the team

Rev. Linda Kemp-Baird is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of ReNew Recovery Café. A retired ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she brings over 30 years of experience in pastoral care, including 15 years as a hospice chaplain and 15 years as a local church pastor.   Originally from Iowa, Linda earned her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University and moved to Daytona Beach in 2012. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, healing space for individuals in one of the most underserved neighborhoods in Volusia County.

Linda enjoys camping and traveling with her husband, Rev. Bob Kemp-Baird and visiting their son, Drew, in Wisconsin.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Cassie played an instrumental role in launching Florida's first Recovery Café. Her journey into recovery began through Drug Court, and she now inspires and advocates for others navigating the criminal justice system. Cassie’s positivity is infectious, and her genuine belief in its transformative power shines wherever she goes.

A certified facilitator of numerous trainings on substance use disorders and mental health, Cassie uses her lived experience to connect with and uplift those she encounters. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her son Max, riding her motorcycle, and living life to the fullest. 

Becca moved to Florida from New York in 2021 with her three children. While studying nursing, she became deeply fascinated with the science of addiction, mental health, childhood trauma, and the brain’s healing process. Her personal experiences drive her passionate advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges and addiction.

Known for her talent to mimic any accent, Becca loves sharing laughs with her unique skill. She also enjoys rehabilitating baby animals she finds during her adventures.

Lolo was deeply involved in the pre-planning and early volunteer efforts to open the Café. Now part of the team, she prepares meals for Members and continues to be a pillar of support. Born in Tennessee and raised in Alabama, Lolo moved to Florida in 2004.

She is an active member of the Recovery Church and Celebrate Recovery, volunteers at her church pantry, and is always ready to lend a hand wherever needed.

Deb’s warm and approachable personality makes her a beloved presence at the Café. Whether welcoming Members at the front desk, working in the kitchen, or engaging with guests on the floor, she creates a welcoming environment.

An amazing artist, Deb shares her creative talents with Café Members and ensures the space is always festive and holiday-ready. Outside of work, she loves moongazing, paddleboarding, and exploring the wonders of nature.

Twila moved to Florida in 1980 and brings her rich background to the Café. The daughter of two military officers, she has lived across the U.S. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s in elementary education. A proud mother of three and a dedicated dog mom, Twila finds joy in family time and cheering on her daughter’s basketball team.

She is passionate about making the world a better place and sees the good in everyone. Twila enjoys exploring nature, walking in the woods, and sharing laughter with those around her.

  Originally from Pennsylvania, Krisanne spent most of her adult life in beautiful Colorado before finding her way to Florida—and eventually to ReNew Recovery Café—through what she describes as a deep sense of purpose.

She’s a proud mother of four and grandmother to eight amazing grandchildren. Krisanne’s passions include swimming, driving her Mustang, and soaking up Florida’s sunshine (especially after moving to the State early 2025!). She’s a music lover with a soft spot for muscle cars and finds joy in both the open road and the rhythm of a good song.

Krisanne believes that every journey has meaning, and she's grateful to be walking alongside others in theirs.

A proud Daytona Beach native, Wyquila brings heart, dedication, and lived experience to her role at ReNew Recovery Café. Her path to the Café began while supporting a loved one through their recovery journey—a transformative experience that deepened her understanding of the importance of community, compassion, and connection in the healing process.

Inspired by that journey, Wyquila became committed to walking alongside others as they navigate recovery, offering support, encouragement, and hope. She is a firm believer that recovery is not only possible—it’s real—and she brings that belief to every interaction with Café members.

Outside of her work, Wyquila cherishes time with her family, who remain her greatest source of motivation and joy.

She lives by the words of Jana Stanfield:  “I cannot do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.”

Sydni brings a deep sense of purpose and compassion to her role on the street outreach team. A Florida resident for nearly a decade, she combines lived experience with a commitment to supporting individuals in her community.

Her journey with the Café began as a guest, where she immediately felt a powerful connection to the mission and community. Shortly thereafter, she joined the team as a Peer Specialist, driven by a desire to help others in recovery. Just weeks into her role, Sydni assisted with street outreach and quickly discovered her passion for engaging with the unhoused community. She has since taken on a key administrative role, providing both frontline support and behind-the-scenes coordination to ensure outreach efforts are effective and compassionate.

Sydni is currently pursuing a degree at Southern New Hampshire University, with a long-term goal of building a career in the recovery field. Outside of her professional and academic life, she enjoys spending quality time with her young son, family, and friends—often exploring new places, swimming, or enjoying the Florida sunshine.