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.Complete Bio
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 organization and served as Secretary and Litigation Committee Chair. Complete Bio
Jaye Abbate recently joined Florida’s Children First to help strengthen the statewide advocacy network protecting the rights of children throughout Florida. Her goal is to educate, inform and advocate for critical public policy changes and resources required to generate positive outcomes for Florida’s most vulnerable youth and families. Complete Bio
C. Christine Smith graduated with honors from Stetson University College of Law in 2006. While in law school, Christine clerked in the staff attorney’s office. Complete Bio
Maria Batista has joined the Florida’s Children First staff as the Florida Youth SHINE Statewide Coordinator. 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. Complete Bio
Maria Batista has joined the Florida’s Children First staff as the Florida Youth SHINE Statewide Coordinator. 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. Complete Bio
Lia joined the Florida’s Children First (FCF) family in February 2014 after relocating to Broward County from Miami-Dade. In addition to managing the office, she also handles the bookkeeping, human resources, payroll and graphic design needs for the office. Born in Chicago,Complete Bio
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.
