She | Her | Hers
Seaside, Oregon
Hi! I’m Celeste Bodner, and I’m the Founder and Executive Director of FosterClub. I live in Seaside, Oregon — the location of FosterClub’s national headquarters (fun fact: I live in a hexagon-shaped house on a property shared with coyotes, deer, rabbits, eagles, and an occasional bobcat). I love to hit the beach with my dogs in search of sand dollars, create and appreciate art, and travel. A bit of trivia: I’m undefeated at thumb wrestling!
I became interested in foster care when my husband and I unexpectedly became foster parents to two brothers in 1996. Recognizing the lack of youth-friendly information to guide young people through the process and the difficulty in locating a peer support group for the boys to connect with, I was inspired to fill the gap in services for young people experiencing foster care. I gain the greatest satisfaction when I hear stories about the great things being accomplished by young people who have come through FosterClub, such as career achievements, healthy family relationships, and adventures in travel—all the things that make for a great life.
Prior to founding FosterClub, Celeste ran a small communications agency in Portland, working with clients such as Nike, Pottery Barn, and Centex Homes. Her leadership has been recognized by Casey Family Programs and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and was recognized by Michelle Obama as one of MORE Magazine’s ‘Women Working Wonders.’
