Biographies

In 1992, Joy began teaching children to swim and in the past 20 years, has taught thousands of children to swim. Realizing there was a need to teach all children to swim; in 2003 Joy founded The Gift of Swimming, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships for underprivileged and special needs children. The new SouthWest Aquatics facility was open in march of 2008. Joy lives in Orlando with her husband and three children.

Joy was honored with the Humanitarian Award for 2007 by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, Community Action Board & Head Start Policy Council. Her accomplishments were achieved through an exceptional partnership with The Gift of Swimming, SouthWest Aquatics & the Orange County Head Start program. This partnership gave disadvantage children the opportunity to learn water safety skills through swimming.

In May 2008, Joy was selected by the Chairman of the board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Mark Spitz, to be recipient of the G. Harold Martin Award. This award demonstrates long & exceptional leadership, insight & dedication to the water safety of children & the cause of making “Every Child a Swimmer.” “For that special person who sets a standard for mankind with their commitment to aquatics, who has lived their life with a passion to bring forth in the world a dream of vision, a way of being for mankind that is independent of any personal goals.”

On November 17, 2008, Joy was celebrated by Bank of America as a “Local Hero” in our community for her commitment and leadership to contribute significantly to neighborhood vitality.

2/21/12 term renewal date

Susan Polder
Acting Executive Director, The Gift of Swimming

Susan Polder is the Acting Executive Director and Program Manager for the Gift of Swimming. She is a wife and mother of 3 children. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Belmont Abbey College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame. Following a 10 year career working for the Department of Defense in Washington DC, Susan relocated with her husband to Orlando FL. As a stay-at-home home, Susan has volunteered extensively in her children’s schools, most recently serving as First Vice President of the PTA. She has also served in her church as a religious education instructor and has helped begin a new ministry that supports a local battered woman’s shelter. Susan has been employed with the Gift of Swimming as Program Manager since February 2008.

Dr. Gregory Gordon
Chairperson, The Gift of Swimming

Dr. Gordon is a member of Pediatric Associates of Orlando. He has been a physician in Orlando for seven years. He graduated from the University of Florida and completed his residency in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Gordon is the Chairperson of The Gift of Swimming. He resides in Windermere with his wife and seven children.

5/16/12 term renewal date

Josseline Garriga
President, The Gift of Swimming

Josseline a B.S. Degree in Mathematics from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. She began her career working in computer programming for an insurance company and then moved into developing application for Lockheed Martin Corporation. She has over 10 years of experience in system design, development and operational support. She also has 20 years experience managing an operating staff of professional engineers and a vast portfolio of applications. Josseline’s career has included extensive work in both hardware and software arenas, encompassing a number of management positions with growing responsibility.

5/16/12 term renewal date

Maureen McGinty
Vice President, The Gift of Swimming

Maureen received her Masters in Business Administration from Rollins' Crummer School of Business. She attended the University of Florida and attained an undergraduate degree in Marketing. She competed as a National springboard and platform diver for 12 years, her last three years she competed on the University of Florida's Swim and Dive team. She has been active in the Central Florida community and serves as a board member for the Adult literacy league. She enjoys her free time in the water, Whether it is on the Butler chain of Lakes, at the ocean, or in the pool.

11/15/14 term renewable

Nyea Sturman
Secretary, The Gift of Swimming

Nyea Sturman is the Partnership Business Manager for the Orlando Magic. She works in the Corporate Partnerships department and focuses on operational efficiency and strategic initiatives, market research, financial analysis, contract execution, and inventory management.

Nyea graduated from Cornell University (B.S Industrial and Labor Relations), University of Oregon (M.B.A, Sports Business) and from Marquette University Law School in 2003. While in school, Nyea interned with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pettit National Ice Center, and the National Football League. She is admitted to practice in New York and Wisconsin and is a member of the Sports Lawyers Association (SLA). During law school, Nyea also served as the Executive Editor of the Marquette Sports Law Review and the President of the Sports Law Society.

2/21/13 term renewal date

Kathleen King
Treasurer,The Gift of Swimming

Kathleen's background includes serving in senior finance roles for Fortune 500 companies including Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. She has held varying roles in finance, with most of her experience in roles where she partnered with the operations teams to streamline costs, improve revenues, create strong internal controls, and build world class finance teams. She spent most of her early years in Texas, graduating from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Accounting and starting her career in Houston as a public accountant with Ernst & Young LLP. While swimming is not a significant part of Kathleen's history, she is passionate about the life-saving and life-changing mission of The Gift of Swimming. Her son graduated from Southwest Aquatics with the confidence and ability to be safe in the water, and she wants every child to have that opportunity. Kathleen lives in Windermere with her husband and son.

1/23/12 term renewal date

Lisa Green
Community Relations, The Gift of Swimming

Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida) with extensive studies in Sociology. She became active in her community as a young child in Vero Beach, Florida soon after re-locating with her family from Bitburg, Germany. Volunteering is a continued practice from childhood.

