Directors
Keli is Co-Founder of LiFT and Chairman of our Board. She is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. Her career in the field of Speech and Language spans multiple settings, yet Keli found her passion working with children in the school system. Here she concentrated on language development, pragmatics and social skills in both the traditional model and the inclusive model. Keli’s philanthropic and entrepreneurial spirit launched her career in the non-profit sector in 2008 where she focused her efforts on children and education. Besides her work at LiFT, Keli advocates for all with neurodiversities and disabilities. She currently serves as Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, is a Council member for the Pinellas County Commission for Persons with Disabilities, was appointed by Governor Scott to the Florida Independent Living Council and recently served on Governor Ron DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee for Education. She is a member of USF’s Women in Leadership and Philanthropy, a former Guardian Ad Litem and donates her time to various other philanthropic organizations. Keli and her husband Mark are passionate about giving back to our community. They have three children (one of whom graduated from LiFT Academy in 2014) three dogs, and enjoy anything outdoors, especially near the water.
Kim is the oldest of four children and was raised in Rutherford, New Jersey. She moved to Florida when she was 13 years old and attended Seminole High School. Kim attended Florida State University and received her master’s degree in Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances, Varying Exceptionalities, and a Pre-K Handicapped endorsement. She’s worked thirteen years in public school teaching elementary and Pre-K students with disabilities. Kim also taught middle and high school students for six years at a private school. Her family lives in St. Petersburg. She and her husband, Mike, attend St. Paul’s church. They have 2 children, Matt and Gina, both are young adults. Her dog, Sasha, is her shadow and they adore her! In Kim’s spare time, she enjoys boating, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She’s a crossword and Sudoku puzzle fanatic. Working with young people is her passion! Starting LiFT with some terrific moms has been the highlight of her life so far and she looks forward to what God has in store for LiFT and herself!
Born and raised in Orem, UT., Shawn is the youngest of 6 children. He received a full ride baseball scholarship to the United States Air Force Academy and after serving as a cadet, he transferred to the University of Denver (DU) to pursue his passion of working with children & graduated with honors in 2009. During his time at DU, he had the privilege of working in a private preschool and kindergarten, served as mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and worked as a Resource Coordinator for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Shawn has served in multiple leadership positions for children and family services including case management, residential group care, prevention programs, early childhood education, mental health programs, and community partnership schools. Prior to joining LiFT, Shawn worked 6 ½ years for the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) in program leadership and administration. He has had the opportunity to lead large regions of more than 150 employees serving more than 2,500 children annually across Northeast Florida, the Suncoast, and Miami-Dade. Shawn has had the honor to lead local, statewide, and federal advocacy efforts for children’s issues throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Miami-Dade counties in addition to presenting at delegation hearings and legislative meetings in both Tallahassee, FL and Washington D.C. Shawn met his wife, Katie, in 2008, they were married in April 2013 and had their daughter, Maggie, in April 2014. Both are the loves of his life!
Elliad Granger, a native of south St. Petersburg, joined the LiFT board of directors in late 2014. After graduating from the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School, Elliad received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at New York’s Columbia University and a Masters in Business Administration from Liberty University in Virginia. He currently works as a Global Business Unit Manager for Jabil, Inc. He and his wife (Ivory) have 3 beautiful children (Isaiah, Edison and Elliana). Elliad enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, singing at church, going on vacation, exercising and playing sports.
Amy has been serving companies across Florida for over 20 years. With a deep dedication to community and economic development, Amy specializes in advocacy on the local, state, and federal levels along with corporate philanthropy, strategic business development, and corporate communications.
Amy’s diverse experience spans across for-profit and not-for-profit companies. Amy managed marketing and communications for Orlando Health, as well as created and directed the government relations and advocacy efforts for the eight healthcare systems and teaching hospital. She created and led Florida’s Trauma Alliance, and crafted Florida’s red light legislation to fund trauma centers. She managed over 30 team members and secured millions of dollars in funding and grants as the Vice President of Corporate, Community, and Government Relations for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Amy also led a successful lobbying and communications practice with a focus on corporate philanthropy and sustainability.
Amy is dedicated to empowering women. She recently published her first book, B12-The Energy to Live Your Values. She speaks nationally to women’s groups.
Amy has served on various boards across Florida.
Sergio Cadavid joined Jabil as Treasurer in June 2006. Prior to joining Jabil, Sergio was Assistant Treasurer — Director Global Enterprise Risk Management for Owens-Illinois, Inc. in Toledo, Ohio. He joined Owens-Illinois, Inc. in 1988 and held various financial positions in the U.S., Italy and Colombia. He has also held various positions with The Quaker Oats Company, Arthur Andersen & Co. and J.M. Family Enterprises, Inc. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Florida and a B.B.A. from Florida International University.
As Senior Vice President with UBS, Matthew Rich’s career spans over 24 years in the financial industry. His expertise is in designing financial plans for individuals that are focused on Capital Preservation, Retirement and College planning, Trust and Estate planning. Matt utilizes Asset Allocation to analyze existing portfolios and determine asset correlation and risk assessment. His Team also supports companies with a variety of Corporate Services primarily focused on equity compensation plans, corporate cash management and 401k plans. Matt is married, lives in Boulder, CO and has two beautiful girls. He enjoys cooking, skiing and playing guitar.
Kyle Maxson is a partner at the law firm of Martinez Denbo, LLC and has been with the firm since 2006. He focuses his practice on civil litigation and in 2014 became one of the youngest attorneys in Florida to achieve the distinction of Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar. Kyle is a two-time graduate of Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 2003 and Juris Doctor in 2006. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Beatriz, and two children, watching FSU football, grilling out, and traveling.