Meet the Board

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Chantala Simmons Founder/President of A Mother's Arms, Inc. was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida mother of three and grandmother of four. She is a Dunedin High School and Eckerd College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. For years she has held positions as Outreach Worker, Program Facilitator, and Youth Support Worker as well as participated with local groups and organizations as a community advocate.  She is also a member of the National Black Child Development Institute and has a passion for helping others, loving and supporting the children, and assisting her community with growth and development. 

Claudia Tapias is a bi-lingual mother of  two who was born and raised in New York City and moved to Clearwater in 1998 after graduating from The Institute of Arts and Technology High School. She has had the opportunity to travel the country and was able to experience being a volunteer on a military base assisting mothers whose husbands were deployed. She also worked at P.E.M.H.S as a Group Home Director and a Facilitator of Finances with teenagers in foster care. She graduated from SPC with an AA, attended USF majoring in Sociology, and graduated from Nursing School at PTEC. She continues her passion with helping and teaching others as she works as a Branch Banker with BB&T.

LaTisha Bell, Treasurer, was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida. She is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of three. She graduated from Clearwater High School and holds an Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. She has worked for non-profit agencies in the Human Services field for over 20 years in various roles providing services to children and families. Her positions held included  Case Manager for homeless families, Child and Family Consultant, Developmental Specialist as well as many other leadership and management roles. LaTisha has always had a passion for helping others. She is committed to the advancement of her community and playing an instrumental role in the mission of A Mother's Arms, Inc.

 Brianna Brye, born and raised in Clearwater, Florida is a mother of one, a member of the St. John MB Church where she serves on the WIA board, encouragement ministry, and a choir member. Brianna is the founder of “From The Heart Ministries” and has been a childcare provider for over 10 years. She’s also an active member of the Eastern stars through which she is an active participant in the community and volunteers at many events. She Graduated from Earl C Clemmons in Morgan field, Kentucky and Florida Career College where she earned a certification in Massage therapy. Brianna is a very caring and loving person who believes that family and relationships are extremely important. Her motto is Team work makes the dream work.

 Terrell Hamm is a proud graduate of Dunedin Comprehensive High School class of 1982 with a focus in Business Math and Naval Junior Reserve officer training Corp. He served eight years in the Naval Reserve as a supply logistics specialist upon completion of training at the Naval Technical Training Center in Meridian, MS. As well he has held numerous civilian positions in the mortgage and retail banking industry.  He understands and adheres to the belief that societal institutions are only as strong as the bedrock that all of society rest upon, which is family. Strong and healthy (spiritually and physically) families provide a foundation to allow societies to grow, expand and realize their full potential for the betterment of all mankind. Terrell feels the qualities of respect, compassion, humanity and love are all vital elements in a thriving community. He is excited to play a role in the lives of parents of this community through A Mother’s Arms, Inc.  He realizes the next generation from which societies leaders and innovators will spring forth leaving their own indelible mark from which society as a whole will benefit.