The Friendship Gala is our annual celebration of friendship and a fundraiser for The Friendship Journey. We share an evening of dinner, dancing, and awards, creating lasting memories with our TFJ community. Guests of all abilities are welcome.
Save the Date: December 20, 2025 - The Friendship Gala - The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
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The Friendship Journey, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of Consumer Services by calling toll free (800)435-7352 within the state www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services registration number: CH41183
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Tania Glantzis is The Friendship Journey’s administrative executive. Tania has 16 years of administrative and management experience. She handles daily administrative tasks and event planning for The Friendship Journey. Tania also works full-time as an Office Manager at a local speech-language pathology practice, Bridge Therapy. Tania enjoys interacting with families and friends of The Friendship Journey and answering any questions they may have. She loves the mission of The Friendship Journey and is passionate about using her management and organizational skills to help the organization thrive.
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.