4KIDS
Doug Sauder
President
Working with foster kids when he was in college transformed Doug’s life. His experience inspired him not only to change his major, but also to devote his life to helping the many children that others had given up on. Doug has a master’s degree and many years of work and personal experience with kids in crisis. He has served as a public school teacher, coach, youth pastor, and foster parent. Currently at 4KIDS, he provides leadership and direction for the staff. He also works to unite churches and community leaders and create a broad base of support for fulfilling God’s mandate to care for orphans. Apart from his vocation, Doug is a mentor, adoptive parent, biological parent, and respite-care provider for foster-care parents.
Tom Lukasik
Executive Director
Tom and his wife Linda were successful business owners for many years, but in the early 1990s, God began to show them that making a difference was much more important than simply making a living. They started working with foster kids in 1994 as group home houseparents, and since then have fostered more than 30 children. Tom has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and more than 25 years of management experience. Tom believes in teamwork and has a heart to do “whatever it takes” to meet the needs of the children and families that 4KIDS serves. One of Tom’s goals is to bring the church community together to take care of all of the children in the foster care system.
Mat John
Director of Programs
While working as an intern with the Department of Juvenile Justice in 1995, Mat interacted with many children who just had too much time on their hands, no direction in life, and no support system. He saw that with a little effort, many kids were able to shift priorities and make positive changes, and he’s been working with young people ever since! Mat joined the 4KIDS staff in late 2000 and is responsible for the oversight of all the 4KIDS programs and the development of new services and funding strategies for the growing organization. With nine years in the foster-care field, it is fitting that Mat has accepted God’s calling to be a foster parent. As medical foster parents, he and his wife have adopted two medically fragile children and are currently caring for another.
Aaron Rivers
Administrative Coordinator
The Lord’s equipping of Aaron to care for kids began in an unlikely way. At the age of sixteen, he accepted a job to play dodge ball all afternoon with kids as an after-school care counselor. From then on, his heart compelled him to pour his life into the next generation, whether through being an after-school counselor, basketball coach, or Bible study leader. After graduating from North Carolina State with a bachelor’s degree in business management, the Lord opened doors to relocate him to Florida in the summer of 2005 in order to join the 4KIDS team as the administrative coordinator. In addition, he works as direct care for our teenage boys group home and as a child and youth worker at SafePlace.
Wendy Smith
Director of Foster Care
As the director of foster care, Wendy works with the 4KIDS team to recruit, train, and license loving foster homes for children in need. She earned a B.A. in psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and has experience in group homes and shelters for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. She has worked with teenage runaways in a crisis resolution shelter and a group home for boys convicted of felonies. Her previous corporate work and her experience as a business owner are assets to the 4KIDS team.
Cindy Sherman
Foster Care - Licensing Coordinator
When Cindy and her husband cared for two teenage girls through their church, they learned quickly about today’s young generation and issues regarding at-risk youth. Little did she know that God was preparing her to work with foster children today! Cindy has a bachelor’s degree in social work and 22 years of experience in the field and saw the foster care area as a challenging new opportunity where she could make a difference in the lives of children. A 4KIDS staff member since 2000, she trains and licenses prospective foster parents and enjoys coaching them every step of the way.
Karen McCalla
Foster Care - Licensing Support Specialist
Karen has a love for children and a desire to help make a positive difference in their lives. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, has four years of experience in the foster care field, and has been on staff at 4KIDS since 2000. By licensing and re-licensing foster-care families, she helps provide a safe environment for children in need. On her own time, Karen teaches Sunday school at her church and volunteers as a Guardian Ad Litem for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. She and her husband have an adopted baby and are licensed foster parents.
Irene Wild
Foster Parent Support Specialist
Irene brings to 4KIDS more than just a bachelor’s degree in psychology and ten years of experience in foster care. Irene knows firsthand the importance of helping children in need. Years ago, while she was a foster-care case manager for the Department of Children and Families, the dependency court system placed a young relative in her care. Although she and her family member had a strong bond, he struggled with many fears and issues that foster children experience. During his three-and-a-half years with Irene, she learned to minister to children on a much more personal level. This opportunity prepared her to truly relate to the foster parents she teaches. She frequently visits the children in 4KIDS’ foster homes to provide support to them and their foster families. When necessary, she addresses behavioral issues with the children and helps to resolve conflicts with case workers. Irene has been on staff since August 2002.
