Eight Waves hires three new directors

Eight Waves is continuing to develop its leadership with the implementation of three new directors since the start of 2023.

Wendell Coates is the new youth director, Chloe Johnson is the children's director, and Hailey Santora is the high school program director and director of grant writing.

Johnson, who was hired in February, is "bringing the community together for a positive message of hope and inspiration starting with the little ones," according to Sara Meyer, founder and executive director of the program.

Meyer said the students  have been working on creating cards and delivering them to senior citizens within the local community.

"It gives me great joy to work with kids in a community that I am a part of making a difference in their lives," Johnson said. "We are better together."

Coates, who was hired in April, is "a strong, confident and capable man who will bring the Eight Waves youth program to the next level," according to Kelly Carr, director of operations and programs at Eight Waves.

"He is very talented when it comes to connecting with the young men in our community, and I am so glad God brought him to lead these students to become honorable men," Carr said.

Coates said he is excited to team up with the organization. 

"We all have one common goal and that’s helping the youth succeed," he said. "I’m confident that we’ll achieve great things together. The more unity we display, the stronger chances we have of making a shift in the community."

Santora, who was also hired in April, has been "a dedicated volunteer within our program for over a year and her whole heart and soul is with Eight Waves," Carr said. 

"She goes above and beyond to help support our high school students and their families," Carr said. "She has been an absolute blessing to our organization and truly loves these children as if they were her own. I am so happy to have her on our team."

Meyer explained Santora's role is leading the Eight Waves in-school, weekly program at West Orange High School that is sponsored by Orlando Health.  

"She is helping to facilitate connecting students with mentorship, working on further developing life skills, and coordinating well-balanced, nutritious meals to be provided to the students," Meyer said.

Meyer said the new positions will help students in the West Orange County community learn how to tackle challenges, build knowledge and to thrive. 

"I am so thankful and grateful for this opportunity," Santora said. "I whole heartedly believe in the mission of Eight Waves and I love the kids in the program."

For more information on Eight Waves and its mission, click here.