ABOUT

As our Community Engagement Specialist, Danielle is passionate about building relationships and is recognized as a people connector and relationship builder. She uses her ability to make a positive impact in the foster care and non-profit sectors by forging strong connections within the community. Her work includes developing resources that highlight Foster Community’s initiatives, organizing community events, hosting twice monthly foster care and adoption info sessions and developing partnerships that support the organization's goals.

Danielle has over a decade of experience in marketing communications. She has worked as a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager, leading content creation, digital/print marketing campaigns, and event promotions with a focus on the greater good of the community. She assisted with the development of a corporate foundation, the planning of its philanthropic fundraising events, and has organized yearly, multi-county food drives. Another role involved engaging with military families, crafting inclusive messaging, and developing initiatives that provided resources and support.

Danielle is committed to raising awareness and generating support that inspires a positive impact for all families in the foster community. She holds a degree from Sonoma State University and enjoys spending time with her husband, three boys, Frenchie, and exploring the great city of Austin and beyond.

Cristal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Mercyhurst University in 2018. During her time in undergraduate studies, she began her work in the child welfare space with Families United Inc. where she worked with foster care and adoptive case workers and learned how to write home studies. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. From there she continued to work with children and families in multiple capacities at My Health My Resources (MHMR) in Tarrant County. Most recently, she worked as the Family Engagement Specialist for Saint Louise House where her efforts went towards developing engagement initiatives for adults and families and overseeing the admissions process from start to finish.

As the Director of Community Partnerships you can find Cristal, engaging communities and collaboratives, raising awareness surrounding the needs of families within the child welfare system, and building relationships with amazing organizations that are serving children, youth, and families who are impacted by the child welfare system.

When Cristal is not working, she spends a lot of time with her friends and family. Cristal moved to Austin five years ago and still enjoys seeing what this great city has to offer. She enjoys going on hikes, trying new coffee shops and restaurants.