Meet the Team

Our staff is comprised are hard-working individuals with a passion for helping kinship families achieve their goals. Hover over each member of the team to learn a bit more about what they do here!

Leadership

Our leadership team is responsible for ensuring that our organization honors the mission of empowering caregivers to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children. 
  Founder; Executive Director  
Ali Caliendo, PhD
Dr. Caliendo focuses on kinship families and child welfare policy. She founded Foster Kinship in 2011, aiming to offer crucial resources and support for relatives raising children, ensuring that family connections are prioritized. She holds degrees from UNLV, Seattle University, Villanova University, and the University of Chicago.

She can be reached at Ali@FosterKinship.org.
  Deputy Director  
Leah Dods, MSW
Leah oversees Foster Kinship's programs. Coming from a kinship family herself, her passion for families motivates her work in engaging the community and building connections. Leah started as an intern in 2016, has extensive experience in child welfare, hospice care, and substance abuse treatment, and is a certified First Aid/CPR/AED instructor.

She can be reached at Leah@FosterKinship.org.
  Strategic Engagement Director  
Paula Ramirez, LMSW, CADC
Paula joined Foster Kinship in 2021 as an intern, then as a team member in 2022. With a Master’s in Social Work and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, she’s a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, a notary public, and holds a certificate in Grandfamilies Leadership. In her role as Strategic Program Director, Paula works to develop our community connections, grow our partnerships, and secure the funding needed for our programs.

She can be reached at Paula@FosterKinship.org.

Organizational Infrastructure

Our administrative team is responsible for keeping our organization running, focusing on the technical aspects of a non-profit organization, and allowing the rest of our staff to focus on providing good-quality services. 
  CTO  
Terry Caliendo, BS
Terry Caliendo, holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and has over 10 years of experience as an internet entrepreneur, and is the owner and president of Dedicated Managers.

Passionate about Southern Nevada's issues, particularly the lack of support for children and kinship caregivers, Terry has helped his wife form Foster Kinship to address these needs. He serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Foster Kinship.

He can be reached at Terry@FosterKinship.org.  
  Human Resources  
Cheryl Frias, BS, HRM
Cheryl, a professional dedicated to her ethics, and a lover of Hawaii, now calls Las Vegas home. With a Bachelor's in Business Administration, specializing in Human Resource Management, she's committed to integrity in all aspects of life. Her true passion lies in creating positive work environments, where support and motivation thrive, a mission she actively champions at Foster Kinship. She contributes her skills and warm positivity to supporting our staff members in providing high quality services and resources to kinship families.

She can be reached at Cheryl@FosterKinship.org.
  Executive Assistant  
Matthew McCave
Matthew was raised just outside of Detroit Michigan. In his childhood he was heavily involved with the local Boys & Girls Club and spent a lot of his young adult time working and volunteering with various organizations that offered activities for at risk youth. This time spent helped to foster a love of giving back and a passion for youth issues.

Matthew supports the Foster Kinship leadership team and brings with him a passion for helping kinship families in the Nevada and beyond.

He can be reach at
 Matt@FosterKinship.org.
  Director of Program Support  
Sandy Vargas, BS
Sandy, a lifelong advocate for social justice, has a deep passion for supporting vulnerable kinship families.  With a Bachelors in Sociology, over 20 years of customer service experience, and certifications as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and CPR/First Aid/AED instructor, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Sandy oversees administrative and financial support for our organization.

She can be reached at Sandy@FosterKinship.org.
  Operations Manager 
Jen Walsh, MSW
Jen holds a Bachelor’s from Nevada State College in Psychology with minors in Criminal Justice and Counseling and a Masters in Social Work from UNR. Her personal experiences of kinship care in her own family with have motivated her education and career focus. Jen first started with Foster Kinship as an intern in 2020. Now as our Operations Manager, Jen is able to ensure that all staff are well equipped to meet the needs of families, and that the families we serve can feel safe and comfortable in our office. 

She can be reached at Jen@fosterkinship.org.

Kinship Navigator Program

Drawing from social support theory and transaction cost theory, Foster Kinship’s Kinship Navigator Program provides targeted information, referral, support, basic needs, and case management activities focused on reducing uncertainty for new caregivers. By connecting caregivers to accurate information at the right time, The Navigator program reduces both search and acquisition costs for the caregiver, reducing their stress and increasing their access to needed services. Providing informational emotional, and instrumental (tangible and technical) support services enables families to achieve critical goals linked to child well-being such as adequate financial support and legal capacity.

