About Us

On the DIVE-VRT project, Christine serves as Co-Principal Investigator and Co-Project Director. Christine is also the Director of LAUNCH USF, a successful transition and employment program offered through the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, Department of Child and Family Studies within the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida.

Christine is currently a Ph.D. student in USF’s Behavioral and Community Sciences interdisciplinary doctoral program and has a Master of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health from USF. She is trained and certified in Supported Employment, Discovery, Customized Employment, and is a Certified Business Technical Assistant Consultant (CBTAC). Her work focuses on positive employment and transition outcomes for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

She has extensive experience in program development, management, and delivering direct services to individuals with disabilities. Christine will oversee the day-to-day operations, planning, and progress of the program to ensure all components are delivered with fidelity and high quality. She will provide support to all DIVE-VRT staff members, serve as the point of contact to subcontractors, oversee replication planning, and assist with implementing the evaluation plan.

Morgann Frazee started as an Employment Specialist with LAUNCH in 2018. She continues to work as a job coach providing support to students and job seekers with successfully preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. Morgann is a graduate of University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies concentrating in Education, Behavioral/Social Sciences, and Communications. She holds an Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate.

Prior to working at LAUNCH, Morgann provided behavioral interventions to adolescents with ASD and has worked in business management. Morgann coordinates LAUNCH's Employment Service Programming, including Youth Transition. On the DIVE-VRT project, Morgann serves as Project Manager, overseeing all activities on the grant project promoting collaboration between key personnel and subcontractors. Morgann leads recruitment and marketing activities for DIVE-VRT. She also supports the lead business developer with job coaching.

Scott Fontechia is a Program Coordinator for LAUNCH. A University of South Florida alumnus, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. He has provided services to the autistic community across a range of ages and settings since 2010.

Scott primarily oversees and instructs the Automation and Tech2Work programs with LAUNCH. Additionally, he provides direct services to jobseekers, trains businesses and professionals on autism and other diversity topics, serves as an adviser to students in LAUNCH Academy, is a data junkie & published researcher, and is an invited speaker & presenter on autism-related topics.

On the DIVE-VRT project, Scott’s role is the Lead Business Developer and Job Coach. He will recruit and partner with local businesses for training, consultation, and helping to secure internships and apprenticeships for participants.

Shambria is DIVE-VRT's Project Coordinator. As a graduate of the Partners in Policymaking program, Shambria brings a strong foundation in leadership and civic engagement. Her passion for advocacy, particularly in amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, drives her commitment to creating inclusive, impactful change. Currently pursuing a degree in social work, Shambria continues to deepen her knowledge and skills to better serve and support her community. Shambria’s role as Project Coordinator includes assisting the project team with all aspects of development and planning on the project.

Amy Gallaher is a Program Instructor with DIVE-VRT, where she helps students build career ready skills to prepare for competitive, integrated employment in high demand skilled trades. Prior to joining DIVE-VRT, she worked as a College Readiness Coach with Take Stock in Children, a scholarship and mentoring program that helps break the cycle of poverty by supporting high-achieving, economically disadvantaged students on their path to higher education.

Amy also brings with her over a decade of experience working in higher education, providing academic and financial guidance to help students reach their educational and career goals. She has held advising and management roles at Western Culinary Institute, Portland State University and the University of South Florida.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, with a minor in Environmental Science, from the University of Central Florida. Amy has a passion for understanding diverse cultures and experiences, a perspective that informs her student-centered approach and commitment to equity in education. She is dedicated to helping others reach their full potential and looks forward to supporting DIVE-VRT participants as they pursue meaningful educational and career opportunities.

Larry Tartaglino brings over three decades of expertise in operational and management roles within the healthcare revenue cycle industry. Throughout his career, Larry has demonstrated a knack for innovation, strategic leadership, and fostering growth in complex industries. In 2021, he expanded his professional pursuits into an entirely new arena as one of the three co-founders of Tampa’s first all-virtual reality venue, VR Galaxy Lounge.

