Chief Executive Officer

Kari moved from Massachusetts to Southwest Florida in 2014 to escape the cold winters. She has worked with non-profit organizations for more than 20 years and is passionate about advocating for and supporting vulnerable populations. She has held management positions with the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Horizons for Homeless Children, Advocates Inc., and Catholic Charities.

Kari received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Evangel University in Missouri and a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. She also holds an Executive Leadership Program for Non-Profit Organizations certificate from the University of Georgia.

When Kari was in her teens, her family home served as a refuge for women facing crisis pregnancies. This had a significant impact on her life and would steer her to pursue a career in helping others.

Kari continues a life of service. “Making a difference, effecting change and giving people the help they need will always be my passion. It’s in my blood — and it’s what gives me joy.” — Excerpt from an eBella magazine story featuring Kari.

Program Coordinator

“Always do your best, never give up and follow your dreams.” Those words guide Marioly Soto, who joined the team as Program Coordinator. Marioly’s focus is on client intake and case management, increasing outreach using a multicultural approach, overseeing the client tracking software and working with our volunteers.

Prior to moving to Naples three years ago, Marioly lived in Cuba. She is an accountant with a 20-year career in banking. “Cuba,” Marioly said, “has been isolated from the rest of the world.  When I first went into a Wal-Mart grocery store, it was unimaginable to have so many choices.  You might find one type of apple in Cuba and it would be in short supply. Here, there are so many varieties of fruit available all year, not just in season.”

Marioly wanted to work for CRC “to help people and make their lives better! I believe the most important part of this job is empathy.”

She is grateful to live in the United State and believes this is truly the land of opportunity for those willing to work. And working hard is what she does, at times working three jobs. Her goal is always to “do your best, never give up and follow your dreams.”

Senior Services Director

A Community-based Interagency Senior Services Liaison

Rose has been living in Southwest Florida since 2015 with her family and is excited to serve as Collier Resource Center’s Senior Services Director: A Community-based Interagency Senior Services Liaison. Rose’s diverse work history includes positions at the Collier County Public Library, National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD as the Onsite Librarian, Academic Librarian at Cincinnati State College and started her career at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield, MA.

Rose completed her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Kentucky. From academic to government to public libraries, Rose has over 30 years of library experience which is an advantage to working at the Collier Resource Center.  Rose has learned, led and managed a wide range of informational services in many different and diverse environments.

Rose’s personal and professional goals have always been to “make a difference” while working for libraries and collaborating regularly with non-profit organizations.  “In an ideal world, our family dynamics are simple, but the reality is that family dynamics are complicated with many different and problematic issues arising for loved ones and caregivers near and far.  Navigating through these issues and answering important questions with other agencies serving seniors can make a huge difference for everyone involved.” Rose plans to work diligently with other senior agencies to assist with these informational and advocacy needs.