Rebekah Barnes
Foster Parent Support Specialist
The seeds for working with children in foster care were planted in Rebekah at a young age. She served as a school peer mediator, child caretaker and special needs babysitter for many years prior to committing to social work as her career path. She earned her B.S. in Social Work from Taylor University and then completed her Masters in Social Work from the University of Louisville. She has several years of work experience and internships providing therapeutic services to children in foster care, residential and group homes, as well as counseling individuals. She is very excited to utilize her spiritual gifts to advance the lives of young children and to mobilize their faith towards spiritual maturity. She and her husband Robey have recently moved down to South Florida in response to a call to pastor a church and minister to the needs of their community.
Joan Englert
Foster Parent Mentor - Trainer
Joan’s heart for needy children began in Chicago’s projects and tenements when she spent most of her spare time at an inner-city mission. Later she served fulltime with Youth for Christ, directing a camp and mentoring program for girls referred by the Juvenile Court. When one of her teens could no longer live at home, she became the first of numerous foster children to live with Joan and her husband, Rick. For many years, they also led teen missions with YFC and Project TeamWork after disasters. In 1998, Rick founded Project TeamWork 4KIDS (now 4KIDS of South Florida). Because God called Rick home in May 2004, Joan feels especially blessed to be a part of 4KIDS. Her mission is to recruit, train, and support foster parents and to share the needs of abused and neglected children with our Christian community.
Yvonne Ramroopsingh
Licensing Specialist
With a bachelor’s degree in education and over 20 years experience in the field of education and social work, Yvonne’s call in life is working on behalf of society’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens. She studied Elementary Education at Gordon College and Early Intervention and Parent Development at Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Yvonne’s experience, prior to joining 4KIDS in 2007, included directing a childcare facility, focused on meeting the needs of foster care children with safe, nurturing, predictable, environments and curricula, as well as working with homeless pregnant mothers and their children. These early experiences have motivated Yvonne to gain a deeper and empathetic understanding of the realities of children and families in distress. Yvonne has been married for ten years and has an exceptional eight-year old son. She serves in her church’s Children Ministry, mentors child care directors, and creates a sense of community wherever God places her.
Erin Turner
Director of Residential Services
Erin’s heart to work with kids goes back as long as she can remember. When her friends needed help or encouragement, she brought them to her home. Today she continues to help young people by managing the 4KIDS’ residential homes. Erin has a Master's degree in social work and has worked almost six years in the field. In addition to her current role, she has also worked as a case manager and therapist. Her favorite part of work is seeing the children in foster care change from being hurt and scared to feeling safe and loved, and she loves knowing that 4KIDS helps not only the children, but also their families. Off the clock, Erin mentors a foster child, disciples young women, and participates in short-term missions trips. Most excitedly, Erin and her husband, Jarod, are now in the process of adopting two teenage girls from the foster care system.
Tia
Houseparent
From a very young age Tia knew she wanted to work with children. After dedicating her life to the Lord 3 years ago He placed her exactly where she had always desired in her heart to be, around children. Growing up Tia was an only child and she remembers playing games where she was a school teacher, trying to manage unruly children or as a mother with 8 kids trying to juggle a million things at once. She was always in a nurturing role and knew even as a child she enjoyed being around younger children so that she could help. Tia has worked in every area of 4KIDS and every time she would leave one job she felt it was her favorite until she got to the next. "It just keeps getting better and better," Tia says. She wants a family of her own one day, but until then God is totally filling her and satisfying in every possible way. She likes to cook, eat and read the Word. "One day I'd like to do missions in another country but right now I am doing it in my own back yard. Praise God!"
David & Yvonne
Houseparents
David and Yvonne consider it a blessing to dedicate themselves to care for children who are in an extreme time of need. This opportunity is evident in KidsPlace2 , a home that exists with the goal of maintaining sibling relationships. David and Yvonne share their joy and loving bond with each child who steps into their home. David also serves as the Mail Clerk for Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale while Yvonne is an administrative assistant to Pastor Clay Hecocks in the Music Ministry. In fact, music is an important part of how they share God's love in their home's unique atmosphere. With Jesus and their little poodle Ossie, David and Yvonne are striving to make kids smile during a time that they need it most.
