Natalie Anderson

Founder and Executive Director

Natalie started Fostering Community in 2023. She has always had a passion to empower people and make them feel seen, known, and cared for. Natalie graduated with a degree in Social Work and a certificate in Trauma Therapy. For the last 10 years she has had the joy and honor of walking alongside so many people on their journeys of healing and empowerment. Natalie has also enjoyed collaborating with those around her to build community and support for the individuals she serves. Her passions and connections perfectly collided in forming Fostering Community and she is excited for all that’s in store! Natalie and her husband Trevor live in Waukesha and have been married almost 4 years. Natalie has Trevor to thank for helping to nudge her and support her in starting Fostering Community!

Meet The Board

  • Ashley Thompson

    Ashley lives in Bay View with her husband, Wadse. Ashley and Wadse met while both working in Switzerland in 2012. As a Marquette alum and Wisconsin native, Ashley introduced Wadse to all that WI has to offer and they moved to Milwaukee in 2020. They became foster parents in 2021 and are in the process of adopting. She is passionate about helping other foster/adoptive families and building community within our area. Professionally, Ashley works for Deloitte Tax, specializing in global employer services and assisting companies with their workforce.

  • Chuck Croft

    Chuck Croft is a retired business executive. He most recently served as CEO of Annie’s Publishing and SFG. He previously held positions as President of Kalmbach Media and VP Finance of Milwaukee Rescue Mission. Chuck and his wife Julie have been married for 34 years, and they have three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. They are active at Northbrook Church and are passionate about being a blessing to others and helping those in need.

  • Laura Lange

    Laura is a wife and mom of two young children. While she has a background in psychology and youth clinical case management she now stays busy with her family, friends and being an event planner in the Milwaukee area. Laura was adopted as an infant from Venezuela and grew up with adopted siblings. The 'chosen family' mentality has been an important, lifelong value for her. Her passion for people and creating connections and a community for others, is a large part of why the Fostering Community is important to her.

  • Mike Vanausdall

    Mike and his wife, Becky, live in Milwaukee, WI with their three kids, and pastor Good Land Church. Before moving to Milwaukee in 2017, the church they were a part of in Oklahoma had a great relationship with the foster care system, and had a great ministry in place to serve the foster care community. This ultimately helped them in their adoption story, and since then they have been passionate about helping current and potential foster and adoptive families through community.

Community Support

We could not do this work without the tremendous support of those in our community from businesses to individuals! We also want to thank all the foster and adoptive families who allow us into their lives and make this work worth it every day! Thank you to everyone who is a part of the community of Fostering Community!