Our Board of Directors & Team Members

Board Of Directors

2024 Collins Children’s Home Board of Directors

  • Rev. Robert W. Bell, Ph.D. “Robby”

    Board Chairman
    2019-2023, 2024-2026
    Retired – Young Memorial Church
    Due West, SC

  • Kyle Blackwell

    Board Member
    2018-2020, 2021-2023, 2024
    Purpose Wealth Management – Raymond James
    Easley, SC

  • Al Bynum

    Board Member
    2024-2026
    Retired – Attorney
    Seneca, SC

  • Dr. Ivy Henderson-Ellerby

    Board Member
    2020-2022, 2023-2025
    Forensic Psychologist / Researcher
    Seneca, SC

  • Ashton Gottschall

    Board Member
    2022-2024
    Attorney – Hubbard & Gottschall Law
    Seneca, SC

  • Wanda McCart

    Board Member
    2024-2026
    Retired – Sales Manager
    Seneca, SC

  • Tim Murphy

    Board Member
    2024-2026
    Senior Project Manager – Trehel Construction
    Seneca, SC

  • Jeff Nesseth

    Board Member
    2024-2026
    Managing Director – Main Street Investment Management
    Seneca, SC

  • Cindy Swafford

    Board Member
    2024-2026
    Senior Vice President – Oconee Federal Savings & Loan
    Seneca, SC

We are excited to introduce the people who work tirelessly to support our children and Collins Home Family Ministries every day.

Kelly Ross

Executive Director
Em: kross@collinschildrenshome.org

I am a proud native of Oconee County, South Carolina, and an alumnus of West-Oak High School. After high school, I attended Spartanburg Methodist and played basketball for one year. During my first year of college (1991), the United States entered the first Gulf War. I vividly remember those early moments of the conflict unfolding on TV in my dorm room. A few months later, I would go from student-athlete to US Army soldier.

On July 14, 1991, I left for basic training, and after graduating from basic, I went to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, where I became a radiologic technologist. During my eight years of military service, I earned two Good Conduct medals and the National Defense Ribbon. While serving in the Army, I became nationally licensed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a Radiology, Mammography, and MRI Technologist. Over the years, God provided opportunities to serve others and provide for my family through the skills I learned in the Army.

In 2005, I chose a career pivot that would alter the course of my life. God further developed my passion for Jesus and others when I became the Small Groups and Guest Experience Director at Foothills Church in Seneca, SC. This role grew my faith and revealed a true gift for visionary and strategic planning. These skills were tested at the highest levels during two successful stents as the CEO of Foothills Care Center and Piedmont Women’s Center (2012-2018 at Foothills Care Center (FCC), and 2018-2023 at Piedmont Women’s Center).

Jamie Martin

Director of Family Ministries

Jamie leads our Child Services team as director of Programs and Services. This includes case management, house parent teams, continuous improvement of our current services, and the development of future programs.

She earned her B.A. in Religion (2007) and Masters in Human Resource Development (2023). She has a combined 11 years in vocational ministry, serving families, children, and youth of varying ages throughout that time. As a Registered Behavior Technician, she served children in K-12 schools. Most recently, she worked as the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services at Clemson University, where she met with college students to determine disability-related accommodations for equal access, collaborated with departments and campus partners, and participated in policy-making discussions.

Christina Rodriguez

Development Associate

Christina came to us from New York over 5 years ago, coming from working at her family’s business for nearly 13 years and has been a blessing to us since. 

She wears many hats – from taking donations by phone, to organizing fundraising events, to warmly welcoming our amazing volunteers and donors, to managing our social media platforms. Ultimately, she keeps our office running smoothly.

Agatha Bodwell

Administrative Assistant

Agatha is the friendly voice you hear when you call our office! She assists in bookkeeping, donor communication and office management. 

Our incredible House Parents and Relief House Parents

Joel and Jessica Basyari

House Parents

Misty And Richard Veronee

House Parents

Crystal Crawford

Relief House Parent