Our Team
A Florence resident for over 20 years, Heather, along with her husband Michael and son Landon, is an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she serves with the youth. Heather serves as Director of Operations at the Foster Care Clothing Closet, where she oversees day-to-day operations, logistics, and program support to ensure children in foster care are served with dignity, compassion, and care. With a heart for service and a strong organizational background, she works behind the scenes to keep programs running efficiently while supporting volunteers, partners, and families. Deeply committed to the mission of meeting practical needs while sharing hope and encouragement with every child and caregiver served, her passion for faith-based service and community drives her dedication to creating systems that allow the organization to grow and reach more children in need.
Nicole, a proud resident of Florence, SC, shares her life with her husband Tim and their three daughters, Tori, Haley, and Maddie. The family is actively involved at Cornerstone Baptist Church, where they fellowship together. A graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, Nicole met her husband, Tim, during her time there. She and Tim own and operate Infinite Growth Solutions. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nicole is deeply passionate about supporting children in foster care. She serves on the Board of the Foster Care Clothing Closet, where she dedicates her time to meeting the needs of children entering the system. Nicole is committed to providing them with love, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as they transition into their next stage of life, helping them experience a caring community along the way.
After completing a meaningful career with Lifeway Christian Bookstore, Joel Shearon found great joy in stepping into a new season of service by volunteering with the Foster Care Clothing Closet. Retirement has allowed him the opportunity to invest his time and energy into a mission close to his heart, supporting children and families in need. Joel continues to call Florence home and is deeply grateful for the generosity and spirit of the community. He is continually encouraged by the way the people and churches of Florence faithfully rally behind fundraising efforts, making it possible to serve local children with care and compassion. For Joel, coordinating events is more than logistics, it is a chance to witness a community come together to make a lasting difference.
James is a Partner with the local accounting firm Burch, Oxner, Seale Co. CPA’s. He received his undergraduate degree in accounting from Clemson University and a master’s degree in taxation from Villanova University. James is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of South Carolina. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA). James services a diverse client base that includes high-net worth individuals, closely held business entities, not-for profit organizations and local governments. Having served Foster Care Clothing Closet as its external accountant for the last several years he recently joined the board to utilize his skill set to further assist the foster children in our community.
Michael joined the board of the Foster Care Clothing Closet in 2019 and serves as a member of the financial team. He is committed to ensuring that children entering foster care have access to clothing and basic essentials in times of transition. With a heart for supporting vulnerable families, Michael hopes to help grow a strong base of regular supporters and volunteers to expand the reach and impact of the Foster Closet’s mission.
Jennifer Gray is a Forensic Nurse Examiner with McLeod Health and has been a foster parent for the past decade. She is the proud mom of seven beautiful children—six girls and one boy—a bonus mom to her stepson, and lovingly known as “Lolli” to her two granddaughters. Over the last ten years, Jennifer has fostered more than 50 children and adopted three when the opportunity arose. Her deepest desire is to see every child placed in a loving, stable home. She is a steadfast voice for foster children, advocating for them to receive the care, services, and support they need and deserve. Jennifer firmly believes that foster parents are called to love the children entrusted to them just as fiercely as they love their own flesh and blood. She champions the importance of giving foster children as much of a “typical childhood” as possible within the safety and security of a nurturing home, providing opportunities for them to rebuild their sense of self-worth, confidence, and belonging.
A Florence native, Julie has a heart for her hometown and a passion for helping others feel supported and seen. As a real estate professional and former banker, she brings years of experience in service and connection—with a little Southern sparkle along the way. Julie is passionate about giving back, traveling, and making meaningful connections in her community. She’s also a dog mom to Cruise, her four-legged boss who truly runs the show. Julie is honored to serve on the Foster Care Clothing Closet board and help make a positive impact on the lives of children and families right here in Florence and the surrounding counties.
Marvin is a devoted husband to his wife, Ashlee, and a proud dad to three wonderful children, Emerie, Elijah, and Luka. Family is the center of his world, and the love he has for them shines through in all he does. He is the Owner and Operator of Genesis Landscapes, founded in 2015, and has been an active member of GBN since the beginning. Marvin is deeply committed to our community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Foster Care Clothing Closet with a focus on community relations and fundraising. He also serves on the Chamber’s Small Business Committee, is Vice President of Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity (for nine years), and sits on the boards of HopeHealth and the Florence Downtown Development Corporation, as well as the Membership Committee for Florence County Progress.
And in case you’re wondering if there’s anything he can’t do, Marvin is also a Belgian-trained Master Chocolatier!
We are incredibly grateful for Marvin’s leadership, generosity, and servant’s heart. Florence and the Foster Care Clothing Closet is stronger because of dedicated community leaders like him.
Alex Dusky
Volunteer Marketing Director
Liberty Koehling
Intern
Paul Dewitt
Grant Writing Intern
Stacy Foster
Volunteer Lead
Mary Kleinknecht
Volunteer Lead