FosterAdopt Connect's Dedicated Team of Foster Care Professionals
For more than 20 years, we have worked to support children and families navigating the child welfare system in Missouri and Kansas. We have offices and staff serving in the regions of East Kansas, West Missouri (HQ), and Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast Missouri. Led by our President and CEO, Lori Ross, we help children and families heal from the effects of abuse, neglect, and trauma.
Board of Directors
FosterAdopt Connect’s Board of Directors is a group of committed civic leaders who set the direction for and oversee the performance of our organization. They serve as vitally important ambassadors from FosterAdopt Connect to the community.
David Woods Hughes, Hubbard & Reed | Board Chair
Becky Joyce Helzberg Diamonds | Board Secretary
J. Eugene Balloun Shook, Hardy & Bacon
Ivan Cortes Littler Mendelson P.C.
Tim DeckerMissouri Children’s Division (Retired)
Douglas Ghertner Retired Trial and Appellate Attorney
Mark HegartyShook, Hardy & Bacon
Stephen KaineChildren’s Mercy
Bill Schwarz KCP&L | Board Vice Chair
Lee Driver Grant Thornton | Board Treasurer
Raimonda KingAdventHealth Shawnee Mission
Ken MarkerWells Fargo Advisers
Melanie McDole Enterprise Holdings, Inc
Margi Hall PenceCommunity Volunteer
Paul Potter Carmax
Clayton Yearns Dell
*Past Chair
Meet the team of leaders shaping the future of children in foster care:
Helping Hands Advisory Council
The Helping Hands Advisory Council is a critical auxiliary board to FosterAdopt Connect Southwest Missouri. It is made up of energetic leaders working to make a difference in the lives of kids and families in their community who have been affected by trauma. Their responsibilities include:
Raising community awareness of the needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, and showing how FosterAdopt Connect works to make a difference.
Raising money and resources to support FosterAdopt Connect’s work in Southwest Missouri.
Assuring children in foster, adoptive, and kinship homes have the same opportunities as other children in their communities by helping with holiday activities, assisting with back-to-school preparation, helping with educational expenses for teens, providing opportunities for extracurricular activities, and so much more!
To get involved in this life-changing mission, contact Allison Gregory at allison@fosteradopt.org.