For families who are involved with the Child Welfare system, our Family Advocates assist with navigating the Kinship Licensing Process, applying for Welfare benefits like Child-Only TANF, and referring caregivers to outside resources.

For families who are privately caring for relative children, our Family Advocates work to accomplish the specific goals of that family, which can involve navigating a Guardianship process, a private adoption, obtaining financial support via the Welfare department, or finding childcare resources.
  Family Advocate Supervisor  
Berenice Blas-Juarez
Berenice, originally from Mexico, moved to Los Angeles at age 9, settling in Las Vegas in 2008 with her wife. After being a foster parent herself, Berenice's kinship advocacy began with the DFS Foster Parent Champion Program. Since 2018, she's been with Foster Kinship, facilitating child welfare training for kinship families, and more recently serving as a Family Advocate Supervisor with our Kinship Navigator program. 

She can be reached at Berenice@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate Supervisor  
Alisha McIntosh
Alisha, born in Long Beach, California, experienced foster care before being adopted in 2002, and celebrating with a trip to Disneyland. In 2014, her and her husband moved to Las Vegas and became foster parents, later adopting four siblings in 2019, and giving them the same Disney experience. Alisha now supports others in child welfare, particularly those achieving permanency through guardianship or adoption. As a Family Advocate Supervisor, she's dedicated to supporting safe and healthy families, eager to connect with caregivers.

She can be reached at Alisha@fosterkinship.org.
  Family Advocate Supervisor  
Cindy Tarrant
As a Family Advocate Supervisor in Foster Kinship's Kinship Navigator Program, Cindy is deeply committed to supporting Nevada families navigating foster care and informal non-parental care. Her background as a foster and adoptive parent, combined with her ongoing studies in Organizational Leadership, deeply informs her work. Foster Kinship was vital for her family, and she feels privileged to help others in similar situations. Outside of work, Cindy enjoys hiking, peaceful mornings on her porch, and planning their next family vacation with her husband and six children.

She can be reached at Cindy@fosterkinship.org.
  Family Advocate  
Jennifer Dominguez
Jennifer is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from SHSU. With 15 years of experience in Social Services, she has honed her skills and deepened her commitment to advocating for children's rights. Jennifer's career is driven by her passion for being a voice for those who need it most. Outside of work, Jennifer finds joy in spending time with her three beloved children.

She can be reached at Jennifer@fosterkinship.org.
  Family Advocate Specialist  
Wendy Esparza

Wendy moved to Las Vegas in 1996 and graduated from Valley High School. With over a decade of experience in hospitality and customer service, she previously worked in the accounting departments of several iconic casinos in the Las Vegas valley. Seeking a more fulfilling and rewarding career, Wendy joined Foster Kinship, where she is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

She can be reached at Wendy@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate Specialist  
Stacey Galka
Stacey, a parent, bio grandma, foster parent, and now adoptive mom utilized Foster Kinship's services on her own journey. Stacey's experience and compassion drive her to offer families hope, showing that with collaboration, parents can improve outcomes for their children. Stacey's journey spans coast to coast, but Denver is home. She found her calling in social work, supporting and uplifting others, and now she's here to help kinship families navigate their unique paths.

She can be reached at Stacey@FosterKinship.org.  
  Family Advocate  
Tobi Hardin, BSW
Tobi, born and raised in Las Vegas, holds an Associates degree in Psychology from CSN and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from NAU. Tobi first joined Foster Kinship as an intern, where she fell in loves with the mission and was inspired by Foster Kinships impact on families. Tobi is dedicated to supporting caregivers and helping them navigate the unique challenges they face. 

She can be reached at Tobi@FosterKinship.org.
  Senior Family Advocate  
Nani Leffall, MS, CPC Intern
Nani holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and a Masters in Professional Counseling. She has previously interned with Family Services and the Parenting Project. She's been with Foster Kinship since 2015, dedicated to connecting families with essential resources. Nani is a notary public and has a Grandfamilies Leadership certificate. She is part of our in-home kinship navigator program in Clark County, NV. 

She can be reached at Nani@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate Specialist  
Ann Martinez, BS
Ann holds an associate and bachelor degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Human Services. She is currently working towards another bachelor degree in Social Work. Ann also played Lacrosse for UNLV. GO REBELS! She coaches Varsity Girls soccer at Cristo Rey St. Viator High School. Ann has worked with great nonprofit organizations in Las Vegas since 2014, JA of Southern Nevada, Girl Scouts, Safe Nest, The Harbor, and now Foster Kinship as technical support for our Case Management team.

