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 five 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.”