Kelly Hughes - Executive Director
Kelly Hughes is wife to Andrew and mama to 4 kids, two of whom were adopted through foster care. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music from Northland International University. As foster parents to eight children at different times, she and her husband were often overwhelmed at the challenges during transition times. With a burden and desire to help others in this scenario, she created the Foster Love Project to help provide placement bags for kids transitioning into foster care. In 2017, this developed into operating a full-time free shopping center for kids in foster or kinship care. Kelly is passionate about her faith as well as speaking to the needs of kids in foster care or adoption. They maintain an open adoption with their kids' first family and love to share the beauty and challenges along the way. Along with the FLP staff, Kelly is passionate about continuing to provide education, resources and community in the realms of foster care and adoption in Pittsburgh and Western PA. You can reach her at fosterlovepittsburgh@gmail.com.
Emily Sullivan - Donation Center Supervisor
Emily joined our staff in February 2018 as our donation center supervisor. When families come through to shop, Emily is most likely the one who will greet you at the front and assist you in the process. Emily is a wife and mom to two little ones. She has had an up close and personal view of foster care as she has assisted her sister through multiple placements. Emily has a heart to serve others which is evident in her care of families who come through the FLP doors. Emily manages all volunteers in the center as well as overseeing current needs of donations. You can contact her at esullivan@fosterloveproject.org.
Emily Thornton - Director of Finance and Donor Development
Emily Thornton joined our staff in August 2018 as Director of Finance and Donor Development. Emily brings with her a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She also has worked for the adoption agency, Holt International, as well as another nonprofit.
Emily is a transracial Adoptee from Korea and we are grateful for her vital voice in helping Foster Love Project speak to the unique needs of kids who have experienced foster care and/or adoption. Emily & her husband are currently foster parents who have adopted one son and have one biological son as well. Kelly & Emily often speak together on the benefits of open adoption. She has a vision to expand resources available to our Pittsburgh foster and adopted youth and we are excited to implement her ideas in our region. Her life experiences are an incredible asset to our Foster Love Project community. You can contact her at ethornton@fosterloveproject.org.
Emily is a transracial Adoptee from Korea and we are grateful for her vital voice in helping Foster Love Project speak to the unique needs of kids who have experienced foster care and/or adoption. Emily & her husband are currently foster parents who have adopted one son and have one biological son as well. Kelly & Emily often speak together on the benefits of open adoption. She has a vision to expand resources available to our Pittsburgh foster and adopted youth and we are excited to implement her ideas in our region. Her life experiences are an incredible asset to our Foster Love Project community. You can contact her at ethornton@fosterloveproject.org.
Elizabeth Baldoni - Administrative Assistant and Outreach Coordinator
Elizabeth Baldoni joined our staff in September 2019 as our Administrative Assistant and Outreach Coordinator. A Duquesne University graduate, Liz spent many years as an English teacher in a nearby urban district. In her role at Foster Love Project, Liz will assist guests in the Center and accompany families to events in the community. With a passion for literacy, you can expect Liz to remind you to take plenty of books before you leave the center! Ask her anything at ebaldoni@fosterloveproject.org. If she doesn't know the answer, she will do her best to find out!