Board of Directors
Barbara Braun
Sharyn Lonsdale
Sharyn Lonsdale proudly served as contributing editor to ChildConnections Magazine. As mom to a daughter who struggled with multiple learning and emotional challenges, she became an advocate for her child and for other parents. She served on the Board of her local CHADD Chapter and believes that parents can be a source of strength, information and inspiration to each other. Sharyn currently serves on the Community Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and the Arts and Culture Alliance. She is a trivia emcee, freelance writer and works at the Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key in Englewood.
Joe Memminger
Vidisha Patel
Dr. Vidisha Patel has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University and practices as a therapist in Sarasota, FL. She obtained an undergraduate degree from Williams College, MA (with a major in Art History and Asian Studies) and a Masters in Business Administration from Columbia University, NY, with a specialty in Finance and International Business.
Dr. Patel brings a rich experience of business and education to Child Connections. Dr. Patel's professional affiliations cover a wide range of institutions and include the The World Association of Infant Mental Health, the Zero to Three Society, Sarasota County Medical Society Alliance, the Pine View School Board of Directors, the Student Advisory Council for Cyesis, the Riverview High School Foundation Board of Directors and the national Board of Directors for SENG.
She is married and has two school age children.
Amanda SimonAmanda Simon is currently teaching 4th grade gifted education in Sarasota County. She is a graduate of Colgate University and earned her master's degree in gifted education through the University of South Florida. Her passion for exceptional student education began when she was in middle school and had her gifted programming eliminated as a result of budget cuts. It was then that she knew she wanted to be involved in providing a relevant and purposeful education for students. She was recently selected as an RBC Tribute to Teachers Award winner. She is a published author with an interest in helping reduce stress and anxiety in our children. She also develops curriculum, trains other teachers, and presents at various workshops and conferences. She and her husband Don reside in North Port with their 13 year-old son, Joshua and their English Setter, Brody.
