Our Team

Lauren Book, M.S.Ed. – Founder, CEO

Lauren Book, M.S. Ed, is an author, educator and internationally respected and renowned child advocate. As founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, Lauren seeks to create a world where the exploitation of children is not tolerated. She has been named a PEOPLE All-Star Among Us, L’Oreal Woman of Worth and is the recipient of a Congressional Medal of Merit for her tireless work to protect childhood as well as a member of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

Ronald L. Book, P.A. – Chairman

Ronald L. Book is a specialist in government affairs and administration law, with a Juris Doctoral degree from Tulane University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida International University. An active participant in South Florida’s professional arena, Book is a trustee of the Council of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Legislative Affairs and State Affairs committees. In addition to serving more than 20 community organizations, Book is a founding member of Lauren’s Kids. Mr. Book currently operates his own lobbying practice in Aventura and Tallahassee.

Board Members

Randal R. Perkins

Randal “Randy” Perkins is the founder of AshBritt, a Florida-based, international rapid-response disaster recovery and special environmental services contractor. He is an invaluable part of the Lauren’s Kids team, providing and powering the “Walk in My Shoes” campaign bus and enabling us to reach tens of thousands across Florida with our message of prevention, hope and healing. Randy holds seats on the Board of Directors of several national charitable organizations including Lauren’s Kids, and is very active in state and local charitable endeavors.

Manny Kadre

Manny Kadre is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MBB Auto Group, a premium luxury retail automotive group consisting of Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo dealers in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Kadre also serves on the Board of Directors of two publically traded companies, Republic Services, Inc. and Mednax. In addition to serving as a member on the board of Lauren’s Kids, Mr. Kadre serves as a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees (member of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Presidential Search Committee).

Charlie Fernandes

From honored Army veteran to founder of two businesses – which have since been acquired – to serving as officer and Vice President of a bank to valued Lauren’s Kids board member to dedicated husband to lovely wife Lisa, Charlie Fernandes has worn many hats in over the course of his life and career. Two things that have remained constant? His signature smile and sense of humor.

Keith Kenner

Keith Kenner is a managing member of Dade Media, a Coral Gables, Florida-based, diversified Out-of-Home Media Company with many nationwide media relationships. Keith is a graduate of CW Post College of Long Island University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA). Keith is passionate about helping others and is proud to support Lauren’s Kids’ varied education and awareness efforts throughout the year.

Beth Rosenstein

Beth Rosenstein is the Trade Area Vice President of Bloomingdale’s for Florida and Georgia. Beth’s business acumen, kind heart, and eye for beauty have made her an invaluable member of Lauren’s Kids team, and she always makes sure Lauren looks – and feels – her best. In addition to serving on the board of Lauren’s Kids, Beth is an active fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Boca Helping Hands.

Rochelle S. Matza

Rochelle Matza is the President and Owner of Rochelle S. Matza, CPA, P.A., and the Vice-President of Treasury Management and the Director of Human Resources at Automated HealthCare Solutions LLC & Affiliates. In addition to being a tax and compliance wiz, Rochelle is an avid South Florida sports fan and serves on the board of several charitable entities including the United Way of Miami-Dade and PRIDE Enterprises.

Stanford Blake

Stanford Blake is a Circuit Judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami, Florida (1995-present), currently assigned to the Family Division. Judge Blake has received numerous awards since being on the bench such as the Justice Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award, The Thomas Davison III Memorial Service Award 2012, Florida Council of Crime and Delinquency Distinguished Service Award, 2012, League of Prosecutors 2010 Justice Award and many more. In 2012, in the Miami-Dade County Bar Poll, Judge Blake was rated number one with almost 99% exceptionally qualified/qualified rating — the highest rating ever achieved in this poll.

Bruno Dede

Bruno Dede is a loving family man, sports enthusiast and owner of South Florida powerhouse Metro Signs, Inc. As CEO and President of Metro Signs, Bruno’s larger-than-life graphics and signs can be seen on the court alongside the Miami HEAT at the AAA, on Dwayne Wade’s yacht and Lauren’s Kids ‘Walk in My Shoes’ tour bus. A talented designer and businessman with a heart for others, Lauren’s Kids is lucky to have Bruno on our team.

Diane Philbin

Staff

Fudge Browne – Executive Director

Michele Watson – Project Manager

Ingrid Stuart – Administrative Assistant

Mary Brandenburg – Elementary School Education Lead

Suzanne Warner – Middle and High School Education Lead

Blythe Adreon – Director of Curriculum Expansion