LiFT hires new executive director

Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT), an area school for neurodiverse children and adults, has announced the appointment of a new executive director.

Matt Spence officially joined the team at LiFT Monday. Spence previously served as Chief Strategy Officer at Feeding Tampa Bay for just over six years, and has worked in the nonprofit sector in Tampa Bay since 2011.

Founded in 2013, LiFT is a unique school with a mission of “providing exceptional education for K-12 students and empowering adult learners with skills crucial for employment and independence.” Spence said he was familiar with LiFT previously and was drawn to the executive director position because of the opportunity to be part of a growing organization.

“There’s so much need around families seeking the right community, the right opportunities for their children with neurodiversity, and then some of the lifelong challenges that go alongside that,” Spence told the Catalyst. “This is a chance to be part of something that I see a huge future for, and to join a great organization doing that work.”

Spence holds a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Florida State University, as well as certifications in nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship. According to LiFT co-founder Keli Mondello, Spence’s professional background and personal experiences made him the right fit for the job.

Matt Spence, who previously worked at Feeding Tampa Bay as Chief Strategy Officer, has joined Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT) as the school’s new executive director. Photo provided.

“Matt’s appointment as executive director marks an exciting new chapter for LiFT,” Mondello said in a prepared statement. “With his extensive background in education and community development, combined with his passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families, we are confident that Matt will lead our school to new heights. His commitment to collaboration and resource-building aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students and the entire LiFT community.”

Spence succeeds Shawn Naugle as executive director. During his four-year tenure, Naugle led the school through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and during the transition into LiFT’s new 60,000-square-foot campus in Clearwater, which opened in August 2023. The campus, which sits on 7.2 acres, includes expanded classroom spaces for all grade levels, therapy rooms, sensory rooms, art spaces, outdoor fields, a gymnasium and the establishment of the Sandi Lynn Geller Memorial Family Resource Center.

“I’m most looking forward to the community, the idea that LiFT is a place for folks who are really struggling to find a home for their child, educationally and emotionally, ” Spence said. “I’ve been through that journey as a parent and I know how challenging it can be, so the fact that LiFT is there for people who are really struggling, it’s exciting to be able to provide that community and that home.”

LiFT leaders say the school is poised for significant growth, with plans to double its enrollment within the next five years while maintaining small class sizes and individualized instruction. Spence said he’s excited to continue fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for current and future students.

“I’m very optimistic about reaching those targets,” Spence said. “Pinellas County Schools does a great job with folks with disabilities, and there are some great private school options, but I think LiFT provides something unique in that it’s a holistic approach. We have a family resource center on site that will support students beyond just the academic challenges [and] a lifelong component where we follow a student beyond high school graduation into preparing for the work world and gaining as much independence as possible.”

“The biggest fear for a parent is that your child isn’t going to reach their potential or doesn’t have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves, and I think for parents of children with neurodiversity, that it’s a very real fear,” Spence added. “LiFT meets people in that moment and says, ‘We’ll walk this together.’ LiFT is a great place and I’m excited to bring in some more folks and more support.”

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