason Adams is the Director of Program Management for Love Serving Autism,. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications/Broadcasting from The University of South Florida, Jason brings over 14 years of extensive experience in media and marketing to his role.
Before joining Love Serving Autism, Jason held the position of Vice President of Creative Services at ION Media Networks. In this capacity, he was instrumental in overseeing promotions, branding, and marketing initiatives for a national television network. The network achieved remarkable success, climbing to a top 5 ratings position. Jason’s specialty lies in the management and direction of diverse teams, including creative directors, graphic designers, editors, and audio specialists. His ability to inspire and guide his staff has been a key factor in driving innovative campaigns and elevating brand visibility.
Jason’s passion for the mission of Love Serving Autism is deeply rooted in his belief that everyone deserves a supportive and inclusive environment. He is committed to fostering understanding and acceptance within communities, ensuring that individuals with autism receive the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. His role at Love Serving Autism involves not only overseeing program management but also collaborating closely with coaches and therapists to implement effective processes that enhance the organization’s offerings.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Jason is an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys playing tennis, hockey, and baseball, and has dedicated over twenty years to coaching adult teams. His commitment to sports extends beyond personal enjoyment; it reflects his desire to promote teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie. Jason believes that sports can serve as a powerful tool for building connections and fostering inclusivity, making it a natural fit for his work with Love Serving Autism.
Through his multifaceted background in media, marketing, and sports, Jason Adams exemplifies a dynamic leader who is passionate about making a difference. His extensive experience, combined with his commitment to inclusivity, positions him as a pivotal figure in the growth and impact of Love Serving Autism. As he continues to develop and expand the organization’s programs and national presence, Jason remains dedicated to championing the rights and needs of individuals with autism, ensuring they are embraced and celebrated within their communities.
Lisa Timm, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Therapeutic Clinical Training & AAC
Lisa is a Speech-Language Pathologist in private practice, working with clients of all ages. Her clinical focus is in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She is also developing WordPower resources for Inman Innovations and works part-time at a rehabilitation facility with adults.
Previously, Lisa was employed by PRC-Saltillo as the Manager of Implementation and Training, where she began as a consultant. In her roles at PRC-Saltillo, she developed, coordinated, and provided AAC support to families and team members, ensuring successful implementation of communication systems. Prior to PRC-Saltillo, Lisa worked with preschool through adult populations, utilizing various AAC systems.
Lisa earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Communication Disorders from Governors State University in Illinois and her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Illinois State University. She holds a Speech-Language Pathology license in Iowa, the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and is a member of ASHA’s Special Interest Division 12 for AAC.
Lisa is honored to support LSA’s mission and contribute to training development.
Melissa Gusman, The Gusman Network
LLC Grant Writer
Melissa Gusman has 16+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector with notable expertise in grant research, writing, and full-spectrum management, mission/vision statement reevaluation and alignment, and curriculum development. A decade of her work was dedicated to teaching English in the public-school setting before transitioning to focus solely on grants development and nonprofit consulting. She now runs her own business, The Gusman Network, which specializes in nonprofit content development, grant writing, and support coaching. As such, her clients include nonprofits that serve children and youth via education, health, and wellness initiatives. Melissa thrives on growing deep-seeded, collaborative relationships with clients who are like-minded in their desires to learn from one another, create high-quality content, and develop strategic plans toward funding diversification and growth. She loves to spend time with her young family while exploring the Florida waterways, hiking the Florida park system trails, and teaching yoga. Ms. Gusman holds a master’s degree in Child and Family Sciences from Florida State University and undergraduate degrees in English and Secondary Education from University of South Florida.
Melissa is thrilled to support LSA’s mission and to continue securing funding for adaptive sports therapies. She has served as the organization’s lead grants advisor for the past two years.
Mandy Fullmer
LSA Fractional CFO
Mandy is a seasoned consultant with a comprehensive background in non-profit leadership, specializing in strengths-based coaching, organizational strategy, and intricate budget management.
With a career spanning several decades in the non-profit sector, Mandy has played a pivotal role in shaping the success and impact of organizations nationwide. Her extensive experience includes a sharp focus on financial strategy, budgeting, and fiscal oversight. Mandy is adept at developing and implementing detailed budget models that not only support organizational goals but also drive financial stability and growth.
Her expertise extends to guiding organizations through complex budgetary challenges, streamlining financial processes, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Mandy boasts a proven track record of establishing new affiliate offices, building robust remote teams, and crafting budget models that effectively drive organizational success.
Armed with a Master’s in Social Work, Mandy seamlessly integrates her understanding of people and systems with a fervent commitment to empowering non-profits to thrive. Her ability to swiftly connect with clients allows her to grasp their unique financial landscapes and opportunities while also humanizing and simplifying budget-related tasks.
