Letter from Leadership
Dear Friends,
At LiFT, we are leading the community in creating opportunities for people with neurodiversity. The heart of what we do is and will always be a high quality private educational experience for learners of any age. Our trained, highly qualified and dedicated faculty are skillfully delivering best in class personalized learning, leveraging technology for educational growth, providing essential life skill development, and fostering a space that includes and celebrates each of our learners.
The theme for 2025 has been community and belonging. The LiFT family has looked outward to offer training and partnership across the entire community, ensuring the sense of love and acceptance that is apparent when you enter our building ripples out beyond our doors as well. Launching the Autism Certified City Initiative in partnership with the City of Clearwater AMPLIFY Clearwater, the Juvenile Welfare Board and so many more has been a flag-planting moment that tells the world Clearwater is a place where neurodiversity is celebrated.
Through enhanced training, specialized certification for faculty, staff and board members, and continuous improvement of our practices, LiFT has taken significant steps
forward. Our family days, PTO activities, special events, enrichment activities and classroom festivities foster a sense of belonging for anyone who becomes part of our world. Community is more than a buzz word for us, it defines our behavior toward one another and our commitment to being more than a school. Once you join the LiFT family, you’ll never walk alone!
We look forward with hope because there is so much more we can accomplish together. Building key partnerships across our region allows us to provide unique and special activities, opens up career pathways and community experiences, and connects us with the best possible resources and supports for the neurodiversity journey.
As we share the incredible story of LiFT 2025, we are filled with hope for the future, knowing that our community is strong, committed to our mission, and fully engaged in building an organization focused on excellence. On behalf of the students, faculty, team members, volunteers and supporters of LiFT, I thank you for linking arms with us, for offering your support and engagement, and for trusting us to co-create a world where independence is possible for the neurodiverse.
MATTHEW SPENCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OUR MISSION
To inspire and empower people with neurodiversity to learn, thrive and succeed.
VISION
A world where independence is possible for the neurodiverse.
VALUES
We believe that each and every learner at LiFT comes to value and view their individual uniqueness and diversity as a gift to be celebrated. Equally important is for each learner to respect the differences found in one another.
OUR STORY
In 2012, Kim Kuruzovich and Keli Mondello had a vision.
Inspired by their daughters, they set out to create an inclusive and accepting environment where children would be free from bullying so they would have the peace to learn and grow.
Today, LiFT boasts an enrollment of 190 (+) students and three educational programs. LiFT Academy is a place where students of all academic levels in Kindergarten through 12th grade can excel; LiFT University Transition Program is a four-year post-secondary program for students who have completed high school, but desire continued academics, career readiness, and intensive life skill training; and LiFT Adult Training Program offers continued learning and employment skills while promoting social enterprise.
As a recognized leader in the landscape of special education and inclusivity, LiFT is committed to providing exceptional and equal opportunities in education, employment and life experiences for ALL!
2013
LiFT opened its doors with 17 students
2014
First LiFT Your Spirits annual gala
First LiFT Academy graduating class
LiFT University Transition Program opened
2015
First microbusiness, Leo’s Café, opens
2018
First LiFT University Transition Program graduation
Established new microbusinesses, LiFT Your Heart and LiFT U Cleaning Crew
2019
Established LiFT Adult Training Program
2020
LiFT Your Fork microbusiness launch
2021
LiFT purchases a new campus to secure our future
LiFT launches Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center
2023
LiFT Opens Clearwater Campus to house all LiFT Programs
2024
Implemented the FCIS Accreditation Application Process
2025
Autism Certified City Initiative Launch
MEET OUR BOARD
Keli Mondello Board Chair & Co-Founder
Matt Rich Treasurer
Colby Masterson Director
Kim Kuruzovich Vice Chair & Co-Founder
Chris Aisenbrey Director
Kyle Maxson Director
Matthew Spence Executive Director
Erick Beck Director
May Yap Director
WHO WE ARE
Our goal is to level the playing field for individuals with learning differences and neurodiversity. Through our programs, we provide our learners with exceptional academics, life skills, career training, and opportunities to strengthen social skills and build meaningful friendships.
