In 1986, Beth Knake ran the Crisis hotline at the David Lawrence Center. The helpline was available from 9am to 5pm on Monday through Friday. Beth knew the helpline needed to be 24/7. Beth proceeded to take the helpline on as its own community non-profit and thus beginning Project HELP’s great journey. Beth – Being a pioneer in the 80’s & 90’s, worked diligently with the Violence Against Women’s Act and Movement as well as with the Victims of Crime Act. She worked continuously and tirelessly with the State and many Statewide Committees of Action and was a founder in the creation of the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence is now the State Certifying Agency for all Rape Crisis Centers in the State of Florida. Project HELP was one of the first Rape Crisis Centers certified in the state in August 1995. The helpline grew to include the Rape Crisis Center as well as a crisis center offering crisis intervention/counseling and court advocacy to all victims of crime through the Victims of Crime Act. In late 2006 Beth retired from the agency. The agency kept growing as needed services kept growing. In 2010, Project HELP worked diligently to successfully bring a forensic rape exam facility in-house. Project HELP’s team consists of a medical director, 1 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, an executive director, 6 victim advocates (2 bi-lingual; Spanish & Creole) and up to 30 volunteers. Each employee, volunteer, and anyone on the team must complete state certification of 30 hours of Advocacy Core Training as well as 16 hours on the job training and 6 continuing education hours each year.
Project HELP’s goal is always, and will always be re-empowering victims to move forward and recover from what was taken away from them. Project HELP offers coping skills, safety plans, and individual goal planning. Project HELP works with victims so they can recognize, face and solve problems arising from their crime and trauma. We want to be sure all victims know their rights, and never feel alone because HELP is here.
Jennifer has owned and operated a successful business in SWFL and believes that giving back to the community that gives to her and her team every day is very important. She joined Project HELP because she has an extreme passion for victims of violence as she is an abuse survivor herself....
“Being a knowledgeable community member makes a community grow stronger. Helping those who’s pain and trauma may go unseen survive a difficult time, turns them into survivors who can continue as active strong members in our community.”
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Kerri Hixson graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish and is currently completing her Master’s in Business Administration. Her professional career started in Adoption caseworker before she moved into the Courts as a probation officer and felony case manager. She currently works as the Operations Division Manager of the Collier County Courthouse.
In her free time, Kerri enjoys training karate, beach volleyball, and pickleball as well as spending time with her two children.
She believes that active participation in our community is the best way to strengthen it. “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, joined the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in 1997, as a correctional deputy. She has served as a road patrol deputy and as an investigative detective. In 2004, Bobbi Jo was promoted to Sergeant and appointed to the Professional Responsibility Bureau (Internal Affairs). In September 2013 she transferred to the Special Crimes Bureau. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office Bobbi Jo served in the US Air Force.
Bobbi Jo earned her BS and MPA from Hodges University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Bobbi Jo was awarded 2008 Master’s Student of the Year. In 2009 Bobbi Jo earned the distinction of “40 under 40” by Gulfshore Business Magazine.
As a Certified Training Officer, Bobbi Jo enjoys sharing her experiences in different areas of Law Enforcement to mentor young deputies. She also participates in law studies presentations at local high schools and the CCSO Citizen’s review panel. She is serves on several agency and community committees.
Off the clock Bobbi Jo enjoys spending time with her family and daughters, Megan and Zoë.
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.
Erik was born and raised in Naples, Florida. His family has been in Naples for 65 years. Erik is married with two girls. Erik’s oldest daughter currently attends Mars Hill University on a swimming scholarship.
The City of Naples hired Erik in January 2006. He was assigned to road patrol, where he worked as a proactive patrol officer on the night shift. He made one of his focuses to be, taking drunk drivers off the road. He worked diligently as a road officer making many DUI arrests during his time on the road. In August of 2011, Erik was promoted to the Criminal Investigations Division as a general crimes detective. He found his true passion for death/homicide investigations and became the lead Homicide Investigator. While in CID, he obtained his master’s degree in Public Administration. This allowed him to become an adjunct professor for Florida Gulf Coast University. In March of 2021, Erik was promoted to Sergeant in the road patrol division. Erik currently oversees a dayshift squad of patrol officers.
