ZEPHYRHILLS – Lexa Duno has supported nearly 200 families and educators in the Tampa Bay area since opening LILLY Education Foundation in July 2024.
LILLY’s Village in the Valley initiative transforms how Pasco County families access resources for students who benefit from nontraditional approaches to teaching and learning.
“In many ways, the vision I have for LILLY and Village in the Valley was inspired by and developed under the mentorship of Pasco EDC and the SMARTstart program,” Duno said. “I realized this kind of community and support is exactly what parents, providers and ‘edupreneurs’ need right now.”
SMARTstart provides tools growing businesses need for long-term success in areas such as funding, education, guidance, collaboration and workspace. It has helped businesses create over 929 jobs and currently has 54 incubator members.
“LILLY Education Foundation will be remembered as one of SMARTstart’s great success stories, not just because of its achievements as a venture, but even more so for the impact it will have on our community’s youth,” said Dan Mitchell, assistant vice president of entrepreneurship for Pasco EDC.
Families can find the right providers
LILLY is using a matchmaking approach to educational services with the Find Your Match: A Parent-Provider Speed Dating Event on Feb. 5 at SMARTstart at The Grove.
The Valentine’s Day-themed gathering will unite 11 specialists and professionals offering therapies, alternative education programs and support services with home families.
Unlike traditional resource fairs where providers compete for attention, Find Your Match structures genuine conversations through timed rotations, allowing families to meet each service provider for focused discussions about their child’s unique needs.
“Our LILLY provider speed dating event addresses a critical need among independent, field-based providers seeking professional support and collaboration with like-minded peers who are deeply committed to the children they serve,” said Zielia Crespo on behalf of Calmer Pathways Therapy LLC, one of the participating event providers.
Want to go?
Find Your Match: A Parent-Provider Speed Dating Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at SMARTstart at The Grove. The free event is open to all home education families and those exploring educational alternatives.
It will feature providers offering a range of services, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, specialized tutoring, music therapy, executive function coaching and alternative education.
Register in advance at eventbrite.com. Local businesses and providers interested in establishing community partnerships may contact .
