Leadership
Kathleen Cramer
Executive Director
Since 2020, Kathleen has served as the Executive Director of Turning Points, bringing more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the role. Guided by a deep passion for helping individuals and families facing housing instability, she leads the organization with vision, compassion, and a focus on results. Under her leadership, Turning Points has strengthened its ability to serve Manatee County’s most vulnerable residents by fostering community partnerships, expanding fundraising efforts, and investing in the professional development of its dedicated staff.
Kathleen also oversees the Turning Points Health Center, which offers free, high-quality medical and dental care to uninsured residents ages 18–64 who meet specific income guidelines. Her commitment to healthcare access is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, stable life. By aligning housing support, healthcare, and essential services under one mission, Kathleen ensures Turning Points remains a lifeline for thousands of people each year.
Originally from Michigan, Kathleen has lived in multiple states alongside her husband, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, gaining a broad perspective on community needs and resilience. Before joining Turning Points, she worked as a licensed financial advisor, empowering underserved populations with tools for long-term financial stability. Outside of her work, she treasures time with her husband, their dog, and two cats, and together they love discovering the Gulf Coast’s scenic beauty.
Kathleen’s email is kcramer@tpmanatee.org
Margi Dawson
Director of Development
Margi is a Trenton, New Jersey, native and must have gained her love of history from being surrounded by important sites from the Revolutionary War. Margi spent most of her career in corporate retail and made the switch to non-profit work a few years past. She LOVES the environment surrounding non-profit work and in helping people in need AND making this world a better place. Margi and her husband share their home with 2 young English Bulldogs, Bruce Wayne & Harvey Dent. Or is it the other way around?
Andy Guyre
Data Manager
Andy is a Marion, Indiana native who has been involved in social services in Manatee County since 1998. He has also spent time in Chicago doing immigration related work. He has extensive knowledge in non-profit contracts and Florida’s public assistance eligibility. He is a career public servant having worked in government positions at the federal, state, and local level in positions to serve the most vulnerable citizens.
Alfonso Peralta
Director of Clinical Services
Rafael Alfonso Peralta, MD, MBA, is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background in medicine, business, and entrepreneurship. With a foundation in healthcare as a Medical Doctor and an additional dimension in business with an MBA, Alfonso has leveraged his expertise to pioneer two successful companies from inception.
As the founder of WordDoc Translations and Global Safety Management, now rebranded as TotalSDS, Alfonso has demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership prowess. These ventures reflect his commitment to innovation and excellence in providing essential services to diverse industries.
Alfonso’s journey exemplifies a fusion of medical expertise, business acumen, and a drive for impactful entrepreneurship, making him a dynamic force in both the healthcare and business sectors.
James R. Cardwell II
Community Resource Manager
James, the Community Resource Manager, is a seasoned senior-level executive with over 25 years of experience in education, corporate training, workforce development, and program development. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, having held impactful positions in various organizations where he consistently achieved impressive outcomes in areas such as student achievement, operational efficiency, and partnership building.
James holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Technical Writing and Sociology from George Mason University. James resides in Manatee County with his wife and is committed to giving back to his community.
His motto, “If you stay humble, treat everyone with respect, and give back to your community, you will have a full and successful life,” reflects his values and approach to both his personal and professional endeavors.