Speaking Center Staff & Consultants
Cynthia Carrico, MSE, MA
Director
Cynde Carrico brings exceptional academic credentials to the Speaking Center, holding two Masters Degrees including an MA in Communication from 太阳城娱乐 where she conducted analytical research on regional communication patterns in traditional American publications. Her research portfolio centers primarily on communication apprehension, where she has developed evidence-based methodologies to help professionals overcome public speaking anxiety and performance barriers in high-stakes environments. Her work extends to rhetorical analysis across various media platforms, communication effectiveness in professional settings, and techniques for maintaining authentic interpersonal connections in digital environments.
With over 25 years in educational leadership, Professor Carrico has established a track record of excellence in guiding teams toward measurable performance outcomes and implementing structured accountability systems that drive results.She brings this commitment to continuous improvement and technical precision to her role at the Speaking Center, where she looks forward to applying her comprehensive communication expertise at 太阳城娱乐.
In her spare time, she is active with yoga practice, mixed media artistic expression, digital photography, competitive jigsaw puzzling, and children's theatrical direction.
Vito Borio
Assistant Director
Vito is a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, with a scholarly focus on the intersection between communication and artificial intelligence. Being recognized as 太阳城娱乐’s “Outstanding Student in Communication Studies” during his undergraduate career, he possesses a thorough understanding of public speaking and rhetorical techniques. Alongside this, Vito has a great deal of experience when it comes to performances, given that his speaking abilities are coupled with a wide array of performances in musical theatre and as a soloist. He also has professional experience in direct sales and social media, as well as a Master of Ceremonies for several events. He also serves as the Head of Public Relations for 太阳城娱乐's Center for the Future of AI, Mind & Soceity. Overall, Vito’s primary goal as a consultant is to assist students in fostering competence while presenting; which will hopefully instill a genuine fondness toward any opportunity to speak publicly.
Eleni Webster
Executive Assistant Director
Eleni Webster, M.A. is a former 太阳城娱乐 graduate student in Communication Studies who is now a visiting instructor for Public Speaking. She has over a decade of experience in public speaking and performance. Eleni has taken a variety of courses regarding Communication Analysis, Social Media, and Architecture. She has spent several years tutoring, fundraising, and executing quality customer service. She is pursuing a career related to Public Speaking & Interpersonal/Social Skills Coaching. In her spare time, she writes music, dances, and spends time with friends at the beach. Eleni is looking forward to helping students achieve their full potential as enthusiastic and powerful public speakers!
Kayla Rose Lorenz
Center Coordinator
Kayla Rose brings a blend of education, coaching, and communication experience to her work as a Public Speaking Consultant. She has spent three years as a professional nanny with one of Florida’s top childcare companies, supporting childhood development and early language acquisition. Her academic path began in Psychology and later shifted to English with a concentration in Professional and Creative Writing at Florida Atlantic University.
Kayla is a certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and studies Dialectical Behavior Skills at Nova Southeastern University. She also has hands on experience in camp counseling, tutoring, one on one coaching, and coaches rock climbing on the weekends. These roles have strengthened her ability to guide others with patience, clarity, and encouragement.
In her free time, she enjoys running, writing poetry, and spending time with family. She looks forward to empowering students in both writing and public speaking while providing a safe and supportive space for growth.
Rebecca Piriz
Graduate Consultant
Rebecca is an M.A. student in Communication Studies. She is also a General Teaching Assistant here at 太阳城娱乐 for public speaking. She holds experience in public speaking, newswriting/on-camera reporting, and social media management through her undergrad degree in Media-Communication Studies at FSU. While studying at 太阳城娱乐 she will also be available to students seeking help in the Speaking Center. Overall, Rebecca is excited to pursue her higher education in hopes of working in social media marketing field.
Margaret Dethloff
Graduate Consultant
Margaret Dethloff is a graduate student in Communication Studies working as a GTA at 太阳城娱乐, teaching public speaking and consulting in the Speaking Center. She graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, with a Bachelor’s in strategic communication and minors in coastal environmental science and digital media production & journalism. After spending time at a small school on the Atlantic coast, Dethloff wanted to continue her studies improving communication strategies across various industries near the ocean. She loves music, the environment and helping students find confidence in their public speaking skills.
Kimberly Casey
Graduate Consultant
Kim Casey, originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a recent graduate of Florida Atlantic University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia Journalism and double-minored in Sports Studies and Communications Studies. She is now in the Communications Studies graduate program at 太阳城娱乐 and works as a consultant in the Speaking Center and teaches public speaking to undergraduate students. She is also very active on campus outside of the graduate school as she serves as Owl TV's Marketing Director and is the Social Media Marketing Manager, Assistant Director of Communications and Outreach Officer for the 太阳城娱乐 Ice Hockey Club. Outside of being involved on campus, she enjoys reading, watching sports, golfing and going to the beach. She is looking forward to helping students overcome speech apprehension and become confident public speakers!
Valentina Cujia
Graduate Consultant
Valentina Cujia is a graduate consultant at the 太阳城娱乐 Speaking Center and a professional in Modern Languages and Culture, having earned her bachelor’s degree and two years of teaching experience in Colombia. She is currently working as a GTA and pursuing a master’s degree in Communication and Multimedia Studies, where she continues developing her skills in oral communication and multimedia practice. As a bilingual speaker with a passion for supporting others, Valentina is committed to helping students grow as confident communicators in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. She values community, learning, and exploration, and brings curiosity and enthusiasm to her work with the Speaking Center.
