Michele Connizzo

Michele was born and raised in Holbrook, New York on Long Island. She received her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration from Boston University and has work in the sports and non-profit industries. Michele relocated to Florida in 2005 and has resided in Manatee County since that time. Michele served as a foster parent for nearly seven years before adopting her two sons. Michele has a passion for service and advocacy and has had the opportunity to over see the Manatee County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association for the past several years. That Association has grown to serve all of Circuit 12 through online Trainings, special events and other supports for foster and adoptive families. Michele works for Florida State University at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art as a Membership & Development Data Manager. Michele joined the Florida FAPA Board four years ago and currently serves as the Vice President. Michele continues to use her love of advocacy to work with our Board Members and Lobbyist to ensure that we are making Legislative improvements to enhance the lives of foster and adoptive families and the children in their care.  

Lynda Thompson

Lynda Thompson has the privilege of serving as President of FloridaFAPA. She has been happily married for 28 years, and for 24.5 of those years, she and her husband have been fostering children. Together, they have 10 children, and are currently fostering two little ones. Lynda also works full time at Kennedy Space Center on the Artemis Program, where she has spent 44.5 rewarding years collaborating with an amazing team. “Giving back to my community has always been important to me, and fostering children has brought deep meaning to my life. I began my journey as a Guardian Ad Litem and felt compelled to do more, which led us to become Foster Parents. Along the way, we created a forever home for four of our children, experiencing the highs and lows that come with fostering—each moment has been worthwhile. I started my work with the association by developing our Bylaws and Policies, then served as the Liaison for East Central Florida, and later became Vice President. I’ve been with FloridaFAPA for over 10 years, and I’m excited to continue working alongside the Board and our dedicated Foster Parents. FloridaFAPA is committed to supporting, educating, and advocating for our Foster Parents, and we’re focused on strengthening our partnerships in child welfare. Together, we can achieve great things.”