She can be reached at Ann@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate  
Katelynn Martinez, BSW
Katelynn, a Las Vegas native, graduated from UNLV in 2022 with a Social Work degree and a minor in Criminal Justice. She's passionate about helping Kinship families, especially those facing challenges due to immigration. Drawing from her experience being raised by immigrant parents. She is always advocating for more Spanish resources. As a Family Advocate, Katelynn provides kinship families with essential support, understanding the difficulties they face.

She can be reached at Katelynn@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate  
Emily Morales
A native of Las Vegas, Emily holds an Associates Degree from the College of Southern Nevada. As a young widow and single mother of five beautiful children, Emily is passionate about helping families surviving and thriving through the process of grief. Her professional background is in Human Resources and Office Management. She works to connect Kinship families to needed resources and information, and obtain a thorough background of families that need continued support from our Case Management team.

She can be reached at Emily@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate  
Alberto Roman, MSW
Alberto was born in Las Vegas and graduated with his bachelor's in social work from UNLV in 2021. He continued his education in social work and earned his master's degree from UNR in 2023. His passion lies in assisting families in foster care, stemming from his experience as a foster parent to his niece and nephew, which ignited his desire to aid others facing similar challenges. Alberto started his journey with Foster Kinship in 2023 as an intern and progressed to a full-time role in case management, where he advocates for families in need.

He can be reached at Alberto@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate  
Madyson Tarrant, BS
Madyson, holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a focus in psychology, is a part of our intake team, assisting families in understanding the changes they have recently experienced, and guiding them to the next steps of community connections, case management, training, and more! From living in a licensing foster and kinship home since age 10, and going through the licensing process herself, Madyson's passion lies in helping to provide support to those that need it.

She can be reached at Madyson@FosterKinship.org.  
  Family Advocate  
Lizy Vazquez
Lizy, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Las Vegas in 2014, facing the challenge of a new language. After a decade, she has built her family here, and considers Las Vegas her second home. Lizy is passionate about interior design and anything related to fashion and style. With a background in customer service, she is excited to be providing families with support, resources, and information with Foster Kinship's Intake Team. Currently, she is working to enroll in school to pursue a career as a psychologist.

She can be reached at Lizy@fosterkinship.org.

Northern Nevada Navigator Program

Our Northern Nevada Navigator Program brings Foster Kinship's services statewide! We are serving Washoe County and DCFS families with Case Management services, ensuring that families can access the resources and support to maintain financial, legal, and emotional stability with their children. The entirety of Nevada also has access to our Kinship Training Institute, which provides specialized Kinship Licensing Training for each county. The Northern Nevada Program Manager works with each family individually to gather information about their family, provide guidance on how to navigate the Child Welfare System, and get them connected to accurate information and community resources relevant to their needs and area. 
  Northern Nevada Program Manager  
Jayne Rovianek, BSW
After 19 years of working in the Child Welfare System, Jayne has experience in various positions, including recruitment, intake/placement, differential response, respite coordinator, and foster/adoption advocacy. She has also spent 6 years working with adults that have developmental delays, medically fragile seniors, substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health issues. Jayne is the mother of four adults with special needs, the Grandmother of five grandchildren, and the great grandmother of a three-year-old, whom she spent 2 years raising until he was reunified with his mother.

She can be reached at Jayne@FosterKinship.org.

Thriving Together Academy

Thriving Together Academy focuses on holistic healing for the whole family across the spectrum of the caregiving journey. We facilitate holistic and supportive services for all family types (Kinship/Foster, Adoptive, Guardianship, Parent Reunifications/Successfully Reunified) through Pre-Service Kinship Trainings, TBRI® Caregiver Trainings, Trauma-Informed Workshops, Making Sense of Your Worth, Peer Parent Support Groups, Birth Parent Workshops, Park Parties for Adoptive Families, Family Events, and more! Including all family types under one program highlights the importance of each part of a family system working together to prioritize the well-being of the children in care.

