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 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 bags of new goods 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 here.
Amber Deemer: Manager of Development and Programming
Amber is a non-profit leader and fundraiser passionate about connecting, creating, and caring for matters most important to her. With a desire to make an impact, her career has focused on program development and fundraising efforts for underserved populations in southwestern, Pennsylvania. Amber earned a bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, and Dietetic Certificate from The University of Delaware. Amber is also currently enrolled in Leadership Pittsburgh LDI: XVIII. She is active in the non-profit community, having served as a board member or volunteer for social service organizations including The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and Foster Love Project. Outside of work, Amber can be found hiking, camping, traveling, and gardening with her Bernese Mountain dog, Grayson.
Krissy Evans: Donation Center Supervisor
Krissy Evans joined the FLP staff as our new Donation Center Supervisor in February of 2020. Krissy brings a passion for helping others as well as enthusiasm for creating, organizing and planning to our team. She has served as the President of the West View Elementary PTA and has extensive experience in volunteering for organizations such as Safe Families, the Alzheimer’s Association and Therapy Dogs International. Krissy holds a degree in Gerontology from California University of PA, but her love of serving others is not limited to older adults. She is excited to join the Foster Love team and will use her passion for serving her community to support the mission and values of Foster Love Project. She lives in Ross Township with her husband, three children and several cute pets that fill her Instagram feed. You can reach her for questions about donations, shopping appointments or volunteer opportunities here.
Elizabeth Baldoni: Executive Assistant and Outreach Coordinator
Elizabeth Baldoni joined our staff in September 2019. She currently serves in the role as Executive 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, if she doesn't know the answer, she will do her best to find out! You can reach her here.
Auriaun Thomas: Assistant Center Supervisor
Auriaun Thomas is a recent Cal U graduate and an Americorps member. Auriaun holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. She is the assistant supervisor at Foster Love Project and she also holds a position as Program & Research Associate with Pittsburgh Brown Mamas. Auriaun values empathy and kindness and believes that everyone deserves compassion. Her ultimate goal is to help create an equitable and just society. You can reach Auri here.
Emily Thornton: Adoptee consultant + Speaking Partner
Emily Thornton joined our staff in August 2018 as Director of Finance and Donor Development. Since then she has stepped away from regular capacity as she focuses on raising her 3 young sons and running her family's business. 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 parents to 5 through birth, foster care and adoption. 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.
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 parents to 5 through birth, foster care and adoption. 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.