Our Team

Jane Denny Richardson was promoted to Executive Director in August 2023 after spending 5 years as the Program Director at Friends of Foster Children. Jane is determined to make positive changes to the child welfare system and the community and believes that FFC is the change agent to assist in moving the system forward. She is excited to continue to grow the agency and be a support to the dependency system.

She has 32 years of experience in working in non-profits, advocating for at-risk children and their families in the fields of substance abuse, domestic violence, and child welfare. Prior to FFC, she spent years working as a supervisor in the dependency system and helped create the Extended Foster Care program for Palm Beach County and continues to advocate within the community for teenagers in foster care.

Jane has a degree from Slippery Rock University’s School of Social Work. She has also obtained Certificates from the University of South Florida in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership. She has been trained in Trauma Informed Care and has a certification in child welfare case management from the Florida Certification Board.

Jane is proud of her Pittsburgh area roots but equally as proud to now be an active resident in the Lake Worth Beach community where she has lived for the last six years.

Melisa Rehrauer joined Friends of Foster Children in 2024 as the Program Director. Melisa has over 20 years’ experience working in the Child Welfare System and has extensive experience with the continuum of care. Melisa worked first as a family finder where she recruited and retained foster homes, she trained the families through a 12-week MAPP class, maintained their certification, supported the foster families, and placed children foster homes. She then became a case manager where she carried a large number of therapeutic foster children on her caseload. Melisa worked with reunification of children to their families, children stepping down from group home or residential treatment settings, permanent placement of adoption, aging out youth and teaching independent living skills. Melisa was promoted to Assistant Director where she developed two offices, supervised several workers, and oversaw the Bridges 2 Health program.

Melisa holds a deep passion for youth aging out and making sure they have the tools needed to be successful. She is also a strong advocate for children to be reunited with their fathers when it is in their best interest.

Melisa has a Bachelor of Science in Human Service from Hilbert College and a minor in Business Management. Melisa has many certifications such as Trauma Based Therapy, Relationship Building and Leadership.

Melisa is originally from Buffalo, NY, however she loves living in Florida. Melisa loves to workout, spend time at the beach, cook, travel, and most of all spend time with family.

Jakinda joined the FFC team in November 2023 as the Connections Specialist. Jakinda brings to us over 13 years of experience working within the child welfare system.

Jakinda graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Social Work. Jakinda enjoys spending time with her family, reading African American Literary Fiction, and watching Court TV.