The Team

Cheriz Kunkel and her spouse, Andrew have been fostering 7 years and have seen the gaps in system firsthand. They knew they wanted to address those needs since the day the received their first placement in 2017. Cheriz has a Bachelors Degree in Science from the University of Illinois. Cheriz has previous work experience in social media management, freelance blogging & ad campaigns, and worked in Real Estate for 6 years. While currently self-employed part-time in sales, she focuses most of her time on her position as Executive Director at Foster Village Peoria. 

Her 10+ years experience in fundraising, marketing, and community outreach is what led her to helping co-found and lead this non-profit. Cheriz has volunteered locally and nationally for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for 15+ years. She has participated in various aspects: including national grant application committees, educational advocacy teams, and speaking at national panels for conferences. In her spare time, she helps co-lead her church’s youth & sunday school program. She loves spending time with her family, and has an unhealthy attachment to lemon lime Gatorade.