Our Mission and Commitment

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Tony Farinella is the CEO and Co-founder of Aspire Vocational Services. A non-profit organization that assists individuals with disabilities, Veterans with disabilities and disadvantaged individuals obtain meaningful employment. Established in 2017 and contracted with the State of Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division.

During his 29-year career in health care, he held various roles to include CEO & Co-Founder of another VR Provider and in skilled nursing home organizations in multiple states. Those roles included COO, Regional Vice President and Director of Transitional Care. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Florida International University. Mr. Farinella possesses a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. He is also a graduate of Dale Carnegie Training. In addition, Mr. Farinella served in the United States Army and National Guard for six years, where he received numerous Meritorious Achievement awards.

Mr. Farinella is currently serving as a Board Member of the Florid Association for Supporting Employment First. He also served on the Board for the Florida Licensed Professional Nurse Association and has been a guest speaker for McKnight’s Workforce Solutions Panel, the National Association of Professional Nurse Educators, Dade County AARP Chapter, and the Dade County Health Symposium.

He has been an advocate for the disabled and elderly individuals for the past 29 years. 

Tami Sparks is the well-regarded COO and Co-founder of Aspire Vocational Services.

Aspire is a non-profit organization that assists individuals with disabilities to obtain

meaningful employment. 

The company was established in 2017 and contracted with the

State of Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division. 

Prior to joining Aspire, Tami was

the CEO and founder of Consulting Services by Tami Sparks, based in Colorado. She

and her team provided job placement services to individuals with disabilities throughout

the state of Colorado for over 7 years.

In addition, Tami is a seasoned Certified Life Coach, Certified Employment Support

Specialist, and Sign Language Interpreter with over a decade of experience in each

field. She is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and secure

meaningful employment. With over 15 years in the field of Job Placement Services, she

has made significant strides in workforce development.

In 2023, she launched a for-profit enterprise focused on providing similar services to

reentry populations and individuals. In 2024, she launched a non-profit that is

strategically focused on empowering Veterans, Active-Duty, and their spouses

transitioning to civilian life through comprehensive workforce training, job placement

services, and entrepreneurial skill development.

As a multiple business owner, Tami is deeply committed to community engagement,

actively volunteering, networking, and fostering collaborations with local businesses,

organizations, and individuals to create impactful opportunities.

Diane Dickson is the Co-founder and Director of Programs and Advocacy of Aspire Vocational Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and adults with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment and create their ideal lives. Established in 2017, Aspire Vocational Services focuses on work readiness training, customized employment opportunities, and small business development.

Career and Experience: Diane has over a decade of experience in program development, management, and vocational services. She has been instrumental in creating and implementing various workforce development programs emphasizing non-traditional pathways. Her dedication to fostering meaningful relationships and collaborating with community organizations and employers has consistently driven program success.

As the Executive Director of the Agency for Life Transformations, Diane led efforts to train and supervise employment specialists, develop connections with potential employers, and facilitate job placements and internships for youth. She has a proven track record of advocating for customized employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities and assisting families in creating their own small businesses.

In her role as a Health and Life Coach at Work In Progress Coaching, Diane developed educational content, conducted health-related research, and provided coaching on meal plans and lifestyle strategies to achieve optimal health goals.

Credentials: Diane is a Certified Business and Technical Assistance Consultant (CBTAC) and a Board Certified Health Coach through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. 

Community Involvement: Diane has served on the Board of Directors for the Interagency Council of Brevard and was an active Career Exploration Instructor at Rising Stars Academy, where she delivered youth-led career exploration programs and engaged students in various creative projects.

Advocacy and Impact: Throughout her career, Diane has been a passionate advocate for the employment and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. Her efforts have significantly contributed to creating inclusive and supportive environments that enable individuals to reach their full potential. 

 Nikki currently serves as the Director of Administration and Employment Services and one of the Co-Founders of Aspire Vocational Services - a non-profit organization that provides vocational services to individuals with disabilities. As Director, Nikki excels in overseeing operational efficiency and enhancing employment opportunities for diverse populations. Nikki is also COO and Co-Founder of Benefits Consulting Services, a Florida-based firm specializing in government benefits analysis, planning, and advocacy. With a robust background in management and administrative roles, Nikki brings a wealth of experience to her position. Her previous roles as Administrative Director of Vocational Services involved steering strategic initiatives and optimizing service delivery, while her Leadership role at  Tradewind Marketing Co. demonstrated her adeptness in driving business growth and brand development.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate from Suffolk University, Nikki holds a degree in Clinical Neuropsychology. Nikki is also a Certified Work Incentive Practitioner through Cornell University, and a Certified Employment Support Professional through the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE). Nikki has attended over 130+ hours of continuing education credits in Vocational Rehabilitation, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Benefits Planning, and Career Counseling. A strong advocate for serving others, Nikki has volunteered over 160 hours of community service  assisting individuals with developmental disabilities. Nikki was selected to attend The Managers Training Institute and was specifically chosen to mentor under the CEO of an organization with over $50 million in annual revenue. Nikki has a proven track record of academic and professional excellence across multiple industries, and a passion to serve individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Nikki's career trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence and leadership across multiple sectors. Her transition from the marketing industry to administrative and employment services showcases her versatility and dedication to improving organizational outcomes. Her strategic vision and hands-on approach have consistently yielded impactful results, establishing her as a trusted leader in her field.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Nikki is an avid traveler, accomplished writer, and scuba diver.