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Team Members Bios

Executive Committee

Board of Directors

Staff

Founding Members

Get To Know Our Members

Bios

Anthony Cardinal

Founder/ C.E.O

Innovative, creative, and an excellent visionary – these are just some of the words used to describe Mr. Anthony Cardinal whose talents are well known in Florida. On the 28th of October 1988 in his native island of Trinidad and Tobago, he was promoted to the position of Supplemental Police Superintendent for 11 years. Anthony also created and operated his own private security company. Mr. Cardinal also had a career in law enforcement in New York City. Worked in consulting, Strategic planning, development, branding, and marketing. In 2000 He created and launched his line of clothing, Kenscoff Sportswear. In 2009, Cardinal’s passion for children and their welfare led him to the creation of an organization whose main challenge is to help children in need and those who served. 1st Veterans Kids Care, Inc. was born. The nonprofit organization was created to transform the lives of children of our military by identifying and fulfilling their needs. 1st Veterans Kids Care is committed to creating an awareness of the needs and life challenges our veterans, their spouses, and children in America undergo when they are faced with the tragic death or disability of one or both parents at war.

On January 28, 2016, Cardinal launched his own Property Investment and Development Company, Cardinal Homes and LLC in the Central Florida area. His mission is to deliver the American dream home where clients receive the most satisfying building, buying experience. Mr. Cardinal and his family are based in sunny Florida, where inspiration is found in nature and all things beautiful. Cardinal is focusing his full attention on giving this lifestyle of comfort and versatility to veterans and those who serve.

Leon R Gaither

Secretary / Veterans Resource Coordinator

Leon R. Gaither is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He graduated from Maryland with a B.S. degree in Zoology and Howard University’s ROTC Leadership Development program. Leon was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and attended the US Army Field Artillery School Officer Basic Course (FAOBC) at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Since 1993 Leon has been active in secondary and post-secondary education and has taught K-20 grades. Leon earned a master’s in science education and a master’s in educational leadership from the Teacher Education University. Leon has served as the Board President and the Military Veterans Program Coordinator of 1st Veterans’ Kids Care, Inc. a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Central Florida. He was responsible for the management and administrative oversight of the organization and instrumental in developing initiatives, programs, and services whose aims were to improve the well-being of children. His main goals are enhancing the organization's opportunities to partner with veteran organizations, private organizations, and educational institutions. Leon’s greatest strengths are his creativity, his passion, his drive, and his leadership abilities. He thrives on challenges, particularly those that allow him the opportunity to expand his community outreach abilities and utilize his critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques. Born and raised in Olney, Maryland, Leon now lives in Boynton Beach, Florida with his wife and best friend Katrina and their daughter Jordan. In his free time, Leon likes to play the guitar, golf, ride his bicycle, and take long walks.

Larry Raymond

Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, 1st Veterans Kids Care

Finance Executive | Facilities Project Manager | Community-Focused Leader

Larry Raymond serves as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of 1st Veterans Kids Care, where he brings a wealth of financial expertise, project management experience, and a steadfast commitment to community empowerment. His multifaceted background bridges the worlds of public service, financial strategy, and operational excellence.

Educational Background

Larry is a proud graduate of two distinguished institutions:

University of the West Indies – where he laid the foundation for his career in finance and management.
Heriot-Watt University – where he deepened his business acumen and leadership capabilities through advanced studies in finance and project management.

This solid academic foundation has been instrumental in shaping his analytical thinking, strategic planning, and results-driven leadership style.

Professional Experience

In addition to his executive role at 1st Veterans Kids Care, Larry Raymond serves as a Facilities Project Manager for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. In this role, he is responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of major infrastructure and facility improvement projects across the county, ensuring operational efficiency and public value.

His dual expertise in finance and facility management uniquely positions him to oversee complex budgets while ensuring that projects align with long-term community goals.

Leadership at 1st Veterans Kids Care

As CFO and Treasurer, Larry oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for the organization. He plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability—supporting the mission to serve veterans, children, and underserved families with integrity and impact.

Financial Oversight: Manages organizational budgets, audits, and financial strategies.
Strategic Guidance: Helps shape long-term growth and program funding.
Governance: Ensures compliance with financial regulations and nonprofit accountability standards.

Commitment to Service

Larry is deeply committed to community development, equitable access to resources, and improving lives through responsible leadership. His work reflects a deep belief in the power of strategic investment and stewardship to create meaningful change.

Personal Philosophy

Larry believes that true leadership combines knowledge, humility, and service. His guiding principles—integrity, diligence, and community responsibility—are evident in every role he undertakes. Whether managing multi-million-dollar public projects or overseeing nonprofit finances, he approaches each task with the same dedication to excellence and ethical practice.

