ABOUT
ROOTED IN MIAMI. GROWING ACROSS FLORIDA.
Celebrating our 18th year of service. Founded in Miami in 2008, the Edge creates opportunities through education, creativity, mentorship and real-world learning.
OUR STORY.
Founded in Miami in 2008, The Motivational Edge began with a belief that young people deserve more than one pathway to success. Nearly two decades later, that belief guides education, creative arts, workforce development, mentorship and experiential learning across five Florida counties.
ENGAGE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER.
Meet young people where they are. Discover what engages them. Build on their strengths. Create opportunities for what comes next.
MISSION, VISION & VALUES.
Our approach starts with relationships and builds toward opportunity. Engage, Educate & Empower guides how we connect with young people, design our programs and prepare for what comes next.
OUR MISSION
The Motivational Edge empowers young people through arts, education, and hands-on experiences to build confidence, discover their strengths, and shape their futures.
OUR VISION
A future where opportunity does not depend on circumstance, and every young person has more than one path to success. Across South Florida, the Treasure Coast and the Space Coast, we work toward communities where young people can learn, create, belong and prepare for adulthood.
THE VALUES BEHIND OUR WORK
START WITH STRENGTHS
See the interests, abilities and experiences each young person brings. Build on those strengths rather than define someone by a challenge or circumstance.
RELATIONSHIPS FIRST
Meet young people where they are. Create welcoming spaces where mentorship, trust and meaningful connections support learning and growth.
CREATIVITY WITH PURPOSE
Value creative expression in its own right—and as a way to develop communication, confidence, collaboration and skills that extend beyond the studio or classroom.
MORE THAN ONE PATH
Recognize that young people learn differently. Connect academic support, alternative learning, career preparation and hands-on experiences to individual needs and goals.
OPPORTUNITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIP
Work alongside families, schools, agencies, employers and community organizations to connect young people with experiences and opportunities they can build on.
REFLECT. REFINE. GROW.
Use data, evaluation and program experience to understand our work and improve it. Stay responsive to the young people and communities we serve.
LEADERSHIP TEAM.
Meet the people guiding our programs, partnerships and regional growth.
Ian Welsch
Founder & CEO
Ian founded The Motivational Edge in 2008 to create new ways of engaging, educating and empowering young people. He leads the organization’s vision, strategy, growth and community partnerships, including its continued expansion across the Treasure Coast and Space Coast.
REGIONAL CONTACT — TREASURE COAST & SPACE COAST
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Ian Welsch has a background in education and nonprofit leadership. Leading students in classroom instruction early on in his career, he proved to parents and peers alike that students flourish under his guidance. In recent years, Ian has trained many educators and nonprofit executives on topics ranging from program development and management to donor cultivation and data-reporting, in order to benefit the lives of many more under-resourced youth around the nation.
Ian earned his BS, as well as his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport. Taking a position as an educator in the Miami-Dade County Public School System in 2005, and recognizing the need for additional educational resources, he started an in-home tutoring service. Increasing referrals highlighted a community-wide need, thus in June 2008, The Motivational Edge Inc. was formed. This is a federally recognized, 501(c)(3) organization which uses culturally relevant arts as a motivational platform to inspire youth toward academic achievement, increased self-confidence and to build essential life skills. As Founder and CEO, Ian has assembled a vibrant team of experienced and caring educators and mentors.

