Loveland History

In an era of social change, the 1960s through 1990s saw the rise of a national parents’ movement demanding civil rights for children with disabilities, and care based in their local communities, rather than institutional placement. A group of Venice parents were at the forefront of this movement, advocating for a place in their home community for their children at a time when most children with intellectual and developmental disabilities were sent away to get services.

While Loveland started as a school for children with disabilities, the change these families had been asking for came full circle in the 1980s and 1990s as laws caught up with the requests parents had been making for a generation: that children with disabilities should have the same right to education as every other child.

As children returned to public schools, Loveland’s focus shifted to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be a part of, not a part from, their community. Whether its helping an individual live more independently, helping them to get a job, or supporting their social goals and dreams, Loveland continues to strive for the same vision those parents saw over 60 years ago: a world in which all people, regardless of their abilities, are treated as equals at home, and in their community.

While there is still a long way to go in the fight for equal rights for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are proud of how far we have come in the last 6 decades, and are honored to continue carrying the torch of the families who fought for a place in this community.

Who We Are

Loveland Administration

Patrick Guerin III

President and CEO

Patrick has been a part of the I/DD community for over 35 years. Every member of his immediate family has or is in some way working in the field of human services. He is also proud to say that he had 2 foster brothers, whom had developmental and intellectual disabilities; their lives had a substantial impact on shaping his perspective in how people with I/DD should be treated: no differently than anyone else. He believes the people we support have dreams, wishes, and desires for their own life and he wants to be here to help them achieve those goals.

Prior to coming to Loveland, Patrick served in Senior Management roles at both Suburban Adult Services Inc. and Claddagh Commission Inc.; during that time, he focused on program development/expansion and gained an extensive knowledge of regulatory and corporate compliance.

To Patrick, Equality Through Opportunity means that everyone has the opportunity to live their lives in the manner in which they desire. We are not in the position to place a limit on that person but to give them the opportunity to reach their own dreams.

Rebecca Eldredge

Chief Operating Officer

Rebecca is excited to be continue her career here at Loveland Center as the Chief Operating Officer. She has worked throughout Loveland Center, from Philanthropy to Programs, working with the staff and participants to provide quality Programs that are as unique as the individuals we serve. She has worked in nonprofit management and administration for over 15 years for companies focusing on arts, education, child welfare, and other social services. She first joined the team at Loveland in the fall of 2020 and has loved getting to know each of the participants and helping them to meet their personal goals.

She holds an undergraduate degree from The University of Michigan and a masters degree from The Savannah College of Art and Design. Outside of work she loves spending time with her family, including her husband, young adult children, and dogs. She also loves making art, especially theatre, painting, and pottery; and enjoys exploring new places.

To Rebecca, “Equality through Opportunity” means removing the barriers to access many individuals with disabilities face, giving them the opportunity to share their abilities with the world.

Krystal Heater Witkowski

Chief Programs Officer

Krystal has worked with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for 23 years. She first joined the Loveland team in 2021 as the intake coordinator and is excited to have taken on the position of Chief Programs Officer in the summer of 2025! Krystal enjoys working at Loveland because it is a company that genuinely cares about the participants who attend their programs and about the employees. Outside of work, Krystal enjoys spending time with her kids, husband, and family. She also enjoys music and nature. To Krystal, Equality through Opportunity means creating a system where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has an equal chance to access tools, support, and pathways to succeed in life.

Mark Iannotti

Chief Clinical Officer

Mark has been a part of the Loveland team for the last 3 years, taking on the position of Chief Clinical Officer in the spring of 2024. Mark brings 23 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and enjoys getting to spend time with participants while helping them achieve their goals. Outside of work Mark loves spending time with his wife Marliana, and his two teenage children.

To Mark, Equality through Opportunity means eliminating barriers for Loveland Participants in order to help fulfill their goals.

VJ Anderson

Director of Philanthropy

V.J. joined the Loveland Center team in March 2023, bringing nearly two decades of experience supporting individuals with disabilities. Her roles as a caregiver, special education teacher specializing in autism, and speech-language pathologist reflect her passion for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). V.J. also brings a diverse professional background, including many years as a business owner and as a sales director and event manager with a company supporting nonprofit fundraisers. Today, she furthers this mission through philanthropy, working to expand opportunities and resources that create lasting impact.

Her passion is rooted in a lifelong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and those who support them. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role at Loveland is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships—with participants, families, staff, and supporters—and to hear the powerful stories that connect people to the mission.

Outside of work, V.J. enjoys creative projects, home remodeling, traveling, kayaking, swimming, and taking beach walks with her husband and dog—always appreciating the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. They’re often joined by their 3 grown children and their spouses as well.