This team also works in conjunction with our Child and Youth Interventions team to ensure that the educational tools provided to caregivers are mirrored in what is provided to the children being cared for. 
Director of Thriving Together Academy
Sasha Ritchie, LMSW,
TBRI® Practioner
Sasha holds a Bachelor's in Human Services, a Master's in Clinical Social Work, focusing on child and family therapy, and the certification of TBRI® Practitioner. Her passion is supporting children and families, drawing from her personal experiences with kinship care. She manages the Thriving Together Academy at Foster Kinship, providing support to all family types through technical trainings, emotional support, family events, peer support groups, and more!

She can be reached at Sasha@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate  
Angie Bevel
A born and raised Las Vegas native, Angie and her husband are raising their 6 children They decided to become licensed foster parents and provided TBRI informed foster placement for children for 5 years. A birth parent, foster parent, and adoptive parent, Angie is passionate about preserving family relationships. She values community connections and believes we are at our best when we have strong supportive systems surrounding us. She is excited to be working with our Thriving After program and the larger community.

She can be reached at Angie@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate  
MariaAgnes Jones, BA
Maria, originally from San Francisco, moved to Las Vegas in 2014, seeking better opportunities for her and her 3 children. With 15 years of office management and HR experience, she's skilled at improving efficiency. Maria believes in the power positivity, and serves as a family advocate, helping kinship families see the light in challenging situations. She's also passionate about guiding parents, 
aiming to alleviate fear and enhance transparency in their journeys.

She can be reached at Maria@fosterkinship.org.
  Family Advocate Specialist  
Natalie Marquez, BS
Natalie, a Las Vegas native, earned her Bachelor degree in Human Services from UNLV in 2023. Through internships and volunteer work, she's been dedicated to providing services to the community and developed a strong commitment to supporting underserved individuals. She started in 2023 intern at Foster Kinship, where she witnessed the challenges kinship families face. Impressed by the team's dedication, she joined as Enhanced Program Support Specialist for the Kinship Training Institute. 

She can be reached at Natalie@FosterKinship.org.
  Senior Family Advocate  
Michelle Rupe, BS, 
TBRI® Practitioner

Michelle, a passionate child welfare professional with a Bachelor's in Psychology, has advocated for foster youth in various capacities since 2012. She is a TBRI® Practitioner, and utilizes that in her direct support for families experiencing challenges with the children in their care. She believes in TBRI®'s transformative potential for child welfare and community systems. Michelle works with kinship families, facilitating workshops, nurturing connections, and educating families on trauma and brain development. 

She can be reached at MRupe@FosterKinship.org.
  Family Advocate Specialist  
Audrey Tarrant 
TBRI® Practitioner
Audrey, a dedicated advocate for child safety and family support, was raised in a home that provided foster care and developed a passion for helping children and families thrive. As a TBRI® Practitioner, Child Passenger Safety Technician Proxy, and CPR Instructor, Audrey brings expertise and compassion to her work. She also facilitates our Kinship Licensing Classes, supporting relatives and caregivers to create safe, nurturing environments with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care. 

She can be reached at Audrey@FosterKinship.org.

Child and Youth Interventions

Our Child and Youth Interventions team is dedicated to ensuring that the vulnerable children we serve are provided with the tools and support needed to heal from childhood trauma. Support from this team can come in the form of our Riley & Friends Nurture Groups, Cub & Tots pre-school program, on-site Youth Support Groups, or Respite Care, all with curriculum developed through a TBRI® lens. 
  Director of Child & Youth Interventions 
Corina Duran
Corina has an extensive history in family social services, with a background specializing in crisis intervention. As a community advocate, past involvements have been The Truancy DIversion Program, CASA, NV Coalition Suicide Prevention, and ASIST Certified. She is a foster/adoptive parent. Joining the Foster Kinship with the initiative to continue assisting the community find support. Corina has quirky side talent as makeup artist, balloon twister, and magician that she enjoys bringing to the Foster Kinship Child Care Department.

She can be reached at Corina@FosterKinship.org
  Child & Youth Interventions Advocate  
Jaquie Chagolla,
TBRI® Practitioner
Jaquie, originally from California, graduated Las Vegas high school in 2021.  She has a natural-born interest in working with kids and enjoys interacting with them. Passionate about child care, she brings a vibrant personality to form connections with kids in kinship care. Jaquie works with our childcare programing supporting with child and youth support groups, Riley & Friends Nurture Groups, and more. Jaquie beame a TBRI® Practitioner in February of 2025, and is excited to utilize the skills of TBRI® with both children and caregivers.

