Board of Directors
Mea Han Fajardo, Board President
Mea’s leadership experience began in 1996 when she was a founding member of Also-Known-As, a nonprofit in NYC
for adult inter-country adoptees.
Mea has worked in foster care licensing since 2006 and was a licensed foster parents for 8 years. She founded FostAdopt Connections in March 2021 so she can make a real difference for the kinship, foster and adoptive community.
Mea holds a BA degree in Psychology from New Jersey City University, a MS degree in Training and Development from University of St. Francis and Nonprofit Leadership and Management Certificate from University of Arizona.
Erica Romero, Secretary
Erica Romero has been a case manager for the Department of Child Safety for six years professionally, but has been involved with foster care for over 20 years as a licensed foster parent.
Erica and her husband have a blended family of 3 grown boys, 2 biological children, 5 adopted children and 2 foster children. Erica has many years of experience caring for children with various special needs.
Erica holds a BA degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Human Services. Erica also runs a successful side business in health and wellness products.
Michele Wright, Treasurer
Michele is the Founder and Executive Director of Spreading Threads, a clothing bank dedicated to kinship, foster and adopted children in Pima County.
Michele and her partner Michele, became foster parents in 2003 to grow their family. The couple adopted their first child in 2004 and added three more in 2007, 2010, and 2020. It was during their time as foster parents that Wright realized how few resources were available for foster children and the families caring for them. Additionally, the annual clothing stipend for a child in foster care in the State of Arizona was reduced from $300 to $150, which is where it remains today. Michele created her nonprofit to help this need.
Kara Gouveia, Board Member
Kara is the Director of Operations for VisionQuest Arizona and has worked for the agency for 9 years. She also serves as the Treasurer for The Foster and Adoptive Council of Tucson and as a Board Member for FostAdopt Connections.
Kara’s experience has given her an innate understanding of the intricacies of trauma informed care, organizational culture, leadership, community resources and the foster care system in Arizona. Kara is passionate about providing person centered care to the youth she serves and creating an environment conducive to healing, hope and empowerment. She is a fierce advocate for all youth and families who come through her programs.
Beth Sierra, Board Member
Beth is the Director of Foster Care Programs at GAP Ministries, where she has worked for 7 years. She has served as the Chair for The Foster and Adoptive Council of Tucson for the last 2 years and is a current Board Member for FostAdopt Connections.
Beth was a kinship placement for her 6 brothers and sisters for many years, which sparked her passion for social work. Her current position within GAP allows her to work with families on both sides, bio parents that have had their children removed while also supporting the caregivers for the children. Beth has continuously advocated for trauma-informed training for all individuals, including the local school districts.
