Our team
that make Homestead Community
a special place for everyone.
Sue Braaten
President
Sue Braaten is owner/operator of the Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites in Gig Harbor, Washington. Sue has worked as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for over 25 years after first being exposed to the Foster Care system in the process of adopting her youngest son from the system.
Seeing the extreme need children living in Foster Care have for stability, Sue founded the Homestead Community to try and give these special children the opportunity to grow up in a loving, consistent place they can call home. Sue and her husband Ken have lived in Gig Harbor for over 40 years and are actively involved in their community and local church. They have 4 adult children and 10 grandchildren.
Colleen Bond
Treasurer
Colleen received her accounting degree from St. Martin’s University and has been practicing in the non-profit sector since 1997.Colleen and her husband, Mark, became foster parents in 2006 and through this experience came to realize the huge need for stable homes for children in the foster care system. She was, therefore, excited to join Sue in establishing The Homestead Community and has served as its treasurer since its inception.
Colleen lives with her husband of 35 years on a farm on Fox Island where they raised their two children and continue to provide respite weekends for children in foster care. She enjoys making jam, reading, traveling and playing cards with friends when she is not working or promoting the cause of children in foster care.
Kathy Heerema
Board Member
Kathy Heerema is Sales Manager of Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites of Gig Harbor. She is an original member of the Homestead Community board and a long-term advocate for those in need. Kathy is known for being very empathetic and brings a tenderness in her approach to serving children in the foster care program.
Clara Ballasiotes
Secretary
Clara Ballasiotes is a mother of 3 grown, married children and has multiple beautiful grandchildren. She currently teaches special education at a local Christian school. She was a foster parent for about 19 years here in the Tacoma area. She has always had a heart for foster children and is still in touch with many of them today. She believes strongly in the goals and mission of the Homestead Community and looks forward to serving on the board, bringing a background of education, foster care and love of children.
Brooke Murphy
Board Member
Brooke brings a personal passion to Homestead Community. Her youngest sibling was adopted from foster care, and she has witnessed firsthand some of the challenges faced by children in the system. She is driven by her belief that every child deserves a stable place to call home. Brooke received her accounting degree from the University of San Diego and has worked as a CPA in public accounting for over 20 years.
Shiela Off
Vice President
Shiela is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer and co-owner of Kitchen Bath Design Studio in Tacoma. She brings a wealth of experience and network of relationships in the home and design industry. She also has a deep concern for children and works with Homestead Community to make sure every child has a loving and beautiful home environment in which to thrive.
Michelle Woods
Board Member
Michelle has been happily married for 28 years, and home schooled her children their entire educational career. She has been on educational advocacy committees, and enjoys teaching classes on building stronger marriages, parenting, and finances. She has a BSBM in Business Management and has a background in construction, real estate, and financial planning.
Michelle has experience both as a foster parent of a sibling group and as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). Seeing children in these tough life situations really touched her heart and built a desire to be a part of the solution. Michelle is passionate about loving God and loving all people.