Meet Our Board of Directors

  • Luis D. Ariza

    FOUNDER, BOARD PRESIDENT

  • Toni Ariza

    FOUNDER, CHAIR OF THE BOARD

More About Our Founders

Toni has a heart for uplifting others and is a passionate and creative advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 15 years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, Toni has found herself a niche in leading young adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to identify and achieve life-changing goals. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Toni first pursued her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida Atlantic University. Her inclination to make meaningful connections and talent for motivating others eventually led her to earn a Master’s degree in Science from Nova Southeastern university, specializing in Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis. In recent years, Toni has dedicated much of her time seeking out and connecting with other community organizations and agencies that offer supportive services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These community connections have produced numerous opportunities for her clients and their families, enhancing her services and increasing positive outcomes. In 2024, Toni was selected by The Florida Association for Behavior Analysis to receive the prestigious Cathy Lee Buchanan Behavior Change Success Award for her inspired service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Toni Ariza, Chief Executive Officer

With over 20 years of experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Danny’s commitment to those he serves extends far beyond degrees and certifications. Danny earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Atlantic University, before obtaining his Master’s degree in Science from Nova Southeastern University, specializing in Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis. Danny has spent the past decade as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst providing intensive behavioral intervention to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Danny currently leads a team of caregivers, providing ongoing trainings in applied behavior analysis principles and strategies to support his clients to increase their functional skills and become more involved in their communities. Danny volunteers as a Community Ambassador with his local police department to advocate for citizens with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. Danny’s valuable insights into the inherent challenges that are often experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities inspire him to expand awareness and inclusivity for the population to which he has dedicated his life’s work.

Luis “Danny” Ariza, Chief Financial Officer

Junior Board of Directors

Marisol Serpone, Junior Board Leader for the 2025-2026 Season

Marisol is a high school honor student, currently enrolled in Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. Marisol brings dedication and generosity to every opportunity she pursues, whether it’s academics or volunteering in her community. A rising Junior, Marisol has already completed over 110 community service volunteer hours, showcasing her deep commitment to service and helping others.

In addition to her academic excellence, Marisol is an accomplished dancer competing on a national scale. In 2025, Marisol won gold medals in hip hop and jazz and a silver medal in pom at a national competition, representing both her school and dance studio.

Marisol is well-regarded by others for her kindness and thoughtfulness. She exudes a joyful energy and relates easily to others, making her a naturally effective leader in both her academic and extracurricular roles. She is deeply inspired by the mission of The Aphelion Graduate Foundation and is excited for the opportunity to lead the Junior Board during the 2025-2026 school year. She looks forward to bringing her fresh perspective, passion for helping others, and her creative input to the board, and is eager to fulfill her role as a peer advocate for local students with disabilities.

Junior Board Members in Action

Pictured: TAGF Junior Board Members for the 2025-2026 Season

Four standout student citizens from multiple Broward County schools were selected to serve on The Aphelion Graduate Foundation’s Junior Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 season. The Junior Board spearheaded an initiative to create care packages to encourage and support the 2026 Aphelion Graduate Award nominees as they worked towards graduation, and established connections with teachers and students within their own schools to expand volunteer efforts and impact.

Pictured: NJHS Student Volunteer

The Junior Board collaborated with National Junior Honor Society members from within their local schools. NJHS members volunteered to hand write personalized motivational notes and congratulatory letters for each and every nominated senior. The notes were included in winter care packages and graduate gifts.

Pictured: NJHS Student Volunteer

The bridge of compassion and support across our community's youth was beyond moving. In May 2026, The Junior Board again collaborated with NJHS student volunteers to pack gift bags with candies, stickers, and graduation teddy bear keepsakes.

Interested in serving on our Junior Board of Directors?

Local south Florida students ages 12-18 who have an interest in becoming peer advocates for students with disabilities can apply to serve on The Aphelion Graduate Foundation’s Junior Board of Directors. Junior Board members are provided opportunities to earn community service volunteer hours by participating in our foundation’s regular board meetings and foundation events, and by participating in ongoing trainings on disability rights, policy, and advocacy.

Junior Board of Directors Application