Our Team.

Founder and President

Misty Ritch received her BA from the University of Mary Washington in Performing Arts and Elementary Education. During her three decades in early childhood education, she taught in public and charter schools. Misty successfully moved to the administrative side of education and was instrumental in the opening of 3 charter schools and 5 preschools.

As a parent, Misty was very active and supportive, rarely missing a chance to cheer her children on, even as she experimented with side businesses. 

Misty currently is exploring the world of business with her husband. She stays involved in early education as a Board member of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. Her passion for helping and empowering others, inspired her to found Big Dreams Through Small Steps.

Director

Dylan Ritch has worked with non-profits and in the educational system for over 4 years. He established a children’s theatre and outreach program in 2016 that continues to serve youth in Eastern North Carolina to this day. From there, he went on to become the first elementary theatre teacher in Pitt County and worked to provide art programs for Title I schools, as well as the International Intellicor Academy, a school designed for students of immigrant parents from the Middle East. In recent years, he earned his Master's in English. He pursued a career in writing and is excited at the prospect of doing community outreach once again with Big Dreams Through Small Steps, an organization he deeply believes will do remarkable things for young people who need a reminder their dreams are never out of reach.

Director

Cherisa Haynes is a seasoned financial professional and independent insurance leader with over 20 years of experience in life, annuity, A&H, and supplemental medical insurance. Known for her ethical approach and proactive leadership, she specializes in policy underwriting, business development, and client relationship management.

As a Sales Life Agent and former Operations Manager for The Haynes Brokerage Group, Cherisa excels in optimizing processes, ensuring compliance, and fostering strong client relationships.

She holds a Master of Social Work and Nonprofit Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Psychology from the University of Mary Washington. Her background in counseling enhances her ability to connect with diverse individuals.

Passionate about community service, Cherisa has mentored with FIRST Robotics Team 2028 – Phantom Mentalists and served as Secretary for the VA Peninsula NAIFA chapter. As a board member of Big Dreams Through Small Steps, she is dedicated to empowering families through education, mentorship, and financial literacy.

Director

Aystin Lee Martinez is a financial professional and community leader from Palmetto, Florida. Through his faith in Christ and dedication to soccer, he gained resilience and leadership skills that led him to Georgia Southwestern State University. A first-generation college graduate, he earned a BBA in Finance with a minor in Marketing while managing a car detailing business to support his education.

Aystin holds several financial licenses and is an Associate Advisor in Raymond James’ Wealth Management Mastery Program, where he is refining his skills with a vision to become a top wealth management professional.

Deeply rooted in his faith and community, Aystin serves as a leader in his parents' ministry, Christ for Kings, based in Palmetto, Florida. He is passionate about inspiring and empowering the lower-income Latino community in Manatee and Sarasota counties, aspiring to be a role model and resource for families and individuals seeking financial and personal growth.

Now living in Sarasota with his wife, who he calls the backbone of his success, Aystin is actively involved in community outreach and dedicated to using his skills to uplift others and create lasting change.

Director

Dan Yonko brings over three decades of nonprofit leadership and community service experience to the Big Dreams Through Small Steps Board of Directors. Currently serving as the Marketing and Communications Director for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Dan specializes in community engagement, brand positioning, and strategic communication initiatives that elevate the visibility and impact of organizations.

Previously, Dan held leadership roles with the Florida Cultural Group, Inc., Goldfish Swim School, and various YMCA branches across multiple states, where he excelled in program development, fundraising, and staff mentorship. His expertise in budget management, staff training, and donor relations has consistently resulted in organizational growth and deeper community connections.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Pennsylvania State University. His dedication to empowering families and children aligns with the mission of Big Dreams Through Small Steps, where he leverages his extensive experience to support educational programs and entrepreneurial opportunities for future generations.

Advisor​

Robert Ritch is an expert in finance, marketing and turning around distressed businesses. Rob started his career as a Security Specialist with the US Navy; he left this position in 1994 after receiving a career-ending injury. Rob then began security consulting and performing business and due diligence evaluations. He took this experience and knowledge and began purchasing and investing in business ventures. Rob has invested in and managed a wide range of industries.

Rob has served on the Board of Directors of both public and private companies. Currently, he is the chairman of Ritch Ventures and serves on the Board of the Manatee Performing Arts Center.