Our Mission
The mission of Foster Angels is to improve the lives of children in foster care ensuring each child has their basic needs met and providing life-enhancing, life-enriching opportunities whenever possible.
See how we carry out our mission every day.
How We Started
In 1999 Ted Oakley sought out to impact the lives of children in the care of Child Protective Services when he founded Foster Angels of South Texas. 11 years later, Ted’s daughter, Sarah Smith, saw the same needs of children appearing in Austin during her career as a teacher and so Foster Angels of Central Texas was founded in 2010.
![](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/sarah-and-ted.jpg)
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
![Suzy Balagia](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suzy-balagia.jpg)
Suzy Balagia
President
![Allison Edwards](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/allison-edwards.jpg)
Allison Edwards
Vice President
![Blair McBride](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/blair-mcbride.jpg)
Blair McBride
Secretary
![Stephanie Phillips](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/stephanie-phillips.jpg)
Stephanie Phillips
Treasurer
![Thom Farrell](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thom-farrell.jpg)
Thom Farrell
Past President
![Ted Oakley](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ted-oakley.jpg)
Ted Oakley
Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus
![Sarah Smith](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sarah-smith.jpg)
Sarah Smith
Co-Founder
![Jon Berry](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jon-berry.jpg)
Jon Berry
![Quan Cosby](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/quan-cosby.jpg)
Quan Cosby
![Danielle Delgadillo](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Danielle-Delgadillo.png)
Danielle Delgadillo
![Lina Flake](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LinaFlake.png)
Lina Flake
![Patrick Flynn](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/patrick-flynn.jpg)
Patrick Flynn
![Jay Hanna](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/jay-hanna.jpg)
Jay Hanna
![Shannon Hicks](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/shannon-hicks.jpg)
Shannon Hicks
![Steve Hicks](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/steve-hicks.jpg)
Steve Hicks
![Marcella Maxwell Keebler](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MarcellaMaxwell.png)
Marcella Maxwell Keebler
![Melissa Morrow](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MelissaMorrow.png)
Melissa Morrow
![MP Mueller](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/m-mueller.jpg)
MP Mueller
![Allen Plunkett](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/allen-plunkett.jpg)
Allen Plunkett
![Alexandria Sooch](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AlexSooch.png)
Alexandria Sooch
![Richard Suttle](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/richard-suttle.jpg)
Richard Suttle
![Robin Ward, Ph.D.](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Robin-Ward.png)
Robin Ward, Ph.D.
![Dr. George Willeford](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Boots.png)
Dr. George Willeford
![Eric Wright](https://fosterangelsctx.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eric-wright.jpg)
Eric Wright
Advisory Board
Laura Beckworth
Leon Chen
JJ Gottsch
Cuatro Groos
John Hampton
Richard Leshin
Derek Lewis
Vilma Luna
Hannah Nokes
Kathy Petet
Gary Valdez
Bill Walker
Contact Us
info@fosterangelsctx.org | (512) 732-2329
Physical Address
Foster Angels of Central Texas
101 Westlake Drive Suite 210
Austin, TX 78746
Mailing Address
Foster Angels of Central Texas
P.O. Box 152575
Austin, TX 78715
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
The mission of Foster Angels of Central Texas is to improve the lives of all children who are experiencing time in foster care. We do not discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, race, religion, or national origin. We see each child for who they are – as individuals, and address their individual needs as such.
Children in the child welfare system are disproportionately impacted by racism and Foster Angels works to eliminate barriers for the families, youth, and children we serve. We will always uphold our commitment to a simple and efficient process so that we can quickly respond to needs ultimately building on our foundation of trust with those we serve, Child Protective Services, and other nonprofit partners.
We are stronger as a group when diversity and uniqueness are valued, and we strive for equity in our staff and team. These workplace values will directly impact our work so that every child in foster care can thrive.