Rudy Sablon
Strategic Partnerships & Development
Rudy leads strategic partnerships and development, with a focus on South Florida. He cultivates corporate, philanthropic and community relationships, supports fundraising and grant development, and connects supporters with opportunities to advance The Edge’s mission.
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Rudy Sablon is a visionary leader and strategist with over 20 years of experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership, and community empowerment. Since the inception of The Motivational Edge in 2008, he has been instrumental in its growth and success, serving in strategic partnerships and development. His leadership has helped shape the organization into one of Florida’s most impactful nonprofits, providing transformative arts, education, and mentorship programs to thousands of vulnerable youth.
Beyond his work at The Motivational Edge, Rudy serves on the Board of Directors for KP Cares Foundation and BV Miami, both dedicated to empowering underserved youth and families. He is also one of the longest-tenured grant panelists for the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, contributing his expertise to arts and community development initiatives since 2017. His public service contributions include being appointed in 2017 to the City of Miami’s Sports and Exhibition Authority Board, where he worked alongside civic leaders to enhance community engagement and development initiatives.
In 2020, his passion for social justice led him to secure specialized credentials from Kristi House in supporting sexually exploited children, trauma survivors, and human trafficking victims—reinforcing his capacity to address some of society’s most pressing humanitarian issues.
Rudy’s leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Future Makers Award from City to City Miami (2023), the Distinguished Community Service Award from Hillsborough County Children Services (2016), and recognition from Chapman Partnership for the Homeless. His expertise has been recognized by Columbia University, where he was invited to serve as an adjunct site supervisor at their School of Social Work from 2016 to 2017. In this role, he mentored emerging student leaders in social innovation and community care, providing guidance on impactful strategies to support vulnerable populations.
In addition to his nonprofit work, Rudy has an extensive background in business and educational consulting. As CEO of Race 2 the Top, he led nationwide education initiatives, working with school districts in distress to implement strategic program evaluations and improvements. Under his leadership, the company expanded into eight states and 25 cities, impacting over 10,000 under-resourced students. His dedication to educational equity and community development was recognized in 2016 when he received a Community Leadership Recognition Award in Weld County, CO, honoring his impact on youth education in underserved communities. Previously, he served as CEO of Legends Business Group, where he managed a multi-million-dollar portfolio of high-growth ventures, including Legends Power, an alternative energy research and development subsidiary.
A noted author and social impact innovator, Rudy holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Florida International University and an Executive Degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Notre Dame. Through his commitment to strategic growth, mentorship, and community transformation, he continues to drive meaningful change for at-risk youth and families across South Florida and beyond.

Kristal Taffe
Campus Manager & TAP Co-Director
Kristal helps lead daily operations at the Miami campus and co-directs the Transitioning Adult Program (TAP). She coordinates programs, staff and services while helping young adults build skills, confidence and connections for adulthood, employment and greater independence.
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Kristal Taffe was born in Jamaica where she enjoyed the benefit of a post-colonial education in her early childhood. She spent the duration of her childhood back and forth between the United States and Jamaica where she was able to see firsthand; the contrast of privilege and misfortune.
Kristal graduated high school in Florida and began studying and working in healthcare soon after. During her coursework and labs, it became apparent that while she enjoyed caring for people, healthcare was not the industry that fed her soul.
After becoming a parent, early childhood education became a significant passion in her life. She began working in a Montessori school and started the program necessary to become qualified to educate children in the best way possible. After becoming a teacher, Kristal instructed grade levels of many ages. She inspired greatness for he students and encouraged her counterparts to elevate their standards.
Kristal is an aesthete who loves the opportunity at The Motivational Edge to see and nurture talent at its inception.

Andre "Serum" Brevil
Program Manager — South Florida
Serum oversees program implementation and quality across South Florida. A longtime creative and youth-development leader, he connects creative expression, mentorship and education while supporting staff and maintaining engaging experiences for young people.
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Haitian American emcee and graffiti artist Serum has been putting in work for Miami hip-hop for almost three decades now. With very distinct styles in both forms of his artistry you know it’s Serum right away, whether you’re hearing it or seeing it. His artistry is witty, profound, and innovative. Utilizing elements of hip-hop, ancient cultures, history and sociology to get his point across.
His musical accomplishments include being awarded Miami New Times Best Hip Hop Act of 2020, receiving runner up in the MTVu Freshman of the Week contest in 2011 on his independent record label, and competing in the legendary Scribble Jam emcee battle in Cincinnati in 2002 & 2003. As a graffiti artist he has painted over 100 murals, including six murals at low funded schools in Dade County.
From 30 foot tall graffiti murals in Wynwood, to number one college radio singles. Serum has left his mark on the city, for the city. He now enters the next phase of his mission, passing the torch to the next generation of the culture that has taken him so far. Serum is Miami hip-hop.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Meet the people helping guide The Motivational Edge.

Marlys Johnson
Secretary
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Marlys Johnson is an executive assistant/office management professional with 30 years of experience. She is proficient at creating, organizing, and maintaining office systems; meeting management and execution; executive calendar management; correspondence; IT/office equipment management and more. Marlys is extremely well organized, innovative, forward-thinking, creative, and a significant value to any highly motivated team. Her skills are well-rounded by a pleasant and kind-hearted approach to her colleagues and teammates. Marlys is a senior-level executive assistant committed to providing the best service to her Executives and the office as a whole.