Larry Raymond continues to serve as a vital pillar of 1st Veterans Kids Care, using his global education and local impact to drive progress, transparency, and opportunity for those who need it most.

Homida Rajack

Asst. Secretary

Homida Rajack is a Financial Solutions Planner focusing on Retirement and Medicare Solutions for the general public sector. As a broker, she can assist families with their needs and has transitioned to this role from the Banking sector.

For the past 15 years worked at Central Florida Banks and Credit Union in diverse positions from Head Teller to Operations Officer to Personal Retail and Small Business Banker. Some of the Financial Institutions were Fairwinds Credit Union / Axiom Bank and Seacoast Bank. Past Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida where emphasis was on Business and Personal Finance Workshops and Education of the Community.

Born and raised in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago where various positions at the Republic Bank Ltd. Past volunteer member of the Lions Club of Trinidad and Tobago. Coach school students for playing Table Tennis in school and village leagues Presently lives in Central Florida Orlando with her family. Passionate about educating and helping families find solutions for their savings and retirement portfolio and dabble in playing Pickleball from time to time. Enjoys the outdoors and watching cricket.

Leo Mendez

Corporate Internal Auditor

Leo Mendez is a graduate of Roosevelt University, Chicago, where he received his business degree. His professional career includes seventeen years in banking in Chicago and Orlando, six years of computer project management for a group of companies in the Caribbean, and twenty-five years in the healthcare industry. He also taught business courses and was contracted by two Orlando CPA firms to assist with audits at Orange County, the City of Orlando, small neighborhood banks, and other Florida businesses. Mr. Mendez recently turned his focus to real estate investment. A former Rotarian and member of the Board of Neal & Massy (Trinidad) Credit Union, Mr. Mendez also chaired the Board of Orange County Research and Development Authority were served from 2005 to 2015, and he is the Past President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. In addition, he is Grand Councilor Emeritus of the Rosicrucian Order, with prior responsibility for the Southeast and Florida Region, and he held various leadership positions within the Orlando Chapter of the Rosicrucian Order. In 1994, Mr. Mendez founded Nirvana Health Services, an Altamonte Springs-based home care company, and was the chairman of that multi-million-dollar corporation. The Medicare Certified agency realized steady growth over the years, providing specialty nursing and therapy services in Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. In 2012, Mr. Mendez established the Pipiol Angels Foundation to facilitate charitable activities locally and in the Caribbean. In 2014, he started Nirvana Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Services to provide outpatient therapy services to patients to ensure continued care upon discharge from home health services. Finally, in 2018, Mr. Mendez embarked upon an adventure into real estate with the establishment of AALMA, LLC. A health enthusiast, Mr. Mendez enjoys taking long walks in his community and attending yoga, tai chi, and physical training classes. He loves mentoring youths and is an avid supporter of healthcare and similar projects in the underserved communities of the Caribbean and Florida. He coordinated the shipments of dozens of donated hospital beds and healthcare supplies, as well as 37 sewing machines, to countries of the Caribbean.

Cynthia Finley

Director of Home Decor

Cynthia Finley is the Director of Home Decor at 1st Veterans Kids Care, where she brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. In her role, she oversees the Home Line department, managing a diverse range of product categories including cook/dining, home décor, bath, bedding, furniture, storage and organization, toys, sporting goods, and hardware. Her comprehensive approach ensures that each area meets the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, pricing accuracy, stock availability, and safety, all aimed at providing an exceptional customer experience.

Cynthia is also deeply committed to staff development. She has successfully taught and trained over 80 associates, instilling in them the daily work routines, processes, and seasonal transitions necessary for operational excellence. Her daily 30-minute meetings are a cornerstone of her leadership, focusing on business growth, policy updates, and procedural enhancements. Through effective delegation and a strong emphasis on customer service, Cynthia fosters a team environment that prioritizes both employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Her dedication to excellence and her strategic leadership have been instrumental in advancing the mission of 1st Veterans Kids Care, contributing to the organization's ongoing success and positive impact in the community.

Jeff Cely

Director Housing

President, Cely Consulting Inc.

Jeff Cely is the president of Cely Consulting, Inc., Over the past 13 years, Mr. Cely has been providing program management and financial oversight for projects with funding sources from both public and private sectors. Jeff is an industry leader managing delivery and funding uses while maintaining related compliance standards. Mr. Cely's services include program/project management oversight, financial and funding analysis, auditing, and development of project controls. He has conducted performance evaluations, outlined areas of risk, and developed processes for project management and project controls for multi-million-dollar programs in the United States and the Caribbean. Mr. Cely’s experience ranges from residential to commercial, providing project management services for single-family homes to water treatment plants.

