Our School Family

Chairman's Message

Dear Friends,

I am proud to serve as the current board president of Opportunity, an organization I have been involved with since 2007.

As one the oldest nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County, Opportunity is invested in building the best community possible. We believe that begins with our children. As an early childhood and family education center, Opportunity helps create brighter futures for the children by giving them a solid foundation on which to build their lives.

The curriculum at Opportunity is geared to each individual to help that child meet their personal developmental goals. That means for the 96 children currently enrolled, we have 96 individual programs. It’s part of our commitment to change lives at the earliest stage.

We see these changes every day in the bright smiles of our children as they master new skills. We know these accomplishments not only prepare our students for kindergarten, they are lasting. The success of these children spills over into their families and the greater community.

Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a volunteer, a donor or fellow board member, I thank you for your service and support as we strive to provide the best Opportunity for all of our children.

Sincerely,

Peter Nicoletti

Board President

Board of Directors

OFFICERS

Peter Nicoletti

President

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

I believe in everything that Opportunity is doing. Helping people and families that want help in our own community is very important to me. I love the fact that we break the cycle of poverty through education.

What have you done professionally?

I have been an investment advisor for 20 years.

What other charities have you worked with?

I have served on the board of Healthy Mothers - Healthy Babies, and several committees for Palm Beach Day School. I am currently on the board of the Palm Beach County Historical Society and Opportunity.

What is your educational background?

Forest Hill High School and Florida State University.

Where are you from?

I was born in Washington DC but have lived in Palm Beach County since 1973.

How long have you been on the board?

8 years
Robin A. Remick

Secretary

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

I became a supporter of Opportunity in 2014 after touring the school and seeing the annual June graduation ceremony. In 2015, I joined the Board and I have found that donating my time and resources to Opportunity is tremendously rewarding. At the Erin H. Gilmour Opportunity Early Center, you will find an outstanding facility where dedicated teachers and families, along with their joyful kids, are deeply engaged in a transformative process of learning and growing up.

What have you done professionally?

I have been a practicing attorney since 1998, first, as a law clerk to a Federal Bankruptcy Judge in New York, and later as a transactional lawyer with Smith, Buss & Jacobs, P.C., a mid-sized commercial real estate firm with offices in New York City and Westchester County.

What other charities have you worked with?

Dress for Success, Lawyers for Children, the New York Food Bank and the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County.

What is your educational background?

Attorney admitted to practice in New York and Florida

Where are you from?

The Seacoast area of New Hampshire

How long have you been on the board?

4 years

DIRECTORS

Gordon Anthony

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

Being part of the Opportunity board affords me many things of value. My participation in this organization, that makes such a big difference in so many family’s lives, provides me with purpose. There is so much more we all could be doing to improve the prospects of our neighbors. Working in one of the wealthiest communities in America, yet having a community so close by that is not benefiting from all of that wealth, helps me keep priorities in line with reality. I continue to learn so much about the strength and resilience of the children who pass through the doors of Opportunity Early Learning center and how their lives can be positively affected by getting such a great start in life.

What have you done professionally?

I have worked in the financial services industry for more than 25 years. The last 20 years have been spent working in Palm Beach with the high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and families.

What other charities have you worked with?

I was previously on the board of Hearts and Hope, Inc. in West Palm Beach, which provided grief counseling for families and children when a family member passed. I was a committee member for their successful capital campaign.

What is your educational background?

I earned my BS from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a certified financial planner (CFP) designation from Florida State University.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, where I currently live with my wife and two sons.

How long have you been on the board?

8 years
Adrianna Schiappoli Burger

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

My mother taught me the importance of early learning. She started her career as a teacher specialized in children with emotional and psychological needs, advocating over her whole career as a school director the importance of the role of the school in a child’s life, underlying the role of the teacher in bending the sometimes rigid teaching structure to each child’s need.
Before her passing in 2014 she was involved with UNICEF, founder of the program “Feed the children’s minds”, stretching the importance of learning even in the most extreme environments, teaching the children to honor themselves through instruction. Opportunity represents to me a way of carrying her legacy on.

What have you done professionally?

I am actively involved in my family’s Maritime Shipping Company and I worked consulting corporations (YPF-Total, Telecom Italia (TIM), Gucci, amongst others), in their expansion on South American markets. Earlier in my career I worked as an attorney, in Corporate Legal Strategy and while in London in the Merging and Acquisition Dept at Credit Suisse-First Boston.

What other charities have you worked with?

I started in my younger years with San Vincenzo de Paola. My family is amongst the founders of “Il Telefono Amico” in Italy http://www2.telefonoamico.it/la-storia-i-valori/.
I also started and supervised an abandoned orphanage in Angra dos Reys (Brasil) and advocated for the instruction development of young women and girls in Brasil, bringing the problem at the United Nations, Gender Equality Group.

