Laurel Civic - A History of Empowering Our Community
Leadership
Board of Directors
Originally from Bloomfield, New Jersey, just west of NYC, Dane DeSantis now calls Sarasota, FL, home. With an 18-year background in corporate sales, specializing in software for global manufacturing and distribution companies, Dane always harbored an entrepreneurial spirit.
In January 2015, Dane joined Hallmark Business Brokers, Inc. as a partner and later became the sole owner in August 2016 after buying out his partner. His focus lies in assisting business owners with transitioning their businesses to new ownership and enhancing business value beforehand.
Dane values building genuine relationships through empathy, attentive listening, and honesty. Outside of work, he dedicates time to volunteering for the Sertoma Club of Venice and serves on the boards of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, Family Promise of South Sarasota County, Laurel Civic Association, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast. An avid sports enthusiast, Dane enjoys playing hockey, softball, and golf, and indulges in hobbies such as woodworking, furniture building, and cooking.
As a father of three, Dane's ultimate aspiration is to embody the qualities he wishes to instill in his children.
Dane DeSantis - Board Chair
Terri and her husband raised their daughter through the Venice school system, where they enjoyed watching her grow and prosper through education and sports. Their daughter went on to graduate from the University of South Florida. Now a proud grandparent to two grandchildren in Tampa, Florida, Terri balances her business responsibilities with community service.
Several years ago, Terri sought to increase her community involvement while managing her business and serving on other boards. Introduced by a fellow board member, she joined Laurel Civic to contribute further. Recognizing the unique value Laurel Civic brings to the south Sarasota Community, Terri found her calling. The organization's holistic approach, addressing both parental and child needs, resonated deeply with her. Terri believes in fostering family success and empowerment through Laurel Civic's services, breaking cycles, and promoting positive change.
Terri is enthusiastic about contributing to Laurel Civic's promising future and is proud to be part of its mission.
Terri Ramey - Vice Chair
Deb Beach is a retired CPA and a graduate of Iowa State University. She moved to Florida in 2014 after practicing in Nebraska and Iowa. Throughout her husband’s career moves, Deb became deeply involved in each community, serving as treasurer on multiple boards. She enjoys golfing, traveling, walking, gardening, playing card and board games, and spending time with her children, their spouses, and two granddaughters. While searching for volunteer opportunities in Florida, a friend mentioned that Laurel Civic needed someone with an accounting background. Familiar with the organization from golf fundraisers, Deb researched and prayed before deciding it was a perfect fit. She now serves on the board and enjoys volunteering with the kids. In addition to her involvement with Laurel Civic, Deb has been active in various community initiatives, always striving to make a positive impact. Her dedication to helping others and her passion for community service continue to drive her efforts in retirement.
Deb Beach - Treasurer
Dennis is Co-Owner, with his wife Linda, of Venice Olive Oil Company, comprising two local gourmet grocery stores featuring olive oils from around the world and balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy. After a 30-year naval career, Dennis relocated to the local area in 2013. In 2019, he eagerly joined the board of the Laurel Civic Association to give back to the community that he and Linda have come to cherish. Dennis is passionate about supporting Laurel Civic's transformative initiatives within the local community.
Dennis Turner - Secretary
John received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University. During nearly 30 years of private practice, he served as Vice-Chair of the Oral Surgery Department at Nashoba Hospital and President of the Wachusett District Dental Society. John initiated the GHAP Dental program, providing access to dental care for low-income, uninsured families, and founded a free dental clinic at Burbank Hospital. After private practice, John served nearly ten years in the U.S. Public Health Care System, including roles as Chief Dental Officer for the Community Health Center of Cape Cod and Dental Director for Harvard and Boston University’s Public Health Externship Programs. Since 2012, John and his wife Margie have been involved with fundraising for Laurel Civic. Inspired by the organization’s volunteers, John joined the board in 2017 and served as Board Chair from 2019 to June 2023.
John Mancini - Immediate Past Chair
Aundria Castleberry retired in 2022 after 23 years at All Faiths Food Bank as Director of Donor Relations. Passionate about supporting families, children, seniors, and veterans, she has lived in Sarasota County for 44 years. Originally from Miami, Aundria attended Miami Dade College and Eckerd College and pursued a banking career in Sarasota for 15 years before teaching life skills to at-risk students. She has been a commissioner and former Chair on the Venice Housing Authority board, creating the “Girl Talk” program in 2006. The City of Venice honored her legacy by naming Castleberry Court after her. Aundria, known as “the glue” by her family, shares a blended family with her husband Johnny, loves to travel, and has numerous godchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is involved with the Venice Housing Authority, Sertoma Club, Embracing Our Differences, and Laurel Civic. Former affiliations include the Association for Fundraising Professionals, Sarasota Women’s Alliance, and Selby Foundation.
Aundria Castleberry
Johnny Castleberry retired in 2021 after nearly 40 years at Federal Express. Born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, he was a star athlete at Sarasota High School and attended the University of Central Florida. For over 25 years, Johnny has coached youth football, developing two Little League teams and teaching responsibility and hard work. He founded a “Boys to Men” outreach program at the Venice Housing Authority in 2006. Family is his world, and he stepped down from leading the league to become a full-time grandfather and support his wife, Aundria. Johnny volunteers with the Sertoma Club of Venice and uses his photography skills to support civic organizations. He is excited to join the board of Laurel Civic alongside his wife.
