Foster parents from 10 jurisdictions across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia have been named 2022 Foster Parents of the Year by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).

Since 2003, COG has been partnering with local and state child welfare agencies around the region to recognize exceptional foster parents on an annual basis. Child welfare workers strive to keep families together, but when that it not possible, foster families can provide the necessary support.

“Foster parents are essential in our communities’ continuum of care, ensuring that the youth in our region are safe and have their needs provided for,” said COG Board Chair and Arlington County Board Vice Chair Christian Dorsey. “Their willingness to open up their hearts but also their homes to these children is just beyond commendable.”

“It is our hope that these stories inspire other individuals and families to take the necessary steps to become foster parents,” said Erica Serrano, Arlington County Department of Human Services Outreach and Recruitment Specialist and Foster Care Advisory Committee Chair. 

In the summaries below provided by their city and county foster care agencies, learn more about the 2022 Foster Parents of the Year and how they have changed the lives of children in their care.

City of Alexandria Foster Parents of the Year: Michaela and Spencer Granger

Michaela and Spencer Granger agreed to foster an 18-year-old for a short-term placement in her time of need amongst their busy household with two infant and toddler aged foster children. The Grangers are equipped with a strong understanding of how trauma can appear in youth and have exhibited extraordinary efforts to care for and promote their teen’s placement and successful transition to independence.

Arlington County Foster Parent of the Year: Jill Abbott

Jill Abbott has been a foster parent with Arlington County for almost six years. With experience fostering transracially, Jill has shared with other foster families the importance of African American hair care and the importance of investment in a youth’s identity. She shows up for other foster parents as respite provider, confidant, and friend and is a constant support system for the children and families of Arlington.

Charles County Foster Parent of the Year: Michele Deadwyler

Michele Deadwyler has been licensed as a resource parent with the Charles County Department of Social Services since 2019. Over the past three years, she has networked with other resource families and participated in quarterly resource parent meetings, trainings, annual events, and more. Michele does exceptionally well with supporting the department’s reunification efforts, meeting children’s developmental needs, and supporting relationships between children and their families.

District of Columbia Foster Parents of the Year: Kevin McGilly and John Corea

Kevin McGilly and John Corea have been licensed foster care providers since 2018. In 2020, they accepted a leadership role within the resource parent community. They exemplify what quality, compassion, and partnership should look like within the resource parent community and actively assure the safety of youth entering their home and partnering with staff about what should be done in the best interest of the children to whom they are connected.

Fairfax County Foster Parent of the Year: Sue Christenson

Sue Christenson is a retired psychiatric nurse who became a foster parent with Fairfax County in 2008. Her medical knowledge and selfless dedication have been invaluable in caring for medically fragile infants. Sue has supported children as they transition to permanency through reunification, placement with relatives, and adoption and is incredible with bridging the gap with birth parents, relatives, and adoptive parents.
 

Frederick County Foster Parents of the Year: Autumn Myers and David Roloff

Autumn Myers and David Roloff were licensed as Frederick County foster parents in 2019 and since then have been deeply committed to fostering a sibling group. They have dealt with challenging situations with patience and grace and their support of reunification and the children’s birth parents has been exceptional. Their genuineness and non-judgmental attitude is inspirational to community partners as well as Department of Social Services staff.

Loudoun County Foster Parents of the Year: Richard and Ashley Harper

Over the past seven years, Rich and Ashley Harper have served as exemplary foster parents and respite providers to thirteen children and adolescents in the Loudoun community. Their graceful demeanor has helped to create bridges between foster children and their biological families, which promotes growth and healing. The Harpers have shown flexibility in meeting the agency’s expectations and an understanding of the child welfare system challenges while continuing to support the overall mission of foster care. 

Montgomery County Foster Parents of the Year: Chris and Jason Plummer

Chris and Jason Plummer became licensed foster parents in October 2017 and over the past four years have provided a loving and supportive environment for over 40 youth placed with them. They have been instrumental in supporting six families achieve reunification and have also helped several young adults transition successfully to independence. Their commitment to fostering extends beyond the walls of their home as they help to create social outings to develop partnerships with external organizations to support the growth of the foster care system.

Prince George's County Foster Parents of the Year: Alvin and Nzinga Curry

Alvin and Nzinga Curry embrace the children who join their family as if they were their own, modeling and teaching characteristics such as love, humility, compassion, and gratitude. The Currys have opened their home to several youth, currently providing a loving and nurturing home to a sibling group. They support the goal of reunification and are strong advocates for making sure the children have all the services and resources they need.

Prince William County Foster Parents of the Year: Dan and Jean Ruehle

Dan and Jean Ruehle have been fostering since October 2014, opening their hearts and their home to long term placements for several children ranging from school age to adults. The Ruehles are vigilant about keeping up their training hours and responding to requests from the department. They support the children’s extracurricular activities, reunification efforts, and demonstrate outstanding love and devotion to the children in their care.