Dale Thompson
Board of Directors Member
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Dale has been engaged in Juvenile Justice work for over 30 years. He is the CEO of Psy-Care and has supervised Clinical Teams at all levels of Intervention from community based services to max risk programming during his career. Dale manages the largest Comprehensive Assessment contract through the Department of Juvenile Justice in Florida and continues to keep a clinical hand on residential programming even to this day. He has trained new therapists since 1993. He has taught as an adjunct professor on leadership, psychology and addictions and is a frequent podcast guest on numerous topics. Dale has a Private Practice focusing on Men and Couples. He has enjoyed various industrial psychology and consulting projects over the span of his professional career and is adept at developing and maintaining bureaucratic protocols for professional compliance. Dale has been an active member of the Florida Juvenile Justice Association and currently sits on the Executive Committee with active involvement in policy making and legislative efforts to support healthy and fair legislation addressing our youth’s needs. He prides himself to be one of the voices for the forgotten. His life mantra has been the “Power of One” and strives to change a life for the better every day.

Monica Reyes Welsch
Board of Directors Member
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Monica Reyes Welsch is a dynamic speaker, trainer and mentor, guiding and empowering leaders to self-realize and self-actualize, through the bridging of ancient spiritual principles and the latest in modern science. Braiding science, ancient spiritual practices such as Kundalini Yoga, meditation and mindfulness, she has created easily digestible, practical programs and experiences for the modern leader. She is a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, and an attorney who left her fruitful law practice to answer her soul’s calling.
As a corporate trainer, she integrates her teachings into the corporate setting and has worked with Fortune 500 companies and executives to look within for more success, creativity and inner peace. She is a TEDx Speaker and has spoken in front of tens of thousands ranging in all demographics and purposes with her message. When she is not trying to change the world, she is enjoying her beautiful and growing family, reading, researching and studying cutting-edge practices to help her clients continue to grow. She is the proud mom of Natalia and Nikolas and wife of Ian Welsch, founder of the innovative arts-based youth development agency, The Motivational Edge and one of her inspirations to follow her passion.

Tim Springstead
Immediate Past Board Chair
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Tim Springstead is a transformational leader with over 10 years experience in positioning companies for success in new and existing markets, resulting in accelerated revenue, increased profitability and expanded market footprints. With subject matter expertise in data-driven marketing, digital media, sales strategy and the online advertising ecosystem, Tim has held sales leadership positions spanning a diverse range of business environments from large public companies to start-up ventures.
Previously he was VP of Sales, The Americas at Adara, the world’s largest travel data platform and served as the VP of Sales at Travora Media managing Travora’s global advertising sales team leading to the company’s sale to MediaShift, a publicly held technology firm, in 2014. Tim directed the go to market strategy and launch of Globetrotting Digital Media, a travel and leisure division of Evolve Media Corp in 2011. In his early career held various positions managing product and revenue at leading media and technology firms such as Travel Ad Network, InterActiveCorp (IAC) and AskJeeves. Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications and Information Systems and MBA from the University of Bridgeport. He was named one of PhocusWright’s “35 under 35 in Travel” in 2010.
Tim’s has been actively involved with the Motivational Edge since it’s inception, formally joining the Board in 2010. Tim works across a number of disciplines at The Edge including marketing, revenue operations, fundraising and strategic planning.
ADVISORY BOARD.
Community connections. Shared experience. A commitment to young people.

