Our People
Leadership & Board
Meet the dedicated professionals and community leaders who guide Foster First's mission to empower youth and families across Eastern Washington.
Executive Leadership
Daniel J. Austin
Executive Director
For more than 30 years, child welfare has been more than my career—it has been my purpose. Having served in nearly every aspect of the field and led both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, I have learned that meaningful leadership begins with people. My purpose is to lead with courage, inspire meaningful change, develop others, and leave every person, team, and organization stronger than I found them.
Adrian A. Almanza
Human Resources Director
For more than 25 years, I have dedicated my career to serving children, youth, families, and the people who support them. My nonprofit experience spans after-school programs, education, youth ministry, child-placing agency program management, and human resources leadership. My purpose is to strengthen people, develop capable leaders, and help create an environment where employees can thrive—so they are equipped to better serve the children, youth, and families in our care.
Venus L. Perez
Director of Community Engagement
I was raised in Yakima by a powerful woman who taught me the value of community, compassion, and showing up for others. Her example rooted in me a lasting passion for service and community justice. I believe in the power of people coming together, building meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for one another. I am honored to cultivate community partnerships, support volunteers, and work alongside those committed to making a difference for children, youth, and families.
Jesse Curtis
Director of Thrift
For more than 15 years, I have been committed to nonprofit work that creates meaningful change for children, families, and communities. At Foster Thrift, I bring that commitment together with my passion for people, leadership, and service. My purpose is to encourage others, develop their potential, build strong teams, and create a lasting positive impact for the people and communities we serve.
Jessica Cruz
Licensor
For the past nine years, I have had the privilege of serving youth, families, and vulnerable populations through nonprofit social services. My experience in foster care, behavioral health, and homelessness services has deepened my belief in the power of advocacy, compassion, and culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. I am passionate about helping people navigate challenges, access essential resources, achieve stability, and create lasting positive change in their lives and communities.
Blanca Arroyo
Licensor
For more than 18 years, supporting children, families, and communities has been both my career and my purpose. My experience spans public health, nonprofit healthcare, family support, developmental services, and child welfare. For the past two years, I have continued that work at Foster First as a Licensor and Right Response Trainer. My purpose is to make a meaningful difference, build trusted connections, support families, and help create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.
Keilee Richmond
Program Manager
For more than 10 years, I have served my community through roles ranging from volunteerism to program management. Over the past five years, I have focused on strengthening children, families, teams, and communities through servant leadership. My experience includes peer education, mentorship, disability support, and service to individuals experiencing homelessness. I believe lasting change begins with trust, and I am committed to empowering others, building meaningful relationships, and creating impact that endures.
Brenda Esquivel
Administrator
With 15 years of experience serving children, youth, and families, supporting others has been both my passion and my purpose. My nonprofit experience includes group care, case aide and case management, placement coordination, and Triple P. I am committed to empowering families, creating stability, and connecting people with the resources they need to thrive. I believe every child and family deserves to feel supported, valued, and empowered for lifelong success.
Board of Directors
Shane Moore
Board Chair
Kyle L. Curtis
Member
Corey L. Gibson
Secretary
Kimberly Morrier
Member
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Join our community of volunteers, donors, and advocates making a difference for children and families in Yakima.
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