Leadership & Management
Behind Hearts and Mind Foster Community is a dedicated team of leaders, board members, volunteers, students, and community partners who are passionate about supporting caregivers and strengthening families.
Abigail Wonuigwe
Abigail Wonuigwe
Founder & Executive DirectorAbigail Wonuigwe founded Hearts and Mind Foster Community from a deeply held belief that caregivers deserve care too.
As a foster parent herself, Abigail has experienced both the joy and the weight of opening her home to children in need. She understands the sleepless nights, the emotional demands, the countless appointments, the difficult decisions, and the moments when caregivers quietly carry more than anyone else realizes. She also knows how transformative it can be when caregivers receive the right support at the right time. That lived experience became the foundation of Hearts and Mind Foster Community.
Abigail's vision is to build a community where foster parents and kinship caregivers never feel like they have to figure everything out on their own. Through practical relief, emotional wellness initiatives, education, mentorship, and meaningful community connections, she is leading an organization that places caregivers at the heart of the conversation because when caregivers thrive, children thrive too.
Abigail believes that every act of kindness, every helping hand, every listening ear, and every moment of encouragement has the power to change a family's story. Her hope is that Hearts and Mind Foster Community becomes a place where every caregiver feels seen, supported, valued, and reminded that they are never alone on their journey.
Board of Directors
Hazel Williams
Board ChairHazel currently serves as Chair of the Board, bringing her leadership, community experience, and passion for strengthening support for children, families, foster parents, kinship caregivers, and the wider community.
With more than 30 years of experience in community and social services, Hazel has dedicated her career to supporting children, youth, and families through child and youth care, behavioural and special education support, crisis intervention, family collaboration, and community outreach.
As the Founder and CEO of Big Girl Interrupted, Hazel empowers women to rediscover their confidence, purpose, and resilience through coaching, workshops, and supportive community spaces — a passion that naturally complements her work ensuring caregivers feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive.
Chennell Frederick, MSW
Vice ChairChennell provides strategic leadership and governance in support of the organization's mission to strengthen caregivers and improve outcomes for children and families.
A dedicated social worker with years of experience supporting children, youth, and families, Chennell brings a deep understanding of trauma informed practice, family wellbeing, and community based support — committed to empowering individuals through compassionate, person centered care.
Her own lived experience with kinship caregiving provides invaluable insight into the unique realities, challenges, and rewards of caregiving, allowing her to lead with both professional knowledge and personal understanding.
Valerie Babundo
Board SecretaryValerie serves as Board Secretary, contributing to the organization's governance, strategic direction, and commitment to supporting foster parents and kinship caregivers.
Beyond her role with Hearts and Mind, Valerie is the founder of Verse Tread, a faith based initiative dedicated to creating meaningful connections through faith, culture, and community — rooted in the belief that everyone belongs and every story matters.
Supporting Every Day
Paula Upe Jimoh
Social Media & Administrative ConsultantAs a consultant, Paula supports Hearts and Mind Foster Community through social media management, content creation, community engagement, and administrative coordination — helping amplify our mission by sharing meaningful stories and strengthening communication with caregivers, volunteers, partners, and the broader community.
Together, We Are Building a Community Where Caregivers Thrive.
Whether you are seeking support, looking to volunteer, interested in partnering with us, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to become part of the Hearts and Mind community.
Our Programs Get Involved