Jonathan Lewis

Chief Operating Officer

In 2010, Jonathan began volunteering with the coalition. After a year of volunteering, the coalition was able to acquire a small amount of funding and subsequently hired its first ever pay staff member, Jonathan Lewis. Since 2011, Jonathan has worked to build the infrastructure of the Coalition, providing a strong foundation for acquiring and sustaining additional funding and services for Levy County youth. Over the past 10 years, the Coalition has grown tremendously and now offers programming in all five Levy County communities, an accomplishment that Jonathan hopes not only to maintain, but build upon in the years to come.

Sheri Higgins

Youth Development Coordinator

“If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of you like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” ~ Roald Dahl

I have been involved in assisting children for over 20 years. It started with my own three children; from volunteering in their classrooms, being active in the PTO, and assisting with their extracurricular activities including pee-wee football, cheerleading, and the Girls and Boys Scouts. I found such enjoyment in the classroom and in their activities that I decided to become a teacher. So, after completing my Bachelors in Elementary Education from University of Central Florida along with a Master’s in Reading from St. Leo University, I began my teaching career. I started in Levy County at Williston Middle School teaching 6th grade Language Arts and 6th – 8th grade Intensive Reading classes and remained there for seven years. I then went on to teach for three more years in Marion County at Romeo Elementary teaching 2nd grade and reading remediation classes. My passion is to support struggling students to find a love of reading and learning. I want to show them that knowledge is power, so the more they learn, the more power they will have for opportunities and success in their life. I came to work for the Levy County Prevention Coalition in June of 2019 with the purpose of being able to work with and help more students than just those that were in my classroom. My hobbies are making memories with my family by camping, riding the 4-wheelers in the mud, and going to Walt Disney World.

“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~ A.A. Milne/Christopher Robin

Deedee Merando

Coordinator of Coalition Development

“Children need models rather than critics.” ~Joseph Joubert
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men/women.” ~Frederick Douglas

I became a part of the Levy County Prevention Coalition Team in September of 2018. I love that I can use my education and experience in teaching and business administration to be a part of something that I feel makes a difference in our community; not just a job, but a mission. As a mother of three grown children I know it “takes a village” to see our children become healthy, happy, and successful adults and the LCPC is part of that “village” as they offer many programs that provide guidance, education, and mentors to help our youth make better choices for their future. They also have a strong commitment to see Levy County be a healthy and thriving community.

When I am not at the office I enjoy being the Director of the Fine Arts/Worship Minister and Business Administrator at Cornerstone Church Williston.

Samantha Dean

Community Projects Coordinator

I have been working with children and youth in Levy County for 15+ years. I love helping and building a rapport with them and their families. I began working with the Prevention Coalition in March 2019. As a former Early Childhood Educator, I’m excited to bring my passion to the Prevention Coalition!

Octavious Lee

Senior Project Assistant

Rhett Munden

Project Assistant

Dylan Washburn

Project Assistant

Joelle Covarrubias

Project Assistant

Crystal Seley
Chairman
Mission Family Williston

Chris Cowart
Co-Chairman
Jac-Pac Distributors

W.O. “Brett” Beauchamp III
Secretary
Undersheriff Levy County Sheriff’s Office

Robert Wells
Treasurer
Meridian Behavioral Health

Edith Brown
Parliamentarian
Retired Levy County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Dennis Strow
Honorary Board Member
Williston Police Department

Sheriff Robert McCallum
Honorary Board Member
Levy County Sheriff’s Office

Superintendent Jeff Edison
Honorary Board Member
School Board of Levy County