Meet The Team

Lara Bouse has been a dedicated foster, adoptive, and kinship (FAK) parent for nearly four decades. In that time, only three of the children in her care were not reunified with their birth families—two of whom she and her husband adopted as teenagers from foster care. During that adoption process, Lara identified significant service gaps for older youth and families navigating adoption. Her advocacy led her to collaborate with Michigan’s original Foster Care Navigators, and ultimately helped develop and expand Fostering Forward Michigan, a coalition of FAK parents who educate, empower, and support one another.

Driven by a deep belief that the voices of lived experience must always be at the decision-making table, Lara actively contributes to child welfare reform at both state and national levels. She currently serves on several advisory boards, including the MDHHS Child Welfare Improvement Task Force, Adoption Oversight Committee, FAK Parent Collaborative Council, Foster Care Review Board Advisory Committee, MDHHS Kinship Advisory Council, and the National Foster Parent Association Council of State Affiliates, among others. Through respected and reciprocal relationships with system leaders, she plays a central role in shaping policies and practices that lead to better outcomes for children and families.

A passionate advocate for kinship caregivers, Lara seeks to expand awareness and support for relatives raising children not born to them. As a four-time kinship care provider herself, she understands the unique challenges kinship families face. In recognition of her advocacy, the Michigan State University School of Social Work established a scholarship in her name for Master’s students committed to advancing child welfare and kinship care initiatives.

Lara is a respected public speaker known for her insight, empathy, and expertise in child welfare, family support systems, and the dynamics of kinship care relationships.

Al  is a devoted husband, father, and passionate advocate for foster and adoptive families. Married since 2010, Al and his wife began their foster care journey after experiencing infertility. Since becoming licensed in 2016, they have welcomed 12 children into their home and adopted two daughters, primarily opening their hearts and home to teenagers.

Al understands firsthand the unique challenges and rewards of parenting adolescents, navigating foster care, and building lifelong family connections. His experience has fueled his passion for supporting caregivers and advocating for children and youth in care.

With a background in art, animation, and voice-over work, Al brings creativity, humor, and a unique perspective to everything he does. Described by his own children as "painfully optimistic," Al believes in finding hope in difficult circumstances and helping families recognize that they don't have to navigate their journey alone.

Erin is a proud single mom to two adopted children who understands firsthand the joys, challenges, and unique experiences of adoptive parenting. Her journey as a single adoptive parent has shaped her passion for supporting families and reminding them that they don't have to navigate their journey alone.

Outside of her work, Erin enjoys expressing her creativity through food art, turning everyday meals into something fun and memorable. She brings that same creativity, compassion, and dedication to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families through Fostering Forward Michigan.

Aly Markwell is a proud wife, mom of five, and passionate advocate for foster and adoptive families. Alongside her husband, Aly has adopted four children through foster care and private adoption, including children with complex medical, developmental, and behavioral needs. Her family's journey has given her a deep understanding of both the beauty and challenges of adoption.

As a Certified Parent Coach with extensive training in trauma-informed care, Aly brings both personal experience and professional knowledge to her work. She knows firsthand what it means to navigate complicated systems, advocate fiercely for children, and celebrate the victories along the way.

Aly's heart is to ensure every family feels seen, supported, and reminded that they don't have to walk their journey alone.

Nicole is a proud mom of five, including her bonus daughter, and has a heart for foster care and adoption. As a foster mom who has adopted three children, she brings firsthand experience, compassion, and understanding to the families she serves. Nicole is passionate about supporting families through the joys and challenges of parenting, fostering, and adoption. When she’s not busy with her family or helping others, you can find her curled up with a good book or working on her latest craft project!