Executive Director

Justin and Christie Hayes’ foster and adoption journey actually began with global orphan care. While serving for 8 years with a ministry in East Africa they saw the selfless ways that African believers were caring for orphans in their own communities by inviting them into their humble homes. They knew God wanted to use them as well, so they adopted two children out of foster care. Now with six children, they see foster care as a wonderful ministry their whole family can share while walking along the journey with other families.

LMSW, Trauma Specialist

Tiffany and David are the parents of two wonderful young adults who have each added to the family through marriage. Tiffany holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a TBRI® (Trust Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner. Together, David and Tiffany have over 25 years of experience in the world of foster care and desire to support foster and adoptive parents who are providing healing spaces for children who have experienced trauma.

Engagement Coordinator

Matt and Jennie Ravanesi are proud parents of two daughters and have many years of experience as foster parents. With backgrounds in ministry, marketing, and development, Jennie is deeply passionate about raising awareness for the need we have locally for foster families as well as supporting couples and individuals as they navigate the foster and adoption licensure process. She uses her family’s experiences to guide others, helping them stay focused and trusting in Jesus as He leads them through their unique journeys. Together Matt and Jennie are active members of Grace Community Church.

Director of Finance and Operations

Michelle and her husband Don have three adult children. Two of her children have added to the family by marriage and also blessed with two grandchildren. Michelle is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focused on Mathematics. She has been in Education for close to 15 years with six of those years teaching math. Michelle and Don reside in Bullard, TX where he is Worship & Outreach Pastor at FBC Bullard. Michelle enjoys her family, music, and most definitely the beach.

Heart Gallery Associate

April and Martin Klein have called East Texas home for over 20 years. They have four sons, the youngest two joining their family through adoption. They believe strongly that each of us should use whatever gifts we have been given to serve one another in love. For April, that has meant a beautiful variety of ministry roles both within and outside of her family through the years. She is thankful that God has placed her at The Fostering Collective where she can advocate for children, equip others to become advocates, and walk alongside those who step forward in faith toward the transformational adventure of adoption.

Area Ministry Specialist

Shana and her husband Mark are proud parents to four children. While they call East Texas home now, Shana wasn’t originally from the area, but she’s quickly fallen in love with the community of Henderson. Together, they raise three teen girls and their 10-year-old adopted son. Shana is passionate about giving back and founded and now directs Legacy House in Henderson, a non-profit focused on meeting the practical needs of foster families. As an Area Ministry Specialist for the Fostering Collective, she’s been able to expand her mission to offer even more tangible support to families in East Texas. Shana is proud to serve East Texas and help foster families thrive, one resource at a time.

Alan and Melanie Pigg are parents twice through the blessing of adoption – first Madeline in 2010 and then Austin in 2013. Alan and Melanie moved to Tyler in 1999 where Alan has served the community as an attorney helping injured people with their workers’ compensation and social security disability claims. Alan and Melanie continue to be active advocates for foster care and adoption through both their adoption agency and The Fostering Collective. The Piggs are members of South Spring Baptist Church where Alan serves as a deacon.

Megan, along with her husband Jacob, have been babysitters through the Fostering Collective for two years. She has the desire to not only come alongside families in a practical way but also to help get the word out about the need for respite care for foster families. Megan serves at Grace Community Church as the Women’s Ministry Coordinator at the University Boulevard campus.

Sam and his wife Lisa have been married for twenty-four years and have four children. Their family has served the past twelve years in various public service roles, holding leadership roles at Sky Ranch Christian Camps and was the Director of Acquire the Fire with Teen Mania Ministries.  Currently, Sam is the owner and operator of a small construction company based in Lindale, Texas.  Sam lives his life serving Jesus wholeheartedly and as an adoptive father, is honored to walk alongside other adoptive families at The Fostering Collective.  

Dawson and Kali Barksdale are the proud parents of three princesses. Dawson has the honor of serving Local Car Wash in a leadership role as the Founder and Owner. Dawson believes the best way to show Jesus to others is taking care of orphans, which his role allows him to do at a larger scale by serving The Fostering Collective. He is an experienced entrepreneur who believes his life mission is to help others reach their fullest potential and pursue their dreams well. When people are equipped to pursue their dreams, and encouraged to do so, the world becomes better as a result. 

Jeff began following Christ in the 6th grade after a faithful Sunday School teacher clearly presented the Gospel. He has been striving to follow hard after Jesus ever since. Jeff has been married to his best friend Jenny for 20 years. They have 4 kids – Hank, Landry, Tucker, and Molly. Jeff is passionate about being the man, leader, husband, and father that Christ has called him to be. Jeff and Jenny are members of South Spring Baptist Church where Jeff serves in the worship ministry. Jeff is the owner of The People Curve Consulting based in the East Texas area, where he uses his 24 years of experience of with managers, executives, and employees to coach ministries and businesses in fostering healthy work-relationships and employee culture.