In each consulting engagement, Mandy brings a compassionate touch, drawing on her wealth of experience to provide strategic financial leadership. She calls Harrisburg, PA, home, where she resides with her husband, two children, and bulldog.
Jennifer Pomerantz
Financial Manager
Jennifer Pomerantz is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant with over two decades of diverse experience in public accounting, corporate accounting, internal audit, and nonprofit business management.
Jennifer’s early career began in public accounting at Reznick, Fedder and Silverman in Bethesda, MD, where she developed her auditing, financial reporting, and tax preparation skills. From there she moved to Marriott International, where she gained experience in international accounting standards while working with the company’s
International Lodging Finance department.
After a move to Harrisburg, PA, Jennifer took a position with Metro Bank and over a period of ten years worked in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and internal audit, contributing to bank-wide process improvement.
Jennifer’s career trajectory eventually led her to Londonderry School, an independent nonprofit school in Harrisburg, PA. This is where she first discovered her love of working with nonprofits and it gave her the ability to use her skills for a purpose and mission that is close to her heart. During her tenure as Business Manager at Londonderry School, spanning over ten years, she has been pivotal in budgeting, financial planning, and streamlining financial processes to enhance the school’s fiscal stability.
As a CPA, Jennifer also works with several other clients, many of them nonprofits, to help them manage their accounting and business processes. It is her passion to support business owners by taking care of the behind-the-scenes details so that they can focus on achieving their mission.
Kyle LaCroix
Racquet Sports Business Consultant
Kyle LaCroix has a proven track record of service and success in the tennis industry. A United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Master Professional (1 of just 144 in the world) and a decorated industry veteran that is also certified by Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Registro Profesional de Tenis (RPT), Global Professional Tennis Coaches Association (GPTCA) and the United States Center For Coaching Excellence (USCCE). Kyle has spent the past 20+ years as one of the foremost experts and leaders in coach development. Having worked with players of all levels, as well as coaches, Kyle brings with him a wealth of knowledge through work at clubs, academies, and on the pro tour.
Kyle has served the tennis industry as a multitude of capacities including being a USPTA Florida Division Tester, a member of the USPTA National College Curriculum Committee, The USPTA National Membership Committee as well as other board appointments. Kyle is The Chief Education Officer of SETS Consulting. He holds a B.S. Degree from Ferris State University in Professional Tennis Management. A B.S. Degree in Marketing as well as an MBA from The University of Michigan. He also has an M.Ed. from Stanford University. Kyle is the technical on-court consultant and coach development specialist for Love Serving Autism.
Sandy Collier
Public Relations Team: Hey, Sandy! PR & Communications
Sandy spent 24+ years working in local newsrooms across the country. Early in her career, she interned at WSVN Channel 7 in Miami, Florida, and was hired as a news assignment editor at the same station months later. She moved on to be a reporter at News Radio 610 WIOD radio station in Miami as the afternoon beat reporter, later moving on as an assignment editor in Cincinnati at WLWT Channel 5. Eventually, her vast media experience led her back to Florida, where she took on the role of Assignment Manager in West Palm Beach at WPEC Channel 12. In 2014, Sandy changed direction and expanded her resume by becoming a business owner when she launched Hey, Sandy! PR and Communications. Her decision was based not only on her years of building invaluable contacts, which she knew would translate to public relations, but also on the need to care for her young son, who lives with Autism. Sandy’s dedication to family and her thriving business has led her to help change the lives of many of her clients one campaign at a time. Sandy has been recognized several times for her philanthropic efforts in the community. Sandy graduated from St. Thomas University with a degree in Communications. She is the president of the Gold Coast PR Council and resides in Wellington with her family. Sandy enjoys spending time with her six children, seven grandchildren, and a vast extended family in her leisure time. She also enjoys planning and throwing memorable family gatherings and an occasional glass of wine.
Sandy connected with Love Serving almost ten years ago; her son Rafael (Raffie) is one of the founding members.
Duke Ferdinand LaCroix
Canine Executive Officer/LSA Certified Therapy Dog
Born in Minnesota, Duke now calls South Florida home. Duke Ferdinand LaCroix, a 2nd generation Goldendoodle with a Blue Merle coat, is a trained and certified therapy canine. He is utilized in many Love Serving Autism classes and events in South Florida. Known for his exceptional temperament around strangers and children, Duke excels at bringing smiles to people’s faces. A sit-and-stay expert. Duke is an exceptional digger, whether at his favorite beach or in the comfort of his parent’s backyard. His outgoing personality, wet nose, tail wagging, and penchant for overwhelming cuteness make Duke an excellent addition to the Love Serving Autism team.
