New Members Edition 2019!
Updated: Nov 30, 2019
1. Brianna Anderson
I was born and raised in DeLand, Florida, DeLand has always been home to me! I graduated from Flagler College in 2014 with a degree in Communications. Shortly after graduation, I met my husband and we were recently married in March of 2019. Mitch and I reside in Maitland, Florida where I work for a Tech Startup leading HR. I volunteer at Seminole County School, teaching children the importance of financial literacy. In my free time, I enjoy singing Karaoke to my favorite song: “What’s up?”, riding my scooter around town and working out with my husband! Anytime I’m back home in DeLand, you can find me at Tom’s Pizza, grabbing a hot slice!
2. Teresa Apgar
I was raised in Southern Maryland and moved to Hollywood, Florida in 1966. DeLand became my home in 1974. My husband of twenty years, Bob, and I are raising my thirteen-year-old grandson, Mark. I have another grandson, Isaac, who many of you know since he stayed with us a lot throughout the years. He’s twenty years old this year. I’ve been involved in the DeLand community leading and serving on many Board of Directors. I have been a member of many service organizations. I’ve been a member of different women's clubs over the past forty years and have held many positions at the State level. Currently, I’m a member of the Persimmon Hollow Woman’s Club which I founded and served as its first President. I’m thrilled to be a member of the Krewe of Amalee again and look forward to making new friends.
3. Lillian Brunacci
I am Lillian Brunacci born in Managua, Nicaragua and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana where I lived for thirty-four years. My last job was Operations Manager for the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. My husband, Frank Brunacci (a former chef), and I have been married for sixteen years. We opened our first fresh truffle import business near Chicago ten years ago, sold it, and are onto our second. We have two children Isabella, 14, and Massimo, 12, who both swim for the West Volusia Killer Whales in DeLand. We have our canine son Romeo, 10, a Bergamasco. After living in several cities and states, we moved back south to DeLand five and a half years ago. As a family, we enjoy traveling, watching sports (especially the New Orleans Saints) and spending quality time with family and friends. I was happy to be introduced to the Krewe of Amalee with New Orleans traditions and community. We are slowly immersing ourselves in DeLand and look forward to making it our home for many more years to come.
4. Jennifer Bryant
I am Jennifer Bryant, a commercial artist with two awesome kids and a fantastic husband of twenty years. I was born and raised in frigid but beautiful New Hampshire and decided shortly after my twenty-first birthday to quit my job and pack a car to move to Florida. After some lean years and a lot of shenanigans, I made wonderful friends and met my husband. We live in DeLand and I teach art from my working studio behind my house. I love so many things! I speak French and have been to Europe multiple times. The first time was when I was only twenty and backpacked for two months by myself. Reading and movies are more enjoyments, and my perfect day is either at the movie theater or the beach. I volunteer at both kids’ schools doing backdrops and props for various events, but my favorite volunteer opportunity is the Veteran’s Surf Event with Oceans of Hope. They use modified surf boards to help wounded veterans enjoy a day at the beach and catch waves. By far, my favorite music is anything 80’s! “Take On Me” by Aha is the most perfect song and video. I LOVE to dance and even won some swing dance contests back when I was single. I am super excited to be a part of the Krewe this year and help create a gorgeous Ball while making new friends with dynamic women!
5. Lindsey Carelli
I was Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I hold a Master of Theological Studies degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and a B.A. in Religious Studies from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. During my time in Fort Worth, I worked for The Multicultural Alliance, a non-profit organization providing programming and educational forums that address the opportunities and challenges of living in a pluralistic society. In 2014, I moved to DeLand, Florida to work at Stetson, serving as the University’s first Assistant Director of Interfaith Initiatives. In this position, I am responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive interfaith programming, working with religious and non-religious student organizations and coaching student leaders with a team of University Chaplains and the University’s first Hillel Director. I am married to Robbie Carelli, co-owner and co-founder of Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company. We will celebrate our third anniversary in January. Since 2012, I have been a vegetarian and a practitioner of meditation and yoga. I am currently working towards my SIYI yoga certification in Precision Alignment Yoga. You can find me practicing at The Yoga Shed in DeLand. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the beauty of Florida by swimming in the springs, birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking. Favorite band: Fleetwood Mac (also my dad’s favorite band, it is “rumored” I’m named after Lindsey Buckingham ☺)
6. Staci Cooper
My name is Staci Cooper and I am a proud mother of a beautiful young woman who attends the University of Central Florida. I am blessed to be a part of the AdventHealth family and love the fact that we change people’s lives every day. My deepest passion is helping individuals and their families on their journey through dementia as a Certified Dementia Educator through the National Institute of Dementia Education. Always Lead with your Heart.
