IMPACT Community Center

IMPACT’s Community Center was established to raise funds for the creation of a campus comprised of local businesses and educational opportunities for children and adults to learn life skills. With a focus on supporting and educating people with disabilities or neurotypically developing children, the hope is to create a campus that not only supports but welcomes children and adults of all ages and developmental stages so they may become as independent as possible.

Have questions about the IMPACT Community Center? Send an email to [email protected] to learn more.

Girl holding book in classroom

IMPACT Community Board of Directors

Kevin Kolka, CEO, IMPACT

After more than a decade serving as the CFO for a local civil engineering firm, Kevin joined the IMPACT team in 2008 and presently serves as the CEO and owner of IMPACT. Kevin graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s in Professional Accountancy and a Master’s in Business Administration.

Jim Sorenson

Jim is the owner and managing partner at Sorenson Van Leuven Law Firm. He is a licensed attorney in both Florida and Georgia. Jim is admitted to practice before the Federal Courts in the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida and Georgia and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Jim and his wife, Michelle, have four children- Mandy, Jimmy, Paul and Peter. They are active members of North Florida Baptist Church.

Jim says it best, “I serve on the Board because I believe in its mission and I have a passion to see our community care for those with disabilities and special needs.”

 

Bart Gunter

Bart Gunter is the Area Vice President for Rogers Gunter Vaughn Insurance HUB Florida. Bart is a graduate of Tallahassee’s Lincoln High School and received his A.A. from Tallahassee Community College and a B.A. from the University of Florida. After working in the political arena, Bart has been an insurance professional for the last 26 years specializing in property and casualty and employees benefits.

His community service includes current member Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and numerous non -profit and charitable boards. Bart is married to Jennifer Basford Gunter. He has three daughters Claudia, Hannah and Dorey and is a member of Bradfordville First Baptist Church.

“I truly believe IMPACT Tallahassee needs to lead in service and educational programs for our kids with learning challenges. IMPACT is providing those skills, positioning our kids to contribute to our community in a powerful way!”

Colson Hosford

Colson Hosford joined the Seminole Boosters staff in April 2015 and serves as the asset manager for all SBI-owned real estate assets. In 2016 he also began serving as a major gift fundraiser focusing on real estate gifts to the Boosters. Prior to joining the Boosters, Colson was a member of the 2002-03 football team as a walk-on WR and later played two seasons professionally in Europe with the Munich Cowboys. Prior to playing football abroad he spent eight years in the Commercial Real Estate & Banking industries.

Colson is a native Tallahassean and is a very average golfer and angler, but seems to really enjoy both. He and his wife, Katie, have been married for 8 years and have four children. Colson graduated from Florida State in 2002 and later returned for his MBA in 2005.

“Providing unique and specific programs helps our families and community by strengthening independence and inclusivity for our kids!”

Christy Oberste

Christy Oberste is the Director of Capital Development for the Life Town Board. Since first becoming involved as a parent, she has developed a passion for those needing a little extra assistance. This passion led to her addition to the Foundation’s Board as the Director of Capital Development. Christy’s background in education has led her to use her talent and skills for the betterment of others. IMPACT’s focus on education is paramount to development. Christy is now dedicated to leading our Capital Campaign Team that will create the IMPACT Community Center.

“I joined the IMPACT Board because I have a passion for helping children reach their full potential. Being a part of this board has allowed me to witness the positive impact on the lives of these children and their families. It has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience that has also provided opportunities for personal and professional growth!”

Scott Harrell

Scott Harrell is the owner of Home Instead Senior Care of Tallahassee and has been with Home Instead since 1998 when he worked as a caregiver while in college.

Scott is married to Allison Harrell and they have two children, Caden and Ensley. Both Scott and Allison are very involved in the Tallahassee Community.

“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’- This is my why, to help these kids and parents know there is a place in our community for their loved ones to be successful!”

Lawrence Mrvica

Lawrence is Co-Founder and President of TestSmarter Inc., a medical testing company that provides oxygen and sleep testing. Since TestSmarter’s inception in 2015, Lawrence has traveled the country bringing diagnostic testing into the homes of patients with the goal of improving their quality of sleep and overall health. In his spare time, Lawrence enjoys shooting sporting clays and quail hunting with his English Cocker Spaniel, Maybelle.

“I serve on the Board because it gives me an opportunity to surround myself with like-minded people who are passionate about making sure those with disabilities and special needs are supported and recognized as valuable members of our community.”

Cyndi Ranallo

Cyndi Ranallo has a wide range of experience in both education and human relations. Cyndi graduated from Florida State University with a Juris Master degree and an emphasis in employment, and from Capella University with a Master’s in Human Behavior. After working over a decade in higher education, she joined IMPACT as the director of Human Resources in 2021.

“I serve on the board because I believe in our mission. As an employee and a board member, I have a unique perspective of seeing the changes we make in families’ lives every day, as well as being able to plan for the future growth of our organization. Serving on the IMPACT Board allows me an additional platform to advocate and raise awareness for the challenges and needs our community with special needs experiences on a daily basis.”

I am proud to be a part of a team that puts others in front of themselves.
Lawrence Mvrica
IMPACT Foundation Board Member
The positive energy the staff brings to the center every day, helps you know your little one is being well taken care of. Everyone at the center have truly become a part of our family now and we will be forever grateful for each and every one of them. Everything is so great that now we are also looking forward to their after school program!
Caitlin Huard
I can’t say enough great things about The Summer Escape program! Trusting people when you have a child with special needs is often a scary thing. You want to make sure the people surrounding your little one are kind, caring, and able keep them safe. We are so lucky to have found this program and love all of the people who help run things.
Caitlin Huard
The most comforting aspect as a parent, is knowing that my son is in an environment where he can learn and is understood. I am very thankful for the school's mission to educate kids with learning differences and the teachers and administrators that make this happen every day.
Shacarra Sigler
We struggled with the school placement decision, because we wanted to find the right school that would be a good fit for our son. I am so glad that we chose IMPACT; they are so helpful, caring, and understand my son’s specific needs. They have accommodated his needs on so many levels, which I believe would have been unmet at other schools.
Shacarra Sigler
Our son has a rare genetic syndrome, delayed development and learning disabilities. We have been bringing him to IMPACT Tallahassee since he was 1-year-old and he will soon be 10. The staff in the office, the teachers, the aides are all amazing with the children; I'm very impressed with their professionalism and compassion. I personally recommend IMPACT to people on a regular basis.
Teresa Corbet
IMPACT Tallahassee and their staff have become such an important part of our lives over the last 9 years. We couldn't imagine not being there on a weekly basis.
Teresa Corbet