OUR PROGRAMS
LiFT Academy
A safe, inviting, and educational space for students with neurodiversity in grades K-12.
LiFT University Transition Program
A post-secondary program to meet the needs of young adults with neurodiversity.
LiFT Adult Training Program
Provides adults with neurodiversity (ages 23+) with the opportunity to develop employability skills, strengthen social skills, and gain independence.
Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center
A community-based initiative that provides services for families in Tampa Bay and beyond living with neurodiversity.
LiFT Academy emphasizes a preventative approach to bullying, labels and exclusion while offering challenging academics, after-school clubs and enrichment programs. At LiFT Academy, we are committed to developing the individual talents and personal character of each student.
151+ STUDENTS
THINGS THAT MAKE US UNIQUE
Ultimately, students will learn how to meet daily life challenges independently and with confidence, becoming productive, successful citizens in our community.
97% OF STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE
100% OF STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH A TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL OR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
AVERAGE STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO K-5 6:1 6-8 9:1 9-12 14:1
100% of our students have an individual LiFT Support Plan, identifying the unique academic accommodations needed to achieve their fullest potential.
We have Evara Health and the YMCA on our campus partnering to best serve the needs of our students and families
Behavior Therapists partner with us in meeting student needs. They are welcome in the classroom setting at all grade levels.
Unique accommodations such as varied seating options, fidgets, sensory foot pads, and fluorescent light covers in classrooms to reduce sensory overload.
Each LiFT U student is matched with an internship through LiFT’s Community Partners program. This has successfully engaged both businesses and non-profits to provide on-the-job training to our students, as well as an opportunity to explore career choices that align with their skill sets, talents and interests.
91% OF GRADUATES EXPERIENCE PAID EMPLOYMENT BY THE END OF THE FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM
35+
COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROVIDED INTERNSHIPS FOR LUTP STUDENTS SINCE THE PROGRAM’S INCEPTION
1:1 169+ Hours
CAREER READINESS: RESUME BUILDING, INTERVIEW SKILLS, AND A JOB COACH
STUDENTS GAIN OVER 170 HOURS OF HANDS-ON JOB EXPERIENCE ANNUALLY.
LiFT Your Heart
This program for ages 23+ develops employability skills, strengthens social skills, and identifies individual gifts to explore ways to gain independence. Crew members gain confidence as they work together daily to grow our microbusinesses.
MICROBUSINESSES
LiFT Your Fork
LiFT U Cleaning Crew
Team members create high-interest products (such as beach bags, wine bags, candles, tea towels, and more) to sell to the general public.
liftyourheart.liftfl.org
Students study popular food trends, design menus, shop for ingredients, and create mouthwatering meals, appetizers, and desserts. And yes, we deliver!
liftyourfork.liftfl.org
PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
• Increased problem-solving
• Enhanced decision-making abilities
• Improved interpersonal relationships
• Money management
• Public speaking skills
• Job readiness
• Social psychological development
• Heightened self-esteem
• Improved executive functions
Students learn janitorial skills that will prove to be beneficial as they seek employment. Their regular clients include Pinellas Park Church of Christ and Indian Rocks Christian School.
SANDI LYNN GELLER MEMORIAL
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
The Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center (FRC) is a community- based, family-focused, inclusive platform that provides programs and services based on the growing needs of families in our community and beyond living with neurodiversity.
The FRC includes: parent mentoring, support groups, expert speakers, local events serving the neurodiverse population, family counseling resources, sensory- friendly service providers and more!
“We wanted to express our sincere gratitude for your support from the Family Resource Center. It has truly made a difference.”
- FRC Parent
Increased Community Partners by 35% THIS YEAR WE...
For the first time, LiFT’s Open House featured 14 community partners, offering impactful resources to our families.
