Our Why
At The Friendship Journey, we believe that everyone deserves to experience friendship. Our inclusive experiences create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to connect and grow as friends.
We love our friends.
The Friendship Journey creates authentic connections amongst friends of all abilities through enriching and meaningful experiences. Our friendships foster a compassionate community in which everyone belongs.
Our Team
Samantha Novick, M.S. CCC-SLP
President
Alexandra Murray
Administrative Assistant
Heather Weissman
Vice President of Operations
Samantha Novick
Heather Weissman loves The Friendship Journey’s purpose and impact on the community. When her daughter Zoe started volunteering at The Friendship Journey and developed meaningful bonds with her friends, Heather knew she wanted to become more involved. Heather started her professional career in the entertainment industry in Public Relations at HBO and as the publicist/event planner at a record label for the band Creed. Her experience in the entertainment industry also allowed her the opportunity to transition to the pharmaceutical industry at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. She won several top sales presidential awards.
Heather graduated with high honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Communications degree and a minor in Marketing. Heather is now a Marketing teacher and DECA advisor at the American Heritage School on the Broward campus. She enjoys teaching high school students applicable business skills and creating an impact on their futures. In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her daughters and husband, her adorable dog Leia and traveling.
Samantha Novick
Samantha Novick is dedicated to amplifying the voices of others and creating inclusive opportunities in her community. She pursues these passions through her work as a speech-language pathologist, owner of a private practice in Coral Springs, Bridge Therapy, and serving as President of The Friendship Journey since 2018. Samantha received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University, graduating from both programs with high honors. Samantha is recognized for Advanced Training and Expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech and is a LAMP Words For Life Certified Professional. She has presented at several national conferences and for international communities.
Samantha was the recipient of the 2020 WPLG Channel 10 Life Changer Award, which recognizes a “hometown hero” who entered a person’s life at a pivotal point and made a significant impact. Other accolades include being recognized as Professional of the Year from UM-NSU CARD, a Daily Point of Light recipient for her activism and philanthropy after the Parkland shooting and the recipient of HandsOn Broward’s Youth Impact Award. In her free time, Samantha enjoys exploring nature, road trips, traveling reading and spending time with family and friends. Samantha loves The Friendship Journey and looks forward to growing these meaningful services in her community.
Silva Gil
Silvia Gil, M.S.Ed, is the president and founder of Neuro Consulting Solutions, an agency focused on designing and implementing inclusive programs and creating environments where neurodiverse employees and customers thrive. Starting her career as a special education teacher, she cultivated her passion and refined her skills in providing effective support for students. Her expertise further developed during her tenure in a non-profit organization focused on neurodivergent individuals, where she played a key role in creating inclusive programs and employment opportunities. She earned her Master’s degree in special education from Florida International University. With experience spanning non-profits, individual families, Fortune 500 companies, and prestigious academic institutions, Silvia understands the significant benefits companies and communities can derive from accommodating and embracing inclusive practices. She also takes great pride in being a devoted mother to an extraordinary animal-loving daughter on the spectrum. Driven by her professional and personal commitment, she aims to secure equal access and opportunities for all individuals with autism and related disabilities.Samantha was the recipient of the 2020 WPLG Channel 10 Life Changer Award, which recognizes a “hometown hero” who entered a person’s life at a pivotal point and made a significant impact. Other accolades include being recognized as Professional of the Year from UM-NSU CARD, a Daily Point of Light recipient for her activism and philanthropy after the Parkland shooting and the recipient of HandsOn Broward’s Youth Impact Award. In her free time, Samantha enjoys exploring nature, road trips, traveling reading and spending time with family and friends. Samantha loves The Friendship Journey and looks forward to growing these meaningful services in her community.[/caption]
Alexandra Murray
Alexandra Murray is a seasoned nonprofit professional with over a decade of experience in the field, focusing on employment services, program development, and community engagement for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. As the Program Manager for The Friendship Journey, she oversees the creation and execution of inclusive programs that foster personal growth, connection, and empowerment for participants of all abilities. Alex is also the founder of Global Community Consulting, where she provides tailored consulting services to nonprofits, helping them develop impactful programs, secure grants, and manage campaigns. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, Alex has designed and led initiatives, such as her dance program for homeless youth, and continues to develop programs that uplift underserved populations. Her work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a space to thrive, and she is dedicated to fostering environments that promote growth, creativity, and respect for all.
