Michele Fasnacht is the visionary and founder of Solid Rock Florida, which encompasses both Solid Rock Community School (SRCS) and the Sanctuary at Solid Rock (SSR). Since its inception in 2004, SRCS has become a pioneering educational institution under her guidance. Michele’s forward-thinking is also evident in the development of the Sanctuary at Solid Rock, reflecting her dedication to fostering supportive and transformative environments.
Michele has earned numerous recognition's for innovative educational leadership and holds a variety of credentials in business, leadership, education, nutrition, and religion. Her extensive background in education spans public, private, virtual, and homeschooling sectors, showcasing her commitment to tailoring educational programs to meet individual needs.
Beyond education, Michele is a certified health and wellness coach and holistic nutrition expert. Facing her own challenges with progressive Multiple Sclerosis and mobility issues, she became a fervent advocate for plant-based nutrition, which she credits with mitigating the effects of her conditions. Michele’s advocacy for plant-based diets not only highlights her personal triumphs but also serves as an inspiration for embracing dietary changes that promote health.
Michele embodies a profound dedication to leveraging education as a means of empowerment, deeply rooted in principles of compassion, sustainability, and inclusivity. She cultivates a space that encourages diversity, inclusivity, and interfaith understanding. Michele’s commitment to fostering compassion, respect, and kindness among all individuals is central to her initiatives, aiming to develop empowered, resilient students. Michele’s endeavors showcase her unwavering commitment to creating an environment where the pursuit of lifelong learning and the well-being of every living being are of utmost importance.

Eric Fasnacht joined Solid Rock in 2005 where he has used his experience from managing multi-billion dollar companies to significantly enhance the school’s operational capabilities.
Eric’s leadership as the Operations Manager is marked by an unwavering commitment to upholding high standards of work integrity in all aspects of the school’s operations. With a deep sense of dedication, he consistently prioritizes the school’s needs, ensuring that every decision and action supports its core values and objectives. His tenure at Solid Rock has been distinguished by effective coordination and enhancement of critical operational areas, including facilities management, safety protocols, IT infrastructure, fleet management, regulatory compliance, and emergency planning. His talent for addressing complex issues, along with his ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, has fostered a learning environment that is both secure and conducive to education. Eric’s comprehensive oversight guarantees that every facet of the school’s operations runs smoothly and adheres to the highest standards of excellence.

Shelly Caruthers became part of the Solid Rock family in 2024, bringing with her a storied legacy as an influential leader in education. With a tenure exceeding 25 years in educational leadership, her career is a testament to a life dedicated to enhancing educational standards and fostering student growth.At Solid Rock, Shelly’s focus is on strategic planning and innovative growth, leading initiatives that have significantly boosted student engagement and academic performance. Her approach, grounded in data and collaborative strategies, has spurred marked academic improvements, evidencing her adept leadership in education.Shelly is passionately dedicated to the academic success and comprehensive development of the students, actively seeking collaborative partnerships with parents, teachers, and staff to support this endeavor. Her belief in cooperation and excellent communication is integral to her educational philosophy.Beyond her professional pursuits, Shelly is an enthusiast of the outdoors, participating in kayaking, charity 5k events, and local sports. Her love for music draws her to outdoor concerts, while her culinary curiosity finds her experimenting with new recipes. As an avid animal welfare advocate, she cherishes her role as a pet parent to six rescue dogs, sharing their park adventures on social media. Shelly’s diverse interests enrich the Solid Rock community, reflecting her holistic view on education and life.

Lucy Monette joined our team in 2018 as an inspiring teacher and has continually demonstrated her dedication to fostering an inclusive, empathetic learning environment. Her journey with us saw a pivotal moment in 2022 when she was promoted to Academic Advisor, a role  which supports the community of students and educators. In 2024, Lucy expanded her AA role to include that of Humane Education Program Manager, where she has begun to align the curriculum with the core values of our school. Lucy’s current focus on developing a curriculum specifically tailored to reflect our school’s core values is a testament to her commitment to education that not only imparts knowledge but also instills a deep respect for all forms of life. Her work involves meticulous planning and collaboration, ensuring that each aspect of the school program resonates with our mission to nurture compassionate and responsible individuals.

Mickey Maiorana is passionate about education and empowering students to reach their full potential. Her journey in education began when she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) from the University of South Florida in 2002. Equipped with this foundation, she was eager to make a positive impact in the lives of young learners. In 2013, Mickey pursued a master's degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University, driven by a desire to effect broader positive change within educational institutions. This journey deepened her understanding of effective leadership principles and pedagogical strategies, preparing me to lead with purpose and vision.
She joined the team at Solid Rock Community School in July 2018. As an educational leader,  Mickey's mission is to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to continuous improvement, she strives to inspire students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

Melissa Yost has been involved with Solid Rock since 2008. She has her National Administrator’s Credential as well as a certificate in Grant Writing. She is a hardworking and caring individual who wants to see more families have the opportunity to better educate their children, especially those who have children that do not best fit into mainstream, public school. As a mother of three boys, all with different needs, she understands firsthand the importance of a school that can serve a family with children with varying needs. Melissa worked as a registrar and administrator with World of Knowledge, a Montessori School. She spent ten years in finance where her titles included loan processor and mortgage officer, as well as SBA, small and large business loan officer. Melissa Yost has strong ties with the Florida Department of Education, Veteran’s Administration, Florida Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship, Personal Learning Scholarship, and McKay Coalition where she advocates for each student’s needs on a daily basis.

