Meet Our Team
Board Members / staff
“We desire to invest into the lives of every person we serve, loving them as if they were and are a part of our own family.”
Jason & Tara Hood
(FOUNDERS and director)
We have been married for 34 years and every year, our family continues to grow. We have three adult children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, two adopted elementary age kiddos, seven grand babies and countless people we call family.
We have been mentoring families since 1991 and fostering children since 2011. Our “methods” have been greatly affected by the grace shown to us by others...believing that God is a God of judgment, and His favorite judgment is grace. While fostering the children, we found ourselves challenged by the words of Psalms 68:5-6, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing. We desire to invest into the lives of every person we serve, loving them as if they were and are a part of our own family. We mentor in many ways, but most of all we love the parents and children, believing that love, consistency and trust are essential for healing and growth.
“My parents were foster parents for most of my childhood and I've seen up close the trauma it has caused not only to the children, but also with the parents.”
LaRae EagleS
(Board member)
I was born and raised in Oregon and have worked in accounts receivable field for over 20 years. My husband and I have two amazing children, an incredible daughter in- law and son in-law, and four adorable grand-babies. My parents were foster parents for most of my childhood and I've seen up close the trauma it has caused not only to the children, but also with the parents. I support this ministry because of Jason and Tara's commitment and the passion they have to see families reunited and restored.
mike mercer
(board member)
Mike has an extensive background in service and advocacy for women and children - both stateside and internationally. We are thankful for his partnership and the knowledge he brings to our board / team.
Non-Voting Board Members
“I grew up with parents that not only fostered countless children, but fostered the deep hurts of the bio families. Coincidentally, I too am a foster parent with a heart wanting and willing to extend grace to those needing it most”
Whitney Hill
(SEcretary)
associate DIRECTOr
Over the years I’ve found that when people are at their lowest, sometimes a little grace evokes more change than judgement. I am a foster parent, a mother of three children, a youth leader, an Executive Assistant and a dedicated advocate for helping people in their times of need.
I’ve grown up with a family that serves and helps others, as well as with a family that fosters children and bio parents. Fortunately, my family and I now get to serve and foster others as well. Being apart of Hannah Grace Family isn’t just another task to check off, it’s truly a deep love and commitment to seeing others reach their true potential, despite their mistakes; extending grace where condemnation is often given.
ADVISORY Board Members
Christian Hood
Shannon Ayuyu
STAFF
Devinnie Castaneda Marquez
(Administrative and Development Assistant)
Devinnie brings experience in nonprofit program management, social services outreach, and early childhood education. Her passion for serving families and strengthening communities will be a valuable asset as Hannah Grace Family continues to grow.
Devinnie also has a personal connection to our mission. Her two sons participate in the Ascend Music Program, where Leo recently completed his second year of guitar lessons and Owen completed keyboard lessons. Having experienced the impact of our programs firsthand, she is excited to help other families access the same opportunities.