About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Blue Ridge Foster VA (BRFVA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children in foster care across Virginia. We provide essential clothing, resources, and compassionate support to help children feel safe, valued, and cared for during times of transition.
Founded on the belief that every child deserves dignity, comfort, and a sense of belonging, BRFVA partners with foster families, community members, and donors to ensure children have the essentials they need - and the care they deserve.
Our work is powered by a passionate team of volunteers and board members who share a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in foster care.
Meet the Team
President & CEO
Christine Costello
Christine grew up in Rockingham County, VA. She is a wife and mother to three boys. She was adopted as an infant. She and her husband adopted their children from the foster care system. She attended Virginia Tech and has her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management.
Christine previously managed numerous operations teams for manufacturing companies before becoming a stay at home mom. She and her husband are current foster parents and know first-hand the situation for children entering foster care and foster families.
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In her spare time, Christine enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with her husband and children.
Vice President - Marketing
Kristina Ferrara
Kristina lives in Massachusetts, a transplant from Long Island New York. Foster care and adoption have a special place in her life as both her grandmother and mother were in the foster system as children in New York. Kristina is a Director of Digital Customer Experience for Staples e-commerce websites and recently earned her MBA at UMass Boston.
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For fun, Kristina enjoys camping, crafting, home improvement, golfing, skiing, and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs Siena and Tocarra.
Director of Community Engagement
Danielle Sponaugle
Danielle has lived in the Valley her whole life. Starting her college career studying nursing, Danielle was lead down a different path and found a love in the real estate industry. Before college, Danielle worked at Rockingham County Parks and Recreation as an After School Program Site Director as well as at Sentara Wellness Center working with children. Danielle has been working with Blue Ridge Foster VA since it’s early days. When Danielle is not assisting her clients with their real estate goals, she is with her family or playing with her two dogs, Charlie and Cooper.
Vice President - Community Outreach
Charity Trissel
Charity has deep family roots in Rockingham County dating to the early 1700’s. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing, family nurse practitioner. She is employed at a local hospital. Charity has been married to her biggest supporter, Cory for 20 years and together they have 3 biological children and 2 adopted children, run a farm, and are active foster parents. Knowing first hand the struggles, commitment, and compassion surrounding foster care she spends her extra time volunteering with her church, local families, and organizations near to her heart. She has an adopted niece and nephew and sees firsthand the needs in the community. Enjoying the outdoors, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with family are her biggest joys in life.
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“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:8-10
Secretary
John Costello
John grew up in Massachusetts. He and his wife adopted their children from the foster care system in 2018. He has a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a MBA from the University of Florida. Presently, he works full-time as a client executive in the energy industry.
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In his spare time, he enjoys home projects, movies, reading, watching the Patriots/ Red Sox and spending time with his family.
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Volunteers
We have amazing volunteers who assist us with sorting donations, merchandising the shop, running our events, and picking up donations. If you or your organization would like to partner with us for volunteer opportunities, please contact us!
