Jennifer is a successful business owner in Southwest Florida who believes deeply in giving back to the community that supports her and her team every day. She joined Project HELP driven by her passion for supporting victims of violence, drawing on her own experience as a survivor of abuse.

Jennifer believes that helping individuals through unseen pain and trauma empowers them to heal and thrive. “Being a knowledgeable community member makes a community stronger. Helping those whose pain may go unseen survive a difficult time turns them into survivors who can continue as active, strong members of our community.”

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Kerri Hixson earned a degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Rhode Island and is currently completing her MBA. She began her career as an adoption caseworker, later serving as a probation officer and felony case manager, and now works as the Operations Division Manager at the Collier County Courthouse.

In her free time, Kerri enjoys training in karate, playing beach volleyball and pickleball, and spending time with her two children. She believes that active community involvement strengthens us all. “Project HELP is instrumental in providing support to survivors of crime in Collier County, and it is a true privilege to support them in their mission.”

Bobbi Jo Edwards, a Naples native, began her career with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 as a correctional deputy. She has served as a road patrol deputy, investigative detective, and in 2004 was promoted to Sergeant and appointed to the Professional Responsibility Bureau (Internal Affairs). In 2013, she transferred to the Special Crimes Bureau. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, Bobbi Jo served in the U.S. Air Force.

Bobbi Jo earned her BS and MPA from Hodges University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and was named Master’s Student of the Year in 2008. In 2009, Gulfshore Business Magazine recognized her as one of their “40 under 40.”

As a Certified Training Officer, Bobbi Jo enjoys mentoring new deputies and sharing her experiences across law enforcement. She also participates in law studies presentations at local high schools, serves on the CCSO Citizen’s Review Panel, and contributes to several agency and community committees.

Outside of work, Bobbi Jo enjoys spending time with her daughters, Megan and Zoë, and her family.

Anthony J. Leopizzi (CFP, CLU, ChFC, CIMA), has been a Certified Financial Planner and financial advisor, serving the Florida and NY metropolitan area for over 30 years.

Anthony is a graduate from the NY Institute of Technology with a BS in Finance. He started his career as a stockbroker and became a Certified Financial Planner in 1993.

Being born and raised in The Bronx, Anthony attributes his career and success to life experience, losing his father at the age of 8 years old in NYC and having to assist his mother raising him and his younger brother on public assistance as a single mother. "I believe my calling is to help others by ensuring financial success and help prevent them from being vulnerable. Growing up in a single parent household in NYC left me vulnerable as a young man, and this is my way of giving back to help others".

Anthony thrives on active involvement with his community. He is currently 3rd Degree Knight with St. Elizabeth Seton council 4357 and is a member of the Knights on Bikes. Anthony was a past President of the Financial Planning Association in the Greater Hudson Valley from 2003-2009, and an active member today.

Anthony currently lives in Naples, FL with his wonderful wife, Jadis. He is a proud father of two wonderful daughters, Michela and Amanda. In his spare time, he enjoys, golf, tennis and mixed Martial Arts.

Board Member, Project HELP, Inc., Detective Sgt., Collier County Sheriff Natalie Brace was born and raised in Indiana. She completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science at Anderson University. She moved to Southwest Florida in 2007 and has been working within the Criminal Justice Field ever since. In 2016, she became a Detective and has worked in Special Victims, Domestic Violence, and the Homicide Unit. In 2021, Natalie was promoted to Detective Sergeant and currently supervises Detectives in the Special Crimes Bureau.

On her off time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband and two dachshunds.

Beth began her career in healthcare after earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science from Springfield College. After moving to Florida, she joined NCH Healthcare System, where she advanced from intern to Director of Wellness and earned her MBA in Management from Florida Gulf Coast University.

In 2013, Beth helped rebuild the local YMCA following a devastating fire, driven by her strong connection to its mission. After a brief career in wealth management, she returned to healthcare and now works as a Clinical Research Coordinator with Aqualane Clinical Research, supporting clinical trials for neurological conditions.

Outside of work, Beth volunteers by bugling Taps at veteran and first responder memorials, enjoys motorcycle rides with her husband Andy, and spending time with her family—plus she’s known for an excellent apple pie.

Beth can be found bugling Taps for local veteran and first responder funerals and memorials, riding motorcycles with her husband Andy, and spending time with her children. We'll bet you she makes the best apple pie you ever had.

Phil is an operations manager for an aerospace and defense manufacturer in Southwest Florida and serves on the company’s executive committee, where he focuses on employee well-being, leadership development, and community engagement. He brings extensive leadership experience from both the private sector and public service, including prior roles in healthcare, social services, and executive management.

Phil is a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a military police officer and operations leader with overseas deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He holds a BS in Human Services with a concentration in Psychology, an MBA in Operations Management, and is pursuing doctoral studies in business administration and economics.

A longtime Florida resident, Phil is deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations, particularly children and families, and remains active with several local and national service organizations.