Sarah oversees the creation and implementation of programs that annually impact over 400,000 adults and children. She is also responsible for EOD's fundraising, community relations, and long-term sustainability initiatives.
With over fourteen years of experience in local non-profit organizations, Sarah has held leadership roles at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and Children First. Currently, her deep commitment to the community is evidenced by her service as Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the Sarasota Women's Alliance, as a Board Member of The Sarasota Tiger Bay Club, on the Advisory Board for the Boxser Diversity Initiative, and as a Sustainer Member of the Junior League of Sarasota.
A Sarasota native, Sarah is passionate about fostering kindness, inclusion, and individuality within the community. She is a Leadership Florida alumna and was recognized by SRQ Magazine as one of Sarasota's "30 Under 30" in 2017.
Liz is responsible for numerous development and office duties, including grant writing and reporting, managing the constituent database, annual events, and various administrative tasks.
Previously Liz was an Administrative Support Team Supervisor at Macy’s. Liz has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from West Virginia University with a minor in psychology. Her passion for the arts stems from dance; she danced ballet for 14 years.
Christina Fraser comes to Embracing Our Differences with a background that spans the nonprofit, arts, and administrative sectors in the Sarasota community. Her knowledge extends to many facets of business operations from financial and policy management to community engagement and marketing. Christina prides herself on being an analytical and creative thinker with a proven ability to see the big picture and develop plans that achieve measurable success. Her enthusiastic approach has allowed her to be a collaborative colleague and trusted leader with internal and external stakeholders.
With her most recent role as the Senior Director of Business Operations at Sarasota Art Museum, she demonstrated her ability to create financial and administrative efficiencies as well as effectively direct business operations. She brings an innate talent for strategizing and implementing streamlined processes, resulting in increased productivity and profitability. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. The Florida native finds great joy in spending time outdoors, particularly at the beach and exploring new destinations with her family.
Patrick Arthur Jackson is a seasoned arts leader dedicated to fostering community engagement and promoting inclusion and kindness through the arts. With a strong background in education, outreach, and program development, he has served in key roles at prestigious institutions such as The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, American Stage, and Florida Studio Theatre. Jackson's commitment to community connection is evident in his work with various community organizations, including The Black Arts Leadership Alliance, Today's Church, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Morehouse College and has received specialized training in leadership and arts administration.
Michaela Stockhill has over a decade of experience in education, leadership, and community development in her hometown of Sarasota and internationally. She has a deep commitment to inclusive programming, experiential learning, and youth development.
She has been a teacher in Sarasota County Schools for ten years and worked with Embracing Our Differences as a Coexistence Club advisor. Michaela’s leadership extends internationally as well. As an International Director in Costa Rica and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in Mozambique, she has facilitated global learning programs that integrated service, health education, and leadership training. With a B.S. in Biology, a Master of Public Administration, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Michaela excels at building inclusive educational spaces, organizing programming, and fostering community engagement.
Michaela enjoys traveling the world, concerts, and coaching softball.
Dan, CPA (inactive), JD, is a respected practitioner, speaker, and thought leader focused on financial sustainability. As a CPA and attorney, he has devoted the past 35+ years helping nonprofits and businesses maximize their success.
In 2012, Dan founded Counterpart CFO to provide support to the community-based work of nonprofit organizations. His mission has been not only to sustain nonprofits but to help them thrive in an increasingly complex environment. Dan’s areas of expertise include driving revenue and designing accounting systems to support the most effective decision making.
As an instructor in both graduate and undergraduate studies, Dan’s courses for the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Muskingum University, and Keller Graduate School of Management have included finance, accounting, business law, business strategy, and business ethics.
Dan enjoys golf as well as playing guitar and piano.
Staff and board photos by Barbara Banks: 
* Of Blessed Memory
Any art, or views or expressions within a work of art made by an artist or that of a writer, do not necessarily represent the views of the organization or individual members of its Board of Directors.