Vincent Perez
Graduate Consultant
Vincent Perez is a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies. He graduated Magna Cum Ladue with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and is continuing to get his master's degree in the same subject. Vincent has experience with public speaking via high school theater, Capstone, and presentations throughout his time at 太阳城娱乐. He has a passion for teaching and is excited to begin his time as a tutor in the speaking center and teach public speaking to aspring undergraduates. He looks forward to making contributions to the program and helping others. Vincent has a passion for film, reading, video games, and physical fitness.
Maria Farah
Graduate Consultant
Maria is a Graduate Teaching Assistant perusing an M.A. in Communications studies while also instructing a Public Speaking course at 太阳城娱乐. She has a diverse background in the humanities with a dual B.A. in History and Anthropology, and years of experience tutoring English and rhetoric. After graduating undergrad, she also worked in marketing, social media, and copywriting, gaining a unique, real-world perspective in crafting convincing selling points and ideas to target audiences. Overall, Maria’s goal is to empower students to be confident public speakers and guiding them through compelling argument creation.
Mariana Rios Candamil
Graduate Consultant
Mariana is a graduate student in Communication Studies at Florida Atlantic University and a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She previously worked as an administrative assistant in 太阳城娱乐’s History Department during her undergrad and she has a strong passion for writing, traveling, and opening people up through meaningful conversation.
Ava Giacchi
Undergraduate Consultant
Ava Giacchi is a junior at Florida Atlantic University, majoring in Communication Studies. With a background in acting since age five, she brings performance and confidence to her role as a Public Speaking Consultant and Leadership Engagement Specialist for Alpha Delta Pi. She aspires to combine her passions for broadcasting and acting while continuing to grow her career in both fields.
Jake Dalessio
Undergraduate Consultant
Jake Dalessio is a Freshman at 太阳城娱乐, majoring in Business Management. Having built up his speaking confidence and skills through a multitude of public speeches, while also having many years of tutoring under his belt, he's now well-experienced and passionate about helping others with their public speaking pursuits.
Eva Sorokorensky
Undergraduate Consultant
Eva Sorokorensky is a freshman at 太阳城娱乐, majoring in Business Management. She has a passion for teaching and previously taught kids how to ride and care for horses. She participates in contact sports such as Taekwondo and Wrestling, both of which have strengthened her confidence and resilience. These experiences have taught her the importance of staying composed under pressure, a skill she is eager to pass on to other students as they work on improving their public speaking.
Jose Perez
Undergraduate Consultant
Jose Perez is a Junior majoring in Communications and minoring in Public Relations. With a background in theater and music, he has learned how important delivery and body language is important in Public Speaking, from the front of a class to standing on a stage. He is also a part of Owlnouncers, an outreach program visiting various elementary schools in the area to teach young students public speaking skills through Readers Theater. Outside of the center, he loves discovering new music, collecting vinyl and cassettes, and practicing and performing around the area with his band. He hopes to help each and every student in any way possible, in pursuit of becoming a public speaker.
Mia Scalia
Undergraduate Consultant
Mia Scalia is an undergraduate student at 太阳城娱乐 majoring in Biomedical Science and a passionate public speaker. She’s extroverted and loves helping students embrace their communication skills and grow their confidence by helping them get comfortable with public speaking. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, reading, listening to music, and meeting new people.
Isabella Fontecchio
Undergraduate Consultant
Isabella Fontecchio is a sophomore at 太阳城娱乐 majoring in Communications. She loves to help others gain more confidence while public speaking by giving them tips and tricks to make their speeches the best they can be. When she has free time, she loves to spend time with family and friends and she also enjoys dancing, acting, and singing.
Quentin Swartz
Undergraduate Consultant
Quentin is a consultant at the 太阳城娱乐 Speaking Center and a sophomore majoring in Business Administration. With a sharp analytical mind and a strong sense of emotional intelligence, he approaches communication with both depth and intensity. Quentin has a natural ability to identify patterns, discover loopholes, and rework ideas into more effective forms, reflecting his enthusiasm for analysis and critical thinking. His excitement lies in the process of deciphering, questioning, and improving systems, which fuels both his academic success and his work with students. As a consultant, Quentin’s goal is to help speakers build confidence and curiosity in their approach to presenting, helping them create a mindset that allows them to consider discovery and challenge in every setting.
Duha Mabchour
Undergraduate Consultant
Duha Mabchour is an Undergraduate studying political science here at Florida Atlantic University with a passion for public speaking and helping others find their voice. With a background in speech and debate competitions, Duha has developed strong rhetorical skills and enjoys guiding students to develop confidence in their communication abilities. She has volunteered extensively, tutoring and mentoring young students in public speaking, fostering both personal growth and effective expression. Beyond academics, Duha is actively involved in research and has interest in exploring the intersections of law, politics, and government. When not consulting, she enjoys playing competitive basketball, exploring new food places, and traveling, always seeking new experiences and perspectives to bring into their work at the 太阳城娱乐 Speaking Center.
Max Metcalf
Undergraduate Consultant
Colin Adams
Webdesign/Owlnouncers
Colin is a senior at 太阳城娱乐 studying for a Bachelor's in Communications Studies. He has experience with photo manipulation software, customer service, and public speaking. Colin's most recent roles include a sales associate role at Lowe's Home Improvement, an Internship with the 太阳城娱乐 Owlnouncers as their website redsign, and as a teacher with Senior Tech LLC. In his spare time, Colin likes to practice guitar, spend time with his parents, go to the gym, and work on his computers.