K2 ESCAPE - Key Persons
Born in Kingston, Jamaica Andrew migrated to the United States at the age of nine. He resided in the Bronx and Queens where he attended public schools. Andrew went on to graduate from the University of Rochester where he acquired a Bachelor's in both Political Science and Philosophy. Thereafter, Andrew studied at the University of Toledo College of Law. He is licensed in Ohio and New York and has been admitted to the Federal Court, Eastern District of NY (EDNY), and the Immigration Court. Andrew runs his own practice specializing in criminal, family, matrimonial, contracts, and some trust and estate law.
Job Titles:
- Vice President / Chief Diversity Officer
As a Bilingual Realtor in the Tampa Bay area, Denise is a people person who can relate to individuals from all walks of life. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Denise was a Corporate Trainer with a primary focus in insurance.
Denise graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Denise is a fully Bilingual Spanish-speaker. She spent a few years volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa and the Prison Ministry with her church and looks forward to serving on K2 Escape's board.
Dr. Essie Johnson Trent has over 20 years of experience in the field of education serving as a teacher, ESE Specialist, Assistant Principal and Principal. She has a true passion for serving the special needs population. Dr. Essie Johnson Trent has twin boys on the Autism Spectrum and took a walk of faith and moved from Mobile, AL to Tampa, Florida to start a new life after her parents both passed away and divorced. She did not know anyone so she needed assistance with her sons. After being frustrated and disappointed by the lack of services available for her children and speaking to parents of her students she became inspired and motivated to start K2 Escape, Inc. In 2014, she founded K2 Escape, Inc, a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with disabilities. The organization offers Companion services, Adult Day Training Program, Personal Supports, Respite and Transportation Services in the Brandon and Tampa Bay Area. Dr. Essie Johnson Trent recently took another walk of faith and resigned from her position as School Principal to lead and serve as the CEO of the organization. 90% of the employees working for K2 Escape, Inc are former and current educators. K2 Escape, Inc motto is, "Enhancing Life" which encompasses enhancing her own family life, employees, families, consumers and all who are affiliated with K2 Escape, Inc. Dr. Essie Johnson Trent enjoys spending time with her family and friends, serving and helping elevate others, and feeding the homeless. She is a member of LOVE First Church in Riverview, FL and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Originally from Alabama (Roll Tide!), Freda has been in Florida for more than 8 years. She received my Bachelors of Science from the University of Mobile. Freda has been working with the Special needs population for over 17 years now, as an ESE Teacher and a Paraprofessional. She enjoys assisting those in need. For her it is rewarding helping others achieve their goals.
Job Titles:
- ESE Department Head / ESE Math Teacher
- Public Relations
As an ESE Department Head and Mathematics Educator, Kim Duran brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our K2 Escape Board Members.
Born in South Korea, Kim came to the US in 1980 when she was adopted. She graduated high school in the states and went on to receive her BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, as well as her Masters in Social Work. For the last 26 years, Kim has dedicated herself to public service beginning as a school social worker in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After leaving the school she began working as a Non-profit Kinship Coordinator before eventually moving into protective social work. In 2005 she returned to social work in the school system, at Hillsborough County Public Schools, working with students with severe behavioral/emotional and mental health disorders. She remained there until 2012 when she moved into a position as an ESE Math teacher, teaching students in both middle school and high school. In 2018 she was named ESE Department Head and remains as such while also teaching Geometry and Algebra to her beloved ESE students.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Treasurer
As a military veteran, Roy brings over 30 years of sales, marketing and financial experience to K2 Escape, Inc. He is the owner of Sentry Tax and Healthcare Solutions, LLC founded in 2014. His specialty areas include small business consulting, income tax preparation for individuals and small businesses, and group and individual health insurance. He brings his abundance of experience from California and New Jersey. He has resided in Florida since 2010. Roy also is the primary caregiver for his father and uncle and understands the challenges and rewards that comes in our community.