Board of Directors

Clara Acero Smith

Executive Director | Kingdom Charitable Trust

Growing up in a single-parent household, I can relate to needing guidance and yearning for stability. Children’s Harbor provides that safe place for youth in our community struggling to find a home and is unique as it keeps siblings together. I am honored to be part of a heart-led, impactful organization.

Marleen Applebaum

VP of Business Operations | MA Construction Group

Each child should have a place to call home – a safe place where they are loved, nurtured, and taught skills to help them succeed in life. For many, Children’s Harbor is that place. I’m honored to part of this incredible organization whose professionals give of themselves every single day and every single hour to help children heal.

Lisa Mooney

SVP, Sr. Business Development Officer | Centennial Bank

There is such a need within our community to provide a safe and secure environment for children and young adults, who are currently in foster care or have aged out of the program. Children’s Harbor provides not only a safe home but also provides resources and guidance to all they serve. I am honored to be on the board and will continue to support this wonderful organization.

Stephanie Parker

President, South Florida Condo – HOA | FirstService Residential

Children’s Harbor is unique in so, so many ways, but most importantly in how the leadership team, dedicated professionals and onsite team members manage to create a home and also a family for young people who may have never experienced that before. I’ve never seen anything like it and I am humbled by the youth, and the team, every single day.

Debra Lage

Senior Principle | Mercer

A child needs a place to feel loved and safe in an environment that provides guidance and the tools to help them continue to grow regardless of the experiences and tragedies they have endured. Children’s Harbor is that place. I am privileged and honored to be part of such an amazing organization.

Troy Sorel

Senior Financial Advisor, Partner | SlateStone Wealth, LLC

I chose to serve on this board because of the direct short and long-term impact this incredible organization has on children in the community.

Manolis Alevropoulos

Vice President of Celebrity Cruises | Marine Operations

Serving our community at Children’s Harbor is not only my internal need and obligation but a realization that the future depends on working together and supporting the young to carry a better future for a better world.

Nicholas Sproul

Managing Broker | Southwestern Real Estate

Coming from a broken home and being orphaned as a teenager myself, I could see what a difference Children’s Harbor and Brown’s Harbor was making in the lives of these kids. From working my first Guardian Ad Litem case and being assigned to a set of siblings that was placed at Children’s Harbor, I could tell this facility was here to do something most group homes don’t have the ability to do and that’s to keep these kids together when they can only lean on each other. I’m truly honored to be able to serve on this board because it’s a cause that is dear to me and I believe it can make a huge impact.

Martin J. Alexander, Esq.

Equity Partner | Holland and Knight

I believe that the most important part of our mission at Children’s Harbor is providing a place where there is love. I am most proud of the fact that we not only provide services but we do it in a way that lets our kids know and their families know that we truly care about each and every one of them.

Karen Ross

Partner, Accountant, and Enrolled Agent | Palermo Landsman & Ross P.A.

What is happening at Children’s Harbor is so much bigger than me; serving among some of the most compassionate board of directors in the community is just one way to change the lives of our youth who’ve been impacted by trauma.