 She can be reached at Jaquie@FosterKinship.org.
  Child & Youth Interventions Advocate  
Devyn McQueen, BA
Devyn, originally from San Antonio, Texas, holds a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Theatre from the University of Evansville, Indiana. She spent seven years in Minneapolis, working in children's theatre, and continues persuing that passion here in Nevada. She combines artistic talent with a passion for working with kids. Devyn is dedicated to nurturing young minds and creating environments where creativity thrives, ensuring children have the tools they need to succeed.

She can be reached at Devyn@FosterKinship.org.
  Child & Youth Interventions Advocate  
Aine Monaghan, 
TBRI® Practitioner
Aine, originally from Colorado, graduated high school in Las Vegas. Her family began fostering in 2018, adopting three kids in 2019, and later a 6-year-old boy in 2021. She has extensive experience with children, including volunteering in a church childcare program and helping her parents with her younger siblings. That passion lent itself to Aine becoming a TBRI® Practitioner in August of 2023, which she utlizes in direct practice with children, and also in the classroom with caregivers. 

She can be reached at Aine@FosterKinship.org.
  Child & Youth Interventions Advocate  
Shannon Ventress
Shannon, originally from Southern California, moved to Las Vegas in 2011. She has been working with children in various capacities for 10 years, and her passion for watching children learn and grow shines in her role as a Child and Youth Interventions Advocate. Shannon's passion for helping children and families has always motivated her work, and she now looks forward to helping children from hard places cope with their experiences and overcome their pasts.

She can be reached at Shannon@FosterKinship.org.
  Child & Youth Interventions Advocate  
Jessica Wertz, BA
Jessica, a Las Vegas native, began her journey as an intern at Foster Kinship through the TAY Americorps iFoster program, which supports former foster youth. As a member of TAY Americorps with iFoster, she contributed to the development of the AARP Kinship Caregiver training series. Driven by her own experiences in the foster care system, she is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children.

She can be reached at Jessica@FosterKinship.org.

Operations

Our Operations Team keeps Foster Kinship running, ensuring that our team of staff has what they need to serve families. In every service that we provide, our team strives to provide families with a safe, clean, comfortable environment in which they can be empowered to achieve legal, financial, and emotional stability for their family system, and get all of the their needs met along the way. 
  Family Advocate Specialist  
Marla Hull
Marla moved from California in 1999. Over the last 22 years, she has worked in customer service and managed several departments in the grocery business. She has an adult daughter and previously adopted her grandson, who is a very busy toddler. She discovered her passion for Foster Kinship in the midst of her family's experiences, and she enjoys sharing her story to connect with other kinship caregivers. Marla wouldn't trade the difficulties of the last 2 years for anything in the world.

She can be reached at Marla@FosterKinship.org.

Marcie's Heart

Our Marcie's Heart donation center exists to provide tangible resources to families, including clothing, shoes, blankets, toys, and more. Our warehouse is open several times a month for 'shopping' appointments for caregivers who need items, and our families in Case Management can utilize pick-up orders. The center is also utilized for seasonal event space, during which it is equipped to distribute things like school supplies, frozen foods, and holiday gifts. 
  Donation & Resource Manager  
Christine Smedes
Christine, upon hearing about Foster Kinship, felt led to help. Born to young parents who struggled in raising 4 children, she was raised by her grandparents and her siblings divided to other family members. When those relatives did not adequate resources, Christine's siblings ended up in foster care. It took 30 years for them to be reunited, and as a result of the trauma of separation, feelings of abandonment, and living in foster care, her siblings passed prematurely. This experience fuels Christine's commitment to preserving family bonds and preventing sibling separation whenever possible and safe.

She can be reached at Christine@fosterkinship.org.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is comprised of members of the community who are driven to better the outcomes of Kinship families in Nevada. Each person brings to the table their own experiences and areas of focus for Foster Kinship as a whole. Hover over each person to learn a bit more about them!
  Board of Directors - President  
Nancy Myster, MEd
Nancy Myster, an educator at Alexander Dawson School in Las Vegas, holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Western Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With a strong background in working with children, she spent over 10 years as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and served on the CASA Foundation board for more than 6 years. Nancy is dedicated to supporting family and kinship connections for youth. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her daughter Grace and her dog Murphy.
  Board of Directors - Treasurer  
Ben Douglas
Ben comes with a great deal of experience from for-profit business serving as the executive in charge of finance, operations and administration. Mr. Douglas has spent the last 15 years facilitating accounting and management classes at the university. Ben loves helping students obtain their dreams by obtaining their bachelors and/or masters degree. Mr. Douglas graduated with his MBA in 2003 and then obtained his Masters of Science in Accountancy in 2010. Ben’s main joy is his family, including his wife of 25 years, three boys, one daughter-in-law and grandson. He is excited to continue fighting for the children of Nevada and beyond.