Born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Matos graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice and took a job in the child welfare system, which brought her to Naples where she found her calling as a fourth grade teacher. Even when her daughter was born in 2016 and she chose to become a mom-at-home, she continued to teach English online to children in China. She’s always been drawn to meaningful work that makes a difference in the community.
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in something important. Meaningful. I wanted to make a difference in the world, but never found the perfect fit until I met and befriended a Board member of Project HELP,” states Danielle Matos, who has joined the Board of Directors with a strong commitment to serve. “I didn’t even know there were places like Project HELP. I knew immediately that I wanted to join. Having survived the effects of an abusive relationship when I was younger, I knew I could offer value as an advocate for people in abusive relationships. I want survivors to know that they are not alone, that 100% of our services are free…and that everyone who works there is committed with their whole heart. The people at Project HELP are awesome.”
As the Administrator and Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Collier County, Kim Kossler oversees two health department locations, in Naples and Immokalee, over 130 employees, and a $15 million budget. Mrs. Kossler began her career in public health in 2004. Prior to her current role, she held several varied and responsible public health positions in communicable diseases, emergency planning and response, and management of essential programs at local county health departments.
Mrs. Kossler received her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master’s Degree of Public Health from East Carolina University, North Carolina. She was awarded a Graduate Certificate in the Field of Epidemiology by the University of North Carolina’s School of Public Health. She is Certified in Public Health through the National Board of Public Health Examiners and a Member of the Charter Class as a participant in the first examination. Mrs. Kossler earned her Nursing Degree through Palm Beach State College. She completed the Florida Department of Health Public Health Executive Leadership Certificate Program with the University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health.
Mrs. Kossler currently serves and participates on several state, regional and local work groups and committees including the Florida Department of Health Communicable Disease and Epidemiology Program Council Work Group, the Florida Department of Health Southwest Alliance of County Health Officers, Circuit 20 Child Abuse Death Review Leadership Committee, Regional HIV/AIDS Advisory Consortia, Collier County Community Assessment Advisor Committee, Collier County Community Drug Response Team, Southwest Florida Blue Zones Steering Committee, Project Help, Inc. Board of Directors member, and Leadership Collier Class of 2023 Alumni.
Mrs. Kossler is dedicated to the field of public health and proud to serve as a public health leader supporting the health department’s mission and priorities. She is committed to continue the work on improving overall health and making positive contributions for Collier County. Mrs. Kossler values the opportunities public health brings, along with the rewards and challenges, all the while making a difference in people’s lives.
Born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Matos graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice and took a job in the child welfare system, which brought her to Naples where she found her calling as a fourth grade teacher. Even when her daughter was born in 2016 and she chose to become a mom-at-home, she continued to teach English online to children in China. She’s always been drawn to meaningful work that makes a difference in the community.
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in something important. Meaningful. I wanted to make a difference in the world, but never found the perfect fit until I met and befriended a Board member of Project HELP,” states Danielle Matos, who has joined the Board of Directors with a strong commitment to serve. “I didn’t even know there were places like Project HELP. I knew immediately that I wanted to join. Having survived the effects of an abusive relationship when I was younger, I knew I could offer value as an advocate for people in abusive relationships. I want survivors to know that they are not alone, that 100% of our services are free…and that everyone who works there is committed with their whole heart. The people at Project HELP are awesome.”
Laura is a local born entrepreneur and artist. She joined the Project HELP board in 2013 in the hopes to bring the community closer together, in support of all the amazing work the organization does. Project HELP is a wonderful organization that more people need and should know about and I am committed to helping make that happen.
"You have to laugh at yourself, because you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't."
