Robert Loupo, Co-founder, Executive Director

Robert Loupo, co-founder and executive director of Safe Schools South Florida, has degrees in English, history and English education. After 14 years as a high school English teacher he became a TRUST counselor at a Miami-Dade middle school and earned National Board Certification as a school counselor. Robert has been an unflagging advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth and educators for fifteen years.

Officers of the Board

Peter S. Gordon AIA, President

Peter Gordon is an Architect with completed projects throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Peter’s 30 year career has been marked with awards from the American Institute of Architects, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Architecture Record and others. His work has been published in numerous professional magazines. Peter is a member of the Task Force and other organizations that support the GLBTQ community. He currently serves as Board President of Safe Schools South Florida of which he has been a board member for eleven years.

Bruce W. Presley, Chairman & Treasurer

Bruce W. Presley publishes high school and college text books on computer-related topics through his company, Lawrenceville Press. He holds a degree in industrial engineering and taught physics at private schools in Massachusetts and New Jersey prior to entering the publishing business. In addition to being president of the Safe Schools South Florida board, he is a member of several other non-profit organizations.

Betsy Kaplan

Betsy Kaplan is a life-long supporter of the arts and an advocate for children and for civil rights. Since her election to the Miami-Dade School Board in 1988, Betsy has worked to help teachers and youth realize their full potential. Since 1991 she has worked with Robert Loupo to win equality for gay teachers and students. Now retired, she is an active board member and a regular speaker at Safe Schools South Florida events.

Enbar Cohen

After coming out to her particularly religious family, Enbar had a rough time finding acceptance both at school and at home.  She decided to dedicate her time and efforts in educating other youth and school officials on the dangers they face both at school and at home once they “come out.” She continues to work tirelessly in the community with various organizations, such as the Aqua Foundation, but was particularly drawn to the mission and work of Safe Schools South Florida. After completing her Undergraduate degree in Political Science, she will continue her education at Law School. Enbar is actively involved in local politics with aspirations to run for her district’s House seat and, eventually, U.S. Senate. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and selflessness has, indeed, served as a model for our community.

Albert Menard, Administration

Albert Menard has a bachelor degree in elementary education and a masters in education. He taught science in elementary school in Woonsocket, RI for almost 30 years and won several awards for teaching science and economics. After retiring, he led a group of graduate students gathering information on gay men's health issues in Miami-Dade and became an instructor on effective use of a national line of science text books.