Donte Palmer

Youth development and behavior-support professional with 15+ years of experience leading programs, building trusted relationships, and helping young people navigate behavioral, emotional, social, and academic challenges. Experienced in behavior observation, proactive intervention, de-escalation, crisis response, family engagement, documentation, and trauma-informed support. Known for establishing clear expectations, reinforcing positive behaviors, and creating safe, structured environments where students can thrive.

Youth Pastor - Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church - South Miami, FL

(2024-01)

• Provide pastoral leadership, behavior support, mentoring, and student-development programming for a ministry serving more than 400 students across children's and youth programs.
• Create structured, relationship-centered environments that establish clear expectations, reinforce positive choices, and support students experiencing behavioral, emotional, social, or family challenges.
• Use active listening, observation, verbal redirection, conflict mediation, and de-escalation strategies to respond to student needs while preserving dignity, safety, and accountability.
• Partner with parents, caregivers, volunteers, church leaders, schools, and community organizations to coordinate individualized support and strengthen continuity of care.
• Recruit, train, and supervise adult volunteers in student safety, appropriate boundaries, engagement practices, incident response, and consistent follow-through.
• Plan and execute weekly services, mentoring initiatives, outreach events, retreats, and large-scale programs; track participation, communicate concerns, and document significant incidents and follow-up actions.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Squat For Change - St. Augustine, FL

(2018-10 - 2026-01)

• Founded and lead a national nonprofit advocacy initiative advancing equitable access to diaper-changing stations in public restrooms and family-supportive spaces.
• Built strategic partnerships with P&G, Pampers, The Honest Company, community organizations, and media outlets to expand awareness, resources, and public engagement.
• Advocated with legislators in Florida, Maryland, New York, Minnesota, and California to advance policy solutions addressing gaps in public accommodations for caregivers.
• Represented the campaign across national and international media, including The Drew Barrymore Show, Fox News, BBC World News, Sky News, and Inside Edition.
• Developed digital campaigns that grew the organization's audience by more than 25,000 followers and converted personal storytelling into measurable advocacy impact.

Creative Director | Brand Awareness - Trinity Church - Miami Gardens, FL

(2022-10 - 2024-01)

• Directed creative strategy and visual communication for services, campaigns, community events, and ministry initiatives, increasing message clarity and audience engagement.
• Led designers and volunteers through project planning, delegation, coaching, quality control, and deadline management in a collaborative, high-accountability environment.
• Developed and protected a consistent visual identity across print, digital, social media, video, and live-event platforms.

Creative Director - Global Media Productions - Media, PA

(2010-05 - 2018-11)

• Directed end-to-end planning, filming, and editing for multimedia projects serving convention centers, churches, and community organizations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Translated client goals into tailored visual narratives, managed multiple priorities, and built long-term relationships through reliability, creativity, and strong follow-through.
• Integrated emerging production technologies and industry practices to improve content quality, efficiency, and audience relevance.

Master of Arts - Theological Studies - Trinity International University (2026-05)

Bachelor of Science - Communications Media - Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2009-05)