RESPONDERS FIRST WELLNESS PROGRAM COMING SOON!
Board of Directors
Jesse Diaz-Franco Chair
Debra Mims Secretary/Treasurer
Gus Guadagnino Vice-Chair
In 2012 Jesse decided to reinvent himself, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Social Work in 2016 from Saint Leo University. His six months internship with the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County provided him with the opportunity to work with the non-profits R.O.P.E. Center, and the Samaritan’s Project. Jesse conti
In 2012 Jesse decided to reinvent himself, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Social Work in 2016 from Saint Leo University. His six months internship with the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County provided him with the opportunity to work with the non-profits R.O.P.E. Center, and the Samaritan’s Project. Jesse continued on to receive his Masters in Social Work Advanced Clinical Practice in 2017. He was trained and became an Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Clinician in July 2019 and went on to become an Advanced ART Practitioner in October 2020. Jesse has a total of 38 self-employed years in the Ceramic Tile industry and 46 years as a musician having played in Marching, Concert, Jazz, and Steel Bands as a percussionist. He has fronted Rock Bands and has led his church in worship for over 20 years. In January 2017 Jesse melded his long belief in positive psychology with his passion for music to design a unique music group experience offered at Warrior Wellness Program where he also provided individual ART clinical sessions for Veterans and their spouses/significant others. In March, 2019 Jesse founded Responders First Inc. and serves as Executive Director where he facilitates a weekly group which is comprised of First Responders and Veterans. This group provides an opportunity to be transparent in a safe setting. Jesse's primary passion is his family and he enjoys martial arts, having earned his 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Gus Guadagnino Vice-Chair
Debra Mims Secretary/Treasurer
Gus Guadagnino Vice-Chair
Gus has served as School Board Member since 2012. He also has 50 years of experience as a successful businessman and has owned 8 companies in 5 different industries. Gus has and continues to serve his community with over 25,000 hours of volunteer leadership on such organizations as:
K9P4P board of directors
Veterans H.E.A.T Factory
H.C
Gus has served as School Board Member since 2012. He also has 50 years of experience as a successful businessman and has owned 8 companies in 5 different industries. Gus has and continues to serve his community with over 25,000 hours of volunteer leadership on such organizations as:
K9P4P board of directors
Veterans H.E.A.T Factory
H.C. Education Foundation
P/H Early Learning Coalition
Chamber of Commerce
Hernando County Blood Bank
The Dawn Center
Sheriff’s Y.E.S. Program
Sheriff’s Charities Board
The Arc of the Nature Coast
PHSC Foundation
Technology Engineering Committee
Big Brother/Big Sister
Take Stock In Children
Hernando County YMCA
Oak Hill Hospital community Advisory Board
Suncoast Technical Education Center
American Cancer Society
Light House for the Blind
Hernando Adult Education
H.C. Tourism Council
Economic Development Council
H.C. Manufacturer’s Assoc.
American Heart Assoc.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Sam Walton Business of the Year
Chamber Small Business Award
Commissioners Business Recognition Award
Florida Commissioner of Education Award (Twice Awarded)
Distinguished Businessman of the Year Award
Debra Mims Secretary/Treasurer
Debra Mims Secretary/Treasurer
Debra Mims Secretary/Treasurer
Debbie Mims is an assistant Professor at Saint Leo University. She earned her doctorate degree from Northcentral University researching Forensic Investigators’ Perceptions of Animal Assisted Intervention during Investigations of Child Sexual Abuse. Dr. Mims is a retired Mounted Police Officer and is the Therapy dog liaison for the Tampa
Debbie Mims is an assistant Professor at Saint Leo University. She earned her doctorate degree from Northcentral University researching Forensic Investigators’ Perceptions of Animal Assisted Intervention during Investigations of Child Sexual Abuse. Dr. Mims is a retired Mounted Police Officer and is the Therapy dog liaison for the Tampa Bay Region 5 Critical Incident Stress Management Team. She has published and presented at local, national and international conferences and has published in journals and books on a variety of topics related to animal assisted therapy and crisis response.