MANASOTA BUDS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Manasota BUDS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, led by volunteers.  All current Board Members have children with Down syndrome.

Patricia Davison Crauwels

Chairperson

Pat is the mother of four adult children: Matt, Alison, Ethan, and Rachel.  Her youngest, Rachel, age 21, has Down Syndrome. She and her family have lived in the Manatee/Sarasota area since 1984.  She is a board certified civil trial attorney in Sarasota and a partner in the law firm Eastmoore, Crauwels & DuBose, practicing in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, and insurance law.  She is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and past president of FLABOTA (Florida Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates).  Pat enjoys playing tennis and watching Rachel become more proficient in the sport.

Pat_Crauwels
Pat Crauwels

Michael Feduccia

President

Mike is a Senior Vice President with South State Investment Services and a Certified Financial Planner CFP® practitioner.  He has served as President of Manasota BUDS since 2003.  Michael is a graduate of Tulane University School of Business, possessing both a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.  He is President of the Tulane Alumni Association for Sarasota and Manatee counties.  Michael is a multi-year recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award and was also named as one of The President’s Points of Light for his volunteerism and service to his community.  Michael’s son, Andrew, was born with Down syndrome.  Their family has lived in Sarasota since 1986.

Michael_Feduccia
Michael Feduccia

Mary Lou Bear

Vice President

Mary is a Loan Officer with Truist.  She offers clients more than 38 years experience in the mortgage industry.  In addition to serving as Vice President of Manasota B.U.D.S., Mary serves on the Board of Gult Coast Mortgage Bankers Association, and previously held the role of President for 2 years.  She is a graduate of Valdosta State College.

Mary_Lou_Bear
Mary Lou Bear

Paula kester

Treasurer

Paula is a Senior Accountant with Sixth Avenue West, a professional management company.  Her previous accounting experience includes a 23 year history in the insurance industry with MGA in Lakewood Ranch, which was acquired by a global insurance brokerage; Arthur J. Gallagher.  Paula served on the Manasota BUDS board from 2013 to 2016, and recently became the Treasurer in 2022.  She and her husband Sean are the proud parents of Olivia and live in the Sarasota area.  Manasota BUDS has been an important part of their lives since 2007, when they were blessed with their daughter Olivia.

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Paula Kester

Marisol Rose

Board Member

Marisol serves as the State Parent Consultant for Florida’s early intervention program, Early Steps, under the Division of Children’s Medical Services within the Florida Department of Health. Prior to representing families statewide, Marisol spent 6 years working on the local level at one of the Early Steps Offices as a Family Resource Specialist and represents families in various state and national groups. Her most important role, however, has been raising two young and unique children with disabilities, a son who is twice-exceptional autistic and gifted, and a daughter who has Down syndrome. Her children and her experiences in parenthood have taught her how to view the world from a different lens and have given her a mission to empower families and people.

Marisol_Rose
Marisol Rose

Andrew Riffee

Board Member

Andrew is a 20-year automotive industry veteran, serving as CMO and CTO for the Dimmitt Automotive Group in Tampa.  He has attended Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership program, as well as executive leadership programs through NADA Dealer Academy, the Dale Carnegie Institute, Bates Communications, and the Walt Disney Institute.  He is active in several charities and has a passion for serving the Special Needs community.  Andrew is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and was a 2021 Automotive News 40 under 40 honoree.  He and his wife of 15 years, Cara, are the proud parents of 2 boys, Connor and Jacob.  Their family has lived in the Lakewood Ranch area since 2017.  Andrew joined the Manasota BUDS Board in 2022.

Andrew_Riffee
Andrew Riffee

BROOKE SCHULTE OLIVIERI

Board Member

Brooke is a National Board Certified General Education and ESE teacher for Sarasota family schools. In 1998 she received the “Teacher of the Year” award from Emma E. Booker Elementary. She has published educational research and presented at state and national education conferences. Brooke has chaired Junior League of Sarasota’s Literacy Project and served Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences as President of their PTSS. She joined the BUDS board in 2012 and has championed several programs for the organization over the years. Brooke and her husband David have 3 children: Drew, Madison and Ella.

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Brooke Schulte Olivieri