ABOUT SANDI
None of this would be possible without Sandi Lynn Geller, who as LiFT’s valued team member, managed the development of this program with a dream to impact the world through this Family Resource Center.
During its development, she was fighting a courageous battle with a rare and incurable form of cancer. She oversaw this project from November 2020 until she entered the arms of our Heavenly Father on May 2nd, 2021. In honor of Sandi and her family, LiFT is committed to bringing her passion and spirit forward with the Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center (FRC).
WE CELEBRATE DIVERSITY.
Whether you’re a LiFT family, team member, living with neurodiversity, have a neurodiverse loved one, or a LiFT supporter, we celebrate YOU!
LiFT LEARNERS
More than 98% of our Students are on scholarships.
Strict anti-bullying policy with implementation of positive behavior intervention strategies.
Enhanced teaching certification requirements and subject matter expertise.
Created more robust benefits package and opportunities for professional development for LiFT Team Members.
Increased total compensation for all LiFT Team Members.
LiFT TEAM
LiFT COMMUNITY
Increased community partnerships by 35%.
The Sandi Lynn Geller Family Resource Center has expanded its reach, enhancing accessibility for families.
MEET JOHN
John Oureilidis is a confident teen with big passions and an even bigger future ahead. His journey here has been one of perseverance, growth, and finding where he truly belongs.
Diagnosed with autism at age two, John was nonverbal as a young child and struggled with focus, social interaction, and sensory overwhelm. Without words, his emotions often surfaced in intense ways. As he grew, he began speaking and showed strong academic ability, but traditional schools didn’t meet his needs. He was bullied, felt isolated, and once shared, “I wish there was something that could fix me.”
Everything changed in fourth grade when his family found LiFT Academy. From day one, John felt accepted. At LiFT, relationships came first. Teachers challenged him while building trust and connection, creating a space where he felt safe to open up, laugh, and grow. LiFT became more than a school — it became family.
Now a high school student, eight years into his LiFT journey, John has grown in life-changing ways. He can focus independently, build meaningful friendships, and connect more deeply with his family — even enjoying nightly talks with his mom. He’s also traveled internationally, something that once felt overwhelming but now brings him joy.
At LiFT, John also discovered a passion for music, learning to play the ocarina and finding a powerful form of self-expression. He now sees his neurodiversity not as something to fix, but as a strength — one that shapes his memory, his interests, and his unique perspective. Inspired by his journey, John hopes to become an educator, helping other neurodiverse students find their voice and confidence.
FINANCIALS
SPECIAL EVENTS
Our LiFT events are a great way to learn about our mission, meet the LiFT team, volunteer and support our organization.
RISE AWARDS | $133,217 - 321 Guests
Our annual luncheon celebrates inspirational leaders in Tampa Baby. Through their acts of courage, compassion and commitment, these individuals rise above the status quo to LiFT and inspire others.
LIFT YOUR CLUBS | $72,450- 72 Guests
We are proud to be the beneficiary of this annual golf tournament. We are deeply honored that LiFT University Transition Program Alumni parents Larry and Judy Bellack, in partnership with Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, have generously gifted their time, talent, and treasure to create this event to support LiFT.
LiFT YOUR SPIRITS | $585,890- 380 Guests
This Kentucky Derby themed event is our largest fundraiser of the year. It’s full of entertainment, chance drawings, and exclusive silent and live auction items that have everyone bidding! Save the date for May 2, 2026
REACHING OUR GOAL TOGETHER
The Champions for Change Giving Society is your opportunity to create lasting, transformative impact for LiFT students. By making a multi-year commitment, donors become true partners in our mission—fueling stability, expanding essential programming, and opening doors for neurodivergent learners to grow, thrive, and discover their full potential. Champions aren’t just supporters; they are visionaries who believe every student deserves a path to independence and a future filled with possibility. Your sustained generosity ensures that LiFT can plan boldly, innovate confidently, and continue providing life-changing education and support year after year. Joining the Champions for Change Giving Society means investing in hope, dignity, and opportunity—and leaving a legacy that will empower students long into the future.
