Dr. Robert Patterson brings over 30 years of professional experience in the fields of juvenile justice and child welfare. He began his career in 1994, spending more than 19 years providing regional and national leadership development to staff serving at-risk youth in juvenile justice programs. He also spent several years supervising child welfare programs.

Robert earned his bachelor’s degree from Limestone College in 1994 and his master’s degree in Higher and Post-Secondary Education from Argosy University in 2014. He is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Tampa Bay and completed his Doctorate from Liberty University in 2025. Robert also serves as board of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association (FJJA).

‍

Danielle Dickerson serves as Chief Financial Officer of BAYS in Tampa, Florida, where she leads all aspects of financial strategy, planning, and human resources. With a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years, she brings deep expertise in financial management, business leadership, and strategic planning. Since joining BAYS, Danielle has driven significant revenue growth and provides comprehensive oversight of accounting, budgeting, compliance, and cash flow management, while offering strategic financial insight and recommendations to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Before being named CFO, Danielle served as Director of Finance and Operations for nonprofit organizations in Colorado, where she led financial planning, budgeting, human resources, and business operations with a focus on supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. During her tenure, she was instrumental in strengthening financial systems, maximizing productivity, aligning resources with mission-driven goals, and leading strategic improvements in staff retention and organizational efficiency.

Her professional background also includes key roles such as Airport Accounting Supervisor for the City of Colorado Springs Airport and Senior Financial Analyst at Calpine Energy Services, where she led Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance efforts and streamlined financial reporting. Danielle began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an auditor, serving clients in the oil & gas, joint venture, and government sectors. She also held early roles as a Joint Venture Auditor at Marathon Oil Company and as an Assistant Staff Accountant at Prairie View A&M University.

Danielle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Prairie View A&M University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and a Master’s in International Business from the University of St. Thomas. She is also a Certified Life Skills Coach and a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, having provided technical support during Operation Desert Storm and earning the National Defense Medal.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and watching sports. Known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to impact-driven work, she continues to deliver financial excellence and organizational growth at every stage of her career.

‍

Jody joined BAYS in May 2025 and brings over 15 years of expertise in child welfare and juvenile justice. Before joining BAYS, she served as CEO of GPS Consulting Group, specializing in policy alignment and public engagement.

Her career spans public, private, and association sectors, where she's provided strategic planning assistance and supported major initiatives nationally. Jody has strengthened organizations across the country in communications, program development, policy creation, and project management.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Eckerd College and a Master of Social Work with a certificate in nonprofit management.

Jennifer serves as the Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 25years of experience in juvenile justice and child welfare services.  Priorto joining BAYS in 2015 she spent 15 years with the Florida Department ofJuvenile Justice, including serving as a Chief Probation Officer. 

During  her career, she has worked on several major initiatives around juvenile justice  and child welfare reform while overseeing community-based program operations.

Jennifer has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and  a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida.

‍

Elvin Martinez, Jr. joined BAYS in July 2014 and currently serves as the Vice President of Corporate Engagement. With over 30 years of professional experience in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and governmental relations, Elvin is a dedicated advocate for children and families.

He is the Immediate Past President of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association (FJJA) and serves as Treasurer of the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce, representing BAYS in these key organizations. Additionally, he volunteers as Vice President of the Friends of Saint Joseph West Tampa, supporting both his church and its school.

Elvin’s passion for advocacy, legislative engagement, and policy development ensures that BAYS remains at the forefront of efforts to enhance services for the children and families we serve. His leadership and commitment continue to strengthen BAYS’ role in the community and beyond.

‍

Madison joined the BAYS team in May 2016 as an Executive Assistant to the CEO. Madison has her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Healthcare from the University of South Florida. Madison works closely with the Board of Directors and coordinates and participates in the strategic planning meetings.

While working at BAYS and going to school, she also interned at BAYS Circuit 13 JDAP Program learning the ins and outs of one of our programs.

Madison is a certified American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED Trainer and a notary for the State of Florida. In 2024 she was promoted to Director of Administration at BAYS. In her free time  she enjoys spending time with her family and playing catch with her dogs.

Joining BAYS in January 2025, Rachel Allen leads the Training and Development department and initiatives within the organization. Beyond oversight of regulatory and compliance driven trainings, Rachel works in partnership with program and department leadership to ensure team members receive the tools needed to fulfill their role at a high level. From program implementation, development and follow through of training plans, and ensuring a culture where each employee has the opportunity to develop, Rachel and the T&D team are continually innovating content, evaluating results, and seeking best practice strategies. 

With over 17 years of experience in various social services, Rachel has led both direct service and administrative teams to support those impacting the lives of others. Previous roles in the field include case management, site and program leadership, and the prior eight years in quality and risk management. 

Rachel is a graduate of the University of South Florida.