Samantha Scalzo
Advisory Board Co-Chair
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Samantha Scalzo is a dynamic, results-driven leader in real estate and relocation, known for her unwavering motivation, disciplined lifestyle, and positive outlook. She approaches real estate with a philosophy that goes far beyond transactions. “Real estate is first and foremost a business,” she says. “We’re not just relocating people—we’re relocating their entire lives.” This perspective drives the level of care, structure, and professionalism she brings to every client relationship.
Samantha began her real estate career more than 15+years ago as Marketing Director for Interealty Exchange, a boutique firm led by Italian investors specializing in hotels, investment properties, and development, where she is now a Managing Partner. After gaining valuable industry knowledge and experience, she went on to join Cervera Real Estate as Director of Operations for one of the company’s most highly awarded teams.
Today, Samantha leads S&S Global, a full-service relocation brokerage specializes in real estate and seamless client transitions. Over the course of her career, she has been involved in more than $1 billion in real estate transactions. Relocating Fortune 500 companies from all over the world. In addition to her professional success, she serves on the boards of several community-focused organizations, believing that success comes with a responsibility to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Outside of business, Samantha is deeply committed to community involvement. She dedicates her time and leadership to organizations including Florida International University MBUS Forbes Real Estate Council, The Motivational Edge, Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, The F.A.C.E. of Childhood Hunger, and SMASH Affordable Housing. Through her board roles, she works to support initiatives that address critical issues affecting youth, families, and housing accessibility.
Originally from Connecticut, Samantha moved to Florida in pursuit of greater opportunity and continues to pursue lifelong learning. Her dedication to growth is reflected in her ongoing education and future plans to attend law school. “Knowledge is power,” she says—a belief that continues to guide both her professional path and personal development.
Samantha Scalzo combines entrepreneurial vision, operational leadership, and a deep commitment to community, building a career defined not only by results, but by meaningful impact.

Devin Floyd
Advisory Board Co-Chair
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Devin is the Director of Miami-Dade County Youth Coordinated Entry, primarily serving youth transitioning to adulthood who are experiencing insecure housing. He joined Educate Tomorrow in 2012. Born and raised in New York, Devin is a strong-minded, determined, “vencedor”. He grew up in an unstable environment and was never quite challenged enough in school. Oftentimes, his grades and relationships suffered. Wanting more for himself, Devin moved to Houston, Texas, and received a degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Texas Southern University.
Devin ended up in Miami in 2010, working for the AmeriCorps VISTA program at Miami Homes For All, where he ran the Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau for two consecutive years. Devin uses his life experiences and career expertise to guide youth to success. Devin is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional.
In 2021, Devin was selected by Legacy Magazine as a Black Leader of Today and Tomorrow in the 40 under 40 designation.

Aslynn Rivera-Tigera
Advisory Board Member
CONTENT NEEDED: biography.

Christian Dean
Advisory Board Member
CONTENT NEEDED: biography.

Cristina del Valle
Advisory Board Member
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Cristina del Valle has always volunteered going back to her teenage years in South Africa. Now she splits her time doing volunteer work between charities and two community organization groups she belongs to PerSisters and Key Biscayne Democrats. Through these groups, Cristina has been able to finance and facilitate several field trips and experiences for The Edge (Santa’s Enchanted Forest field trip, and the ocean experience at Crandon Park).
Cristina got involved with The Edge through her daughters charity Share the Boo. Cristina now works with Kristal organizing field trips and experiences for the students at The Edge.

Kristal Taffe
Advisory Board Member
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Kristal Taffe was born in Jamaica where she enjoyed the benefit of a post-colonial education in her early childhood. She spent the duration of her childhood back and forth between the United States and Jamaica where she was able to see firsthand; the contrast of privilege and misfortune.
Kristal graduated high school in Florida and began studying and working in healthcare soon after. During her coursework and labs, it became apparent that while she enjoyed caring for people, healthcare was not the industry that fed her soul.
After becoming a parent, early childhood education became a significant passion in her life. She began working in a Montessori school and started the program necessary to become qualified to educate children in the best way possible. After becoming a teacher, Kristal instructed grade levels of many ages. She inspired greatness for he students and encouraged her counterparts to elevate their standards.
Kristal is an aesthete who loves the opportunity at The Motivational Edge to see and nurture talent at its inception.

Linnea Leslie
Advisory Board Member
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Linnea Leslie is a multifaceted professional with a passion for both the artistry of dance and the dynamic world of business. With a career spanning multiple disciplines, Linnea has excelled as a ballet dancer, entrepreneur, and regional representative for a prominent medical distribution company. From a young age, Linnea discovered her love for ballet and dedicated 20 years to honing her craft as a professional dancer. Her unwavering commitment and exceptional talent led her to receive numerous accolades, recognition, and performances in prestigious venues. As a ballet dancer, Linnea not only embodied grace and precision but also developed invaluable skills in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. After a successful ballet career, Ms. Leslie ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing their own dance studio. For nearly 15 years, she nurtured aspiring dancers, providing top-notch training and fostering a vibrant community of artists. Under her guidance, the studio thrived, garnering a reputation for producing exceptional talent and earning rave reviews from both students and parents alike.
Seeking new opportunities, Linnea transitioned into the corporate world and currently serves as a regional representative for a leading medical distribution company. In this role, she leverages her innate leadership abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and keen business acumen to drive growth and forge lasting partnerships. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction have been instrumental in achieving outstanding results for the company.
With an impressive track record as a ballet dancer, entrepreneur, and regional representative, Linnea embodies the perfect balance of creativity and business acumen. Her exceptional achievements and diverse skill set make her a valuable asset to The Edge Advisory Board, where she seeks to leave a lasting impact within the community.

