Annika Marek-Barta

Annika Marek-Barta is a former foster youth that spent 5 years in the foster care system. She was our We See You 2024 as our keynote speaker.

At the age of 26, she was adopted as an adult, displaying the truth that we never outgrow the need to belong. She has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Washington state and works as a graphic designer/photographer. Her heart is to advocate for seats to be added to tables as the lonely are invited into belonging.

Rodney Gray

Rodney Gray is a Military Veteran, Pastor, and Leadership & Team Development Coach. He joined us as emcee for We See You 2024!

With over twenty years of leadership experience, Rodney has been afforded the opportunity to help develop leaders in various industries, such as emergency response, hospitality, education, church ministry, and logistics to name a few. Rodney has a deep passion for inspiring authenticity and helping to unlock the hidden potential in each leader for maximum results.

Rodney and his wife Jacqueline currently live in Northern California.

Kristen Thomas

Kristen is a former foster and now adoptive single mom who also aged out of the foster care system herself as a teen. She is crossing the finish line in graduating with her masters’ s and obtaining licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. While Kristen has recently closed her foster home to pursue higher education, her doors have remained open to other aged out foster youth as they transition into programs and or stability.

Kristen and her adoptive daughter Elise have been featured in a PBS Special with Lidia Bastianich which highlights Kristen's overcoming incredible odds and adversity. In 2008, Singer and Songwriter Matthew West wrote the song "The Story of Your Life" to honor the testimony of Kristen following Jesus in the midst of aging out of foster care. Above all, Kristen is loving being a mom and pursuing her passions of seeing systems and communities transformed in their care of vulnerable populations.

Jason Johnson

Jason Johnson is joined us for his fourth We See You event! He supports families and guides leaders in foster care and adoption. Jason is the Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement at Christian Alliance for Orphans, creating resources, coaching leaders, and teaching on church ministry and leadership.

Jason and his wife, Emily, live in Texas with their daughters. He's authored four books: Reframing Foster Care, Everyone Can Do Something, ALL IN Orphan Care, and Effectively Engaging Churches. Find his resources at www.jasonjohnsonblog.com