Our Staff

With some of the most qualified and caring individuals in child welfare, the staff at the Foundation truly counts it an honor to daily support and advocate for children in foster care in our community.

Robert Newkirk,
Executive Director

Shakira McGowan,
Executive & Programs Assistant

Raquel Tapia, MNM, MPA,
Senior Director, Operations and Programs

Jenn Pugh, CPA, SHRM-CP,
Director of Finance and Administration

Helen Preston,
Philanthropy Manager

Susan Zettler,
Grant Lead

Kyle Curran, MHA,
Grant Writer

Wendy Berghane,
Educate Program Manager

Lauren Ragan,
Educate Program Coordinator

Patricia Ragin,
Early Literacy Coach

Nadelein Arteaga,
Program Administrator

Shannon McCarthy,
Program Support Specialist

Andrette Lampkin,
Enrich Program Coordinator

Carmen Morales,
Empower Program Manager

Bryon Brown,
Empower Program Coordinator

Frank Altomari,
Senior Advocate

Sarah Trad,
Senior Advocate

Keely Ricketts,
Senior Advocate

Joseph Burnett, II,
Advocate

Andrew Lewallen,
Advocate

Daniela Santos,
Advocate

Andrew Speers,
Advocate

Vanessa Hayden Johnson,
Advocate

Rebecca Jackson,
Advocate

Valerie Alexis,
Advocate