Meet Our Team

Kristin Finan

Kristin Finan

Co-founder, Executive Director

Kristin was raised in Austin and became interested in foster care as a teen after befriending a group of children who lived in a foster home in her South Austin neighborhood. She and her husband became certified foster parents in 2015 and Kristin co-founded Carrying Hope a year later after seeing children arrive on her doorstep in a moment of crisis without any of the comfort items or essentials they desperately needed. Kristin, a firm believer that hope is always stronger than fear, has been humbled and honored to grow Carrying Hope from a small neighborhood project to a full-fledged 501c3 nonprofit that has made a difference for tens of thousands of Texas children and youth. A proud foster, adoptive, and birth mom of six, Kristin earned her undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Texas and in 2023 earned her master’s degree in social work at Texas State University. Contact her at kristin@carryinghope.org.

Mauri Elbel

Mauri Elbel

Co-founder, Managing Director

Mauri is a native Texan, University of Texas at Austin grad, and has called Austin home since 2008 after working as a reporter on the tiny Caribbean island of St. John and earning a master’s of journalism from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Mauri has been an advocate for foster children for more than a decade, with volunteer experiences ranging from teaching weekly creative writing classes and reading bedtime stories to foster children living in a residential treatment center to providing respite care for children in the system and as a court-appointed CASA advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children. As a mom of three who grew increasingly frustrated with the way children were coming into foster care with absolutely nothing, Mauri co-founded Carrying Hope to help bring positive change and much-needed hope and comfort to the kids who need it most. Contact her at mauri@carryinghope.org. 
Briana Shires

Briana Shires

Austin Office Manager

Briana is new to Austin and loves being a Texan for the first time. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and wanted to continue working with children in settings that mattered. Briana and her family became licensed in 2017 and had many placements during their six years as foster parents, provided respite care, started support groups, and were involved in various other parts of the foster/adopt world, including adopting their son. It’s her mission to continue supporting children who are in the foster care system, and Carrying Hope is the perfect place to do that. Briana is a mother of five wonderful children and enjoys watching them grow into compassionate and loving people who will hopefully go into the world and make it a better place. Contact her at briana@carryinghope.org. 
Ashley Thompson

Ashley Thompson

Houston Programs Manager

Ashley Thompson is a dedicated individual with a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children. Born and raised in Texas, Ashley spent 13 years in Ohio before returning to her home state. She holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Ashley’s journey toward advocating for children in foster care began in 2005 when she worked as an ongoing case worker and recruitment specialist at CPS (Child Protective Services). It was during this time that she developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children in the foster care system and a strong desire to make a difference in their lives. Currently, Ashley is a parent of four children, and she actively engages in their sports and activities. Her dedication to her own children extends to her passion for supporting children in foster care, as she believes that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to thrive. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is a compassionate and driven individual, always seeking opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly children in need. Contact her at ashley@carryinghope.org.

 

Angi Pechman

Angi Pechman

San Antonio Programs Manager

Born and raised in Indiana, Angi attended Purdue University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Upon graduation, Angi built a career in conference and event marketing in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Connecticut. After 13 years in Connecticut, she and her family moved to Texas, living in Austin and then San Antonio, which has become their home for the past five years. Angi and her husband, Matty, are parents to three active teenagers and enjoy attending their numerous tournaments, competitions, and events. Angi has been active in fundraising for nonprofits benefiting children since 2010, and she has served on Carrying Hope’s gala planning committees. Having close family involved in foster care has given her an understanding of the challenges faced by both foster children and foster parents. Angi has been a longtime Carrying Hope supporter and volunteer since its inception, and she’s excited to join the team as Carrying Hope’s San Antonio Programs Manager. Contact her at angi@carryinghope.org.

Meet Our Board Members