Our agency adheres to the national and state standards of ethics. Our professionals are held to the highest ethical standards. We have partnered with and agree to operate under the APSE Ethical guidelines.
APSE’s Goals
- Promote employment opportunities for all people, through local, regional, and national networks.
- Help establish and expand equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Advocate with federal, state, and local legislators for legislation promoting integrated employment.
- Work with federal, state, and local policy makers to increase funding for integrated employment.
- Raise awareness within the business community as to the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities.
- Advocate for social change to help those with severe disabilities achieve a lifestyle that approximates that of individuals without disabilities.
Leadership Team
Jennifer Fretz
CEO
Jennifer has a Masters in Human Services. She has over 20 years experience working with individuals to see their purpose in life. She founded this organization to be able to help others find their passion and purpose for life.
Jasmine Alexandre
Employment Specialist Liason
Jasmine has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associates in Computer Science. She has over 10 years of experience helping individuals find their way in the workforce. As a mother of a child with a disability, she understands how important it is to have a support system for both the individual as well as the family. Her passion is to help others find long-term employment.
Candace Luster
Program Director
Candace was born and raised in the Suncoast, graduating from Sarasota High School. She has experience in corporate management and planning. She came on board Bailes Consulting in 2016. Her passion and drive are to help BCS grow by leading, training and supporting BCS staff. She enjoys serving her community by volunteering and serving in her church.
Employment Specialist Team
Gilbert Alexandre
Employment Specialist
Don’t ever give up on opportunities because they only come around once in a while. -Unknown
Laura Kelley
Employment Specialist
As a Human Resources professional, Laura serves as the liaison between the employee and the employer to ensure the needs of each are understood and met. She works diligently between both to provide employee placement that will be good for the long term, and successful for both.
Maria Henao
Employment Specialist
Maria offers individualized job coaching, helping adolescents and adults build vocational skills, succeed in workplace environments, and increase their independence. Her approach emphasizes creating supportive, inclusive environments that foster growth, development, and lifelong success.
Ivon Fazio
Employment Specialist
Ivon is a wife and mom to four amazing kids! Her family has lived in beautiful Sarasota since 2008. Prior to embarking in the mom role, Ivon worked as an employment specialist in a private firm, a non-profit organization, and at a trade school, all of which have given her a unique perspective of employment services.
Priscilla Embry
Employment Specialist
Priscilla brings a strong foundation in relationship building, attention to detail, and data research to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment. She enjoys connecting with people, understanding their unique strengths and goals, and developing collaborative relationships with participants, employers, and community partners. Her detail-oriented approach ensures accurate documentation, thorough follow-up, and thoughtful analysis of labor market and employment data to identify the best opportunities for success. Priscilla believes these combined skills allow her to empower individuals with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to helping them achieve greater independence through employment.
Khaleel Sutherland
Employment Specialist
Khaleel believes in building strong relationships, understanding each individual’s goals, and providing consistent support to help clients achieve meaningful employment. Khaleel is committed to being dependable, professional, and an advocate for each client he serves.
Naïka Cook
Employment Specialist
Naïka comes with 7+ years of vocational and employment services, including client coaching, job development, employer outreach, and helping people with disabilities prepare for and find work. She believes everyone has strengths and the ability to reach their goals with the right support. She enjoys helping clients build confidence, explore employment opportunities, and take practical steps toward greater independence.
Support Team
Savana Oberst
Data Entry Specialist
OUR VALUES
Collaboration
Working hand in hand with community partners and program participants to foster ongoing communication and results.
Integrity
Respecting those we serve and maintaining a high ethical standard.
Empowerment
Bringing hope and practical solutions to equip our participants and community.