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the rock program top logo2x 1 1

About Us

Our Story

The Rock Program Rooms are supported full-time by community volunteers who are available to serve students during the school day, help them find what they need and listen when they need a kind ear.

Ron “Rondo” Fernandez, The Rock Program founder, grew up seeing his fellow students in need. As an adult, he is hoping to change that.

“Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of rural poverty,” says Fernandez. “It has always been on my heart to impact kids if I ever had the ability. We decided schools would be a central location where kids could come and have their needs met.”

Vision Statement

Empowering Young People To Thrive and Feel Valued, Moving Them Closer To Who They Are Called To Be.

  • They Matter
  • They Can Overcome
  • They Are Loved
  • They Are Empowered To Do Great Things

Mission Statement

 Providing Students Hope For The Future By Empowering Them In The Present.

Our Pillars

Refuge

You are safe. In the midst of the worst circumstances. God is a very present help in trouble and will give you strength. You are never alone, never without help.

Psalm 46:1

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

FOUNDATION

Build your life on God’s word and promises. In an ever-changing world He is unchanging, unwavering, and will always be by your side.

1 Corinthians 3:11

"For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ."

PURPOSE

There is a great calling and purpose for your life. God has seen every one of your days and has a plan for your future.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

About The Rock Program!

The Rock Program room has resource rooms in Marion, Lake and Citrus Counties. Each Rock Room is stocked with essential need supplies for students, providing them hope for the future by empowering them in the present.

STUDENTS KNOW THEY CAN HAVE THEIR NEEDS MET AT THE ROCK Program!

We call it the Rock Program because it is intended to be a foundation the kids can rely on.

Get Involved!

Meet The Team

Troy S. Weaver

Executive Director
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Amber Ellman

Director of Operations
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Carla

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Anna

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Brittany

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Aaron

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Sarah

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Owen McCarthy

Board Member

Rondo Fernandez

Board President

Steve Sapp

Board Treasurer

Nate Shannon

Board Member

Debra Palmire

Board Member

Scott Coldwell

Board Member

Mike Kirby

Board Member

Allison Campbell

Board Member

Justin Shives

Board Member
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Matt Clay

Board Member
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Jennifer Pishotta

Board Member
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Dr. Jeff Piccirillo

Board Member
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Larry Trowbridge

Board Member
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Elizabeth Pizzonia

Board Member
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Our Gallery!
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Troy Weaver

Executive Director

Troy grew up in Central Pennsylvania where he graduated from Lock Haven University with a dual major in Health & Physical Education and Fitness Management. Troy’s career experience spans senior leadership and executive roles with for profit and not for profit organizations. His skill sets are in operational leadership, change management, training and leadership (including volunteer and board)development, youth enrichment, community engagement, and project management. He has lived in Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan, Maryland and now resides in Belleview, Florida.

Troy is married to Lana and they have raised two daughters; the oldest is married and is an executive leader with Chick-fil-A, the youngest is finishing her undergrad this month and beginning graduate studies in engineering in January. His wife made a career also working in the nonprofit sector and recently took a role in HR with Chick Fil A. Troy is an accomplished triathlete and has also coached multi-sport athletes for more than 25 years. As an athlete, he has achieved success as a Sprint Distance World Championship Finisher in Beijing China, and is a seven-time finisher in the 140.6 (Ironman) distance. He is a member of the USAT Century Club having completed over 175 multi-sport events in 20 states.

On January 1, 2016, He entered a running challenge of running a 5K a day for a year. The 2016 Challenge has now turned into a running streak. He now does, at a minimum, a purposeful mile everyday with averages of 2 to 4 miles per day. Yep, you did the math right. He has run every day outside for nearly 8 years. During that time, he has run with over 200 different people, in 18 different states, at 150 different destinations, and 3 countries.

Amber Ellman

Director of Operations

Ocala native, Amber Ellman has a deep love for her hometown and the people living in it. Amber graduated from Forest High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. After college, Amber taught Elementary school for 6 years and would always go the extra mile for her students, helping in any way she could with support or resources- as most teachers do. But with society’s ever-growing needs and a teacher’s limited means, Amber often ended her days feeling discouraged, like she wasn’t doing enough for her students. In 2021, Amber was blessed with the opportunity to use her heart for serving as part of The Rock Program Executive team. The decision was easy, as it would allow her to impact exponentially more student lives and exercise her passion for public service daily. Today, Amber is proud to work with the Rock staff and volunteer team to establish Rock Rooms in our community that serve student needs and foster feelings of comfort, safety and refuge. Amber’s goal is for Rock Rooms to feel like home and for Rock volunteers to feel like family. They say “it takes a village” and The Rock is proud to be an integral part of that village.