Executive Director

Cindy Bray

Cindy established HOPE Services in 2003. She has excelled in the employment services field for a decade and a half. Cindy has personally supervised the training of every other team member to ensure that we all succeed for you.

“I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team and their willingness to serve others in such a way to bring joy to their lives by becoming employed. We not only find jobs, we help change lives.”

President, Board of Directors

Joe Bray

Joe concluded a successful career in education to join the HOPE Services Team in 2014. His experience in Strategic Planning and Policy Development bring administrative and technical support to our Team Members in the field.

“Supporting our team of professionals is rewarding to me because I know they are out there every day making our communities stronger and our customers happier. There is no better feeling than the satisfaction of good work well done, and we want all of our customers to have that feeling.”

Employment Services Director

Nicole Woodruff

Nicole’s passion for helping others has allowed her over 5 years experience in teaching Special Education and over 7 years working in Vocational Rehabilitation. She is a licensed teacher, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Mental Health Counselor Intern. Nicole is excited to bring her experience to Hope Services and firmly believes that:

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” -Scott Hamilton

Senior Employment Specialist: Pasco & Hillsborough Counties

Jason Bray

Jason’s energetic approach to employment services has created a vast network of companies who partner with HOPE Services for good jobs. His creative employment solutions have meant success for hundreds of job seekers. Jason is certified for Employment Services and Supported Employment in Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pasco Counties.

“I enjoy getting to know each client and figuring out their strengths together, matching them up with the best possible opportunity.”

Office Administrator

Toyita Rivera

Toyita Rivera. Former Consular Associate with the Department of State brings 15 years of Federal Government experience working with highly diverse communities, domestically and overseas. Toyita also has an extensive background in the marketing field in which she developed a 12-year successful career in 3 countries. Toyita is bilingual and she handles our headquarters.

As Mother Teresa said, “the miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it”.

Vocational Training Specialist: Citrus County

Shonda Banda

Shonda has worked with ESE students for over a decade. This experience has taught her the value of patience, encouragement, and support in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. She is committed to helping others to learn new skills and believe in their abilities through HOPE Services.

“The challenges we all face in life can be overwhelming for anyone. That is why I am so happy to work for a company that goes above and beyond in helping people to succeed in life.”

Community Work Incentives Coordinator

Larry Hensley

Larry has worked for the past 19 years as a certified Community Work Incentive Coordinator licensed by the Social Security Administration. He has worked with and assisted many individuals as they navigate the path to employment. He brings that experience and certification to Hope Services along with his compassion for and desire to help others meet their goal to live productive and fulfilled lives.

“I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to continue to serve others and to work for an organization whose name embodies their mission, their administration and their staff.” 

Vocational Training Specialist: Citrus County

Kim Palmer

Business Consultant

James Sutherlin

James J. Sutherlin Jr., Consultant, based out of Tampa, FL. brings fifteen plus years of both domestic and international market experience in community, healthcare, and manufacturing development.

Mr. Sutherlin bears responsibility for building strategic alliances, and passionately loves support Hope Services in the following competencies:

– Strategic Marketing , Public Relations & Strategic Communication
– Quality & Process Management
– Events
– Education
– Funding Strategies

Counselor & Vocational Evaluator

Alison Austin

Alison has worked in social services for over 15 years. She is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who conducts vocational evaluations with diverse populations. Alison views the assessment process as an opportunity to uncover a person’s interests and abilities that may be hidden by physical and emotional challenges.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to see the look in people’s eyes when they recognize skills they never knew they had. I love to see people get excited about possibilities instead of discouraged by limitations.”

Social Media Specialist

Whitney Bray

Social media is playing an ever-expanding role in business today. Whitney is adding new dimensions to our online presence and communication. Her efforts are enabling HOPE Services to find innovative new ways to put achievement and success at the fingertips of job seekers and employers.

“I love HOPE Services and what they do. I am proud to be the Social Media Specialist for such a great company. I have always been a people person and enjoy keeping HOPE Services connected with our community and serving our clients through social media.”

Vocational Training Specialist: Polk & Hillsborough Counties

Julie Harter

Julie invested 30 years in youth as an ESE Teacher. She brings that same dedication and passion to this profession. Julie is certified for Employment Services, Supported Employment, On-The-Job Training, Pre-Placement Training, and Pre-Employment Transition Services in Hillsborough and Polk Counties.

“This is the most challenging and most rewarding job I’ve ever had…to help people with disabilities find their dream job. When that happens, I get the most satisfying feeling…knowing that they have obtained a position that is going to change their life!”

Vocational Training Specialist: Pasco & Pinellas Counties

Jackie Flores

Jackie has made a career of teaching and advocating for people with disabilities. She is passionate about helping them grow in confidence and skill so they can take their rightful place in the workforce. Jackie is certified for Employment Services, Supported Employment, On-The-Job Training, Pre-Placement Training, and Pre-Employment Transition Services in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties.

“I am blessed to be part of a company that gives hope and opportunities to people with disabilities. It is so satisfying to help others achieve their goals and realize their dreams.”

Accounts Receivable Specialist

Nancy Horbert

Nancy has over 20 years experience with accounting for both private and public institutions. In addition to numbers, her fortes include interpersonal skills, networking and liasoning for invoicing with Vocational Rehabilitation. She believes each person can achieve their dream, and that “the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” -Vince Lombardi

Vocational Evaluator

Holly Wilson

For 13 years, Holly worked as an educational administrator, helping students to make meaningful educational and vocational choices. She is enthusiastic about working with people with diverse backgrounds, and she counts it a blessing to be able to serve her community. Holly conducts vocational evaluations in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.

“I absolutely love people! Working with HOPE Services allows me the opportunity to help others explore their strengths and push toward their goals and dreams. It is an honor to help people discover new and exciting things about themselves and their purpose in life.”