She strongly believes in dedicating her skills and passion for others' well-being via advocacy with the knowledge of making an impact as much as possible to the underserved and forgotten segment of our society. She wishes to provide a strong and effective voice for children and adults who cannot speak for themselves. She has and continues to advocate for individuals who are socio-economically disadvantaged, disabled, victims of domestic violence, juveniles, and homeless individuals via empowerment.

Lisa's background include:

*Licensed Free-Lance Photographer

*Licensed Foster Parent/Advocate via the State of Florida-Department of Children & Families for nine (9) years

*Homeless Case Management and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate (Women's Residential & Counseling Center)

*Vocational Planning Counselor (Goodwill Industries of Central Florida)

Volunteer/Advocacy Includes: Southwest Aquatics-The Gift of Swimming , Orange County Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Orange County Public Schools ADDitions Volunteer, Orange County Head Start, Non-Profit Event Photographer, and other non-profit organizations.

More than a decade, she realized that by utilizing photojournalism while advocating it provided photo documentation that many non-profit organizations desperately needed for: grants, fundraising events, increasing public awareness, and creating educational awareness. She now strongly believes that by informing the public via photos, it has assisted in bringing the significance of the event or cause to people's attention. She now takes photographs for utilization both internally and to raise awareness while prompting people to take action.

Lisa never thought of volunteering and advocacy as a one-time experience. It has always been a lifetime activity. She always places her greatest importance on her commitments to her family and the community. She has lived in Orlando since 1987 and resides in East Orlando.

8/3/13 term renewable

Juan H. Garriga
Board Member, The Gift of Swimming

Juan obtained his BS in Electrical Engineering with an officer commission from the USAF-ROTC. Completed USAF pilot training at Williams AFB, Arizona where Juan also obtained his commercial pilot license. Juan was then assigned to pilot B-52s at Carswell AFB, Texas. There he flew the B-52 that is located at Orlando International Airport.

After separation from Air Force active duty, he remained in the reserve and worked as an engineer for the following aerospace locations:

1. Bell Helicopter, Hurst, Texas
2. Martin Marietta, Orlando, FL
3. Harris Corp, Melbourne, FL
4. Cape Cañaveral AFS, FL for 17 years
5. Kennedy Space Center, FL for 3 years

Air Force recalled him during the first Iraqi war in 1991 to do more engineering in the B-1b bomber, which he had worked at Harris.
He has been retired since November 2008 and have taken multiple Philanthropy courses at Rollins College.

10/31/12 term renewable

Dr. Michael DiMauro
Advisory member, The Gift of Swimming

Dr. DiMauro attended Ohio State University and received his Undergrad degree in B.S. Psych in 1984. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1988. He completed his Pediatric Residency 1988-1990 at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. Known as “Dr. Mike” in Orlando, he has been a Pediatric dentist for 16 years. He resides in Sand Lake Point with his wife of 13 years and their 5 children…all alumni of Joy’s PediaSwim program.
Community involvement includes: 14 years with the Central Florida YMCA, Partner in Education, Orange County Public Schools (Windy Ridge), School Advisory Board St. John Vianney Catholic School, Member Greater Orlando Dental Society and various state and national affiliations. He has little leisure time but enjoys working in his yard and garden.

2/18/12 term renewable

John is currently attending Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida where he is working to complete his Masters Degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in Finance and Marketing.
He also received his Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Rollins College in 2010. Prior to starting college, John worked for a small-startup that grew to become a publically traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.
Over the years he has also held various internships with an accounting firm,a cancer treatment center, and an international import/export company. His passions include running for the Rollins College Men’s Cross Country Team and speaking at Toastmasters weekly meetings."

Rob Lowe is the Human Resources Leader for Dean Foods’ Sales and Distribution Organization for the Florida Market. In his role, he oversees the HR function for T.G. Lee Diary in Central and Northern Florida and McArthur Dairy in South Florida. He is also the Founder/Owner of HR Pacesetters LLC, based out of Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Rob moved to Central Florida after joining Dean Foods in October 2009. Prior to joining Dean Foods and launching HR Pacesetters, LLC, he held leadership roles in Human Resources for several Fortune 500 companies including Accenture, Cummins Engine Company, and Alcoa.

Rob currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Employers Association Forum and Jacobs Ladder for Youth in Kansas City, MO. His past Board membership included the United Way of the Mid-South, the United Way’s Allocation Committee for Desoto County, the Olive Branch Metro Park, and the Memphis Chapter for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources along with several others. He is also a member of the Society of Human Resources Management for Central Florida. In 2006, Rob was named Business Leader of the Year by the Marshall County School District in Mississippi.

