Michele Fasnacht: Visionary Educator, Advocate, and Changemaker 

Michele Fasnacht is a pioneering thought leader in educational reform, redefining what education can be through Compassionate Humane Education (CHE)—a transformative holistic approach that blends compassion-driven teaching with ethical responsibility. As the Founder and Director of Solid Rock Florida, Solid Rock Community School (SRCS), and the Sanctuary at Solid Rock (SSR), Michele has dedicated her life to creating learning environments rooted in kindness, critical thinking, and conscious leadership. 

Since founding Solid Rock Community School in 2004, Michele has led its evolution into a pioneering educational institution that fosters academic excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. Her forward-thinking vision extends beyond traditional education, integrating humane education, plant-based nutrition, and immersive learning experiences that empower students to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Michele’s extensive background in education spans public, private, virtual, and homeschooling sectors, showcasing her ability to tailor educational programs to meet individual needs. Her commitment to values-based education has positioned Solid Rock as a model for progressive, student-centered learning that prioritizes inclusivity, diversity, and interfaith understanding. 

Beyond education, Michele is a certified health and wellness coach and holistic nutrition expert. Her journey with progressive Multiple Sclerosis led her to embrace and advocate for plant-based nutrition, which she credits with mitigating the effects of her condition. This personal transformation fuels her passion for integrating plant-based living into education, inspiring students and families to embrace health-conscious, compassionate choices. 

Michele’s work extends beyond academics—she is shaping the future of education as a platform for empowerment. Her leadership at the Sanctuary at Solid Rock reflects her dedication to humane education, fostering a space where students learn about ethical responsibility toward people, animals, and the planet through experiential, action-driven learning. 

Recognized for her innovative leadership and dedication to transformative education, Michele embodies a profound commitment to compassion, sustainability, and inclusivity. Her mission is to develop empowered, resilient students who embody respect, kindness, and a lifelong pursuit of learning. 

At the core of all her initiatives is a simple yet powerful belief: education should not just teach facts—it should shape ethical leaders, foster kindness, and build a more compassionate world.

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.

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.

In 2012 Steve Jenkins 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.

Cher Hubsher (also known as Cher Gopman) is a dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur, author, registered nurse, and reality TV personality. Best known for her work on MTV and TLC, including the hit show sMothered, Cher has also made her mark in the film industry, starring in movies such as Amityville Terror and Inoperable. She has spent years building her personal brand, empowering others to embrace their true selves and transform their lives.

Cher is the author of A Bond That Lasts Forever, a heartfelt mother-daughter book available at bookstores worldwide, and the Co-Host of the Chattermouth Podcast, where she shares meaningful conversations alongside her mom.

Outside of her professional achievements, Cher is a deeply passionate animal rescuer. As a dedicated advocate for ethical living, she promotes a compassionate lifestyle to her followers, emphasizing the importance of caring for animals, protecting the environment, and fostering personal health. Cher has also established her own miniature animal rescue, working tirelessly to give abandoned animals a second chance at life.

Cher and Solid Rock Community School share the mission of making a positive impact in the world by empowering others to live fulfilling lives while staying true to their values. Cher plays a pivotal role in amplifying the school’s vision as she engages with the community, fostering meaningful connections that align with the school’s core values of compassion, education, and sustainability.

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.

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.

Michael A. Klaper, M.D. is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He has practiced acute care medicine in California, Hawaii, Canada, Florida, and New Zealand.
After a fifty-year career as a primary care physician, Dr. Klaper, a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, now focuses on the non-profit Moving Medicine Forward initiative, wherein he shares with medical students and fellow health professionals the science of how health-promoting food and lifestyle choices can arrest and reverse chronic disease.
A long-time radio host and a pilot, Dr. Klaper has served as nutrition advisor to NASA’s programs for space colonists on the Moon and Mars and on the Nutrition Task Force of the American Medical Students Association.
On his websites, DoctorKlaper.com visitors can find the latest nutrition information through his numerous articles and videos, and at Movingmedforward.com you can learn about the Moving Medicine Forward initiative to promote applied nutrition being taught in medical schools.
Dr. Klaper is also an esteemed member of the Solid Rock Committee, where he contributes his extensive knowledge and passion for plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine to our school's initiatives.

Shannon Blair has been with Solid Rock Community School since 2020. As the organization’s Plant-Based Community Coordinator, she is dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable plant-based diet. Shannon teaches cooking classes to families and community members, making it easy for them to adopt and maintain nutritious and eco-friendly eating habits. Additionally, she teaches electives to students, where she instills the values of health, sustainability, and compassion. Outside of Solid Rock, Shannon is an influencer and animal advocate. She enjoys creating new plant-based recipes, rescuing animals, and engaging in community outreach programs that promote plant-based health and animal rights. Her passion for a sustainable lifestyle and animal welfare extends beyond the classroom, making her a cherished member of both the school and the broader community.

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.

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.

Helen Dowler is a Communications, Operations, and Strategic Planning Executive, an MBA with over 25 years in technology, finance, and retail industries. She has held executive positions at Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) and currently at Csenge Advisory Group, in addition to leadership positions in retail.

During her ten-year career at HP, she served as Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning leader to progressively larger organizations and progressively more senior HP leaders, including the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales Operations, the Vice President of Global Real Estate, the Vice President of Strategic Business Partners, and the Vice President of Global Procurement for the Americas. In these roles, she led all functions within the organizations including operations, communications, strategic planning, organizational transformation and design, employee engagement, and employee development.

As a trusted advisor keeping a pulse on how the organization performs and feels, Helen utilizes her greatest strengths of innovation, drive, leadership, and ability to connect with people at all levels to bring about large improvements. During her time in Global Real Estate, she increased customer communication satisfaction by 13 points year over year, and in every organization she joined, she consistently increased employee engagement scores by at least 10 points year over year. She thrives on challenges, especially those which present the greatest risks and rewards. Her demeanor and work showcase her passion and skill for effective communication. 

Helen completed the Stanford University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program, in addition to her MBA from Clark University with a double concentration in Management and Finance. She also earned her Lean Six Sigma Executive Belt.

Helen lives in Florida’s Tampa Bay with her husband and son.

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.