7. Jennifer Dubreuil
Hello Everyone, my name is Jennifer Dubreuil. I was born in Sudbury Ontario Canada and relocated to DeLand, Florida three and a half years ago with my family. I am a Registered Nurse and have been doing it for twenty-three years. After graduating I worked for four years as a Medical Surgical Nurse trying to find the right fit. I then stumbled upon Labor and Delivery and I realized that it was my calling. Bringing babies into the world is the most precious gift that I am lucky to be a part of. My family and I relocated from Canada three and a half years ago in search of the best possible place to be where the temperature stayed above 32F for the entire year!! I have been working at Advent Health Deland since making my way down to sunny Florida on the Labor and Delivery unit where I am a Charge Nurse and Mentor to the new nurses coming into the field. I have been blessed and lucky to be married to my wonderful husband, Richard, for nineteen years! Wow, time flies when you are having fun! We have two beautiful children, Kevin who is 17 and Chloe 15. Kevin just graduated high school and still needs to figure out what he wants to do now that he is part of this “adult.” world. Chloe is in her junior at Deland High and is very active in JR ROTC. She knows her path and would like to attend medical school. We have always loved to travel and see what is out there… away from the snow. That is how we got lucky and stumbled upon Deland. Close enough to the beach with an amazing vibe. I have been hearing about the amazing women involved with Krewe from my friend and sponsor, Michelle, and am looking forward to the friendships and memories to come. P.S. My favorite music is definitely 80’s Hair Bands.
8. Karen Finstad
My name is Karen Finstad and my husband is Duane Finstad, a retired Systems Engineer with Honeywell Aerospace and a former Marine A-4 pilot. We moved to DeLand in 2014. Together we have four children and eight grandchildren living in Kansas, Florida and Indiana. I was born in Lawrence, Kansas and I lived in Kansas most of my life. I graduated from Washburn University with a degree in Political Science. I moved to Washington D.C. in the early 90's serving as the President and CEO of the National Fund for the US Botanic Garden for 6 years. In 2014, I retired as the Executive Director of the Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation and moved to Florida.
I presently serve as the Vice President of the Persimmon Hollow Woman's Club here in Deland and I am a member of the Tiger Bay Club in Daytona where I serve as a member of their board. In 2017-18, I served on the Florida House Board of Trustees in Washington, D.C.
Past Volunteer and Board Service includes: President of the Oral Health Kansas Board of Directors; Member of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce where I served on the Government Relations Committee; Co-Chair for Washburn University Alumni Association, The Martha Stewart Garden Party, a fundraising event for the New Alumni Building; Columbia Hospital for Women Washington DC - National Women's Health Resource Center Board, Executive Committee member and Treasurer of the Board; Kansas State Society Board of Directors, Washington DC and Chair of the National Cherry Blossom Festival annual Congressional Reception; Mt. Vernon Home of George Washington Board member of the Life Guard; Chair of the Kansas Film Commission; Board of Directors member for the Kansas Food Bank, Chair of the BOO Ball; Founder of the Friends of Cedar Crest, a non-profit association for the historical restoration of the Kansas Governor’s Mansion; Chair of the National Governors Spouses Association Washington DC and First Lady of Kansas 1981-1986.
Hobbies: Volunteering in Politics; Entertaining; Traveling
Music genre: 60’s Rock
9. Stephanie Ford
I was born in DeLand, FL, I am the daughter of Alex and Vincetta Ford, I lived in DeLand for twenty-seven years and am a graduate of Father Lopez High School and Valencia College, and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of DeLand. I moved to Orlando in 2007 to pursue a career in Event Management. I currently serve as the Vice President of Customer Experience, Night In Boxes an experience based subscription box company which creates experiences for families and couples to connect in deep and meaningful ways. Night in Boxes, is based in Aiken, South Carolina. I am the proud furever mom of two cats, Stevie Wonder and Peanut. My passions are gardening, yoga, cooking & baking, and spending time with family and friends. In high school, I performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and competed on the Nationally ranked Father Lopez Dancing Green Waves. I have an appreciation for all genres of music.
