Contra Costa Foster Friends
Our TeamMeet Our Team
Claudia Mercier - Chief Executive Officer and President
Claudia has a Master’s degree in Social Work from UCLA and has been a licensed foster parent for 18 years. She has a large family of seven children who were born or foster/adopted into her family. After fostering for 10 years without much help, Claudia founded Contra Costa Foster Friends with the goal of comprehensively supporting local foster children and their caregivers. Claudia also works closely with Help One Child, running their monthly support group in Walnut Creek and providing occasional foster parent continuing education classes.
Mike Mercier - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Mike has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from UCLA and worked for 30 years in the commercial real estate Industry. He is married to Claudia and as he is now retired he is able to help manage their large family and assist in running Contra Costa Foster Friends. He has also been a devoted, loving foster parent for 18 years.
Julie Erwin - Secretary
Julie’s heart for foster children led her to become a CASA 12 years ago and she was able to mentor two children through this program. It was such a memorable experience for her. After serving as a CASA she felt called to love on and support foster families and began a Foster/Adopt Ministry at her church. Just a short time later she met Claudia and the two combined their passion and together built Contra Costa Foster Friends. Julie is excited to continue the wonderful world of supporting foster families!
Haley Calabrese - Contra Costa Foster Friends Board Member
Haley is a loving mother with one son and has been a devoted county foster mom for the past 7.5 years. She has welcomed 10 children into her home and has a gift for creating strong relationships with bio family members. She serves as co-leader of the Contra Costa Foster Friends Facebook Group, together with Claudia.
Colleen Holsinger - Board member, Community Engagement
Colleen is the hard working Mom of 3 amazing grown ups. She lives and works in Martinez for the Chamber of Commerce. She has been in Martinez for 26 years. She enjoys reading , party planning, traveling and taking care of foster babies. “To help the babies is truly a calling from God.”
Nicole Wilson - Resource Center Manager
Nicole is a proud mother of 2 young adults who has a passion for helping foster children. As a resource parent herself for over 10 years, she brings both personal experience and deep compassion to her role as Shop Manager. Her passion for organization and creating welcoming spaces reflects her commitment to supporting foster families with dignity and care.
Kelly Mann - Resource Family Outreach Coordinator
Kelly is a wife, mom, and foster parent who has been involved in foster care for several years. She and her husband have welcomed children into their home through fostering and have adopted two children from foster care. Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, quilting, and relaxing at the beach, usually with their two dogs nearby. She is passionate about supporting foster youth and helping create community for the families who care for them.