Fostering Happy Childhoods for Nearly 40 Years.

Executive Director

Jane Denny Richardson was promoted to Executive Director in August 2023 after spending 5 years as the Program Director at Friends of Foster Children. Jane is determined to make positive changes to the child welfare system and the community and believes that FFC is the change agent to assist in moving the system forward. She is excited to continue to grow the agency and be a support to the dependency system.

She has over 30 years of experience in working in non-profits, advocating for at-risk children and their families in the fields of substance abuse, domestic violence, and child welfare. Prior to FFC, she spent years working as a supervisor in the dependency system and helped create the Extended Foster Care program for Palm Beach County and continues to advocate within the community for teenagers in foster care.

Jane has a degree from Slippery Rock University’s School of Social Work. She has also obtained Certification in Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida. She has been trained in Trauma Informed Care and has a certification in child welfare case management from the Florida Certification Board.

Jane is proud of her Pittsburgh area roots but equally as proud to now be an active resident in the Lake Worth Beach community where she has lived for the last six years.

Kinship Navigator

Martha joined Friends of Foster Children in 2022 as one of our Kinship Navigators. Martha brings nearly a decade of case management experience on both Florida coasts. In her case management days, she reunified 95% of her cases. On top of her professional experience and upstanding reputation amongst colleagues, Martha brings her deep-rooted connections with community partners. This includes, but is not limited to judiciary, legal counseling, opposing counseling, and service providers. Martha has had substantial experience working with a diversified population including those with limited resources, disabilities, or language barriers. She looks forward to using her connections and skills for resolving problems and improving her clients' lives.

Martha graduated summa cum laude from Lynn University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She's been happily married for over 20 years, is a proud mom of an adorable young daughter, loves spending time with her family, and enjoys traveling, cooking, and immersing herself in other cultures. Martha has a certification in Child Welfare Case Management from the Florida Certification Board. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Foster Navigator

Danielle joined Friends of Foster Children in 2022 as a Connections Specialist, but is now serving as the FFC Foster Navigator and Recruiter. With nearly a decade of experience working within the dependency system, Danielle is able to apply her knowledge and experience to better serve and support the foster parent’s who care for the Palm Beach County’s foster children. She understands that children need a loving and supportive home to be successful, and that starts with supported foster parents. Danielle is dedicated to spreading the word within our community about the need for more licensed foster homes, and you will often catch her at events doing just that. Danielle has big dreams of finding families to foster older youth and teens, a population that she holds very near to her heart.

Danielle graduated from the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelor’s degree in Deviant Behavior and Social Control, and a minor in Sociology. She relocated from Brooklyn, NY to West Palm Beach in 2016, and shockingly misses the cold weather that the Northeast brings. Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, and has two energetic children who keep her on the soccer field!

Fatherhood Navigator

Vagner joined Friends of Foster Children in March 2023 as a Connections Specialist and moved into the role of Kinship Navigator. Vagner has over 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, and over 20 years in mental health. Throughout his career, he has serviced youth, adults, and those with a dual diagnosis. Vagner is a Trained Mobile Crisis responder and has worked with local peace officers to help those in mental health crises.

Vagner comes from Chicago, Illinois. He received a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Mount Scenario College in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. His passion is to mentor troubled youth, and have the availability to be an ear and a shoulder for support. He is a lover of all forms of art except Polka.

Public Relations Coordinator

Josie Mae joined Friends of Foster Children in 2025 as the Public Relations Coordinator. With experience at nonprofit organizations, exposure to the dependency system and international orphan care, Josie Mae can apply what she has learned to further connect Friends of Foster Children with the community. Josie Mae is excited to share with the community how they can assist FFC in meeting the needs and desires of the children in care.

Josie Mae was born and raised in Lake Butler, Florida but moved to West Palm Beach in 2021 to further her education. In the spring of 2025, Josie Mae graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, a minor in Intercultural Studies and a concentration in Leadership. Josie Mae enjoys reading, baking, singing and spending time with friends and family. She also loves a good board game but will get incredibly competitive- so beware!

Connections Specialist

Dashka joined Friends of Foster Children as a Connections Specialist, bringing experience in child welfare and a strong passion for supporting children in the foster care system. In her role at FFC, Dashka works to locate and engage relatives and supportive adults who can provide meaningful connections, stability, and a sense of belonging for child in care.

In May 2024, Dashka graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in Social Work. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with friends, attending church, and building meaningful relationships with those around her.

Administrative Assistant

Stevina joined Friends of Foster Children in March of 2026 as an Administrative Assistant and Fingerprinting Technician, where she supports our mission of fostering happy children and supporting families in our community. With a background in customer service and leadership, Stevina brings strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills to her roles. She is passionate about helping others, building meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact. 

Stevina was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated from Palm Beach State College with an associate in science degree for Health Services Management. She displays her passion for serving others and contributing to the success of this organization. Stevina enjoys going to the beach with friends and family, listening to music, and traveling.