Child Welfare Family Advisory Council

Current members

Jessi Braverman, Boulder County (she/her)

Foster and adoptive parent, community partner

I feel privileged to be a part of the Family Advisory Council because we are one of the only councils that strives to represent the voices of all lived experiences within the child welfare system within one group. I am passionate about reducing systemic trauma for youth in care, access to appropriate quality mental health services for all involved in the child welfare system, cultivating a trauma-informed lens, and centering the voices and experiences of foster care alumni and youth in care.

Natalie Bergstrasser, Denver County (she/her) 

Youth Formerly in care/ Kinship Caregiver / Adoptive Parent / Community Partner

Natalie Bergstrasser (she/her) draws from lived experience as a former foster youth and kinship caregiver in her role on the Family Advisory Council. A social worker by training, she is committed to centering the voices of youth, caregivers, and families with lived experience in child welfare and prevention efforts. Natalie currently serves as the Director of CHAMPS Colorado, an initiative working to include caregiver voices in efforts to improve child welfare policy and practice. She has worked across local and national initiatives focused on kinship care, foster care, transition-age youth, and family strengthening. Outside of her work, Natalie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, participating in church events, and reading.

Hannah Larson, Boulder County (she/her)

Certified Foster Parent / Adoptive Parent / Community Partner

My connection to human services and child welfare is both personal and professional. I am a former foster parent and adoptive parent, and I currently serve as a caregiver advocate, child welfare training system course facilitator, foster parent trainer, and county coordinator for CHAMPS Colorado.

I was inspired to join the Family Advisory Council after seeing firsthand how the child welfare system can unintentionally create silos among the many people involved in a case. At the same time, I witnessed the powerful outcomes that are possible when families, caregivers, professionals, and individuals with lived experience work together as a true team. When all voices are honored, children benefit. I joined the Council to continue bridging gaps between perspectives and to help translate lived experience into meaningful internal change.

Latisha Maxey, Arapahoe County

Biological Parent

My connection to social services is personal. I have been through the system. I decided that I wanted to help others with my experience if possible. I appreciate the opportunity to lend my voice and experiences to others. 

Kaylie Weese, Adams County

Biological Parent

Holly Stokes, Denver County

Community Partner

I am a social worker living in Denver County and working throughout Boulder County. I am currently a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) serving on a Denver County case. My connection to child welfare is also through my previous positions as an Initial Assessment caseworker and Advocate Supervisor with Denver CASA. I am passionate about how the child welfare system can evolve to best support all those it interacts with. I’m grateful to be a member of this amazing counsel and be a part of meaningful collaboration that is creating a better child welfare system.

Brittany Kelley, Jefferson County

Youth formerly in care

Brittany Kelley brings a powerful and deeply informed perspective to the Family Advisory Council as a former foster youth. Drawing from her lived experience, she is passionate about strengthening the child welfare system and advocating for meaningful, foster care alumni-centered change. Brittany is grateful for the opportunity to contribute her voice to efforts that promote stability, dignity, and better outcomes for children and families.

Past members

Maria Elena Thomas, Larimer County (she/her)

Certified foster/kinship caregiver

I have lived experience as a certified foster kinship provider for my grandchildren. The process was confusing and information was given only when needed. I would like to contribute my perspective to make it easier for other families to navigate the system.