Officers
President - Sue Cohen
Sue has lived in Florida for 28 years and has worked in the Broward County School System for over 10 years with both Special Needs and Regular Education Students. Sue is a parent advocate for her disabled son and has been on the Board of Directors of the Bulldogs for over 9 years.
"The gift my son has given me has opened my eyes to believe, ALL individuals CAN LEARN in their own SPECIAL way. The Bulldog Organization has inspired my son to accomplish many challenges, never thought possible, through their Special Olympics athletic program, socialization training and special population dances. I will continue to work with and support this wonderful organization and my son will continue to LEARN in his own SPECIAL way."
1st Vice President - Michelle Leonardo
Michelle has been a resident of South Florida for the past 27 years. She has worked in the restaurant industry in all positions from serving to management. She has been a member of the Bulldog organization for 6 years.
"I became involved with the Bulldogs after many years of searching for a place in which my daughter would feel confident and comfortable with her peers. She has been a Bulldog throughout her high school years and still enjoys every aspect of it. I feel as though this organization has become an extension of our family. I enjoy working with all the wonderful young adults, whether it be in sports or our Arts & Crafts program. The best reward in the world is watching the pride they feel when realizing they have accomplished things that most of the general population has not given them the chance to experience."
Corresponding Secretary- Amy Hoover
Amy has been a South resident of and on since 1970. She has a degree in Elementary Education, and has been an active volunteer in her children's schools and various activities for many years. Currently, she works part time at her husband's dental office. She and her husband, Randy, immediately became involved with the Bulldog organization when their son joined over 7 years ago.
We encouraged our son, Austin, to pursue a variety of interests since he was very young. But, very few things actually clicked with him. Before we found the Bulldogs, he spent many hours each day in front of the television. After he joined the Bulldogs he was interested in all of their activities and his self confidence grew tremendously. He enjoyed his new friends and has maintained an active social lifve since. The Bulldog organization is a great place for our special needs individuals to be themselves, and learn to live up to their potential.
Recording Secretary - Alexis Newjahr
Treasurer/Fundraising - Bob Cohen
Bob has been a resident of Broward County since 1976 and involved with Children's Charities since 1966. Bob is an accountant and tax preparer with a "speciality" of helping the Special Needs Community get the most benefits allowable by law. Bob has served as Bulldog treasurer and fundraising director for 9 years. He is the head coach for the Bulldogs & Special Olympics golf program and has run the highly successful "Bulldog" Golf Tournament for 6 years. Bob is a member of the Knights of Pythias. "I have always had an uncanny ability to raise money and love running fundraising events, which allows our organization to offer all types of activities to our special 'kids.' Watching these young adults mature and reach goals we never thought were possible gives me goosebumps each time one of them reaches a new level. These special individuals, their achievements, their failures, and their triumphs are my reason for being involved -- now and forever."
Board of Directors
Director: Social Events - Lois Filcman
"My daughter Jamie has special needs. In the past I have volunteered for such organizations as ARC, Easter Seals, and March of Dimes. I have been a board member of the Bulldogs for 7 years, which has given me the opportunity to see first-hand the major impact this organization has on these young adults. Through sports and social opportunities, these young men and women have grown and matured into active participants in the community. Many come to us having been neglected both emotionally and physically. We show these people through love and support that they are very important when no one else has."
Director: Sports- Ted Goldberg
Advisory Board
Karen L. Roberts
Karen L. Roberts has been a City Commissioner since 1997 and has lived in Tamarac since 1980. She has been involved with various community organizations through the years. She is an education liaison for the City Commission, and became aware of the Bulldogs a number of years ago when they needed to find a new home. Proudly, they chose Tamarac and we welcome them with open arms!
"The Bulldog Organization has shown me how dedicated people can make a difference. It has been my pleasure and honor to be able to help such a great volunteer organization. These young adults have made both the City of Tamarac, and me, very proud of their accomplishments."
Andrea Friedman, M. Ed.
Andrea has spent the last two decades dedicating her career to people with disabilities. She served as Assistant Director of Residential Services for The Association for the Help of Retarded Children of New York City before moving to South Florida in January 2000. Ms. Friedman currently has her own business, Advocates in Motion, P.A. that provides case management services, training, behavior management and family counseling. Andrea has a B.A. in Psychology from Boston University and a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern University. Ms. Friedman is a Kennedy Mentor Fellow and a published author and public speaker on a variety of topics related to and for people with disabilities.
"I love working with the Bulldog membership because they are a GREAT bunch of kids. But more importantly, I enjoy working with them because of their openness to learn, their attempt to listen to each other, and the commitment they have for each other as members of the Bulldogs organization. I continue to be amazed by what each participant of our Social Skills Group has to offer, not only to each other, but to recognize what potential they have to offer themselves. It is my honor to be associated with this organization."
Past Mayor Joe Schrieber
The Honorable Joe Schrieber, Past Mayor of the City of Tamarac since 1997, is extremely supportive of the Bulldogs Organization. He states, "These children and young adults deserve better. Our city is quite supportive of the Bulldogs' efforts. These wonderful individuals don't have the advantages I would like to see them have. Therefore, our city will continue to help this organization in their quest to create better lives for its participants. Our goal is to help them achieve a more normal life."
Melany Moreno
Linda Flack
Stan Hinden
Stan completed college and entered the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He retired from the Navy as a Commander after twenty years of active duty. He then pursued a second career for twenty years with the Broward School System as a Physics teacher and High School Administrator and retired for the second time in 1993.
As a parent whose oldest child Laura was diagnosed at the age of four as Developmentally Disabled, he and his family had always been active with their local Developmental Disability support groups. In the mid '90s he was appointed by Florida's Governor to the Family Care Council, a legislated committee that had oversight over the Developmentally Disabled population in specific areas throughout Florida. Stan served for six years as chairperson of Broward County's Family Care Council.
Stan and his wife Joan believe that participation in Bulldogs sports and social activities has added a new dimension to Laura's development. Interaction in Bulldog events takes place in an environment where she is completely accepted as being what she is.
City of Tamarac
Mayor Beth Flanisbaum-Talabisco
Mayor Flansbaum-Talabisco became the Mayor of Tamarac in 2006 and has continued to make the Bulldogs a special part of the city. We thank you for this!
"The Bulldogs are an inspiration to all of us, as are the members of the Bulldogs Family and extended Family who support them. I've had the privilege and pleasure of seeing some of them play golf. They were great!
For all your enthusiasm and zest for life - GO BULLDOGS!
Commissioners:
Harry Dressler
Patricia Atkins-Grad
"Your organization is very worthwhile and holds a special place in my heart."
Ed Portner
Marc Sultanoff
Parent
Olga Paese
"As a parent of a 15 year old autistic girl, it was like a prayer was answered when the Bulldogs introduced themselves at my daughter's school. My daughter used to stay in her room to entertain herself, peer pressure at school left her with little self esteem-now she looks forward to the scheduled events. She constantly remarks how nice and friendly everyone at the Bulldogs is-she doesn't feel different. My favorite was watching her face light up when a boy at a dance told her she was beautiful. We both are looking forward to continued years with the Bulldogs."