Meet The Lotus Coalition Team
PAULA LARUE
Executive Director
Paula LaRue is a compassionate advocate and dedicated leader within The Lotus Coalition, an organization committed to providing advocacy and resources for individuals emerging from addiction, poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges, and the horrors of human trafficking. With her expertise in crisis intervention, counseling, and community collaboration, Paula has become a guiding light for those in need of support and empowerment.
In her role as Director at The Lotus Coalition, Paula spearheads the development and implementation of transformative programs that bring hope and restoration to survivors. Her visionary leadership and exceptional program management skills create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and overcome the profound challenges they have faced.
Operations Director
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My natural abilities are in the realm of organization, admin, and finances. I enjoy process improvement and figuring out ways for things to be more structured; so it’s not a coincidence that my role at Lotus is in Operations. Outside of the office, you can usually find me checking out a new restaurant with friends, reading a book in a corner, or hanging out at home with my husband and aussiedoodle. I’m fluent in Haitian-Creole and love learning, eating different foods, and traveling to other countries.
Program Director
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I am so excited to work on a team that wholeheartedly loves and appreciates people from all walks of life. I love being in a place where I can give back a little slice of hope, just as it was given to me. There is nothing that can beat the feeling when you can see in someone when it starts to actually click that they are worth it. Vibe Recovery plays a very important role in the sense of helping as many individuals as possible while respecting and loving humans in their journey through life. I have a beautiful three-year-old little girl who is my whole world, and I aspire to be the best mama possible to her and share my knowledge and aspirations to help others and do good with her.
Business Development and Strategist
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I am passionate about helping the most vulnerable in our city. I love coming alongside organizations and leaders in order to make the dream happen. Each day I hope to see more lives changed and have access to the resources they need in order to thrive. I am highly skilled in project management and enjoy executing strategic initiatives.
When I'm not working I love spending time with my friends and family. Some of my hobbies include running, cooking, and curling up with a good book.
Program Director
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Originally from Tennessee and now based in the Tampa Bay area, Heidi Coyne is a survivor of human trafficking and sexual exploitation who leads with compassion and purpose. As a Florida Certified Peer Specialist, Therapeutic Recovery Coach, and Life Coach, she oversees housing programs for youth aging out of foster care, builds collaborative networks of support for survivors, and ensures every program at The Lotus Coalition is trauma-informed and empowering. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating safety, dignity, and opportunity for those most at risk.
Advocate and community Outreach
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Jennifer Estes is a dedicated advocate and community outreach professional based in Tampa, Florida. Through her work with the Lotus Coalition, she focuses on case management and street outreach, supporting individuals experiencing hardship and connecting them with critical resources.
Jennifer’s mission centers on meeting people where they are—both physically and emotionally—to build trust and provide meaningful assistance. Her work involves direct engagement with vulnerable populations, helping individuals navigate services such as housing support, healthcare access, and community programs.
Driven by compassion and a deep commitment to service, Jennifer believes that real change begins with human connection. By combining advocacy, resource coordination, and hands-on outreach, she works to empower individuals and strengthen the community one person at a time.
Through the Lotus Coalition, Jennifer continues to expand efforts that bring hope, dignity, and practical support to those who need it most in the Tampa area.