Student Health Outreach Program (SHOP)

One More Child’s Student Health Outreach Program (SHOP) partners with schools, after-school programs, and community organizations to help students in grades 8-12 build healthy decision-making skills and develop strong character.

What is SHOP?

Using evidence-based methods, SHOP focuses on improving students’ social and emotional well-being, teaching them to form meaningful relationships, and preparing them for successful futures. By reinforcing critical life skills, SHOP empowers students to avoid harmful behaviors and build the foundation for strong, thriving families.

SHOP is a 13-session, small-group program designed to equip students with tools to handle life’s challenges, build confidence, and grow emotionally. Through surveys, pre- and post-assessments, and follow-up tools, the program ensures lasting, measurable results for participants.

What Students Will Learn:

• Building Character: Strengthen personal values and build confidence in decision-making.
• Healthy Relationships: Form and maintain meaningful friendships, as well as understand the value of healthy relationships with their families.
• Clear Communication: Practice listening, understanding others, and expressing ideas effectively.
• Setting Goals: Plan for the future and achieve personal goals.
• Adapting to Change: Manage physical and emotional changes, including personal care and hygiene.

For Parents

SHOP gives parents peace of mind by equipping their children with tools to make positive, values-based decisions while growing in character and resilience.

• Access support services like food boxes, clothing, and referrals to additional resources.
• Know your child is learning in a safe, trusted environment that fosters emotional, social, and spiritual growth.

For Partners

SHOP is a program that strengthens communities by equipping students to thrive.

• Partner with an evidence-based program that helps students build healthier lives and relationships while supporting a positive youth development framework.
• Empower the next generation of leaders by supporting students’ overall well-being.
• Receive resources and support to maximize your impact in the community.

About One More Child

Meet our passionate and empowering leader.

Pam Whitaker, Ed.D., LMHC, CCTP

Senior Vice President of Emerging and Prevention Services

Dr. Whitaker joined One More Child in 1999 as the Director of Campus Ministries and later served as the Central Florida Administrator and Vice President of Programs. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Emerging and Prevention Services and leads One More Child in developing new, innovative programming to further impact children and families through implementation and growth of childcare programs. Dr. Whitaker leads research and launch efforts to implement best practices, study child welfare trends and make recommendations for program adaptations (considering evolving public policies).  Prior to her work at One More Child, Dr. Whitaker worked at Peace River Center for 11 years serving as a therapist/coordinator for children and adolescents in the residential psychiatric services center. She has worked with children and families in crisis for over 30 years.

Dr. Whitaker has received a bachelor of science in social work from Florida Southern College, earned a Master of Arts in counseling education from the University of South Florida and holds a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University, majoring in organizational leadership with a minor in conflict resolution.

Dr. Whitaker has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) since 1997 and is a Qualified Supervisor for counselors seeking licensure. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and holds professional certification in Human Trafficking Prevention and Intervention from Florida State University.

Active in her church, Kathleen Baptist, Dr. Whitaker currently serves on the Personnel Committee, is a Care Group Leader, substitute Life Group teacher, and nursery worker.  Married to Gary Whitaker since 1986, they have a daughter, Tierney.

Dr. Whitaker is passionate about bringing creative, Christ-centered services to children and families in need and reaching the “least of these.”

Contact Pam

Phone: 863.687.8811

Melissa Poole

Senior Vice President of Intervention Services

Melissa Poole serves as Senior Vice President of Intervention Services for One More Child. She has worked with One More Child for more than 16 years, previously serving as the Executive Director of Foster Care Ministries and the North Florida Administrator and the Director of Community Ministries.

Melissa has been a Certified Behavior Analyst in the state of Florida since 1993 and has also been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida since 1995. She is also a qualified supervisor for counselors seeking licensure. Melissa has nearly 30 years of experience working with children, youth and families in crisis and has received specialized training in trauma-informed care as well as infant mental health.

Melissa is a member of Chets Creek Church and volunteers in the preschool ministry. She has been married to Ray Poole since 1991 and has a daughter and stepson, Hannah and Blake, along with two grandsons and one granddaughter, Addison, Colton and Kennedy.

Contact Melissa

Phone: 904.721.2711

Michael Thomas

Executive Director of Family Support

Michael Thomas serves One More Child as the Executive Director of Family Support – Hope Street, where we are working to transform lives in the inner city of Tampa.

For nearly twenty years, Michael has been a passionate advocate for families and the community through counseling and training others on how to overcome obstacles and find their true passions in life. His philosophy on ministry, as he has been known to often quote is: “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!”

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Michael graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology.

Michael has been a licensed and ordained minister for twenty-two years and is also a certified Relationship Coach teaching people how to communicate and have lasting relationships through his workshops and seminars. He is currently pursuing a master of divinity degree from Liberty University

Through Michael’s outreach ministries and community projects, he has been able to impact the lives of thousands through his commitment to work with state officials and community leaders to empower low-income neighborhoods and at-risk families. Out of this passion he founded Impact Now LLC, a mentoring program and consulting service for fathers, teen dads, and at-risk males between the ages of eight and eighteen.

Contact Michael

Phone: 813.252.9762