Rob has extensive experience in facilitating workshops on mentoring, diversity and profession development. He is the creator of Essence of Man, a seminar that provides tribute to black men, while raising moral and social awareness, and This is Our House, a workshop about teamwork. He is the co-author of Each-One Teach-One: A Formula for Success, a literary essay on mentoring African-American students at predominantly white institutions. He has been a guest speaker at various institutions of higher learning including Baylor University, Texas A&M Commerce University, Depauw University, Indiana State University, University of Minnesota, University of Kentucky, and Texas Tech

Rob has a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management and a Masters of Science in HR Development both from Indiana State University. Rob is also a certified Senior Human Resources Professional.

Kathy received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing from Metropolitan State University of St. Paul, Minnesota. She has extensive studies in Nonprofit Fundraising, Management and Leadership.

Her passion to help is evident in her desire to make a difference in the community. She has collaborated with the medical field, government entities, community leaders, individuals, corporations and other nonprofits to raise awareness and funds for the underprivileged and children with special needs. As a proficient speaker she has promoted the mission of The Gift of Swimming by being a volunteer, an advocate and an educator of Drowning Prevention and Water Safety awareness.

She is presently a task force member of the State of Florida DOH Injury Prevention Goal for Drowning Prevention and the education chair of the Central Florida Drowning Prevention & Water Safety Coalition.

Kathy’s background includes 25 years of experience in business with emphasis in sales and marketing, education, fundraising, event planning, management and leadership. In 2003, she co-founded The Gift of Swimming with Joy McGinty. She has resided in Orlando since 1987 with her husband and two daughters.

Kandi began her professional career at a mid-size law firm, where she managed the Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables for more than 6 years. During this time, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Montana State University. She then earned her Master’s degree in Human Resources from The University of Oregon, and joined the healthcare consulting firm of Stockamp & Associates, Inc. in 1996. She has helped some of the nation’s most prestigious healthcare organizations increase operational effectiveness and improve financial performance by implementing work redesign strategies and key performance metrics. Her work has also focused on executive staff development and change management processes. Previously she was a Training Manager at Stockamp, and was responsible for the design and delivery of various management education programs. Kandi lives with her husband and three sons in Windermere.

Currently Mark is completing his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fl. He is concentrating in finance and entrepreneurship.
Mark obtained his bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 2007. After graduation he was employed at Manitoba Hydro, a large utility, as an engineer working in the field of energy conservation and power quality.
Mark has extensive experience teaching water safety awareness to the public. He was employed with the Winnipeg Police Force on a water rescue team where he performed rescues and supplied information to the public on drowning prevention. Mark is a certified lifeguard and swimming instruction who has worked as a beach patrol officer as well as taught swimming lessons to children of all ages.

Jack’s background includes 18 years in local law enforcement where his primary interests were centered in the area of crime prevention, serving as law enforcement liaison to the resort industry. Later, he was Security and Human Resources manager for the Orlando Marriott Hotel, where risk management and incident avoidance were key focus areas. Other responsibilities included workplace injury investigation, employee/guest safety issues as well as asset protection. His interests are scuba diving, motorcycle riding and photography.

Andrea Lawrence
Honorary Member, The Gift of Swimming

Andrea provides communications and marketing strategies to high-technology enterprises. Combining her marketing and public relations expertise with a high level of technical understanding, Lawrence works with clients to pursue and acquire new business through integrated strategic communications and marketing program concept development and implementation. In addition, she provides expert leadership of proposals and oral briefings; executive communications coaching and speechwriting; and organizational and stakeholder communications. Her 30 years experience included 10 years of senior executive service to Lockheed Martin Corporation where she developed and led the execution of the integrated communications strategy for significant corporate business segments.

Her 30 years experience included 10 years of senior executive service to Lockheed Martin Corporation where she developed and led the execution of the integrated communications strategy for significant corporate business

Lawrence obtained a BA degree in Applied Behavioral Science from National-Louis University and has completed graduate coursework at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She is active in professional and community activities including having served on the Boards of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey; the National Defense Industrial Association Delaware Valley chapter (Philadelphia); and the United Way of Burlington County, New Jersey, and the Prince William United Way (Metropolitan Washington, D.C.). Earlier, she served as vice president of the board of directors of the Community Health Centers Inc., in Orlando, Florida. She is currently serving on the board of directors of The Gift of Swimming in Central Florida.

Dr. Elyse is a Doctor of Chiropractics. She owns and operates the Lakota Medical/Day Spa at Ashley Park in Orlando. She received her B.A & B.S. degrees from Rutgers University, NY in 1982. She earned her doctrine at New York Chiropractic College in 1985. Her practice began 20 years ago in West Chester County, NY. Her community involvement includes the Medical Wellness Spa, Jr. Service League, Health Central Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of NY and NY YMCA. She resides in Windermere with her husband, Anthony and daughter, Gianna.

A proud native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John has lived in Florida for the last five years. Since graduating from LaSalle University in 1989, John has worked in various Accounting positions in the fields of Advertising, Commercial Real Estate and at present, Organized Labor in the Central Florida area.