Meet Our Team

Shaina Anderson serves as Chief Executive Officer of Project HELP, bringing nearly two decades of dedicated service to survivors and the organization’s mission. She began her journey with Project HELP in 2006 as a victim advocate at the State Attorney’s Office and has since held key leadership roles, including Clinical Director and Chief Operating Officer, strengthening clinical services and expanding trauma-informed care.

As CEO, Shaina combines strategic vision with clinical expertise to guide the organization’s continued growth while ensuring survivors have access to compassionate advocacy and healing services. A licensed mental health counselor and qualified supervisor, she is extensively trained in evidence-based trauma treatments, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, TF-CBT, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University.

Supported by Mila and Tucker, Project HELP’s emotional support and advocacy dogs, Shaina remains deeply committed to ensuring every survivor is met with dignity, safety, and hope.

Julie Franklin is a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial management, organizational strategy, and operational excellence. She has successfully guided complex organizations through growth, transition, and long-term sustainability, leading high-performing teams and managing multi-million-dollar budgets with clarity and precision.

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Most recently, Julie served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for a regional nonprofit with a $10M+ budget. In this role, she oversaw financial operations, risk management, strategic planning, compliance, and infrastructure development. She led cross-departmental teams spanning finance, HR, administration, and program operations, implementing scalable systems, mentoring leaders, and supporting the launch of key community initiatives. She has also managed diverse funding portfolios, including federal, state, and private grants, while maintaining clean audits during periods of expansion.

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Earlier in her career, Julie worked as a nonprofit auditor, building a strong foundation in regulatory compliance and financial accountability. She is the founder of Julie Renee & Associates, where she provides interim leadership, strategic planning, and financial stewardship to mission-driven organizations.

With nine years as an employee of Project HELP and a volunteer since 2003, JR serves as Chief Data Officer and previously as an Advocate. Holding a BS in Computer Information Systems, he uses his technical expertise to keep Project HELP secure, efficient, and up to date—supporting advocates and therapists so they can focus on delivering high-quality services to survivors.

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Born and raised in Naples, he is committed to strengthening the Collier County community he calls home. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, watching football, and gardening.

As the Director of Advocacy at Project Help, she is deeply committed to supporting survivors during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Her passion lies in ensuring each person feels heard, respected, and empowered. Carolina strives to offer not only hope and guidance but also the tools and support they need to thrive, ensuring survivors are met with compassion, not barriers, when seeking help.

Alex Abraham is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Sexual Assault Program Director at Project Help. She has been with the agency since 2021, first serving as the 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Helpline Coordinator before moving into her current leadership role. Alex earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Addiction and Recovery from the University of Alabama.

She has several years of experience working directly with survivors and is passionate about advocacy, education, and trauma-informed care within the community. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Joined Project HELP in 2019 with over 15 years of nonprofit experience focused on education and community support. She holds a Bachelor’s in Health Studies from Hodges University and previously worked 12 years in higher education admissions.

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A first-generation college graduate and the youngest of five, Vaneza is passionate about empowering survivors of sexual violence and trauma. She is dedicated to advancing Project HELP’s mission and bringing hope and healing to the community.

Christine Schulte is a trauma-informed Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been with Project Help for three years, supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and interpersonal trauma. She is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported in their healing journey.

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Christine specializes in trauma, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, and integrates evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. She works with children, adolescents and adults, helping clients rebuild safety, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.

Evelyn Rodriguez is a dedicated community advocate who has proudly served with Project Help for the past four years. With a strong commitment to survivor-centered support, Evelyn walks alongside victims throughout their healing journey, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and empowered every step of the way.

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She provides compassionate guidance during times of crisis, helps clients navigate complex systems, and coordinates access to vital community partner resources. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and steady presence, Evelyn is passionate about fostering resilience and restoring a sense of confidence and hope in the individuals and families she serves.

Sierra Reilly is the Volunteer Coordinator and Victim Advocate at Project HELP. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2023 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies. Through her education and hands-on experience, Sierra discovered her passion for supporting individuals during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

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In her role, Sierra works closely with survivors while also recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers. She enjoys helping volunteers find meaningful ways to give back to the community and connect with Project HELP’s mission. Sierra is deeply committed to creating a supportive, compassionate environment for both survivors and those who serve alongside them.

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She plans to return to school to pursue a graduate degree in counseling with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist and continuing her work in trauma-informed care.​ Outside of Project HELP, Sierra enjoys spending time with her family — especially her goldendoodle, Ivy.

Melinda Middleton is an administrative assistant and dedicated victim advocate with a deep commitment to supporting individuals through challenging circumstances. With more than 20 years of experience in the mental health and holistic health field, she brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to her work. For the past four years, Melinda has served as a victim advocate, where her strong sense of empathy and genuine care help her build trust and meaningful connections with those she supports. She is passionate about empowering others, promoting healing, and ensuring individuals feel heard, respected, and supported.

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Outside of her professional work, Melinda is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherishes time with her family. She also enjoys reading, baking, and relaxing with classic Disney movies.

April May holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Legal Studies. She served as an Advocate/Counselor and Fundraising Philanthropy Coordinator for Project HELP from 2019 to 2024 before relocating. She now returns as the temporary part-time Advocate/Counselor Development Coordinator and is grateful to continue supporting survivors of crime through advocacy, crisis intervention, and essential fundraising efforts.

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Before her work with Project HELP, April spent 15 years at Hodges University, serving in roles ranging from Front Desk and Financial Aid to Donor Relations and Event Coordination. Her diverse background strengthened her passion for building community relationships and creating meaningful events that raise awareness and inspire support.

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April is dedicated to advocating for survivors of sexual violence and believes collaboration is key to lasting impact. In her free time, she enjoys being creative and spending time with her family, four dogs, and cat.

Mila plays an important role in helping create a calm, safe, and welcoming environment at Project HELP. Known for her gentle presence, she naturally gravitates toward those who may need a little extra comfort, often remaining close by to provide quiet reassurance. Mila enjoys following her mom throughout the office, making sure no one feels alone, and is especially talented at helping clients feel more relaxed during difficult moments. When she is not supporting survivors, Mila can usually be found happily accepting affection and, if given the opportunity, enjoying a well-deserved snack.

Tucker brings warmth, energy, and a sense of lighthearted connection to the Project HELP environment. He is well known for enthusiastically greeting clients and staff, helping ease tension with his friendly and approachable nature. Tucker loves playing ball and is always ready to engage with anyone who could benefit from a smile. While he occasionally shows off his mischievous side, particularly when it comes to sneaking treasures from unattended trash cans, his playful spirit is part of what makes him so endearing. Tucker’s joyful personality helps create moments of comfort and normalcy for those walking through our doors.