Our Team

The Village Collective is led by a small, dedicated staff team of two, supported by a committed Board of Directors.

Together, we walk alongside students and families experiencing homelessness, foster care involvement, and relational instability—building trusted relationships, coordinating care, and strengthening community support so no young person has to navigate life alone.

Staff

Frances Bunday

Frances has spent years walking alongside teens from all walks of life through youth programs and as a high school track and field coach. As a foster parent, her commitment to supporting vulnerable students has deepened even further.

Through both her professional and personal experiences, Frances has seen firsthand how one steady, caring adult can profoundly shape the life of a young person. She founded The Village Collective out of a belief that every child deserves consistent support, meaningful relationships, and a community that shows up. Frances leads with compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to ensuring students facing homelessness, foster care involvement, and relational instability do not have to navigate life alone.

Executive Director

Michelle Ladd

Michelle is a Clinical Social Worker Associate with over five years of experience serving a diverse range of clients. Her work has primarily focused on providing mental health therapy to youth and families, both in crisis settings and through ongoing care.

Through her years as a social worker, Michelle has seen how easily individuals in need of support can slip through the cracks of a complex system. She has also witnessed the powerful impact of meaningful relationships—especially when people feel seen, heard, and believed in.

These experiences have shaped Michelle’s passion for using her background to support others and build impactful, relationship-centered care.

Program Director

Chiqui Flowers

Christina Mildren

Lauren Fleischmann

Hollie Perlmutter

Season Ponce

Betsy Findtner

Maddie Bouska

Our Founding Board Members helped shape The Village Collective from the very beginning. They bring diverse professional experience, lived wisdom, and a shared commitment to ensuring students facing homelessness, foster care involvement, and relational instability are supported with dignity and care. Their leadership, guidance, and belief in the mission continue to strengthen and sustain our work.

Founding Board Members