Fueled by a lifelong passion for gaming and cutting-edge technology, Larry and his partners saw an opportunity to bring immersive entertainment to the community. VR Galaxy Lounge quickly became a hub for state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences, offering everything from multiplayer adventures to unique interactive games designed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Recognizing the transformative potential of virtual reality beyond entertainment, Larry and his team envisioned a greater purpose. This vision led to the creation of the VRG Learning Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging virtual reality for education and workforce development. Partnering with renowned organizations like C.A.R.D. and Launch, the team developed the D.I.V.E. (Delivering Innovative Vocational Education) program.

Larry’s innovative leadership continues to push boundaries, blending technology, education, and community impact to create opportunities for individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Joe Fratto is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the pool service and repair industry. Since 2011, Joe has operated his own pool service business, building a reputation for excellence and reliability in Pinellas County for 13 years. In 2022, Joe expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by diving further into the immersive world of virtual reality gaming. With the launch of VR Galaxy Lounge, Joe and his two partners introduced an innovative and unique entertainment concept to the greater Tampa Bay area, captivating enthusiasts and newcomers alike with cutting-edge VR experiences.

Driven by a passion for education and community impact, Joe is a co-founder of VRGLI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging virtual reality technology for educational assistance, elevation, and expansion. Through VRGLI, the team aims to bridge the gap between traditional learning and modern technology, providing students and career-driven individuals with immersive and engaging educational experiences. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community empowerment, Joe continues to make strides in both business and nonprofit sectors, leaving a lasting impact on the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Melanie Denham is a dedicated professional with a rich background in psychology and public service. Born in Germany, she devoted over 20 years of her career to working for the federal government as a Psychological Technical Assistant. In this role, she specialized in administering psychological assessments and testing for individuals aged 14 to 60, helping to support their personal and professional development through expert evaluation.

In 2017, Melanie relocated to Florida, where she continued her commitment to public service as a driving instructor for the Hillsborough County Tax Collector. Her patience, attention to detail, and passion for teaching allowed her to support hundreds of new drivers in gaining the skills and confidence needed for the road.

Melanie’s compassion to work with people has always driven her career choices. Her unique blend of experience in psychological services and instructional roles naturally led her to VRG Learning Institute, where she continues to empower others through education and support.

Estefania Simon is a PhD Graduate Assistant for the DIVE-VRT program at the University of South Florida. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Behavioral Healthcare, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and a minor in Women and Gender Studies, from USF. She completed her master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling in 2020 and holds credentials as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE). She is also an RSA Scholar and a recipient of the Florida Education Fund’s McKnight Doctoral Fellowship.

Estefania’s research explores the intersection of disability and the justice system, focusing on barriers that individuals with disabilities face and opportunities to support community reintegration, education, and employment. Through her research and professional work, she aims to expand access to meaningful opportunities and inform policy changes that improve the lives of people with disabilities. Her career trajectory and interests align with DIVE-VRT’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities as they pursue their educational and vocational goals.

Halle Silver is a Graduate Assistant for the DIVE-VRT program and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at the University of South Florida, where she is expected to graduate in December 2026. As a graduate student, her interests include adolescent mental health and supporting individuals as they navigate emotional, educational, and work-related life transitions. Alongside her graduate work, she serves as a practicum counselor at PACE Center for Girls, an alternative education and counseling program for adolescent girls, where she supports teens through academic and personal development. She also works as a tutor, helping students build confidence and strengthen their academic skills. Through both her academic and clinical experiences, Halle is continuing to grow her passion for supporting individuals through mental health, educational, and vocational challenges.

Daniela (Echeverria) Smith is a Graduate Assistant on the DIVE-VRT project and a current student in USF's Ph.D. program in Community and Behavioral Sciences. Before USF, Daniela completed her M.S. at the CUNY Graduate Center in Cognitive Neuroscience, and her research focused on the role of anticipatory anxiety in modulating fear extinction learning. Additionally, she completed extensive coursework within USF's M.A. program in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling prior to joining the Ph.D. program within the same college. As a doctoral student, her future research goals are to advance mental health and vocational outcomes for Veterans with disabilities. Daniela is excited to be a part of the DIVE-VRT team, supporting students with disabilities in reaching their vocational goals, utilizing both administrative and direct approaches.