Alex & Leslie
Houseparents
Alex and Leslie, married for eleven years, have been leading teen youth ministry since 2000 and are a perfect fit as houseparents for GirlsPlace. Alex has lived out loud his passion in reaching teens with diverse backgrounds, having been a youth pastor, as well as having felt the pains of abandonment in his teen years. "It is humbling to see how God can take a broken past and use it to help mend others," he shares. Today, Alex is a trusted mentor to many young men and women and is embracing his newest role as housedad for foster teen girls.
Leslie has always had a deep passion to work full-time in teen ministry. After a successful career in the corporate world, she hung her hat as an executive and put on her apron as foster mom for GirlsPlace. She also serves alongside Alex in youth ministry at their home church. "Daily I am in awe of how God would have ever found us worthy of being a part of these precious lives! It is the cry of our heart that whatever length of time we are given with each young life, there be an impression of His fingerprint."
Andre & Ashaki
Houseparents
For as long as they can remember, Andre & Ashaki have shared a love for children-and it shows. A former paralegal and teachers' assistant, Andre is now a Family Ministry Team member and mentor with Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, the perfect fit for his role as "Papa Bear" at GuysPlace.
A former Child Advocate with ChildNet, Ashaki is currently a youth therapist with Henderson Mental Health Center. Her years of experience make her a perfect complement in her role as "Mama Bear" in their home at GuysPlace.
Their hearts’ desire is to provide a safe and loving environment that encourages children to make positive choices. They look forward to spending quality time with their foster sons and hope to become adoptive parents one day.
Godly Daniel
Program Coordinator
Godly was born in India and grew up in New Jersey. He was raised in the church but didn’t come to have a real relationship with the Lord until his late high school years. During his college years, he got more involved with his church’s youth ministries. After graduating from college with an economics degree, he worked in the business world. But after three years of climbing the corporate ladder, he realized that it was not where he wanted his life to go. He felt that his life had no real meaning and wanted to do more for the Lord. One day He made a decision to honor God with his whole life and not compromise how he lived with what he believed. So he resigned from his job, and the Lord lead him to the mission field, serving with a program called Mission Year. For the next year, he worked in an inner-city mission in Oakland, California, serving the poor of the area, from young children to homeless adults. It was truly the most humbling experience of his life, stretching him beyond his imagination and allowing him to see how truly beautiful, amazing, and awesome the Lord is. Soon after, the Lord led him to Florida. He accepted a position with 4KIDS of South Florida, where he demonstrates the love of Christ to children who are without hope and love.
Ernesto Bowman
Assistant Program Coordinator
A staff member since 2002, Ernesto loves children and looks forward to earning a degree in social work and remaining a member of the SafePlace team. He is especially gifted in working with children who have deep-rooted behavioral issues. He strives to live according to his favorite biblical principle—“walk by faith and not by sight”—and wants to impart this to others by becoming a foster parent someday. During his free time, he likes to draw and play video games.
Krista Englert
Child and Youth Specialist
Growing up with more than 30 foster children residing in her home, Krista learned early about the importance of caring for children in need. Her experience inspired her to work with children, and she’s excited to find her niche at SafePlace 4KIDS. A staff member since 2001, Krista is prepared to meet the needs of the frightened children who come to the center, and she strives to make a difference in their lives.
Mike Moss
Child and Youth Specialist
Mike has a gift for working with children. Formerly, he volunteered in the children’s ministry and youth group at his church, working with children of all ages and counseling them through various life issues. As a result, Mike transitioned easily into his position at SafePlace, and since 2002 he has served as a child and youth worker. He enjoys cooking and hopes to become a foster or adoptive parent in the future.
Spirit of Success Institute
Ken Lacy
Director of Independent Living
While studying hospitality management at Florida International University, Ken received a call to use his life to serve “children with challenges”. Ken had been volunteering with Children’s Home Society and Jackson Memorial Hospital by rocking babies born addicted to crack. He began to realize that helping children in need was more rewarding than his previous career path: working in exotic hotels and restaurants. Ken went on to work for the School Board as a teacher for emotionally handicapped students. Ken and his wife Liz have served together as house parents for teen-aged boys, directed schools working with alternative populations such as students in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice and students who have been expelled from Broward County public high schools. Ken and Liz have fostered over a dozen kids. They have four biological children, one adopted child, and a home filled with love.
