Familia de Gladiatores Krewe

Founders

The Founders of Familia de Gladiatores Krewe is made up of 25 men and women with a common desire to make a difference in the community.  Established in 2015, FGK targets individuals in the Greater Tampa Bay area seeking support with their transition as a functioning member of society.  The krewe is strenghthened by the ‘family like’ bonds among its members.

 

 

Tricia is a mother of three, originally from St. Louis, MO.  All of her family resides out of state and she longed for the bonds and support having family nearby can provide.  Her vision for a tight knit krewe that makes a difference led to the establishment of FGK.  She wanted FGK to be something she could share with her children and teach them the importance of friendships and giving back.  Tricia serves as the founding President of FGK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terri migrated to New York City at the age of two and in 2005 she moved to Florida where she began on her non profit path with the Suncoast YMCA. In Florida she has had the pleasure of being part of some other great non profit organizations, such as the Suncoast JCC and Sciflies.org. With having three children of her own, being in a foundation which allows her to utilize her skills to empower those around her is important. Terri serves as First Vice President who is filled with excitement about this new adventure!

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Christine Marie was born in Massachusetts, and moved to Florida in 1986 where she has resided since. Christine not only comes from a tight knit family, but she values the bond with her chosen family as well. As a mother of one vivacious little girl, Christine wants to make sure that she is a positive role model and enlightens her daughter with the gift, and importance, of leadership and being able to give back to the community. Christine serves as the founding Second Vice President of FGK and is proud to be part of such an incredible group of individuals.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Christopher Kearnes E.A., a Tampa native, serves as the founding Treasurer for FGK. A graduate of SPC, Chris is an experienced accounting and tax professional and is President of Mayday Innovations. Being the Treasurer of FGK not only allows him to utilize his skill set and love for mathematics, but also allows him to give back to the community. Chris hopes that giving to those who need assistance will inspire his three wonderful children to do the same.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

April is a leader of the community in her career and personal life. As a mother of 5 she is active in the local school system, school sports programs, Kiddy Up Youth Ranch and the Boys and Girls Club of America. April works as a Community Awareness Advocate for a Domestic and Sexual Violence Center in Hernando County. She teaches the importance of healthy relationships and challenging gender norms in local schools to assist in prevention efforts against domestic and sexual violence. As a CORE trained Advocate and active member in the Greater Hernando County Chamber and Hernando Youth Initiative she reaches many people in the community. The Familia de Gladitores Krewe gives April another avenue to spread her wings for positive growth and awareness in all those she touches. April serves as the Founding Community Service Liason of FGK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ami grew up in East Tennessee. She has lived in Pennsylvania and Germany, and has made Florida her home in 2007. Ami is the mother of one fantastic little boy and a very active dog. Just like several of the other FGK members, she lives away from her family and wanted to regain the “family like environment” for herself and her son. Because her friends are her chosen family, she knew that Tricia’s vision for FGK was what she was looking for in a Krewe. As a perfect match to what her needs are, FGK allows her to teach her son that family does not always consist of blood relatives, but to the bond one can create with others. Ami serves as the Secretary of the Board, which allows her to be directly engaged in the importance of community service.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Leslie is a high school administrator who has a strong desire to give back to the community. She graduated from USF with her bachelor’s degree and St. Leo with her master’s degree. Hailing from Brooksville she loves to travel and even lived overseas for a time while in the Air Force. With her love for the Tampa Bay area, she finds “Krewe life” provides a great balance of fun and community service. Leslie is the Intra- Krewe Liason for Familia de Gladiatores which is a perfect fit for her.

 
 
 
 
 

 

Stacey is originally from B.C, Canada. Living far from her home of origin since 1997, Stacey is a NICU RN with two beautiful daughters. Kailey is a published book illustrator and Alexa’s passion is figure skating. Since Stacey was a child whether it was bringing home every stray animal to currently helping little preemies grow and thrive, Stacey’s passion has always been helping others. She has spent twenty (20) years teaching families, establishing bonds, and helping place support systems in her day to day life. She does charity runs and work outs to supplement her desire and lack of snowboarding. She is the co-captain for the Relay for Life team Pink Panthers, where with hard work and dedication the goals they set have been surpassed each year. Volunteering with her daughters in various animal groups and outside events is rewarding, yet teaches her children the value of giving, but not receiving. Stacey currently serves as the Costume Committee Co-Chair. Since her passion has always been helping others and lifting the fallen up to rise, FGK is a great extension of who she is as a person.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Patty is very proud to be part of such an amazing Krewe that is based on being of service to the community. She is a registered nurse and works in the NICU. One of her passions in life is taking care of the babies and being of service to those she meets with daily. Patty is also very passionate about volunteering. She volunteers at a wildlife sanctuary and has mentored two high school girls. Patty is enthusiastic about health and exercise, particularly running. For Patty her friends and family are what makes her life most meaningful. She serves as the Pinellas County Chair in Community Service. Currently she is our direct liaison for CASA, St. Petersburg, FL

 
 
 
 

 

Kim grew up in West Virginia (Go Mountaineers!) and moved to the Sunshine State in ‘94. She is the mother of a wonderful little boy who is the light of her life. She wants to show him the importance of giving back to the community and helping to make the world a better place. She also wants him to experience close bonds of friendship and understand that family is not “blood relatives” alone. FGK’s mission and its members embody all of these things and more, which is why she knew she wanted to be a part of it. Kim serves as the Assistant Treasurer for FGK and is an Associate Director of Accounting in her professional life. She regularly volunteers at a non-profit wildlife sanctuary as an animal keeper. She looks forward to advancing FGK’s mission with this outstanding “Family of Gladiators”!

