We dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes of kids in foster care, so they find and thrive in safe, loving families, supported by Foster Friendly communities where they belong.
Our Innovative Model and Team Improves The Experiences And Outcomes Of Kids In Foster Care
Family Engagement + Community Engagement = Collective Impact
While not everyone in a community is able to foster or adopt, everyone has a valuable role to play in supporting the kids and families in foster care.
We’re tuning the hearts and minds of entire communities toward kids in foster care. Here’s a topline view of how we are driving collective impact across government leaders, child-welfare agencies, local businesses, faith communities and civic organizations.
Foster Parent Recruitment
Governor’s Campaigns
I Belong Project
Faith Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Foster Friendly App
Foster Friendly Businesses
Foster Friendly Faith Communities
Our Team
Senior Leadership Team
Todd Kinzle
CEO
Todd is an experienced startup entrepreneur with a bent toward technology and a passion for impact. He is bio, foster and adoptive Dad to four daughters and a son.
Brian Mavis
President and Co-Founder
Brian is a co-founder of America’s Kids Belong, which started in 2015 following the immense success of the model that began as Adopt Colorado Kids. He has been a foster Dad to nine kids and now is a foster grandpa to three.
Kristin Allender
VP, State Success
As an adoptee, and social worker for almost 20 years, Kristin has pulled children out of meth labs with federal law enforcement and sat beside birth mothers as they prepare to choose adoption. She leads participating states advocating for vulnerable kids, giving them a voice and helping communities understand their needs and find their unique way to engage.
Nanette Kirsch
VP, Marketing and Communications
Nanette is working to build our marketing capability to increase awareness, boost brand equity and increase impact of AKB’s core programs. She is a bio and adoptive mom to four young adults.
I Belong Project™ Team
Lisel Atherton
National Director, I Belong Project™
Lisel is a former child-welfare caseworker. In her role with AKB she ensures a safe and fun experience for kids legally free for adoption who share their stories as part of the I Belong Project. She is a bio and foster mom to four sons currently.
Brian Edman
I Belong Project™ Creative Director
Avery Brown
Senior Manager, I Belong Project™
Avery is a multimedia expert with extensive experience with video storytelling and leveraging social media platforms to build community and activate interest.
Foster Friendly Team
Krista Petty
National Director, Foster Friendly Programs
Krista leads AKB’s Foster Friendly App, which promotes foster parent retention by connecting them with Foster Friendly business discounts and supportive faith communities. She is a bio, foster and adoptive mom to four kids.
Leah Busboom
Operations, Project Manager
Leah is a Salesforce administrator and operational lead on the Foster Friendly App. She also is a published author and committed advocate for vulnerable kids.
Operations
Laurie Zauche
Senior Director, Operations
Laurie leads AKB’s Operations Team, which provides a strong foundation for organization so that we can fulfill our mission more effectively and efficiently. She is a wife, mom and licensed therapeutic respite care provider.
Amy Booth
Operations Project Manager
Amy works behind-the-scenes in Operations managing donations and systems that support AKB’s team members, assisting them in improving the experience and changing the outcomes of kids in foster care.
Travis Vangsnes
State Success Manager
Travis is a former grant writer who now serves as manager of state success. He also is an author and bio, foster and adoptive dad to four kids.
Marty Hyde
Marty Hyde – Operations Project Manager
Marty manages special projects for IBP and the leadership team and provides support for AKB Operations. Her work allows our entire team more easily reach their goals and fulfill our mission. She has served on a local church’s WRAP team.
Elle Flowers
Social Media Director
Elle leads AKB’s social media programs, which are key to driving awareness as well as inquiries for kids featured in our I Belong Project. She is a foster and adoptive mom to three sons.
Christina Bauer
Social Media Manager
Christina is a former foster youth and teacher who provides a valuable perspective and voice in support of AKB’s social media efforts.
Reporting and Documentation
Contact Us
America’s Kids Belong
1151 Eagle Dr., #464
Loveland, CO 80537
Social Media