TREASURE COAST
Safe Families of the Treasure Coast
Safe Families for Children – Treasure Coast surrounds families in crisis with caring, compassionate community. We are a nonprofit, volunteer movement serving Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. We create extended family–like supports for struggling, isolated families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated to keep children safe and keep families together.
MEET OUR TEAM
Chapter Director
Jessica Staudt
Jessica Staudt brings both lived experience and visionary leadership as chapter director. A former foster youth who experienced the life-changing impact of a loving faith-rooted home, Jessica's passion for family preservation is personal. Her placement in the care of Mary Martha Ross, a devoted Christian foster parent, sparked a lifelong calling to ensure other children and families in crisis receive the kind of support and stability that transformed her path.
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Jessica holds a Master's in Public Health and has dedicated her career to maternal and child health, community engagement, and trauma-informed care. Most recently, she led strategic initiatives at Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, where she fostered collaborative partnerships, implemented family-centered programs, and advocated for systems change that uplifts vulnerable communities.
Ana Ruleman
Intake Specialist & Family Coach Supervisor
​As a Business Manager at a radio station in 2001, Ana attended a professional goal-setting seminar and, instead, set a personal goal to care for children in crisis. Two weeks later, she became a foster parent and, eventually, left her career in radio to become a certified therapeutic foster parent with a dedicated 6-bed crisis home. After caring for more than 300 children, Ana set a new goal: support families in crisis before foster care becomes necessary. She loves the mission of Safe Families for Children to keep “Children Safe and Families Together.”
Gaby Chavez-Munden
Area Coordinator
Gabriela serves as the Area Coordinator in St. Lucie and Martin Counties. As a bilingual and bicultural communicator, she brings a heart for connection and a deep belief in the power of community. For Gabriela, Safe Families is more than a program—it’s a place where lives are transformed. She values the moments when trust is rebuilt, hope is restored, and families feel truly seen and supported. With openness and compassion, Gabriela walks alongside volunteers, churches, and families, helping them build relationships that bring lasting impact. Her work reminds her daily that joy and strength can return to those who thought they had lost them. Gabriela considers it a privilege to serve through Safe Families for Children and to be part of a movement that restores hope and strengthens communities.
Family Coach Supervisor
Frances Rodriguez
Frances brings both professional expertise and personal dedication to her role as Program Administrator with Safe Families for Children. Originally from Puerto Rico, Frances built a fulfilling career with the United States Postal Service, beginning as a mail carrier in the Bronx and later serving as a supervisor in New Jersey. Her years of leadership and service instilled in her a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, and a deep appreciation for the diverse communities she served. Alongside her career, Frances raised five children, each now pursuing their own unique paths. This experience shaped her understanding of family life, resilience, and the importance of support systems—values that align closely with the mission of Safe Families. Now retired, Frances is excited to invest her time and talents into giving back to her community. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she bridges cultures with ease and brings a welcoming presence to families, volunteers, and partners. She is passionate about collaboration, building trust, and creating spaces where hope and connection can flourish.
