The People Behind the Mission
Geary Foster Foundations is guided by individuals whose lives, experiences, and faith have shaped a shared commitment: to create a safe, nurturing community where children in foster care can heal and thrive. Our leaders, foster parents, and board members carry forward a mission built on compassion, service, and an unwavering belief in the worth of every child.
A Message from Our President & Co-Founder
Susie Black Holamon
Susie Black Holamon knows firsthand the impact a safe home can have on a child’s life. She spent five years in foster care beginning at age 12 and attributes her stability, confidence, and future success to the loving care she received from foster parents Joe and Charlotte Geary. Their belief in her shaped the foundation of her life—and ultimately the mission of Geary Foster Foundations.
Driven by gratitude and purpose, Susie has devoted her life to advocating for children in foster care. After a career in education, she became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), where she witnessed the severe shortage of foster homes and the overwhelming need for sibling-friendly placements in Texas. In 2017, Susie and her former foster sister, Colleen Geary Patton, made a commitment to change that:
“One child at a time, one home at a time.”
Today, Susie leads GFF as a 100% volunteer-run, privately funded, and debt-free organization—an innovative foster community serving children from across North Texas. Under her leadership, GFF has grown to three homes, a pavilion, a community garden, a sports court, and Gigi’s Closet, with a vision of building eight homes and a community center on the 12 acres generously donated for this mission.
Her heart for children continues to shape every home, every program, and every future plan.
Our Team
Behind every home and every child at GFF is a dedicated network of volunteers, mentors, staff partners, and foster parents who bring the mission to life each day. These individuals serve in countless ways: providing support, offering guidance, teaching skills, organizing programs, and stepping in whenever a child or family needs an extra helping hand.
Our team’s shared goal is simple: create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported as they grow.
Our Foster Parents
At the heart of our community are the foster parents who open their homes and hearts to children in need. Each home at GFF is independently licensed and operated through a child placement agency, allowing parents to focus on providing structure, love, and consistency while surrounded by the support of the GFF community.
Living within the same neighborhood allows parents to connect with one another, share wisdom, offer respite care, and ensure no one is walking the foster journey alone. Their commitment, and the daily sacrifices they make for children, are the foundation of what makes GFF’s model so effective.
The Fulbright Family
The Fulbright family—Chelsea, Ian, Alexander, and Phoenix—call Waxahachie, Texas, home.
Chelsea and Ian met in 2018 and quickly knew they had found something special. They were married in January of 2019 and built a life grounded in love, faith, and laughter. When they discovered they could not have children of their own, they felt called to open their hearts and home through fostering. In April 2023, they began their fostering journey, and just a month later—on May 27, 2023—they welcomed two amazing boys, Alexander and Phoenix, into their lives. What began as a placement quickly grew into a forever love, and on January 23, 2025, they officially adopted their sons.
Chelsea spent 10 years in ministry as a student minister before transitioning into work as a marketing consultant and communications director. A lifelong creative, she is passionate about art, literature, and sports, but her favorite role by far is being a stay-at-home mom and filling their home with warmth, creativity, and joy.
Ian has built a career in IT and project management and loves the opportunity to work from home. He thrives on learning new skills, tackling challenges, and spending quality time with his family. In his free time, you can find him deep into a board game or building something out of Legos with the boys.
The Fulbright home is never quiet—and that is just how they like it! With three dogs (Ellie, Enzo, and Charlotte) and two cats (Emiline and Evie), there is always a bit of joyful chaos. Together, they love spending time as a family, building memories, and embracing every season of life with gratitude and love.
The Servati Family
Griff and Kristi Servati have been married for thirty years and have raised four beautiful girls. Raigan, Kerrigan, Jaidan, and Kailan. Currently, Raigan resides in Branson, Missouri, with her husband Matt, and is an Occupational therapist. Kerrigan resides in Georgetown, Texas, and is an Architect. Jaidan is studying to be a Social Worker at McMurry University while playing volleyball. Kailan is studying Marketing at Schreiner University while also playing volleyball.
Griff spent nearly thirty years on staff at First Baptist Church of Van Alstyne, two decades as Student Pastor and the remainder as an Associate Pastor. Kristi recently retired from teaching in public education, also serving nearly three decades at Van Alstyne ISD. She coached generations of girls in Volleyball and Basketball, and served as head Track Coach. While being involved in the lives of students and the community, Griff developed a hobby and talent in photography, which has recently led to a career as a photographer with WRA Architects in Plano.
The Servatis first realized they could share their home and heart with exchange students. They have hosted four additional daughters for full school years: Jaja from Thailand, Rida from Pakistan, Nanami from Japan, and Athira from Indonesia.
The Servatis started fostering in 2020, with a heart to serve siblings, allowing them to stay together. They fostered two sibling groups long-term before a family tragedy forced a break in fostering, but they still maintained relationships with both sets of siblings. Entering the "empty-nesting" stage of life, they saw purpose in not having an empty house and to further serve sibling groups by fostering at the Geary Foster Foundations.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, accountability, and vision for the long-term sustainability of Geary Foster Foundations. Their professional experience, personal passion, and commitment to excellence help ensure that GFF remains fiscally responsible, mission-driven, and focused on serving children and families with dignity and integrity.
Susie Holamon
President
Colleen Geary Patton
Vice President
Gwendolyn Spence
Secretary 
Lezlie MacElroy
Treasurer
Jill Lyons
Director 
Sarah Pierce
Director Advisory Board
The Advisory Board contributes specialized expertise and guidance to support the growth and development of our programs, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships. These individuals serve as trusted advisors, offering insight that strengthens GFF’s work and broadens its impact.
Dawnita Williams
Advisory Board 
Cynthia Prange
Advisory Board 
Sarah Stevens
Advisory Board | Fundraising 
Katie Tijerina
Advisory Board | Gigi's ClosetTogether, We Build Lives
Leadership at GFF is more than organizational oversight. It is a shared calling to uplift children who deserve safety, stability, and opportunity. Each person who serves this mission plays a role in creating a community where children can heal, grow, and discover their potential.