10. Patricia Goodreau
I was born and raised in DeLand as the middle child to my sister, June, and younger brother, Robert. I attended DHS where I enjoyed activities such as statistician for the basketball teams and majorette. I attended college in Kalamazoo, Michigan and ended up graduating from the now Daytona State College as an RN. I worked for Dr. Bill
Pate, MD for the next eighteen years as his office nurse while helping to start and grow my ex-husband’s practice, have and raise my children, volunteer in organizations such as JSL, Krewe, ESA Sorority, and as a former board member for ICARE. I also volunteered at my children’s schools and helped with cooking/serving lunch twice a week at St. Peters Catholic School. I have since worked in Maitland, DeLand and Ocoee for groups of Vascular Surgeons. Most recently as RN Clinical Coordinator for the group over five offices. I semi-retired to care and be there for my parents at different times in their last months before their deaths. I am still a member of my ESA Sorority where I enjoy being the Inspirational Leader. I love traveling, snow skiing, dancing, gardening and helping others. Currently, I am resting and recovering from a previously busy life to enjoy my children and grandchildren: BJ Goodreau (Grace) and their children Vivian and Griffin. Amanda, an Army Iraq War Veteran, and her children Austin, Adryan and Dominic. Connor Goodreau, my youngest is a teacher.
I am looking forward to reestablishing old friendships and making new friends all while helping our community! Thanks for letting me come back!!
11. Heidi Handley
I am a returning third year Krewe member. I took a hiatus to move halfway across the country, to Paducah, KY with my husband Doug (a former Lt.), my son Adam and our dogs. Doug was given his dream job as CFO of KMPA and Paducah Power Systems, hence the move. In the past, I have Co-Chaired the Debutante Committee, served on Breakfast at Tiffany Committee, Decorations, Centerpieces and Food/Beverage. I am an avid gardener and am currently enrolled in the Master Gardener's Classes. I am an active supporter of the American Red Cross (I donate plasma regularly) and I am the Treasurer of the Paducah DAR chapter. I also assist adoptees pro-bono in using DNA to find their parents. I recently found my BFF, Linda's 80-year-old Mom and have helped another ten others find their families. I enjoy returning to DeLand frequently as I truly miss Krewe and Southern BBQ done the correct way.
12. Jeanine Jennings
I was born in Tallahassee, Florida, but moved to DeLand by age two. I graduated from DeLand High, in 1980 and am a graduate of Florida State University (GO NOLES) class of 1984. In high school, I was a Keyette and played Varsity Tennis. In College, I was in Delta Zeta Sorority and the corresponding secretary, also a Chi Phi Little Sister.
I am the Director of Purchasing and Contracts for Volusia County Government for almost seventeen years. My Partner, Bill Jennings and I have a daughter, Alexandra Jennings Middleton. I have helped on the Scottish Rite Hospital Festival of Trees, Atlanta Zoo Cancer Run, and United Way. I am also a supporter of Starke Elementary: donating uniforms, books and reading. I am also a supporter of the United Way.
13. Lacey Lassiter
I was born and raised in DeLand and have been an active part of the community for many years. I am a sustaining member of the Junior Service League of DeLand where I held multiple board positions: Construction Chair for six years and Wild West Chair. My mother is a long-time member of the Krewe and I have volunteered and have been a guest dancer at the Ball for many years. I am a University of Central Florida graduate with a BS in Business and recently started a new career with the County of Volusia. My husband, Mike, and I have two children; Zane, is five, and Estlyn, almost two, – our life is full of Baseball, Swimming and being outside as much as possible. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, vacationing at Tybee Island, and giving back to the community. I am excited about being a member of this great organization and look forward to making new friends. I listen and dance to all types of music but I think my ALL-TIME favorite song is “The Chair” by George Strait.
