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Giborim U Leadership

Missy Longman - Giborim U Co-Chair

Missy Longman is the parent of a child with a disability and an active member of the special needs community. She co-founded the SMS Research
Foundation in 2010, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding medical research of Smith-Magenis Syndrome, a rare and debilitating disorder that affects her daughter, Sienna, age 12. Missy also volunteers for the DPJCC Board of Directors, supporting the Giborim special needs programs and the JCares community outreach program. She is currently working towards her dual Masters degree in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration through University of Central Florida.
In addition to Sienna, Missy has two boys, Sean (age 11) and Ben (age 5) with husband Dan, who serves as CFO of the SMS Research Foundation.

 Scott Dermer - Giborim U Co-Chair

Scott Dermer studied special education with a focus on emotional and behavioral disorders at Florida International University. Scott has been an employee of the Broward County School District for the past twenty-eight years as a behavior specialist and a support facilitator. Scott was recognized as Teacher of the Year in the 2016-17 school year. Additionally, Scott has been the director of the David Posnack JCC’s Camp Giborim summer program for the past twenty-six years.

Arlene AbramsArlene Abrams - Giborim U Administrator

Arlene Abrams has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Puerto Rico, a State of Florida Early Childhood Director Credential and over 20 years of experience in early childhood and camp supervision.

Debra Lombard - Giborim U Director

Debra has implemented and collaborated to bring several new programs to DPJCC’s Giborim, such as the JFS BOOST Program (Building On Our Strengths Together), The Gib Shop and GibConnect. Prior to Gib, Debra was the Executive Director and is the Co-Founder of the Exceptional Theater Company, Debra is determined to continue to extend the reach of Giborim U with the support of a dedicated team at the J.

 

Risa Spevack - Giborim U Coordinator 

Risa Spevack has worked with special needs clients since 2000. She is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and is a nationally certified and state licensed athletic trainer. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in natural science and athletic training from Hofstra University and is a Florida licensed emergency medical technician (EMT) and a certified CPR/AED/first-aid instructor.

Kevin TrooninKevin Troonin - Giborim U Coordinator

Kevin Troonin obtained his bachelor’s degree in exceptional student education from the Teacher Education Program at Broward College. He currently serves as the ESE support facilitator at Pioneer Middle School and has been a Giborim counselor for four years, working with youth campers of all ages.