Meet The Board
Shelbia Carter-Wiley, Board Member
She is married to Shelley R. Wiley and the proud mother of two children and five grandchildren.
She has an associate’s degree in Business Administration, B.A..-Psychology and B.A. -Christian Counseling; Advanced Degree-Theology and M.S.-Education, concentration Educational Leadership.
She is the executive director of Engaging Minds Services, Inc., a nonprofit that provides services for victims of human trafficking, sexual assault. She serves as chair of Interfaith committee on the Coastal Region Human Trafficking Taskforce. She is a retired educator (special education teacher, principal and district employee) and adjunct professor at Coastal Carolina University. She is an ordained minister since 1982 and continues her ministry through working with victims of trauma. She authored two books, Mental Exoneration and Don’t Touch My Golden Parts.
Darius Murray, M.Ed, Ed.S, CRC, Board Member
Darius Murray is the founder of ReAble-U Therapy, serving individuals throughout the state of Florida. Originally from Miami, FL. Darius is a dedicated licensed Mental Health and Nationally Certified Vocational Counselor with over a decade of experience in guiding individuals toward fulfilling their lives and careers. With a passion for helping others discover their strengths and interests, Darius has become a trusted resource in his community.
Darius completed his graduate degree in Vocational and Mental Health Counseling at Florida Atlantic University. He holds extensive experience in the area of helping neurodiverse youth and young adults access employment while improving their independence and social skills. His academic background, coupled with extensive practical experience, equips him with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist neurodiverse clients in navigating the complex world of career exploration and decision-making.
He is known for his empathetic demeanor, active listening skills, and commitment to fostering a supportive, understanding, and valued treatment environment. He believes that everyone deserves to find a career path that not only aligns with their skills and interests but also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
In addition to his work as a counselor, Darius is actively involved in professional organizations related to career and mental health counseling. He continues to present and participate in research to help support individuals of diverse skills and interests.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Darius enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and volunteering in his community. He values work-life balance and encourages his clients to prioritize their well-being as they pursue their mental health and career goals.
Tara Wallace, Board Member
Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, Tara C. Wallace has dedicated a significant portion of her life to education. For over 18 years, starting in 2003, she served the School District of Palm Beach County in various roles - from a teacher to an instructional specialist and school administrator. Her expansive journey spanned across elementary, middle, and high schools, granting her a comprehensive insight into the educational realm.
A significant turning point in Tara's life was the private diagnosis of her son with dyslexia at the end of his third-grade year. Though he underwent a school-based evaluation, it primarily identified processing issues. This revelation was particularly disheartening for Tara, who, despite holding multiple advanced degrees in education, hadn't discerned her son's struggles. This personal experience illuminated the challenges many parents face navigating special education. Tara recognized the lack of adequate support systems and became aware that many schools either lacked the expertise or the willingness to support students with dyslexia effectively.
During her tenure as a school administrator, Tara remained a fierce advocate for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). She tirelessly ensured these students maximized their co-teaching time through meticulous scheduling and that their instruction was meticulously tailored to meet individual learning needs.
In 2022, Tara embarked on a new chapter. She transitioned from the educational sphere to the corporate world as an instructional designer and trainer. This move not only allowed her to champion effective literacy instruction for students grappling with reading challenges, whether due to dyslexia or inadequate tier 1 instruction but also paved the way for her entrepreneurial venture. Tara founded her business, Game time IEP, providing services as an educational consultant and special education advocate.
Tara's credentials from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) are impressive. She holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education, a Master of Education in Instructional Technology, and an Education Specialist degree in School Leadership. Further attesting to her commitment to special education, she's Board Certified in Special Education Advocacy.
At the heart of Tara's endeavors lies a fervent belief: Learning to read is a fundamental human right. Apart from her professional journey, Tara cherishes her roles as a mother to two boys and a girl and as the owner of an amazing dog.
Marla Acosta, Board Member
Marla Acosta is a distinguished educator with an illustrious career spanning over forty years. With a deep commitment to nurturing young minds, Marla has taught students across a spectrum of educational settings, including regular education, gifted education, and alternative education.