14. Sara Legard
I was born in Illinois and educated in Michigan and Massachusetts. I worked and married, Bill Legard, in Washington, D.C. We met and courted as skydivers and 8-way competition teammates. We moved to North Carolina and southern New Jersey to raise two children, Robert Legard and Alicia Legard. Then Bill started a second career in manufacturing skydiving equipment and moved to DeLand. I followed once the young’uns were out of the house and have lived full-time in DeLand for two years. I’m retired from work as an environmental cleanup consultant and earlier as an EPA official in the Superfund Program. I sing in the St Barnabas Choir, play handbells, participate in Tolkien Scholarship, enjoy travel and scuba diving with my husband and friends, do a spot of gardening, and dote on our 5-year-old grandson, Callaghan, who still lives up in the Philadelphia area. Plenty of time and energy for Krewe activities, though, and looking forward to meeting some wonderful new friends.
15. Samara McLoughlin
My name is Samara McLoughlin. I am a third generation DeLandite and I love our little town! My husband, John McLoughlin, and I have been together for twenty years and we have two children. Our son, Brendan, just graduated from DeLand High School and will be attending Embry Riddle in the fall to study Aerospace Engineering. Our daughter, Alana, just completed her first year at DeLand High and aspires to work in the medical field one day.
I have been a Mom, first and foremost, for the past eighteen years. This is my highest achievement; it brings me great joy and satisfaction! Outside the realm of motherhood, I enjoy being creative. I love working with plants, painting, baking and sewing. My grandfather was a Piano Professor at Stetson and my grandmother taught private piano lessons out of their home. My three brothers and I grew up taking lessons from her every week and this is where my love of music was born. I love all genres of music; it is amazing the memories that come flooding back or the emotions evoked by just one song!
I look forward to working and serving with all of the amazing women of Krewe of Amalee.
16. Karen Robbins
I was born and raised in Coral Gables, Florida. I met my husband, Jon, at the University of Florida. Jon and I moved from St. Augustine to DeLand in 1992 where we raised our two children, Sean and Lauren. I love to cook, collect antique bottles and cookbooks of all kinds. My favorite music is Motown. I love to garden, camp, bird watch, and wildlife watch. I have traveled to all states except for Hawaii and Alaska (bucket list).
I graduated from University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. After University of Florida, I graduated from the University of North Florida with a BS in Nursing. My most recent roles in the healthcare industry have been as a VP of Clinical Services for various health care organizations. This has afforded me the opportunity to travel across the United States. Currently, I am a consultant in the healthcare industry and am an active member of several health care associations.
I am actively involved in my church and community where I sit on various committees.
I am thrilled to be a new member of Krewe.
17. Sylvia Sabatini
I have called DeLand home since 1988. I grew up in a small, quaint town in New Jersey and then headed to the Big Apple for college and work. I graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Business Management and followed a fabulous career path in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Florida. I currently work part-time at Doodlz Designz, a beautiful boutique gift and embroidery shop in DeLand.
I am a sustaining member of the Junior Service League of DeLand and a volunteer in the Volusia County Schools. Not only am I the proud Mom of my three children – Jason, Justin and Jenna – I am thrilled to be “Mimi” to my four sweet granddaughters and one handsome grandson.
Now retired, I concentrate on having FUN with family and friends in addition to reading, exercising, cooking, traveling and “Rockin’ this year with the Krewe!” I am totally up for any beat, but especially if it’s the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkle and Old Blue Eyes.
18. Janet Sheldon
I am Janet Sheldon, a newly returning member, that originally joined the Krewe of Amalee in 2004. I live in Plano, Texas now, but am a former longtime resident and active community member of DeLand who took a year off during her transition to Texas. I value the lifelong friendships and still want to give back to the community that will always be my home. I was originally born in Titusville where my Father worked on the Lunar Module and Apollo Missions at the Kennedy Space Center. My family moved to DeLeon Springs when I was young and I graduated from T Dewiitt Taylor High School and later went to college at Vanderbilt University and then, the University of Florida. I have always believed that life is what you make it and have a servant’s heart. I graduated from the University of Florida with Honors and am a member of Florida Blue Key Leadership Honorary and Delta Delta Delta sustaining member. While in DeLand raising my family, I was a member of the Junior Service League, Garden Club, DeLand Historical Society, DeLand High School Athletic Boosters, and Stetson Baptist Church. I am the proud Mother of two amazing kids, William and Olivia Ziebarth. Both William and Olivia have served as Pages for the Krewe and Olivia, as a Debutante. Both William and Olivia graduated from the University of Florida and have started their careers. William is in sales for a bio-tech firm in San Diego, CA called Progenesis, and Olivia is in marketing for a drug wholesale company AmerisourceBergen. My career has taken me to the Executive Suite where I was the Executive Assistant to the CEO of an International IT Management Consulting Firm in Dallas. When not working, I enjoy traveling to new destinations, visiting family and friends, entertaining at home, cooking, and sewing.