Melinda Benedetto has over 30 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience. Much of her career has involved serving the accounting and bookkeeping needs of retail companies, small businesses, and not-for-profits. Her detail oriented, structured personality coupled with her outstanding organizational skills make her excellent in this position. In college she was named “Business Administration Student of the Year” and was inducted into the National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa. Melinda has served on several boards, including Solid Rock’s Board of Directors and the West Coast Child Care Food Program. Melinda is the Bursar at Solid Rock, responsible for managing billing, tuition payments, and other financial matters related to student accounts. 

Kayla Gainer-Edwards joined Solid Rock in 2023 as the Sanctuary at Solid Rock Manager.  She is a graduate of the University of Florida where she obtained a degree in Zoology. She has worked as a professional in the animal care field since 2012.
Kayla has worked for many non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations, including one that helped over 7,000 animals annually, and multiple veterinary clinics. She has experience in working with over 180 different species of birds, 34 different mammals and 27 species of reptiles.
Kayla is proficient in domestic, exotic, and native wildlife husbandry and nutrition. Her diverse skill set and comprehensive knowledge uniquely position her to manage various programs at the Sanctuary at Solid Rock. She is excited to grow with the organization and be a part of teaching the next generation about the humane treatment of all animals, emphasizing the importance of conservation and wildlife care.

Gina Botticello joined the Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) team as a veterinary technician in July of 2015 and has since served in numerous capacities of the municipal shelter. With a keen understanding of the power of partnerships and collaboration, Gina empowers audiences to harness the collective strength of their communities in support of lifesaving initiatives. Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, she ignites a sense of purpose and possibility, urging others to join her in the fight for a no kill future. Gina has grown into the position of Community Partnerships and Programs Supervisor, a crucial role in fostering alliance between the shelter and the community to improve animal welfare outcomes and promote a more compassionate society.
Since 2021, Gina has overseen the development and management of collaborative initiatives with external organizations and community stakeholders. Cultivating relationships with local businesses, non-profit organizations, rescue groups, fosters and volunteers opened the door to increased positive outcomes for the PCAS shelter pets- and ultimately brought a new culture to the Pasco community. Gina’s focus on progressive lifesaving has helped Pasco County Animal Services increase animals going to partner rescue organizations from just 450 animals in 2017 to over 2,500 in 2023. Gina continues to impact community programs and her team to new heights through positivity, innovation, and collaboration.
In her spare time, Gina works at the Sanctuary at Solid Rock where she cares for a variety of primates, reptiles, birds, pigs, and various other exotics. Gina’s collaboration with Solid Rock Community School; Sanctuary at Solid Rock continues to thrive as they focus on educational programs that teach children about animal welfare and environmental conservation. These initiatives not only benefit the animals but also enrich the lives of the students by fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for nature and wildlife. With each passing year, Gina's dedication and tireless efforts contribute significantly to her community's journey towards sustainability and compassion for all living beings.

Producer John Corry oversees high profile documentary films, TV Series and Online Educational/New Media projects.  His most recent producing credits include the feature documentaries FROM FOOD TO FREEDOM (2023), REVELATIONS CAFE (2023), THE MINDFULNESS MOVEMENT (2020 with Deepak Chopra and Jewel), and CODE BLUE (2019).
John’s groundbreaking feature documentary film FORKS OVER KNIVES has become one of the most influential and best-selling documentaries since its release in theaters in 2011 and a nine-year run on Netflix. His other productions on health and wellness include PLANTPURE NATION and THE ENGINE 2 KITCHEN RESCUE, both seen on Netflix.
His film producing credits also include Universal’s hit action-comedy THE RUNDOWN with Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Christopher Walken, the 3D animated THE TEN COMMANDMENTS with Ben Kingsley and Christian Slater, AYN RAND AND THE PROPHECY OF ATLAS SHRUGGED, TATTOO NATION with Danny Triejo (Spike TV), THE BOWDEN DYNASTY with Deion Sanders, Lee Corso, Burt Reynolds, Jimmy Johnson, Bobby Bowden (ESPN), and THE FACE OF EVIL: REINHARD HEIDRICH with Charlton Heston (History Channel). John has also created and supervised over 200 hours of television documentary programming, including the popular long-running animal series SAFARI TRACKS with Ben Brown for FOX in syndication (52 eps), THE COLOR OF WAR with Peter Coyote (17 hours), and SWORN TO SECRECY with Charlton Heston (65 hours), for the History Channel, CELEBRITY WINGS with Dennis Quaid for Discovery Networks and WEAPONS AT WAR with George C. Scott & Gerald McRaney (65 hours), for A&E Network. His television specials include THE WILD YAK PATROL for Animal Planet and THE LONG MARCH for History International. John Corry’s three-hour special THE LAST DAYS OF WWII was nominated for a National Emmy and his acclaimed all-color WWII series THE COLOR OF WAR was recognized with the CINE SPECIAL JURY AWARD as the Best Network or Cable Historical Program of the year.
John also served as a Captain in the US Air Force’s Combat Camera Squadron at Norton Air Force Base, in San Bernardino, CA.
John met Michele, the Solid Rock Founder in 2017 and in 2023 became actively involved with the school and its forward thinking initiatives. Leveraging his expertise in storytelling and production, John utilizes his creative talents to significantly enhance the school's growth and enhance its role in driving meaningful change in a fast-paced and challenging world.