Marla's dedication to excellence in teaching led her to pursue National Board certification, a testament to her commitment to professional development and the highest standards of teaching practice.
Throughout her career, Marla has not only excelled in the classroom but also served in numerous mentoring and leadership roles. As a mentor, she has guided aspiring educators, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience to inspire the next generation of teachers. In leadership positions, Marla has played a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and initiatives, advocating for student-centered approaches and inclusive learning environments.
Marla Acosta's impact extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. She is a respected figure in the educational community, known for her innovative teaching methods, compassionate mentorship, and unwavering dedication to student success. Her legacy as a transformative educator continues to inspire and empower countless individuals in the pursuit of academic excellence.
Janine LaRusso Stella, Board Member
Janine LaRusso Stella, the maverick Podcast Producer and boss lady behind StellaMix is a force to be reckoned with in the podcasting world. She's not just creating podcasts; she's forging auditory experiences, complete with killer logos, badass names that resonate with unique concepts, and electrifying trailers that pack a punch on major platforms like Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Google. She takes the hardcore tasks of editing, distribution, and uploading off her clients' plates, making their involvement in the podcasting process a walk in the park.
Janine has been a TV Producer since 2018, working on national shows and local gigs before landing a gig as the senior producer for a health show on Fox Business with Dr. Drew. In 2019, Janine sought a new challenge and started her radio show, which eventually morphed into her podcast, 'Skulls and Stilettos,' where she explores diverse topics, from art and culture to personal narratives, offering valuable insights from her guests. Her interest piqued in the mixed martial arts world, where she became known for her unique interview style and thought-provoking questions. Her career took another turn when she joined Pod Populi, a podcast management company. Starting as a studio director, she climbed up to their head sales position, immersing herself in podcast management and consultations. She also started her first radio show, SOFLO SASS on W4CY in 2020. In November of 2022, Janine took charge of her destiny, left her job, and launched StellaMix, her very own podcast management company, marking a new chapter in her professional journey.
Janine is well-versed in the challenges faced by aspiring podcasters. Many of her clients arrive with a burning desire to start their own podcast but are overwhelmed by the complexities of the process. They grapple with fundamental questions - "Where do I start? What should I name my podcast? How should it be structured? Where does it get uploaded?" They recognize that podcasts are trending, and they want to join the wave. But without knowing the steps to take, they find themselves lost and unsure.
Janine has a genuine passion for her clients' success. Unlike many in the industry, where owners often remain in the background, Janine places herself squarely at the forefront. She's not just running a business; she's nurturing dreams, fostering creativity, and building successes. Her commitment to her clients' success is symbiotic - their wins are her wins, their growth is her growth. This level of personal involvement ensures that her clients receive nothing short of the best.
Tamika Taylor, CEO
Tamika Taylor is an accomplished individual with a strong background in education and a commitment to helping students overcome reading and math difficulties. Her seven years of experience as a certified ESE (Exceptional Student Education) teacher demonstrate her dedication to working with diverse learning needs.
With a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies and a Master's Degree in Education Leadership, Tamika brings a unique skill set to the field of education. Her expertise in developing personalized reading and math curricula tailored to each student's academic needs highlights her innovative and effective approach to teaching.
As the Executive Director of Impact Achievement Learning Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization and owner of Unity Academy, Tamika is leading initiatives to provide reading intervention to struggling readers in Palm Beach County. This role showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on the community by addressing educational challenges and supporting students who face difficulties in reading and comprehension.
Tamika's claim that she can help when conventional methods don't work suggests a problem-solving and adaptive mindset. This quality is crucial when dealing with students who require alternative approaches to learning. Her specialization in teaching children with reading, literacy, comprehension, writing, and math difficulties further emphasizes her dedication to addressing a wide range of academic challenges.
Overall, Tamika Taylor's combination of academic qualifications, teaching experience, and leadership in a nonprofit organization underscores her role as a valuable educator and community leader in Palm Beach County. Her commitment to personalized and effective teaching methods positions her as a resourceful advocate for students facing academic difficulties.
