Advantage Foster Family Agency
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Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is that children are most likely to thrive in a joy-filled environment, with one or two healthy primary attachments.  With guidance and the exploration of a child’s own abilities and experiences as they relate to the world around them, purpose is gradually developed over time.  Denial of that vital attachment, or the ability to explore, will result in a diminished development of well-being and purpose.  The varying degrees of trauma experienced by a child exposed to neglect, abuse, and separation are real.  The impact of that trauma on a child’s vital connection to his world can range from mild to profound, consequently affecting their ability to survive or thrive in that world.  As a program that receives these children in varying states of trauma, our responsibility is to do everything within our means to match them to a family that can fortify the child with healthy relationships and a sense of security that can eventually result in attachment.


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Advantage
Board of Directors

Ryan Hama – Board President

Catherine Liedahl – Secretary

Linda Junir

Vicki Rider

William Rider

Adam Sandler (Alternate)

Our Team

Vicki Rider

Vicki Rider is the Executive Director of Advantage Foster Family Agency.  She started as an agency social worker 30 years ago, taking over the position of Executive Director in 2013. Vicki graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Human Services and obtained her master’s degree in Social Work and PPS Credential from the University of Southern California.  She also worked for the Orange County Probation Department as a School Counselor for the Orange County Department of Education. Vicki is passionate about working with foster youth and has dedicated her professional life to helping children in the foster care system.


Anshumala Ram

Anshumala Ram is the Resource Family Approval (RFA) Manager at Advantage Foster Family Agency. She plays a key role in the organization, responsible for approving individuals or families interested in becoming foster adoptive parents. She also manages the agency's day-to-day operations, completes home studies, and supports recruitment efforts. She has been working with children and families from various ethnic and social backgrounds for over 15 years. Her prior experience includes ABC Foster Family Agency, Children and Family Services-Orange County, Hannah's Children's Homes, and Institute for Black Parenting. Anshumala has an M.S.W degree from California State University, San Bernardino. She also has a B.A. and an M.A. in Sociology from Carleton University, Canada. She is passionate about working with children and families and providing resources, support, and coping strategies to promote safety, permanence, and well-being.


Kayla Conn

Kayla Conn is a full-time social worker at the agency who became passionate about working within the foster care system when becoming a CASA for Monterey County in 2016 while receiving her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from California State University, Monterey Bay. She went on to complete graduate studies at Arizona State University, receiving a Master of Science in Family and Human Development in 2019 and Master of Social Work in 2023. She has completed graduate hours with various non-profit organizations including Rise Above the Disorder, California Youth Services, and with our agency where she was brought on as a full-time member of our team. Outside of the foster care field, she has experience working in mental health and educational-based settings with both youth and adults. As a social worker, Kayla enjoys building rapport with our families and the foster children in their care, providing additional support, resources, and interventions.  

Taylor Jasso

Taylor Jasso is a full-time social worker with Advantage Foster Family Agency. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino. She is in the process of obtaining her master’s degree in Social Work as well from Arizona State University. Taylor has experience in working with children and families, as she previously worked for Riverside County Social Services. Taylor is passionate about working with foster youth and has found joy in advocating for children and families in the foster care system.


Olivia Oliver

Olivia Oliver recently joined the Advantage FFA team as a full-time social worker. Before working for this agency, she gained multiple years of experience working with at-risk foster care youth in a group home setting. This is where Olivia found her passion for advocating for foster youth of all ages. Olivia graduated with her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development, proceeded by a M.S. degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. Olivia enjoys working one-on-one with the youth and helping them reach their full potential. 


Socorro Avalos

Socorro Avalos is our Bilingual Administrative Staff, but she wears many hats.  First and foremost, she helps families navigate the road to becoming a Resource Parent.  She is our go to person when questions come up and she is responsible for collecting the needed paperwork and maintaining files.  Socorro has been with the agency for over 20 years, working her way to her current position. She plays a very important support role, doing so with a positive attitude and a smile on her face.  

Kylie Clark

Kylie Clark has been with Advantage Foster Family Agency since 2017.  She is currently working as an Administrative Assistant, helping behind the scenes to maintain files, manage receipts, and complete audits.  Kylie is responsible for planning events, soliciting donations, and designing forms and handbooks. Kylie graduated from Stanbridge University and is a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Her specialty is in the mental health and substance abuse field.