Linda Lukasik
Director of His Caring Place
Linda and her husband, Tom, were successful business owners for many years, but in the early 1990’s, God began to show them that making a difference was much more important than simply making a living. Linda decided to go back to school to get her Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) while they were working with foster kids as group home houseparents, and subsequently to qualify as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Over the years, Linda and Tom have fostered more than 30 children. Since becoming houseparents in 1994, Linda has also served as the director of an emergency shelter, director of residential services, and clinical coordinator for foster kids in Palm Beach County. This unique background, as well as Linda’s own life experiences, has prepared her well to serve God as the Director of His Caring Place.
Dee Proietto
His Caring Place Community Relations
His Caring Place is near and dear to Dee’s heart since she personally found herself in an unplanned pregnancy, as a young unwed mom. Dee understands the pain and uncertainty this causes in the life of a young girl. This personal experience allows her to genuinely relate to the girls in the maternity homes, as she shares her life experience and God’s faithfulness.
“Even though I was unsure of my future and the future of my daughter, I also knew God had a plan for us. For me, my daughter Katie, is a constant reminder of God's Grace and His precious gift of life to all of us.” Speaking life into the girls at His Caring Place brings Dee tremendous joy, and she sees God has used her personal experience to bring Him glory. He has proven once again, that “all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. “ (Romans 8:28)
Chris & Shona
Houseparents
Chris and Shona have been involved with His Caring Place since July of 2006. Shona started as support staff in the maternity home and as a result, she and Chris found their transition to being houseparents to be quite natural. Shona can truly relate to the girls, because she too found herself pregnant and feeling very much alone almost six years ago. Chris has always had a passion for youth and is currently involved with the youth ministry at his church. Chris and Shona both share a desire to see these young ladies accept God's best for them and nothing less. They hope that their example as a godly couple and as godly parents would impact the girls’ lives. "We want to give these young ladies the foundation they need to become godly women, mothers, and one day, wives". Chris and Shona have been married since July of 2006. They have one daughter and a son on the way.
Bruce Thompson
Director of Development
Several years ago a surprising challenge from a close friend changed the direction for Bruce’s life. The invitation to go to Mexico and join a mission’s team didn’t match the business career Bruce had envisioned, but the challenge was captivating. “Whoever wants to save his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life will find it.” Bruce didn’t know what that meant, but soon a journey of new adventures began. In 2006, Bruce joined the 4KIDS team and the journey keeps moving forward. “There is a mission right here in our own backyard and I have the awesome privilege of helping to provide kids with a priceless gift, which is exactly what they need the most--a loving family. Everything we do in development activities, is done with this significant goal firmly in the forefront of our minds.”
Beth Staiger
Development & Community Relations
Beth felt led to “take care of the orphans” after a few mission trips to Nicaragua. In 2000, she began her training as a foster parent, which led her to Michael, a 10-month-old boy in need of a mom. They became a forever family in June of 2003. Beth assists in community relations with the many events that 4KIDS puts on throughout the year. These events include the annual Churches United for Foster Care Breakfast, Christmas Blessing, golf tournaments, and many other events that raise community awareness for the needs of foster children.
Joyce Feldman
Development & Community Relations
Joyce has been involved in Mass Communications for more than twenty years. In her earlier years-having an artistic predilection-she enjoyed “commercial art” (lettering, logo design) as a hobby. As a senior in high school, she participated in a co-op work program that allowed her to divide her school day into a half-day of class and a half-day of professional advertising sign work. She saw this experience as a great blessing. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Florida International University.
Her professional experience includes: advertising, marketing, print production, publishing, graphic design, event planning and on-camera television. She was honored with an invitation to join the 4KIDS Community Relations Team, which gave her the opportunity to combine her gifts and talents with ministry.
She is also a certified fitness instructor who loves to motivate and encourage people, especially when she can give God the glory. She and her husband enjoy a loving young daughter who attends Calvary Christian Academy and two grown stepsons who are successful in business.
Radina DeCosta
Church Relations/Volunteer Coordinator
Radina’s heart for kids in foster care began when her family opened their home to children in need of a family. After years of seeing the hurt caused by abuse and neglect, she attended Salem State College in Salem, MA, where she received her degree in social work. Her love for children and passion to help those in need led her to staff and volunteer positions working directly with children and families. Radina enjoyed being the middle of five daughters and knows the blessing of having Christian parents. She credits her large family for equipping her with the people skills and flexibility needed in serving God wherever He leads. She hopes to someday foster and adopt children.
4KIDSofSFL.org
