The Men of BFT: The Power of Male Role Models in Foster Care
- Sheri Bilderback
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22
What picture comes to mind when you hear the term “social worker”? If you are like many Americans, you pictured a woman. Much like nurses and teachers, many think of social services as a female-dominated field. These disciplines require patience, empathy, and a caring spirit to be successful. Women are indeed drawn to such jobs. For example, statistics show that about 79% of social workers are women versus about 21% of men.
However, more Americans are breaking from traditional work roles to use their strengths in areas where they are most needed. More men are now considering social work as their field of choice.
Bringing Families Together is proud to introduce you to the gentlemen of BFT. Our guys make up 18% of our staff. These men bring drive, energy, and a caring spirit that show kids men can be nurturing too.
Some of our kids have never had a positive, caring male in their lives. Others have had difficult experiences with men, which may make them wary. Interacting with our male staff can make a world of difference in how kids in care view relationships and the world around them.
Andrew Gray joined BFT in 2024, but he is such a natural fit that it feels like he has been part of the team for years. He serves as a Family Development Specialist on our resource team, recruiting, training, and licensing potential foster/adoptive families.
Andrew became interested in social services as both he and his nine siblings were adopted. His own story is the spark behind his passion for making a difference in kids’ lives. Andrew has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is so friendly and outgoing that “everybody knows his name.” Cheers, Andrew!
Chad Baker has been part of the BFT family for about ten years. He currently works as a Family Development Specialist on our resource team and holds a MSW with an emphasis in medical social work.
A Boston native, Chad moved to St. Louis for his university studies. He first became interested in social services while volunteering at a local children’s hospital on the cancer floor. What he loves most about his job is helping kids find permanent families.
An avid Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan, Chad is also a serious movie buff. He stays active in the community and has even been recognized for his outstanding work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Daquez Davis joined BFT recently as a Family Service Worker on our foster care case management team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Correctional and Support Services and is passionate about providing new opportunities to families in need. He also has a strong desire to help families reunify. Daquez is known for his sharp style and even does some modeling in his spare time. Coming from a big, close-knit family with 11 siblings, he understands the power of strong family bonds.
Deron Terry, also known as “the Baby Whisperer,” joined BFT in 2025 and has already made his mark. He was recently promoted to Lead Family Service Worker for our foster care case management team!
Deron earned a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science and a master’s in kinesiology, and he plans to complete a second master’s in teaching physical education.
He has coached high school football for the past seven years and currently coaches at Vianney High School in Kirkwood. All at BFT know that Deron has a special gift with babies — little ones relax in his arms and respond to his deep, soothing voice.
Matthew Jackson has a big presence in social services — and an even bigger one in person, standing at 6’6”! He joined BFT this year as a Family Service Worker on our foster care case management team, but has always known he wanted to be a social worker. His own childhood experiences make him an excellent advocate for kids in foster care, offering them both understanding and hope.
Matthew holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in professional counseling. He is also an adoptee who has raised his niece, is raising two boys of his own, and runs a small business named after his adoptive mother.
Kyle Dunn joined the BFT team just a few months ago as a TLSS Specialist to work with teens and young adults in the Transitional Living Program. His role is to help youth prepare for independence so they are ready to live on their own when they leave foster care. Kyle is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in the community. He holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate recreation and wellness, and he loves sports. In fact, he was part of the NCAA’s 2009 Football Coaching Staff of the Year!
Shelby Howard may be newer to BFT, but he brings 20 years of experience in social services. Shelby is a Family Service Worker on our foster care case management team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in organizational leadership.
Shelby has a big smile and an even bigger personality. He loves helping families get back on track and improve their lives.
Outside of work, Shelby is a talented cook — he was a grill master for a BBQ restaurant in Tennessee for about ten years. Now the BFT team knows who to call for the next staff cookout!
At Bringing Families Together, we are proud to have men on our team who demonstrate every day that nurturing, caring, and making a difference knows no gender. The impact these male role models have on the kids we serve is immeasurable — from offering guidance and support to showing that positive male influence can shape a child’s future.
We celebrate our men of BFT for their dedication, compassion, and the meaningful connections they build with every child and family they touch.
Read more about these awesome men on our BFT Team page.
