STARability Foundation, a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is pleased to welcome four new members to its growing development and marketing team. Allie Perez, director of events and community relations; Allison Vincent, director of annual giving; Ashley Nevar, marketing and communications manager; and Melanie Castilla, marketing coordinator, have joined STARability’s compassionate and experienced team of professionals.

“This team’s work is at the core of our organization and is vital to helping share the stories of our participants and the ever-growing need in our community for people with IDD and their families,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “Their combined expertise will be crucial to ensuring STARability can continue expanding services, programs and inclusive opportunities for our participants to thrive.”

Perez first joined STARability in August 2024 after relocating to Naples from Miami and was recently promoted to director of events and community relations. With a passion for event planning and community engagement, she combines professional expertise with a deep commitment to STARability’s mission and creating meaningful experiences that both educate the community and celebrate the abilities of all participants.

As the director of annual giving, Vincent brings a thoughtful, relational approach to nonprofit fundraising and communications. In this role, she blends storytelling, strategy and donor engagement to grow impact and build lasting community support. Vincent’s background spans from protecting Florida’s wild spaces with CREW Land & Water Trust to promoting well-being through the Blue Zones Project. Prior to her career in development, she worked as an archaeologist in Peru.

In her position as marketing and communications manager, Nevar brings over 12 years of experience in marketing and design. She began her career at Apartments.com, later launching her own brand designing for the music industry. After relocating to Naples, Nevar helped grow her family’s real estate business through strategic marketing efforts. Currently at STARability, she is utilizing her skills to expand the nonprofit’s reach and build on its strong presence within the community.

Castilla is a digital marketing graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University with experience in social media management, content creation and marketing coordination. As the communications manager, she supports STARability’s marketing and outreach efforts through social media, communications and design.

To learn more about STARability’s life-transforming programs, visit STARability.org.

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.