Our Team

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Eva Willis

After becoming a foster mom, our founder saw too many children arrive carrying their belongings in trash bags. Wanting every child to feel valued during one of the hardest moments of their lives, she founded Journey of Hopes to provide bags filled with comfort, dignity, and hope.

Founder
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Ariel Duncan

A devoted mother of two, our Organization Manager joined the mission after helping the founder care for children entering foster care. Seeing the emotional impact these transitions had on children inspired her to help build Journey of Hopes, where she now works to ensure every child receives not only essential items, but also comfort, dignity, and hope.

Organization Manager
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Having grown up watching children enter foster care, our Technology Support & Organization Assistant developed a deep understanding of the importance of compassion during life's most difficult transitions. Inspired by the resilience of these children, she combines her passion for technology and service to help Journey of Hopes reach more families, connect with supporters, and continue sharing hope with every child we serve.

Tech Support & Organization Assistance 

Jayla Brown

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Having experienced foster care firsthand, our Advisor brings a unique and invaluable perspective to Journey of Hopes. As our Youth Experience & Care Coordinator, Keoni helps guide our mission by ensuring the bags, comfort items, and resources we provide reflect the real needs of children navigating the foster care system. Through lived experience, compassion, and advocacy, Keoni helps us create meaningful support that reminds every child they are seen, valued, and never alone.

Foster Care Experience Advisor

Keoni Young

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With a Master's in Education Studies and a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, Megan brings years of experience serving children and families as a professional daycare director. Her expertise in child development helps ensure that Journey of Hopes provides age-appropriate resources, educational materials, and comforting essentials that support children through the challenges of entering foster care. Megan is passionate about helping every child feel safe, valued, and prepared for the next chapter of their journey.

Director of Child & Family Programs

Megan Macaluso