To V.J., equality through opportunity means creating a world where every person—regardless of ability, background, or circumstance—has access to the support, tools and inclusive environments they need to thrive. It’s not about giving everyone the same path, but about removing barriers so each individual can pursue their fullest potential with dignity, purpose, and belonging.

Patrick Guerin IV

Fleets and Facilities Coordinator

Patrick has spent his entire life working on houses and vehicles. He joined the team at Loveland 4 years ago and enjoys being able to serve the community through his work on Loveland’s facilities. He takes pride in making sure each Loveland location is in the best shape to provide services. Outside of work, Patrick enjoys tinkering around and working on his vehicles, going fishing, and playing golf.

To Patrick, Equality through opportunity means that regardless of a person’s background, ability and or current circumstance, everybody deserves an opportunity to be at the same starting point. He believe it also means that we should recognize that some people need more support or resources to reach that point.

North Region

Agina Fry

Program Manager, Bradenton

Gina has worked with Loveland for almost 5 years, and has over a decade of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gina loves working with the participants and her entire team. Outside of work she loves cooking, fishing, traveling, learning about different cultures and traditions, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

To Gina, equality through opportunity means that we are all equal, regardless of one’s background, we enjoy the same rights and opportunities that this world can offer, and we can achieve our dreams no matter the odds.

Central Region

Jessica Baird

Area Director, Central Region

Jessica joined the Loveland team in the spring of 2023, helping to develop Loveland’s specialized art and theatre program called Loveland Creates. She has an extensive background in art, theatre, and detail orientated work. She loves how Loveland empowers individuals through creativity and independence and finds it incredibly meaningful to see the impact of her work in real time. Outside of work, she is a published author and visual artist, running her own business which specializes in custom artwork. Creativity and connection are at the heart of everything she does, both personally and professionally.

To Jessica, Equality through Opportunity means ensuring everyone has a fair chance to grow, thrive, and pursue their passions- regardless of ability. It’s not just about access; it’s about meaningful inclusion, supporting individual goals, and recognizing the unique strengths that each person brings to the table.

Marie Crocker

Program Manager, Venice ADT

Marie joined Loveland 2.5 years ago, bringing with her 7 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She loves being a part of a beautiful community that takes pride in giving a quality service to those who need it. When she is not working, Marie enjoys spending time with her family and animals.

To Marie, Equality through Opportunity means that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

Laura Grieme

Team Lead, Loveland Creates

Laura joined the Loveland team in the winter of 2024, bringing her 20 years of experience in theatre to the Loveland Creates program. Laura enjoys combining her love for helping people with her love for theatre. She finds that it enriches her life to combine the two things she is passionate about and feels she has a true purpose at Loveland, where she can give back to her community and make a difference. Laura has a bachelors degree in theatre and enjoys acting in shows throughout the community. She loves to spend time with her boyfriend and four animals at home, along with crocheting, diamond art, singing, dancing, and writing. She is thrilled to have had both her Directing ( A year with Frog and Toad) and Writing ( Murder and Mai Tai’s) debuts with Loveland Creates!

To Laura, Equality through Opportunity means that every single person deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances.

South Region

Lora Carter

Area Director, South Region

Lora has worked for Loveland Center in many different positions since first joining the team in 2018. She has over 30 years experience working with individuals of all ages and abilities. Lora likes working at Loveland because the programs put the needs of the participants first. She loves walking into any location and being greeted with smiles, hugs, and handshakes. Outside of work Lora likes spending time with friends and family, working on puzzles, and visiting local escape rooms.

To Lora, Equality through Opportunity means that everyone, no matter their ability, has the right to be a part of their community and participate in the same activities as their peers.

Tracy Jarvis

Programs Manager, North Port

Tracy has worked at Loveland for the last 4 years and has been supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for the last 6. She loves working with the participants and her incredible team. Outside of work, Tracy loves spending time with her family, including her 4 children who are everything to her, her mom, boyfriend, cat Smudge, and Dog Penny. She also loves outdoor activities such as camping, kayaking, and fishing; reading, cooking, and trying new things.

To Tracy, equality through opportunity means that you have no idea what amazing things someone is capable of doing. Not offering the opportunities is taking away equality. It is not fair to put someone in a box because of what you think they can or cannot do.

Amy Vantries

Programs Manager, Charlotte County

Amy has worked at Loveland for the last three years, working her way up from a DSP to a manager. She has over 10 years of experience in the medical field and is excited to be supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Amy enjoys getting to witness individuals grow and reach their goals. She says that there is nothing as rewarding as seeing the smiles on their faces when they accomplish a goal. When she is not at work, Amy enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with her adult children.

To Amy, equality through opportunity means empowering individuals to accomplish their goals and fully integrate into the community as their authentic selves.