19. Petra Simon
I am delighted to now call DeLand my forever home! I moved to Florida from New Hampshire in December of 2017. I have traveled extensively, both for pleasure and necessity. As a native of Germany, my parents and I emigrated to Alberta, then to Ontario, Canada when I was 6. We were given the opportunity to emigrate to the US from Canada when I was 10, and first we lived in greater LA and then in the San Francisco Bay Area. After high school, I left for Germany where I went to business college. I then traveled to Australia where I met my husband. We both lived in Melbourne, however, I’ve always considered the US my home and after getting engaged to Ken, who was going back to the US to finish his degree, I traveled back, first to California with my mother and then to NE where Ken and I were married in 1971. We started our own business in 1981. I managed the financial and administrative functions of this small start-up business, which became the largest privately held Woman Owned Small Business specializing in environmental toxicological and analytical chemistry laboratory services in the US. We sold this business in 2016 and I retired. Over the years we have had a number of opportunities to travel throughout Europe, Canada and the Caribbean for both business and pleasure. We have one son, who is married and living in Massachusetts. DeLand is a very special community with wonderful, friendly people. I am particularly looking forward to being part of the Krewe of Amalee!
20. Amber Trevino
My name is Amber Trevino, I am a Colorado Girl in a Florida world!
My alter ego is a ROCKSTAR – We Will Rock Krewe- This is most definitely the year for me to come on board. My favorite genre is ALL Music, it sets the Rhythm of life and it makes you move! “DON’T STOP BELIEVING” . I attended Centaurus High School in Lafayette, CO where I was a Varsity Cheer/Pom, Gymnast in my former years as well I coached High School Cheerleading and Gymnastics in my adult years. I made the big move to DeLand, FL in July 2008, although I did not intend to stay here, DeLand quickly captured my heart and, to be honest, you will rarely find me outside of our beautiful town. I have three BEAUTIFUL Girls Megan, 26, Maya, 20, and Maleah, 15 and my first Grandbaby is on her way in November! I spend my days and sometimes nights, working at Bee Realty Corp’s main office in Deland where I work as a Realtor and Executive Assistant alongside one of the busiest Brokers in West Volusia… I love what I do, it changes daily and the best part is making dreams come true. I am so thrilled to be a part of a community of beautiful people helping to propel beautiful memories into the lives of our residents and visitors.
21. Cathy Zeidwig
I was born in Philadelphia, raised in Deland and a proud graduate of Deland High School. I attended University of Central Florida where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. For the past fifteen years, I have been educating the young minds of Volusia County. Currently, I’m an Academic Coach where I assist teachers with lesson plans, professional development and behavior management. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Scott, for thirteen years and we are blessed with two incredible children, Brooke, 10, and Wyatt, 6. Outside of spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, traveling, and my favorite music is from the ‘80s. As a new Krewe member, I am looking forward to making new friends and giving back to my community.
22. Kaley Zuniga
I am a proud wife to my husband, Henry, and a doting mother of three; Mylin, 8 years old, Beau, 3 years old, and Scout, 11 months old. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and my master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I have taught in Volusia County for over seven years. I am an active member of the Junior Service League of DeLand, chairing and co-chairing many projects and events. My most notable Junior Service League experience includes chairing the Wild Wild West Charity Auction Food and Beverage Committee, creating and publishing the Junior Service League Spring and Fall newsletters, and creating the “JSL Swag” project, which allows for active members and sustainers to purchase JSL-themed merchandise. My volunteer experience exceeds over one hundred hours of community service each year, as I am constantly looking for ways to give back to DeLand and beyond. My talents and skills include event planning and delegating, creativity, social media and computer skills, and interpersonal communication skills. I enjoy spending time with my family and my dogs, whether we are boating, fishing, or grilling out on the lake.