In 2012 Steve met a piglet, soon to be named Esther, when he agreed to adopt her from an old friend he knew in elementary school. Little did he know, the tiny piglet he brought home would grow up to be a stunning 650lb “Wonder Pig” that would flip his life upside down in every possible way. A Facebook page was created in 2013, with Steve lending his trademark self-deprecating humor and wit, to bring Esther’s personality to life. A decade later, Esther’s pages boast millions of followers from every corner of the globe.
In 2014 Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary was created in her honor, setting a new standard in animal care and social media advocacy for farmed animals. Esther broke down barriers in the medical world, too, going as far as purchasing the largest CT Scanner in Canada to provide a level of care previously not available to animals or the people who treated them. She even inspired multiple books, claiming #2 on the New York Times Best Sellers list with her debut title “Changing the World One Heart at a Time.”
Since Esther’s passing in late 2023, Steve has continued Esther’s mission of promoting kindness and compassion for humans and animals alike.
In 2024, Steve Jenkins teamed up with Solid Rock, as the Global Outreach Ambassador, contributing his expertise in social media, sanctuary operations, volunteer engagement, and fundraising. With his background from Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary and a commitment to animal welfare, Steve is supporting Solid Rock’s development of an educational model of compassionate animal care, designed to influence both their students and organizations worldwide.

Koushik Reddy is an interventional cardiologist in Tampa, FL.  He completed his cardiology and interventional cardiology training from Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY in 2007. Dr. Reddy was the first interventional cardiologist to be board certified in lifestyle medicine and heis currently the only cardiologist and one among only 14 physicians with the distinct honor of being a certified lifestyle medicine intensivist. In 2018 he established two, first of their kind Lifestyle Medicine clinics in Tampa. He published many papers in the area of lifestyle medicine and cardiovascular diseases. Dr.Reddy is on the executive board for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He is also the founding President of the Plant-Based Lifestyle Movement.  Koushick has been involved with Solid Rock Community School since 2019 when Michele, the Founder joined his board for PBLM.  Together, as like-minded individuals, they collaborate to impact both the school and the community through Lifestyle Medicine. Together, as like-minded individuals, they collaborate to impact and empower the Solid Rock families and local community to live better and healthier lives.  They hope their outreach will influence other schools to adopt similar initiatives and embrace healthier lifestyles. By setting a positive example, they aim to inspire broader changes in educational environments, promoting well-being and proactive health management across communities. Their joint efforts are dedicated to fostering a culture of health and education that benefits not only Solid Rock but also serves as a model for other institutions to follow.

Matt Welch has a Masters Degree in counseling from USF and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He has over twenty years experience working with parents and children throughout the bay area as a counselor, principal, and coach. Matt has conducted hundreds of workshops across the state of Florida to benefit parents, teachers, and other mental health professionals. He was named Counselor of the Year in Pasco County in 2004. Matt has been involved with Solid Rock Community School since 2015 counseling students, training teachers and working with administration.  Matt has a successful counseling practice in Dunedin called Cooperative Coaching Concepts, and is the SRCS go-to for recommendations of outside counseling and mental health evaluations.

Jim Ellis has been an integral team member since the foundation of Solid Rock Community School (SRCS) in 2004, applying his extensive experience as a Financial Planner and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to the unique needs of our organization and supporting the school’s objectives.
Jim’s proficiency extends to a comprehensive range of financial services crucial for SRCS, from establishing robust internal accounting controls to crafting effective accounting procedures, and preparation to advocating for the school’s interests. His expertise not only ensures the financial health of the school but also aligns with its mission to provide a quality education to its students, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to excellence in education through financial stewardship.

Sira Garib, celebrated for her exquisite vegan desserts at Pure Vegan Cakes, is more than a celebrity baker; she seamlessly embodies the roles of both a culinary virtuoso and a devoted mother championing sustainable and healthy practices.   Sira joined the Solid Rock Community in 2023, where she works collaboratively with Solid Rock leaders to implement initiatives that resonate with shared values of compassion, sustainability, animal welfare, and wellness. Her engagement is characterized by a synergy of strategic partnership and cooperative spirit, aiming to empower individuals and nurture a shared vision of a healthier, kinder society.
Sira’s active role in the Solid Rock Community is a vibrant example of her strategic leadership and heartfelt collaboration, believing that with passion and partnership, we can bake a better world, one vegan cake at a time.