Children's Services Advisory Board

Purpose

The purpose of the Children's Services Advisory Board is to make recommendations to the County regarding the expenditure of dedicated funding, to consult with agencies dedicated to the welfare of children in an effort to minimize duplication of services, and to complete other duties assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.

Current Members

 Name Current Term Ends Seat
CHAIR:
Xtavia Bailey
09/30/2026		  
Child Advocate
VICE CHAIR:
Jannon Pierce		  
09/30/2026		  
Child Advocate
Carolann Garafola 09/30/2027 Child Advocate
Patricia Miner 09/30/2025 Child Advocate
Barbara Byrne 09/30/2027 Child Advocate
Ret. Major Connie Shingledecker
09/30/2025
Criminal Justice Representative
Ret. Judge Scott Brownell  09/30/2025 Judge
Dr. Emily Gault 09/30/2027 Licensed Mental Health Professional
Heather Felton
09/30/2026		 Manatee County School Board Representative
Rita B. Smith 09/30/2026 NAACP Representative
Debbie Tapp
     09/30/2027     United Way Representative
Dr. Constance Logan     09/30/2025 Physician, pediatrician preferred

Nina Romeu		    
    09/30/2027		 FL Dept. of Children & Families Representative

Meetings

FY25 Meeting Schedule  (February 2025 through September 2025)

The meeting schedule for the Children's Services Advisory Board varies some throughout the year. During the months of June through January, meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. Beginning in February and through May, meetings are held weekly at 3:00 p.m. The two recommendation meetings in May are Monday and Wednesday of the same week, each beginning at 3:00 p.m. Meetings are usually held in the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34205, on the Fifth Floor (Manatee Room).

An Advisory Board retreat is held annually at various locations throughout the community and typically in October.

Membership Requirements

The Children's Services Advisory Board (CSAB) is comprised of volunteers who dedicate time to support children of Manatee County and the Children's Services Ordinance. The Board of County Commissioners considers the applicants and appoints Manatee County residents for three year terms, representing the following areas:

  • 1 Physician, preferably a Pediatrician
  • 1 Licensed Mental Health Professional
  • 1 Member of the NAACP
  • 5 Child Advocates who are not affiliated with any agency receiving county funds
  • 1 Criminal Justice Representative
  • 1 Member of the Manatee County School Board
  • 1 Representative of the Florida Department of Children & Families
  • 1 Representative of the United Way of Manatee County
  • 1 Judge/Representative of the Family Law Division

Application

Applications are only accepted when there are advertised vacancies on the board. Applicants for the Children's Services Advisory Board must complete the application, including the supplemental questions on page four, and provide a current and comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae. All documents must be completed and submitted for the applicant to be considered for appointment. The application form is available for downloading on the Apply for an Advisory Board page.

For questions, or additional information, contact Kristi Hagen, Children's Services Program Coordinator, at 941-748-4501 ext. 3485 or email kristi.hagen@mymanatee.org.