Phil is the operations manager for an aerospace and defense manufacturer in SWFL. As a member of the executive committee, he prioritizes employee morale and workplace welfare. He has led the organization's community initiatives, supporting local foundations and their goals. Under his leadership, the manufacturing firm has experienced significant positive changes, leading to growth and success. Additionally, he has implemented various employee development programs to enhance skills and promote career advancement within the organization. This has led to a highly motivated workforce and a positive work environment that fosters innovation and productivity.
Phil earned a BS degree in Human Services with a focus in Psychology and an MBA in Operations Management. Recently, he received doctoral status in his pursuit of a business administration and economics degree.
Phil, an experienced leader with a proven track record, has successfully managed teams in various industries. His role as a non-commissioned military police officer shaped his strong communication skills and strategic thinking. He served the first half of his career in the United States Army, including roles such as military police officer, military police investigator, K-9 officer, and operations leader, focusing on training and logistics. After his military service, Phil worked within numerous social service programs supporting the welfare of vulnerable populations. After leaving the social services industry, Phil held executive management positions for both a health care provider and a medical distributor.
He is a graduate of the United States Military Police Academy and holds multiple law enforcement certifications through the Department of Defense, including the Military Police Dog Handler Course, the Forensic Writing Analysis Certification, and the Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Investigation Course. His expertise in explosives and military tactics led to his assignment to multiple Executive Branch personnel protection details. He served on two tours overseas, supporting both Operation Iraqi Fredom and Operation Endurring Fredom. In his career, he has earned various campaign medals and awards, including the Bronze Star x 2 and the Army Achievement Medal.
Phil is married and has two teenage girls who attend school locally. His family has been Florida residents since 2012. Phil and his family have welcomed dozens of children in need into their home through both the foster care system and various social service organizations within SWFL. Phil's commitment to helping children in need extends beyond his own family. He actively volunteers with local organizations that support foster children and works to raise awareness about the importance of providing a safe home within the community for our children. Phil's dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children has earned him recognition as a compassionate advocate for youth in Southwest Florida. Phil enjoys volunteering and serving with various service organizations, including the VFW, Freedom Waters Foundation, Wounded Warrior Foundation, and Youth Haven. In the past, Phil has worked with Boystown, Friends of Foster Children, the Children's Network, Forever Together, and the local LGBTQ Centers of SWFL. Phil is a Leadership Collier Class of 2024 alumni and a proud recipient of the James V. Mudd Award for public service.
Beth began her quest to help others as a graduate of Springfield College in Springfield, MA. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science, Beth moved out of the cold Northeastern US, and on to sunny Florida. She started her career with NCH Healthcare System as an intern and left as their Director of Wellness. During her time serving as a Director of Wellness for NCH, she received her MBA in Management from Florida Gulf Coast University. A fire at our local YMCA in September 2013 had her shifting her tenure at NCH to give back to the YMCA and our community, as her undergraduate alma mater was founded to train people for the YMCA. She helped rebuild our local YMCA through training, fundraising, grit, and determination. A five-year change of career had Beth working with a boutique wealth management firm, but the call to come back to a more medical life had gotten stronger every year. She can be found now working with Aqualane Clinical Research as a Clinical Research Coordinator, helping subjects walk through the steps of clinical research for conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Essential Tremor, and other neurological conditions.
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.
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.
Project HELP works with dignity and compassion to ease the pain of those affected by rape, violence, crime or loss of a loved one.
To provide members of our community, regardless of age, financial status, ethnicity and identity with access to our 24 hour Crisis and Referral Helpline, Sexual Assault Response Services, Crime Victim Advocacy, Sudden Death Response and Crisis Intervention Services. We strive to HELP those affected by violence, sudden death and trauma.
The employees, Board of Directors and volunteers are a highly motivated group of professionals working together to provide exceptional evidence based survivor services, offering empowerment, growth and education while being fiscally responsible and transparent. We believe in enriching lives. This allows all survivors to follow a journey of healing, making tomorrow a better day and making a genuine difference in our community.