Outside of work, Rachel spends her nights and weekends cheering on her favorite sports teams. While the Rays, Florida State, and the Bucs make the list of favorite teams, watching her son play baseball is top of list! Rachel also volunteers on the board of Wesley Chapel Baseball as the league secretary. 

‍

‍

Sarah joined BAYS in 2013, bringing extensive experience in juvenile justice. Over the years, she has held several key roles, including Circuit Supervisor, Regional Manager of Diversion Services, Training Coordinator, Director of the Community Supervision Program, and Senior Director of Program Operations. In 2024, she was promoted to Vice President of Juvenile Justice Services.

Prior to joining BAYS, Sarah worked for eight years at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where she gained in-depth knowledge of the field. She is a certified trainer in CPR/First Aid/AED and Motivational Interviewing and has also delivered training for DJJ’s Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (DRAI), Protective Action Response (PAR), and Suicide Prevention programs.

Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southern New Hampshire University.

She currently resides in Sanford, FL with her husband and two sons. Outside of work, she enjoys serving at her church, playing pickleball, reading, and supporting UCF Knights football.

‍

Paul served for 36 years in Florida state government in a variety of leadership roles, including several years as the Assistant Secretary of Probation with the Department of Juvenile Justice.  

Paul has an extensive background in juvenile justice and contract management, including playing an instrumental role in moving us from IDDS to JDAP and starting up the Community Supervision Program.  In 2024, Paul was promoted to Vice President of Quality and Compliance.

Paul will be developing our newest department focused on internal quality control across all programs, and it will include contract and CARF oversight.

DaShawn joined  BAYS in June 2024, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Juvenile  Justice and Dependency, as well as a strong commitment to supporting youth and families. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of impactful roles across the social services field, consistently demonstrating a passion for advocacy, leadership, and community engagement.

Prior to joining BAYS, DaShawn spent a decade in a leadership position at a DJJ Probation Day Treatment/Alternative School, where she played a key role in guiding program development and overseeing youth rehabilitation efforts.

DaShawn holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Public Relations from the State University of New York at Brockport, and a Master's degree in Human Services Administration from Buffalo State University. Her educational background, combined with decades of hands-on experience, reflects her dedication to growth, service, and positive outcomes for the populations she serves.

Originally  from New York, DaShawn now resides in Kissimmee, Florida with her two bright and ambitious daughters. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys CrossFit, crafting nutritious juice recipes, exploring new destinations with her family,  and passionately cheering on her beloved Buffalo Bills during football season. 

‍

Megan McBride, LMHC, serves as the Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services at BAYS. She brings a deep understanding of youth and family systems, with a specialized focus on those involved in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare. Megan began her career as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Crossover Court, where she developed a strong foundation in working with high-risk, system-involved youth.

Following completion of her master’s degree, Megan transitioned into clinical roles, providing therapeutic support through Duval County treatment courts, outpatient care, and crisis response services. She quickly earned a reputation for her skill in managing high-intensity situations and was recognized as “Therapist of the Year” in 2019 by the Florida Coalition for Children—just one year into her clinical career.

In 2020, Megan joined BAYS as the Lead Functional Family Therapy Clinician and Program Supervisor in Jacksonville. As the organization’s Behavioral Health services grew, Megan’s leadership, vision, and dedication to service innovation led to her succession. In her current role as the Senior Director, she continues to lead the expansion and strategic implementation of Behavioral Health programming for BAYS.

‍

Christine Pringle is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Masters Certified Addiction Professional with more than 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field. As Vice President of Behavioral Health Services for BAYS Florida, Christine leads the strategic direction and oversight of behavioral health programming statewide, driving innovation, access, and quality care across a range of services.

 Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Christine earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Webster University. Her diverse professional background spans community-based services, case management, crisis intervention, outpatient and inpatient psychiatric care, large nonprofit organizations, residential treatment, and private practice. She has served as both a clinician and an administrator, and has provided clinical  supervision and mentorship to students, interns, and licensed professionals alike.

A respected leader and advocate in the field, Christine is deeply committed to reducing stigma, normalizing mental health conversations, and increasing equitable access to care. She is actively involved in community engagement efforts, using education and outreach to promote proactive, person-centered approaches to behavioral health.

Christine’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that healing is a collaborative process, one that thrives in a compassionate, interconnected environment. With unwavering dedication, she empowers individuals and families to navigate challenges, break down barriers, and build healthier, more resilient lives.

Owanna joined BAYS in 2014 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Program Operations, overseeing the Youth Screening Program (YSP) and Community Supervision Program (CSP). She brought with her a wealth of knowledge in the juvenile justice field, which was honed while working with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Her previous roles within the BAYS JDAP program included Senior Case Manager, Circuit Supervisor, Regional Director, and Senior Director of Diversion Services.

Owanna received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences from her hometown university, the University of the Virgin Islands. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University.

‍