Board of Directors

Valerie Albert - President

After serving in a liaison type position between my church and the DHS for about 8 years, it was becoming evident that the need was too great for just one organization to meet. This came after my life changing experience with a foster teen. She was at my church to get new clothing. With tears she asked if she could get another outfit and opened her jacket and asked if she could get clothes for her baby too. She was 13. She was a foster child and was 6 months pregnant from a situation that she had not invited. This broke me. As I looked around and saw she was one child of 120 at that event with a heart-wrenching story. Every single person whose life intersects with one of these precious children’s lives has a story to tell; a story that will wreck your life. Every bio parent has a story that will change your life. 


In 2018, I got some quality leaders together and we started the Foster Parent Association of Mayes County. We have changed the logistics somewhat with the changes that occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic in our state/nation in 2020. This is where The Bridge was created. 

We found an organization that had a similar vision for our modern day orphans.

Lori Dees - Vice President

I  have always been drawn to children! Even as a toddler in the nursery at church I would crawl over to the vent in the door that led to the babies class and peek at the babies. I babysat as a teenager and during college was basically a nanny for some dear friends. It seems that God has always had it in His plan that I look after other people's kiddos.

Several years ago we had a speaker at church who told about the huge need for foster families in our county.....so my husband and I prayed about it and after a clear answer to that prayer, began the process. Almost 10 years later we have fostered several and adopted two!!

I have a strong desire to "bridge" with the natural parents of each of the kids we have in our home and have so far been able to have a good relationship with most of them. When Fostering Mayes County was formed I was asked to be on the board. I love the heart behind this organization! We truly want to be a blessing to not only the children we serve but also to their parents and to the DHS workers also!

Evett Barham - Secretary

I love to serve! My passion is to help others believe in their worth and potential. One way I have lived this out is through the education system; I have been an educator for 25 years. Through my teaching career, I have been drawn to helping with foster care and eventually my husband, our daughter, and I adopted 2 children through Cherokee Nation and Department of Human Services.  We realized we wanted to do more for the current generation of foster children. We joined Your Place Church’s foster care ministry and found like minded people with a desire to do more for our community’s children. Shortly after getting involved in the ministry, I joined  the board of Fostering Mayes County where we are a key to unlocking the needs of our foster children, foster/biological parents, and our child services’ workers. 

Karen Smith - Treasurer

Since I was little, my heart has always leaned harder to help children, I was taught to help where you can, and through the years, I have tried to do just that. Yes, I have failed a lot over the year, but I do my best to help wherever I am needed. I was taught that each of us should use whatever gifts we have to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's and until I can’t that is what I plan to do. That being said, I am just your average woman, mom, and grandmother. There is nothing truly special or great about me, other than my loving giving heart, so therefore, I SERVE! I have lived in Pryor for many years, and love our small but growing town, and love the people in it. Over the years, I have volunteered my time to serve on multiple boards and committees; currently I am the Chairperson for Pryor Area Resource Alliance, set on the Committee for Operation Christmas Morning (Mayes County version of Angel Tree) and have been an active member of Fostering Mayes County for several years and currently filling the role of Treasurer.

Janie Gage - Member

My name is Janie Gage and I am a retired school teacher from Pryor Public Schools.

I taught 1st grade for 25 years and I have a soft spot in my heart for neglected and abused children.  I am a member of the First Church of God.

   My husband and I became foster parents in 2019.  We fostered an 8-year-old boy for a year.  Being a foster parent is a difficult and demanding assignment, but is also very rewarding.  You might be temporary in their lives but there is nothing temporary about love for these children.  Foster children need to be around loving people.

   I am excited to be a part of the Fostering Mayes County program.  I have seen first hand the need for support and resources for foster families in our county.

Haley Madole - Member

I have always been drawn to children! Even as a toddler in the nursery at church I would crawl over to the vent in the door that led to the babies’ class and peek at the babies. I babysat as a teenager and during college was basically a nanny for some dear friends. It seems that God has always had it in His plan that I look after other people's kiddos.

Several years ago, we had a speaker at church who told about the huge need for foster families in our county....so my husband and I prayed about it and after a clear answer to that prayer, began the process. Almost 10 years later we have fostered several and adopted two!!

I have a strong desire to "bridge" with the natural parents of each of the kids we have in our home and have so far been able to have a good relationship with most of them. When Fostering Mayes County was formed, I was asked to be on the board. I love the heart behind this organization! We truly want to be a blessing to not only the children we serve but also to their parents and to the DHS workers also!