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.”

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”.

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.” 

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: Pasco, 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!”

Employment Specialist: Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco 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.”

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.”

Vocational Evaluator & LMHC

Karen Schwartz

Since 2011, I have been providing mental health and rehabilitation counseling services. I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, coping with disabilities, trauma, career difficulties, family and marriage conflicts, etc. I believe in tailoring my sessions to the needs of my clients. I offer guidance and help clients work to improve and overcome what they are going through. I promote change through personal growth. I utilize various therapeutic techniques during sessions to help clients learn more about themselves.

“Working with people has been my passion. I am glad to have the opportunity to work with HOPE Services, where I can utilize my skills to help people reach their own potential. I want clients to know they can succeed and achieve their dreams. A dream is just a goal waiting to be achieved.”

Accounts Receivable Specialist

Barbara Scott

Barbara Scott joins Hope Services with 30 years of hospitality experience. She has fifteen years of dedicated Human Resources experience and 20 years of accounting experiences in the hotel industry in the Tampa and Jacksonville markets. Barbara believes that her tools for success include a sense of urgency,  leadership, ownership and an eye for opportunities that are profitable.

It’s what you do in the present that will redeem the past and thereby change the future.
Paulo Coelho

Resource Specialist

Emily Taylor-Snell

After over 25 years, Emily has recently retired from the position of Project Coordinator for state Deaf-Blind Projects which are funded by the US Department of Education and were housed at the University of Florida serving Florida and the US Virgin Islands and the University of Dayton, serving OH, WI and PA. She spent over a decade of her career in San Diego, California as a special education teacher and Resource Specialist, and then as a Diagnostic Specialist and Teacher for a Model Demonstration Transition Class in Los Angeles with the CA State Department of Education. She then went on to serve as an Instructional Systems Specialist at a County Board of Mental Retardation in OH.

She has been an active leader in the area of Transition, a co-facilitator of numerous regional and national institutes, an energetic presenter and has been instrumental in developing a vibrant Mentor Program. Through her work, she met her daughter-to-be who is from Haiti and has vision and hearing loss. Her daughter went on to graduate from Fort Lauderdale Art Institute with certification in culinary arts and baking and pastry and she has been a pastry decorator at Publix for more than 11 years. Emily brings her passion for supporting people who are living with a disability to reach their goals of a rich and full life as active members of their community.

“I encourage all who I work with and their families and supporters to Dream Big! It is my job and joy to help them attain the resources and skills to make those dreams come true. I am so pleased to be part of the Hope Services family.”

Vocational Training Specialist

Lorena Little

Lorena has a true passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. Her personal experience with advocating for people with disabilities and empathetic nature allow her to connect with those she works with and assist them to fulfill their dreams. She is certified for On-The-Job Training and Supported Employment in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

“I have a heart for serving and helping people. I feel very fortunate to be a part of an organization that provides me with the opportunity to help others grow and accomplish their goals.”