Johnny (Pete) Castleberry
Christine Griffith, originally from Rochester, NY, settled in Venice, FL in 1961 where she embraced her community roots. With her father practicing at Venice Hospital and her grandfather founding Jerry’s Shoe Comfort Shop, Christine's ties run deep. After attending Epiphany Catholic School, Cardinal Mooney High School, and Webber International College, Christine co-founded James Griffith Salon in 1988, expanding to locations in Venice, Boca Grande, and Sarasota. Dedicated to community service, she volunteers at local schools, serves on boards, and supports nonprofits. Currently a director at the Laurel Civic Association and Venice Art Center, Christine enjoys photography, drawing, gardening, and yoga. She cherishes time with her cat, Leon, and with husband James. Their three children—Brian, a musician; Aimee, an artist/graphic designer; and Kaitlin, an artist/biology teacher pursuing a PhD in Prague—reflect Christine's commitment to family and community enrichment through her civic engagements.
Christine M. Griffith
Alex Herrington, CFP®, is a seasoned financial planner based in Venice, FL, currently with Fourthought Private Wealth. With a background at Fidelity Investments, he specializes in creating comprehensive financial plans for high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. Alex's expertise extends to estate planning, tax strategies, insurance, and charitable giving, drawing on his experience managing substantial client portfolios and advising on investment strategies and risk management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Deeply committed to community service, Alex contributes to the mission of the Laurel Civic Association, particularly in empowering children, teens, adults, and families through education, advocacy, and support services. His enthusiasm for making a meaningful impact in the community drives his role as a board member. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending quality time with his wife.
Alex Herrington
Elizabeth Anne Skinner resides in Venice, FL, and brings extensive volunteer leadership experience to the Laurel Civic Association Board. With a background in operational management for tech-enabled firms, Elizabeth is passionate about leveraging her skills to drive community impact. She currently serves on the Loveland Center Board in Venice, FL, and has held pivotal roles in organizations such as the Junior League of Birmingham, AL, and the Converse College Alumnae Board in Spartanburg, SC. Elizabeth is dedicated to advancing Laurel Civic's mission, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for a brighter future.
Elizabeth Anne Skinner
Staff
Peter M. Casamento, M.A.
President & Executive Director
Deacon Peter, a New Jersey native, retired as a Captain of Police after 30 years in law enforcement. He and his wife, married for 39 years, relocated to North Myrtle Beach, SC in 2009, where he served as a Pastoral Associate at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Peter initiated outreach programs including financial assistance, a soup kitchen, and a food pantry, reflecting his passion for serving the poor.
As Executive Director, Peter led North Strand Helping Hands & the Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach until October 2019, when he moved to Venice, FL. Retirement didn't suit him long, and he joined All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota as Agency Relations Manager before joining Laurel Civic.
Peter holds a Master’s Degree summa cum laude in Education from Seton Hall University, specializing in Human Resource Management and Leadership. He's a Certified Public Manager from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a graduate of the NJ State Chiefs of Police Association - West Point Command & Leadership Program. Ordained in 2003 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Paterson, NJ, Peter remains dedicated to community service and assisting those in need.
Alicia Williams
Director of Youth Programs
Alicia Williams joined Laurel Civic in July of 2022. She is a native of South Florida and has lived around the world for the last 28 years as a military spouse. She has a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in psychology/business. Her graduate studies are also in criminology and psychology. She has spent over 15 years of her professional career working within the nonprofit sector, managing under the Education and Human Services umbrella, working with the youth and adults’ populations providing management services.
Alicia’s passion is empowering and constructing opportunities for youth in the community to help them grow, develop, and mature in reaching their full potential as young men and young women.
Alicia enjoys spending time with family.
Alicia is the proud wife of (Ret. Major) Joseph Williams and the proud mom of two remarkable boys, Joseph Jr. and Johnell.
Our History
We help the children and families we serve get closer to the goal of self-sufficiency each day with the help of grants, donations, volunteers, and collaborations.
In 1969, local volunteers, led by community activist Sandra Sims Terry, formed Laurel Civic Association to bring much needed development to the Laurel area. Their actions brought water to homes, lights to streets, affordable housing to empty lots and changes that helped develop the area.
More than fifty years later, Laurel Civic still works to provide development to the community, but instead of roads and lights, the focus is on innovative programming for children and adults to help them meet challenges now and offer opportunities for the future. Laurel Civic has grown to serve all of Sarasota County, with an emphasis on South County.
Our Youth Programs focus on the need for equal educational and societal opportunities for all.
This means that we provide:
Food for children so they are not hungry, and can concentrate on other priorities like school work.
Support with homework so they can learn in a welcoming and safe environment.
Positive social experiences so they respect themselves and others, and learn confidence through achievement.
Likewise, we believe disenfranchised adults may need help to meet life’s challenges. We also provide access to services to prevent hunger and homelessness and empower families to learn skills that lead to self-sufficiency.
In addition to financial assistance, today’s families need social, academic, and nutritional help. We use a 2-Generation approach to ensure children and adults receive the prevention and/or intervention services they require.
Our Adult Programs offer:
Support for low-income families with resources to prevent homelessness.
Bi-monthly client choice food distributions. USDA food available.
Assistance with utility and rental bills, and budget management instruction.
Job training
Computer access and guidance to apply for government programs like food stamps, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Financial literacy and growth through our Hand Up! Program.
Each year, Laurel Civic programs provide services to more than 1,000 adults and 500 children, generating measurable results that help empower families, youth, and communities.