Under Mr. Cely’s leadership, CCI is managing the development of Savannah Trails and Orleans Place. A $100M mixed-income, mixed-use development in Ocean Springs, MS funded by private and public funds. Financial oversight is one of the most critical aspects of the work specifically with the complexity of funding sources such as CDBG, USDA, and Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. At completion, the development will include more than 500 single and multi-family units and more than 200,000 SF retail spaces including a 100-children daycare. CCI also provides technical assistance and fiscal monitoring to the City of New Orleans – Office of Community Development (OCD) $410M CDBG grant.

Mr. Cely is also experienced in value engineering studies; he served as a team member in the value engineering study for state projects such as the Florida I-4/SR-408 interchange, SR-528 westbound bridge replacement. He provided cost engineering support for the SR-50 widening from SR-25 (US- 27) to Pine Hills Road.

Katrina Gaither

Vision and Literacy

M.Ed - Central and South Regions Secondary HR Partner

katrina.gaither@palmbeachschools.org

Office: 561.434.8532

Cell: 407.758.1341

Katrina is a lifelong educator with nearly 30 years working in various roles in public schools. She currently serves as Human Resources Partner for the School District of Palm Beach County, supporting a portfolio of schools with all things related to recruitment and retention of staff. It was her love of learning that inspired the launch of her Bring Your Own Joy business. In addition to being a Certified Wellness and Life Coach, she is also a self-proclaimed Joy Enthusiast, as well as an author (You Are Joy-Full: 100+ Ways to Keep the Joy of Your Faith in Focus), motivational speaker, and educator. It is her sincere belief and message to all that we can all “elevate the joy within.”

As a new HR Partner, Katrina supports the secondary schools of the Central and South Regions. Katrina began her career in another large urban Florida school district as a middle school social studies teacher for more than 15 years. Upon leaving the classroom, Katrina worked as a school-based instructional coach supporting more than 100 middle school teachers each year in all subject areas. This school-based experience led to opportunities for Katrina to support teachers at multiple schools as a District “Marzano” Coach during the day and to support alternative certification teachers taking night classes. More than five years ago, Katrina had the opportunity to join the SDPBC team as a specialist in the Department of Professional Development where she had the privilege of leading the work of the Educator Support Program (ESP), supporting South Region schools and supporting the Teacher Ambassador Program. As the Retention Specialists with the Recruitment and Retention team, Katrina continued to work the Teacher Ambassador Program and launch other retention initiatives, including Voluntary Employee Networking Groups, before transitioning to Partner.

Sarah Marshall

In-House Real Estate Agent, 1st Veterans Kids Care

Entrepreneur | Community Advocate | Real Estate Professional

Email: marshallhomes@icloud.com

Cell: 954.636.0077

Sarah Marshall is a distinguished real estate professional and dynamic entrepreneur, currently serving as the in-house real estate agent at 1st Veterans Kids Care. With over four years of industry experience, she is known for her unwavering dedication to client satisfaction, strategic market insight, and commitment to strengthening communities.

Professional Background

Sarah has built a stellar reputation for delivering results in both residential and commercial real estate, specializing in high-value transactions, luxury homes, and investment properties. Her strengths in negotiation, market analysis, and relationship management have earned her recognition for excellence and trust among clients and peers alike.

Experience: 4+ years in real estate, with a proven track record in high-stakes environments.
Specialization: Residential & commercial sales, luxury markets, and investment advising.
Achievements: Praised for her negotiation skills, client loyalty, and deep market knowledge.

Community Involvement

Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah is a passionate advocate for community betterment. Through active volunteerism and advocacy, she champions housing access and neighborhood development:

Volunteer Work: Active in community clean-ups, housing support drives, and local fundraising events.
Philanthropy: Vocal supporter of affordable housing and family-centered support programs.

Vision for Nonprofit Board Membership

Motivated to expand her impact, Sarah aspires to serve on the board of a nonprofit organization where her industry knowledge and passion for service can drive meaningful change. Her goals include:

Enhancing Housing Initiatives: Offer real estate expertise to improve access and affordability.
Strengthening Community Outreach: Develop strategic partnerships that uplift underserved populations.
Promoting Sustainable Growth: Support eco-friendly and equitable development practices.

Entrepreneurship in Health & Beauty

In addition to real estate, Sarah is the founder of a successful health and beauty brand, blending her entrepreneurial spirit with her dedication to wellness and self-care.

Brand Focus: Natural, sustainable, and effective products promoting beauty and well-being.
Product Range: Curated line of skincare, haircare, and wellness items.
Market Impact: Rapid growth, strong social media engagement, and customer praise.

Personal Philosophy

Guided by principles of integrity, perseverance, and lifelong learning, Sarah believes in using her talents to uplift others. Her professional and philanthropic endeavors are deeply rooted in a desire to make a lasting, positive impact.

When she's not closing real estate deals or creating beauty solutions, Sarah enjoys exploring nature, staying active, discovering new wellness trends, and spending time with loved ones.