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.
​
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 Chávez Munden serves as the Area Coordinator for Safe Families in St. Lucie and Martin Counties. A Certified Community Health Worker, she connects families with vital resources and navigates complex health and social service systems, bridging gaps between communities and providers to ensure well-rounded support. Her expertise strengthens partnerships, expands access to care, and brings a compassionate, outcomes‑focused approach that empowers families to succeed(. With over 20 years in social services and 15+ years in counseling and crisis intervention, Gabriela has guided families, youth, and high‑risk populations through critical moments of challenge and change. Her experience spans the Florida Department of Health, Healthy Start, and CASTLE, where she coordinated care for pregnant women and families, facilitated parenting programs, and advanced public health initiatives. For Gabriela, Safe Families is more than a program—it’s a place where lives are transformed, hope is restored, and communities are strengthened.
Frances Rodriguez
Family Coach Supervisor
Frances brings both professional expertise and personal dedication to her role as Family Coach Supervisor 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.
Jazmine Rosario
Program Administrator
I’m Jazmine, and I’m excited to be joining this amazing team as the Program Administrator. I bring a background in event management, office administration, and over eight years of experience in hospitality. Growing up with eight siblings sparked my love for working with children and families and inspired my desire to be part of work that feels truly meaningful and fulfilling. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support this organization’s mission and the families we serve. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and crafting, which allow me to unwind and express my creativity.
.jpg)
Michele Buldo
Church & Community Engagement Coordinator
Michele Buldo is an experienced community outreach and prevention professional with over 20 years of experience leading coalitions, building partnerships, and coordinating large-scale community initiatives in both New Jersey and Florida. Before moving to Florida seven years ago, she ran a countywide prevention coalition in New Jersey, organizing conferences, training over 1,000 hospitality professionals, and managing departmental operations and budgets. When she first moved to Florida, Michele continued her prevention work by leading the SAFIR Coalition (now Thrive), where she oversaw a range of community initiatives including substance use symposiums, youth and family-focused events, campaign messaging and more, which played a key role in expanding prevention initiatives across the area.
In her previous role as Community Outreach & Development Manager at Thrive IRC, Michele developed strategic partnerships, led community education efforts, and oversaw major events, including a 1,200-attendee Family Fun Festival. She also supported grant research and fundraising initiatives.
Alongside her prevention work, Michele owns Dream Big Adventures, where she creates customized travel experiences and has grown her client base significantly through exceptional service and attention to detail.
Michele holds a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Science from Montclair State University. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Florida and is a proud mom of two.
Javi Murillo
Indian River Bilingual Coordinator
I serve as the Bilingual Coordinator for Safe Families for Children in Indian River County, where I’m passionate about building relationships, supporting families, and helping bridge communities through compassion and faith-led service. With a background in sport and exercise science, coaching, and community leadership, I love connecting with people and creating safe, supportive environments for children and families.
​
Outside of work, you can usually find me working out, playing soccer, cooking a good meal, traveling, or spending time with family and friends. I’m also a huge fan of FC Barcelona!
