Leadership Guided by Care and Connection

Richard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FosterVA and Extra Special Parents, organisations he established to strengthen foster care services and improve outcomes for children, young people, and families across Virginia. With a strong background in social work and decades of experience working alongside young people, Richard brings both professional depth and personal conviction to his leadership.

Richard believes foster care works best when families feel genuinely supported, listened to, and respected.  His leadership is grounded in relationships, transparency, and a commitment to doing what is right for children and those who care for them.  Through initiatives such as The Kingswell Conversations, he creates space for open, honest discussions about foster care, leadership, and the real experiences of families and professionals in the field.

Outside of work, Richard enjoys hiking and kayaking, unwinding with a good film, cooking for family and friends, and playing board games.  He is also a dog lover and values the balance that time away from work brings, helping him stay grounded and connected to what matters most.

As Director of Clinical, Ashleigh oversees clinical teams across the Commonwealth, ensuring children and families receive thoughtful, consistent, and high-quality support.  She works closely with staff, partner agencies, and external stakeholders to stay aligned with policy changes and best practices, always advocating for the needs of youth and the families who care for them.

Ashleigh’s commitment to foster care is shaped by her own childhood experience of frequent moves and the impact of a small, caring community of adults on her life.  That perspective drives her passion for helping young people who may not have that built-in support system.  She wants foster parents to feel they are not navigating this journey alone, but that they are working as part of a team where their emotions, questions, and challenges are understood and validated.

With nearly 12 years of experience with ESP, Ashleigh brings deep knowledge of foster care and agency operations, along with a steady, field-informed approach that helps normalize the realities of fostering.  Outside of work, she loves to travel, from international adventures to quick weekend trips closer to home, and plays trivia weekly with a close-knit group of friends who make up her Richmond village. 

As Director of Admissions & Family Services, Brittany serves as a trusted resource and guide for individuals and families interested in becoming foster parents.  She supports families as they explore fostering and move through the admissions process, helping them feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.

Brittany is motivated by a lifelong desire to work with children and make a meaningful impact in their lives.  She believes that no child should feel unsafe or afraid to go home, and that belief drives her commitment to supporting foster families who open their homes and hearts to children in need. She wants foster parents to feel supported, appreciated, and reassured that their role truly makes a difference.

With more than 14 years of experience in social work, Brittany brings patience, understanding, and compassion to her work.  Her calm, people-centred approach helps families feel valued and encouraged as they begin their fostering journey.