  Board of Directors - Secretary  
Tabitha Simmons
Tabitha holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communications from the University of Nevada Reno and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Law School Community. She advocates for foster youth, recognizing gaps in the child welfare system, and is dedicated to community service and has served on various boards, including Street Teens, Nevada Partners for Homeless Youth, and Three Square. Balancing family and business, she enjoys outdoor activities, travel, reading, and yoga in her spare time.
  Board of Directors  
Bob Ruble
Bob has been a kinship caregiver in California for his niece since she was 8 years old. Now that she is an adult, Bob continues to share his experience to help other kinship families navigate the difficult waters of kinship care. 

He is a Generations United GRAND Voice member and an Ambassador with the California Alliance of Caregivers. He is a huge advocate for what Foster Kinship does for families and loves supporting our programs any way he can.
  Board of Directors  
Daniel Maier
Dan, a former kinship foster parent and now legal guardian, serves as a Roman Catholic deacon in the Diocese of Las Vegas. He's an active member of Nevadans for the Common Good, including its affiliate NCG Coalition for Public Life. Additionally, he is a Realtor in Southern Nevada, with a professional background in executive management, including at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Dan leans on his experiences in leadership and collaboration to better our organization efforts, and holds honesty, ethics, and creativity in high regard. 
  Board of Directors  
Kechia English, MA
Kechia, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has a private practice and does contract therapy work here in southern Nevada. She is retired after over 30 years with the Department of Family Services. During her time in child welfare Kechia served in various outlets, including Child Protective Services, In Home Case Management and Clinical Services. She also teaches in the College of Humanities and Sciences for the University of Phoenix. As a Board Member, Kechia looks forward to bringing her child welfare experience to the table in an effort to continue making a positive difference in the lives of families.
  Board of Directors  
Patricia Farley
Patricia Farley served as an independent member of the Nevada State Senate from 2015 to 2018, representing District 8. Now, she serves as the Vice President for the Children's Advocacy Alliance, an organization that exists to work towards the goal of bettering the lives and outcomes of children, through changes in policies and practices in Child Welfare organizations. 
Patricia brings this experience, along with her own passion for children and their education to Foster Kinship, working to empower more agents of change in the community.
  Board of Directors  
Tom Freeman
Tom Freeman, a managing partner at Pacific Advisors, has dedicated the last 15 years of his career to developing his own business and working with others to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. He’s grown teams, expanded into new territories, and been recognized nationally for his innovative approach to leadership and development.
Adopted at 7-weeks-old, Tom is passionate about ensuring foster families have what they need. Tom is the proud father of two grown sons and the gushing grandpa to two adorable granddaughters. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his wife Sheryl, and their dogs Bodhi and Buddy.
  Board of Directors  
Jordan Castro, MS, CPA
Jordan is a CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers. In 2015 he obtained his BSBA in Accounting, and in 2016 he obtained his Master of Science in Accounting. While working at PwC, Jordan has serviced a variety of clients, including governmental and not-for-profit entities. 

He obtained his CPA license with the Nevada State Board of Accountancy in September of 2018.
  Board of Directors  
Mica Keller
Mica Keller, a Las Vegas resident for over 35 years, is deeply committed to her community. With a background in the fashion industry, she transitioned to focus on family, philanthropy, and personal ventures in 2022. Mica's engagement in community work began during her youth, leading to roles such as Nevada Student Council State President and Las Vegas Parks & Rec Commissioner. Introduced to Foster Kinship through her family's journey, she was drawn to its mission and now actively contributes to the organization. Mica's dedication is fueled by her family's support and her passion for making a positive impact.
  Board of Directors  
Katherine Unthank,
PhD, LCPC, LMHC, LPC
Dr. Katherine Unthank, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Nevada and Colorado, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Indiana, served for over 10 years as the Chair of Social & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Phoenix, Las Vegas Campus. She's also the Executive Director of the Nevada Counseling Association and has served on the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Marriage & Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors. With a PhD from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, she's authored "Riding Wild Horses Home," which was nominated for non-fiction Book of the Year by the American Library Association.
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