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Marcia is originally from Chicago, Illinois and has a background in Art and Design. She has three beautiful children and a grandson who keeps her busy. She has worked with: The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, Junior Service League, ABC Adoption Program, The Domestic Abuse Center, The SPCA of greater New Port Richey, Trinity Rotary, and Community Service Council. She has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for the Mission of Mercy and most recently a nominee for the Paul Harris Fellow Award. With a natural ability to help others, this Krewe only enhances her talents and allows her to utilize her philanthropic and fundraising skills

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Marc was born and raised in Defiance, Oh. He moved to Tampa in 1994, where he started his career as an Electronic Technician. After seventeen years in that field, Marc has taken his love for cars and has turned it into his profession. He now restores and builds custom show cars. He specializes in vintage cars dating from the early 1900’s to 1940’s. Joining the Familia De Gladiatores Krewe allows Marc and his beautiful wife and son to be more involved in their community.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Nancilee is a wife and a mother of a beautiful daughter. She is originally from New Jersey and moved to Florida when she was 10, and has been in Florida ever since. She graduated from St Petersburg College Dental Hygiene program in 1994 and is currently practicing at a dental office in Brandon. Nancilee volunteers at Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary, an animal rescue in Wimauma. She also participates in the Relay for Life cancer fundraiser yearly. She and her husband are a part of the Bud Run, which is an organization that raises money for 1-3 families a year that have a child with a life threatening medical condition. She became a founding member of this Krewe mainly because she was so impressed with the mission statement and giving back to the community. Being on the Membership Committee, Nancilee has met many people who are just as impressed and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Familia de Gladiatores Krewe!

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Kathy was born in Corbin, Ky and moved to the Tampa Bay area with her parents and three brothers in 1968. She has two beautiful daughters, Jaynea and Kristin. They inspire her to be a better person. She has been a community advocate since she was 18, where she started working in soup kitchens and going on mission’s trips. She served on the PTA, band-mom and ran marathons for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Kathy has a passion for working with many charity groups, including coordinating events/golf tournaments and sitting on the Board for Pasco Pediatric Foundation & Sertoma Speech & Hearing. Kathy believes it is important to give back to the community that supports us all. FGK defines service and gratitude and she is proud of what FGK stands for. They are a family of Gladiators… “What touches the heart, comes from the heart.” ~unknown

 
 

 
 
 

Elizabeth is a Florida native who grew up in Dunedin and attended local schools. She earned a Nuclear Medicine Technology degree from Hillsborough Community College; as well as, a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration at St. Leo University. Elizabeth has been in the healthcare industry for 30 years in many different facets. Currently, she is a Southeast product trainer who specializes in nuclear oncology for a pharmaceutical company, which provides patients overall survival benefits from cancer. Her personal passion is patient care and has come to the conclusion that it is imperative to surround oneself with positive people. She can honestly say that she is blessed to be a part, as well be a Founding member of Familia de Gladiatores Krewe. Elizabeth currently serves as the Social Chair.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Cheryl has lived in Tampa since 2003 when she moved from Pittsburgh, PA. She has been in the Tampa Krewe Community since 2009. Like many others, her family ties are limited in Tampa and being a part of a Krewe has given her the opportunity to meet some incredible people and build many strong friendships. She is proud to be a member and founder of Familia de Gladiatores Krewe and building more lasting friendships. She is especially thrilled to be giving back to the community and volunteering for organizations that are near and dear to the Krewe’s heart.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Desiree was born and raised in Tampa, FL. She is a licensed Practical Nurse, licensed Aesthetician who works funning her husbands office. Dessie joined FGK not only for the family of friends, but for the charities with which they are affiliated and the causes for which they fight! The mission of FGK is centered around helping others, which aligns with why Dessie spends her days working in the medical field. Dessie has three beautiful step children who are the love of her life. She serves as the Co-Chair on the costume committee helping define how Gladiators would dress for years to come.

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Paul is an electrician by day and a full time student and loving father of two beautiful girls and three wonderful stepchildren by night. He grew up in Pasco County and has always been involved in the community. Paul participates in mud races and enjoys pushing himself to the limit. He gives back to local charities and is devoted to being part of the FGK family. As the Float Chair, Paul contributed his electrical skills to ensure the float was fully equipped with power to help spread our mission to the Tampa Bay Community.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Gustavo has worked at his private practice in Tampa Bay for 23 years specializing in Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Transplants. He actively gives back in his professional life by donating to a number of charities. He joined the founders of FGK to further his desire to make a difference in his community and help those who have been thru unfortunate situations. Gus has a beautiful wife that is a co-founder by his side, and three beautiful children.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Laura works in Medical Office Management. She is happily married with two kids. Familia de Gladiatores Krewe provides Laura with a circle of friendships and an opportunity to get more involved with the community. She loves animals and longs to run her own dog shelter one day. Laura hopes her involvement in the founding of FGK will provide her some guidance in her future endeavors. Laura believes that laughter is the best medicine and true friendships are the keys to keeping a healthy soul, both of which are readily available among her krewe family with FGK.

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Amy has returned to the Krewe world after a hiatus from another Krewe where she served on the Board of Directors for several years. Her decision to return was fueled by the mission of FGK. She felt, while having fun with your fellow Krewe members is important, the work that FGK does in the community is much more fulfilling. The time and money that FGK brings back to our local community, is what makes the Krewe special. Amy is honored to be a founding member of group of who seek togetherness and family in our city and will go to great lengths to achieve it.