Lynne Cameron
Advisory Board Member
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Lynne Cameron has over 40 years of experience in the media and public relations with a emphasis on community. Building collaboration and partnerships is her specialty. In June of 2020 she retired after 27 years as Executive Director of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, South Florida non-profit founded in partnership with South Florida’s CBS television station in 1992. Using a combination of on air stories, resource development, collaboration with service providers and the power of media, Ms. Cameron built an organization to empower our neighbors to use the talents, time and money they have to help their neighbors in need
Prior to joining Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Ms. Cameron had a long history in media and public relations. Her work has been recognized through numerous national, state and local awards. Among them, the National Association of Broadcasters Service To America Award, The Governor’s Hurricane Conference Award, the Public Relations Society of America’s Golden Palm Award, the Governor’s Emmy Award for Community Service, The Claude Pepper Memorial Award for Media Service, and Most Valuable Protector Award from Voices For Children.
Ms. Cameron has served on the following boards
Miami Dade Homeless Trust
Local FEMA Emergency Food and shelter, Miami Dade
Human Services coalition/Catalyst Miami
Christmas In April/ Rebuilding Together, Miami Dade

Maya Bell
Advisory Board Member
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Maya Bell is a writer and editor who, for 21 years, served as chief of the Orlando Sentinel’s Miami bureau, where she explored social justice issues, and, for 13 years, as senior editor in the University of Miami’s Office of Communications, where she focused on medical and other research. Now retired, she is a ReadingPals volunteer at the Motivational Edge and loves sharing the magic of books with K-3 children on Wednesdays.
Stanley Merantus
Advisory Board Member
CONTENT NEEDED: biography.

Scott Largen
Advisory Board Member
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J. Scott Largen is from Richmond, Virginia. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Virginia Tech. After graduating with honors, he went to work in the investment consulting industry in Arlington, Virginia as a performance reporting analyst. There, his institutional investor clients included private family offices, universities, pension plans, and international charities. He then attended the University of Miami School of Law where he was a recipient of the Dean’s Merit Scholarship.
Mr. Largen leads our in-house E-Discovery team for the firm’s mass toxic tort litigation.
When he is not at work, Mr. Largen enjoys going to movies, sporting events, and exploring South Florida.

Shantelle Rodriguez
Advisory Board Member
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Shantelle Rodriguez is a passionate advocate for the democratization of the arts, with over a decade of experience in leading public art initiatives and working closely with artists and community partners. Born and raised in Miami, she brings a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement, and has established a reputation as a dedicated advocate for the role of art in shaping vibrant, inclusive communities.
As the Director of Experiential Art Centers for Superblue, Rodriguez is responsible for the development and implementation of the institution’s programs, partnerships, operations, and staffing. She works closely with artists, community partners, and other stakeholders to create engaging and accessible experiences that reflect the diverse perspectives and needs of our community.
With her commitment to equity and excellence, Rodriguez has been instrumental in shaping the future of accessibility in the arts. Her leadership has helped bring new and innovative programs to life, inspiring audiences and fostering a greater appreciation for the transformative power of art.
Sylvia Fumero
Advisory Board Member
CONTENT NEEDED: biography.
STRONGER TOGETHER.
Organizations that have supported, partnered with, or worked alongside The Motivational Edge include the organizations below. This does not imply they are all current funders.

City of Miami

Miami-Dade County

Citrus Health

Berklee College of Music

Berklee City Music Network

The DOCK — Dorcas Outreach Center for Kids

Communities Connected for Kids

UPLIFT Drug-Free Coalitions

The Children’s Trust

Florida Blue

Sunshine Health

Ocean Reef Community Foundation

Lockton