What is your educational background?

I have a degree in Forensic Law and a Master in Laws in Corporate and International Finance.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Italy, Genoa, but I left to work in Argentina and study for my second Masters in Joint Ventures in the International Contract at age 22, and lived in London afterwards.
I also lived in Brasil, due to my position of Chief Operating Officer, between 2002 and 2013.
I have been living in the USA since 2013.

How long have you been on the board?

2 years
Bill Carroll

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

Because I believe that education is THE answer and early childhood education is the start. Opportunity is what we need more of. Selfishly, I know that we are changing the lives of our students.

What have you done professionally?

Partner at Mettler Randolph Massey Ferguson Carroll & Sterlacci, P.L. Tax and Estate Planning Attorney.

What other charities have you worked with?

Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope, Board of Directors; Muhammad Ali Center, Board of Directors, Chairperson, Development Committee.

What is your educational background?

B.A., Communications, University of Miami (1981), J.D. University of Denver (1992), LL.M. (Tax Law) University of Denver (1995).

Where are you from?

Locust Valley, NY (Long Island).

How long have you been on the board?

New to the board.
Sam Dashiell

Coming soon.
Fabiana DesRosiers

Coming soon.
Ali Eger

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

Opportunity Board membership allows me to use my passion for improving the lives of children and families in collaboration with a group of devoted and talented individuals. Being a part of this productive and successful team is extremely rewarding. It is an honor to be able to see the positive changes Opportunity makes for so many children and families and to know you were a part of it.

What have you done professionally?

Finance/banking – TransAmerica, GMAC
Realtor – DeFIna Coldwell Banker
Early childhood educator – Trinity United Methodist School of Palm Beach Gardens
Early childhood Director – Trinity United Methodist School of Palm Beach Gardens
Early childhood Director – Opportunity Early Childhood Education and Family Center
Early childhood Executive Director – Opportunity Early Childhood Education and Family Center

What other charities have you worked with?

Meals on Wheels
Junior League of Indianapolis
Junior League of the Palm Beaches, board and executive board member
211
Race for the Cure
PEO Sisterhood
Pi Beta Phi Read Lead Achieve
Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club
Zoological Society of Palm Beach
South Florida Science Museum
Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful

What is your educational background?

B.A. DePauw University – major: Economics, minor: Psychology
M.A. Ed. University of Phoenix – education – curriculum and instruction
FL Advanced Director’s Credential
Certified C.L.A.S.S. Observer
Communities of Practice Certified Coach

Where are you from?

Springfield, Illinois

How long have you been on the board?

New member
Jennifer Lazzara

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

I strongly believe in the importance of early childhood education and support. I realize it is a privilege for my own children to enjoy a wonderful and nurturing preschool environment and support Opportunity so many other children can enjoy this same experience.

What have you done professionally?

Before having children, I spent 10 years working with several software companies in the automotive industry.

What other charities have you worked with?

Garden Club of Palm Beach
Leukemia Lymphoma Society

What is your educational background?

Graduated from The University of Florida

Where are you from?

Windermere, FL

How long have you been on the board?

New member
Dora Pikounis

Why are you part of the Opportunity Board, and what does it mean to you?

As the owner of a private preschool, I understand that early education is imperative in assisting each child’s individual social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. A balance of developmentally appropriate learning activities starting from a very young age is key and critical to Opportunity and the children’s success.

What have you done professionally?

I have owned and operated a preschool for 28 years. I was a First-grade teacher in Palm Beach County prior to opening my preschool.

What other charities have you worked with?

Since my focus is early childhood education, I’ve been working exclusively with Opportunity.

What is your educational background?

I have an Elementary Degree with a specialization in Early Childhood.

Where are you from?

I am a native of West Palm Beach.

How long have you been on the board?

15 years

EMERITUS BOARD

Individuals elected to the Emeritus Board represent officers and others who have demonstrated exceptional service to Opportunity and/or served a minimum of 10 years on the Board of Directors.

Executive Team

Ali M. L. Eger, MAEd.

Executive Director
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Alice Eger joined Opportunity in September 2008, bringing a passion for children and education to her position. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in economics and a minor in psychology. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree in Education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction. Her credentials include a National CDA and advanced Florida Director’s credential. Prior to joining Opportunity, “Miss Ali” spent the previous six years as the Director of Early Childhood Education in a Palm Beach Gardens preschool. She is an active member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), CDEA (Child Development Education Alliance), the Association for Early Learning Leaders, Palm Beach County Director’s Community of Practice, and is a past Board Director for AEYC of the Palm Beaches. Her experience with curriculum development, accreditation, quality improvement, child development, teacher training, and instructional, motivational, and implementation strategies brought a new vision to the educational programming offered at Opportunity and places Opportunity at the cutting edge of early childhood theories and practices. The combination of her finance and education experiences prepared Mrs. Eger to excel in the role of Executive Director. Mrs. Eger was raised in Illinois, moved to Palm Beach County from Indiana in 1985, and is married with one son and two grandsons. She enjoys reading, tennis, Zumba, cooking, and crafts. Mrs. Eger focusses her passion on bringing Opportunity to the top of quality in Palm Beach County and beyond.