METHODS OF GIVING
GIFTS MADE BY CASH, CHECK OR CREDIT CARD
Gifts made by cash, check or credit card are the most common and will allow LiFT to address our immediate needs. Checks should be made payable to Learning Independence for Tomorrow and can be mailed to 1005 S Highland Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756 or dropped off at our school office. Please visit our website at liftfl.org to donate by credit card.
CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS
A matching gift program provided through your employer may allow you to increase the value of your gift. Many companies match charitable gifts of employees, retirees or board members. Check with your company’s Human Resources Department to see if your employer has a matching gift program and if the campaign would qualify for a matching gift.
GIFTS OF SECURITIES – STOCKS, BONDS AND MUTUAL FUNDS PLANNED GIFTS
Planned giving is the process of carefully selecting the best method and asset for making a charitable gift. Such a gift can enable you to take full advantage of the tax laws to accomplish your financial and charitable goals.
To learn more about how you can support Learning Independence for Tomorrow, please reach out to Development Director, Julie Brecher, at jbrecher@liftfl.org or (727) 433-7298 or Executive Director, Matt Spence at mspence@liftfl.org or call (727) 258-7659
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
Because of your generosity, hundreds in need have had their lives improved as they are lifted up in dignity. The following list reflects donations received during the July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Fiscal year. We cannot list you all, but we thank you all equally. We strive for an error-free list. If we made a mistake, omitted you entirely, or if you do not wish to be listed in the future, we apologize. Please contact us to let us know at info@liftfl.org.
$25,000+
Raymond James
Bill Morean
Life’s Requite, Inc
The Lightning Foundation
Keli and Mark Mondello
The Drexel Fund
Ivana Jardim and Philip Hubbell Jr. City Wide Facility Solutions
Pinellas Community Foundation
Lizabeth Moses and Rene Villeneuve
Rays Baseball Foundation, Inc.
Carol and Phil Mondello
Stephen and Stephanie Flagg
Community Foundation Tampa Bay Anonymous
PwC
Raymund Foundation, Inc.
$15,000 -$24,999
Crown Automotive | Charities Hawkins Family Foundation
AbleTrust Foundation
Erich Lichtenberger
Bruce Johnson
Amplify Clearwater Corcoran Partners
Paula and Kyle Langbehn
Eileen and Gregory Pater
$10,000 - $14,999
Karl Brewer
Christan and Christopher Aisenbrey
Kimberly and Michael Kuruzovich
Nancy and Bill Peters
Patty and Tim Brundage
Jessica and Michael Corcoran
Julie and Matthew Rich
Michael Conley
Jeff Kefauver
Thaddeus Bullard
Jill Cope
Catherine and Michael Dastoor
Randy Hassen
Kelly and Wade McClure
Debbie and Joel Momberg
BayCare
Condria LLC
Jabil
LTB Foundation
Speer Dream Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
Debbie and Brent Sembler
Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation
Vishay Americas Inc
Cheryl Wade
Leah and Eric Beck
Tina and James Sykes
Skanska USA Building Inc
Lee and Steve Stratton
Susan and Mark McGarry
Kelly and Nate Freeman
Jane Shin
Doug and Lauren Brigman
Mark Burman
Lorie and Tony Faulkner
Judy and Steve Greenbaum
Stephanie and Martin Morris
Candice and Courtney Ryan
Andrea and Geoff Simon
Laura Woods
Avnet, Steve & David Paulson
EPAM
Jiangxi Union Gain
Pharmetric Laboratory
Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Tampa General Hospital
$1,000 - $4,999
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Amanda Stevens
Olivia and Justin Koenen
Holly French
Steven Taylor
Gregory Nestor
Denise and Richard Mastry
Jenna Farris
Brenda and Phil Guinand
Dennie Masterson
William Newton
Jodi and John Sittig
Julie Sagil
Paul Foisy
Lynn and Robert Donaldson
Edward Halleran
Keith Hendry
Judith and Larry Bellack
Shawne Angelle
Lisa and Gary Schick
Raul Gonzalez
Banker Lopez Gassler PA
Tanya and Tim Harrington
Divya Chugani
Becky and Dewey Mitchell
Integris, LLC
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TriplePoint Design Build
Kim and John Duffy
The Hambrick Foundation
Layce and Adam Berry
Andrea and Colby Masterson
UBS MATCH PROGRAM
Syed Hassan Akbari
Joel Borden
DONOR THANK YOU CONT.