Paola Blanco
Paola Blanco is a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy who is passionate about accessibility. She is the owner of Pixels and Papers, a WordPress design and social media marketing firm with a focus on digital accessibility. Paola is also an operations support admin and community engagement coordinator at Synergies Work, a nonprofit in Georgia that helps entrepreneurs with disabilities launch and grow small businesses.
Her background in advertising and graphic design combined with her lived experience fuels a passion project – a blog called How – Accessible – where she creates and curates accessibility resources to help people with different mobility needs find the tools and tricks to be as independent as possible.
Paola is a foodie and a crafter. When not at work, you can find her practicing wheelchair ballroom dancing or checking off adventures from her bucket list.
Karen Wilson
As a CPA in Florida for over 20 years, Karen’s experience has included work in both public accounting and private industry. Currently, she provides clients with small business and tax services from her home office in Parkland. Working from home gives Karen the flexibility to spend time with her family and support her daughter, Elisabeth, in academics and after school activities.
Karen enjoys taking an active role in the organizations that have helped her daughter grow. Elisabeth has had difficulty learning to socialize with peers but has had no trouble connecting with her friends at The Friendship Journey. The Friendship Journey programs have been a place where Elisabeth feels totally loved and accepted. Karen loves the opportunity to give back to the community by serving in this capacity.
Dr. Carole Zangari, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Carole Zangari is committed to serving the autism, augmentative, and alternative communication (AAC) and neurodivergent community. She is a Professor in the Speech Language Pathology department at Nova Southeastern University, where she also serves as the Executive Director of the Broward satellite of the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD).
Dr. Zangari is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language and a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is a frequent presenter on AAC topics at international and national conferences and volunteers with several organizations, including ASHA, USSAAC, and ATIA. Dr. Zangari is the co-editor of Practically Speaking Language, Literacy, and Academic Development for Students with AAC Needs and the co-author of TELL ME: AAC in the Preschool Classroom and TELL ME Más: CAA en el Aula Preescolar. She blogs at www.PrAACticalAAC.org, an internationally recognized website and valuable resource for families and professionals. Dr. Carole Zangari has supported The Friendship Journey since its inception and is delighted to serve on the board to continue driving this important mission forward.
Gustavo Padrino
Gustavo Padrino believes in bringing people who are pursuing a just cause together, inspiring those around him to reach their highest potential and achieve remarkable accomplishments. Recognized as a purpose-driven leader by his colleagues and partners in the community, Gustavo is the Community Engagement Manager at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, where he develops lasting partnerships and collaborations with non-profit organizations, businesses, cultural organizations, and key community stakeholders to bring inclusive, arts related programs that deliver a meaningful impact to the community.
Gustavo was elected class chair of the Leadership Fort Lauderdale Class XXVIII at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, awarded the Community Hero award at the Exceptional Theater Company (ETC) gala and the Community Hero Award at The Friendship Journey’s Friendship Gala for his work with the neurodiverse community. During his time at the Broward Center, Gustavo has worked across multiple departments that include Programming, Finance, Event Services and External Affairs. He has expanded the sensory-inclusive programming, reaching more audiences and partners. Gustavo holds his M.A. in Arts Presenting and Live Entertainment Management, a B.M. in Music Performance, and a Minor in Music Business and Entertainment Management from the University of Miami. He is excited to create more accessible spaces in our community and beyond.
Jason Novick
Jason Novick is passionate about improving efficiencies, problem-solving and using his skill set to ensure that every person has access to meaningful experiences and friendships.
Jason is the co-owner of Bridge Therapy, a private speech-language pathology practice in Coral Springs, alongside his wife Samantha. He also serves as the Sales Director at Mango Vans, an adventure vehicle company in Miami. Jason’s former roles include special events for the NHL’s Florida Panthers and managing corporate partnerships at TapToBook, a technology startup. In his free time, Jason loves to explore the outdoors, travel, and spend time with family.
Paola Blanco
Vice President of Accessibility
Karen Wilson
Treasurer
Dr. Carole Zangari, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Board Member
Gustavo Padrino
Board Member
Jason Novick
Board Member
Silva Gil
Board Member