Colleen Verzi

Finance & Operations Director
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Colleen joined Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center in March 2024. Before coming to Opportunity, she worked as Director of Operations with over 18 years of experience in accounting and operations and held a seat on the Board of Directors serving as Treasurer. Colleen volunteered her time and talent for 7 years as a board member and Treasurer for Dwyer High School’s Panther Athletic Booster Club. Colleen moved from Long Island, New York to Palm Beach County in 1995. She is the proud mother of an amazing son. She loves animals, gardening, and is an avid sports fan of football and hockey.

Rayda Fonte

Program Director
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Rayda joined Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center in April 2018. Before coming to Opportunity, she worked as a teacher and eventually a preschool director. With more than 10 years experience in childhood education, Rayda enjoys seeking and sharing successful strategies. Rayda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in her homeland of Cuba, and completed her early childhood education certificate at Nova Southeastern University. She has been approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families to teach Part I and Part II of the training required to work in a child care facility. Rayda, her husband, and their daughter live in West Palm Beach. She is dedicated to the children and families at Opportunity and strives to make a difference in their lives.

Catherine Stefano

Program Director
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Catherine joined Opportunity in July 2018 and has been an Early Childhood Educator for 28 years. Prior to joining Opportunity, Catherine was a lead teacher at Palm Beach State College’s Center for Early Learning. For 17 years at the college, Catherine was involved in many leadership roles including the participation in 2 Pilot Programs, student mentoring and observations, designing and organizing outdoor play and exploration within natural areas, as well as being a member of their Safety Committee. Catherine is an active participant of the Palm Beach County Directors Community of Practice, continues to go to school to further her education in Early Childhood, and her passion is the social emotional growth and well-being of all children. Catherine moved from New Jersey to Palm Beach County in 1996, is married, has 3 parrots, and loves gardening.

Isabella Soublette

Development Director
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Isabella joined Opportunity in April 2024, bringing her expertise in donor engagement and stewardship, event management and strategic planning. Isabella holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies, a minor in Non-Profit Management and a Meetings and Events Management certificate from Florida Atlantic University, as well as a master’s degree in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Management from Nova Southeastern University. Prior to coming to Opportunity Isabella worked in numerous roles at Nova Southeastern University’s Advancement and Community Relations department including working with the Alumni Association, NSU Health and the Susie and Alan B. Levan Ambassadors Board and Fellows Society. She has worked with other local and national charities like Place of Hope, the Lupus Foundation of America, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. While Isabella grew up in Palm Beach County, her roots are from Caracas, Venezuela. She is a proud sister of Phi Mu Fraternity and considers herself an avid concert goer, foodie, and sea lover. Isabella is excited to become an Opportunity Ambassador and elevate the fundraising programs.

Staff

Eddie Bardouille

Chef
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Telva Smith

Social & Family Development
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Telva started her journey at Opportunity in June 2024, showcasing her skills and knowledge in social work, case management and childcare. She is equipped with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Service Management from the University of Phoenix and is currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix master’s degree psychology program. Telva also holds a plethora of certificates including Registered Behavior Technician and Early Childhood Education Professional Development. Telva has an extensive background in working in childcare, healthcare and social services. She is passionate about helping others regain a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Telva is a dedicated mother of a 26-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. She enjoys shopping and spending quality time with family. Telva is thrilled to join the team and make intentional connections and memorable experiences.

Elyse Glick

Nurse
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Elyse Glick joined Opportunity in September 2023, bringing with her over 35 years of pediatric experience. Prior to joining the Opportunity family, Nurse Elyse worked as a school nurse for the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County. There she worked within elementary and middle schools and taught pre- and post-natal classes for new moms. Prior to moving south, Nurse Elyse was the school nurse for a large Long Island, New York elementary school for 19 years. While living in New York, Nurse Elyse also worked in labor and delivery, high risk obstetrics, and pediatrics. Although she misses hospital nursing, she loves caring for the school children daily. Elyse is a native New Yorker, moving with her family to Palm Beach County in 2018. She is married, has four children, two adorable dogs, and loves hearts! She is extremely excited to join Opportunity Early Childhood Education Center!