Our Board of Directors

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Briana Acosta - Founder, Executive Director & Board President

As Founder, Executive Director, and Board President of Fostering Joy, Briana leads with both heart and strategy. Drawing on her lived experience in foster care and over a decade in marketing and leadership, she is passionate about creating opportunities that help youth grow into confident, self-sufficient adults. Her work bridges emotional healing with practical empowerment, ensuring every young person has the tools and community to thrive. Briana’s vision for Fostering Joy is simple but powerful: to make hope and joy accessible to every youth in care.

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Karen Gaeta - Board Vice President

Karen has been involved with Fostering Joy for the past four years, supporting its growth from a grassroots organization. She earned her Master of Social Work from CSUF, currently working as a clinician at a community outpatient facility, providing therapy and support to individuals and families. She is passionate about giving back to her community and creating opportunities for teens to thrive.

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Ashley Cole - Board Treasurer

Ashley is a dynamic leader who excels at cultivating relationships and transforming ideas into reality, helping entrepreneurs and small businesses stand out with creative solutions. A first-generation Belizean and Sierra Leonean, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology (Cum Laude) and Masters of Science in Finance from the University of La Verne, where she became a proud member of Iota Delta Sorority. Ashley now serves on the board of directors of various non-profits and founded Business Success Services, in 2021, empowering businesses through creative consulting and marketing execution. Ashley is dedicated to fostering strong networks, empowering business owners, and driving impacting success.

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Lauren Reminger - Board Secretary

Lauren is passionate about empowering and supporting others in building and maintaining the healthiest, happiest and thriving life and relationships possible. Lauren brings diverse and extensive education and experience in positive psychology, complementary healing arts and wellness. With a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, Lauren practices as a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT112585) at Adventures of the Heart & Mind, an organization she founded in 2019. Lauren has worked with Fostering Joy since its early days and is beyond excited and honored to serve in this capacity to support foster youth.

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Mike Salas - Creative Chair

Mike is an artist, entrepreneur, and community builder based in Orange County, CA. As the founder of Soulland Lab, a creative art studio dedicated to self-expression and healing through creativity, Mike brings his passion for art and purpose-driven work to Fostering Joy. A U.S. Army veteran and advocate for youth empowerment, he believes in using creativity as a bridge to hope and confidence for young people navigating life’s toughest challenges.

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Natalie Jones - Program Chair

Natalie is a producer and creative leader with a background in immersive theater and live experience, dedicated to crafting experiences that spark wonder and connection. She is passionate about building community through storytelling and shared moments, both onstage and beyond. As a board member of Fostering Joy, she brings her love of collaboration and creativity to support its mission of inspiring joy and togetherness.