Gary Cantor
Tom Clapprood
David DeWitt
John Drabik
Mike Gately
Robert Gourdeau
Jeff Griffith
Keyll Grzan
Richard Harlow
Richard Hazell
Larry Hunt
Christopher Kastilahn
Kristofor Kelly
Robert Kelly
John Knapp
Chris Kolodko
Joseph Lee
Denise Lingenfelter
Linda and Joe McBeth
Chris Moats
Jackie and William Muir
Jeffrey Ray
Tracey and Mark Russell
Grant Schnabel
Beth Walters and Michael Babich
Amerant Bank
CBRE
Clair Management, Inc.
Connection Enterprise
GE Aerospace
HPE NA VCA PROGRAM ADMINIS
Insperity
ISI Demolition
Amy and Ron Ruffner
The Bank of Tampa
Stephanie Brown
Kay and Fred Meyer
Shelle and Daniel Norton
Erin and Matt Spence
Port Neches-Groves ISD, Port Neches-Groves High School
Karen and John Gordon
Elise and Thomas Minkoff
Shannon Harrington
Kristine and Jason Melachrino
Cherry and Patrick Mullen
Marylou and Joe Bourdow
Lindsay and Matthew Sinclair
Baystar Restaurant Group/Island Way Grill
Molex Singapore Pte Ltd
Sloan Design Fl, Inc.
Van Fagan
Joanie and Kevin Gallagher
Timothy Staley
Gina Johnson
Lizabeth Moses and Rene Villeneuve
Dale Parker
Eva Horner
Andrew Jones
Charles Resing
Kay and Bob Dillinger
Brendan Farrell
Stephanie and Lawrence Goodman
Amy Hernandez
Philip Hubbell
John Robertson
Jeff Taylor
Addessi Financial Partners
Billington Plastic Surgery
CLA Foundation
Frey Masterson & Associates Investment Advisors
Homeowners Financial Group
MarshMcLennan Agency
Pinellas County Housing Authority
Rivero, Gordimer & Company
Smith & Associates Real Estate
Sunbelt Title Agency
James Burgess
Linda and Jeff Busch
Paola and Ramon Maceyras
Grant Sittig
Cynthia and Steven Howerton
Ashley and William Nall
Kelley and Neil Brickfield
Emily and Thomas Cetta
Diana Guenthardt
Edward Cramer
Patti and Tony Baldino
Rebecca and Laurence Grafstein
Suneet Dua
Lawrence Marchione
Christopher Lenhart
Man V Fat
Michelle and George Jallo
Julie and Matthew Brecher
Richard Doyle
Frank Marcinkus
Lucien Tender
Feeding Tampa Bay
Tracey and Matthew Blair
Nancy and Dean Lurker
Mara and Michael Matthes
Rays Baseball Club LLC
Peter Donnantuoni
Debra and Bob Maxwell
Barbara Caywood
Will Conroy
Jennifer Courain
Shannon and Bill Miller
Julie Davis
Janelle Gabay
Xin Huang
Linda Marcelli
Lashawne Meriwether
Phyllis and Ronald Newberg
Jordan Sargent
Bruce Schwartz
Kevin Sowers
Pedro Suriel
Gavin Tang
Tanya and Rocky Veitschegger
Sarah and David Wallace
Anne Barge, Inc.
Checkpoint Technologies Inc
Gulf Beaches Rotary Foundation Inc
Kinyip Technology Electronics
TDK Corporation of America
