Our Fresno Foster Service Center's Leadership & Directors
Administration
Mary Dela Torre, Founder and COO
Mary Dela Torre is the visionary Founder and Chief Operating Officer of North Star Family Center and North Star Wellness Center, two specialized Central California organizations dedicated to fostering the well-being of children, families, and communities. Her journey began as a foster parent, where her passion for child welfare blossomed into a career as a placement worker for a Fresno adoption agency. In 2009, Mary founded the North Star Family Center, which has since served over 1,200 children across multiple counties, helping them find safety, stability, and support in loving homes. Mary’s dedication extends beyond her professional achievements to her personal commitment to community empowerment. Her leadership continues to inspire transformative programs that address critical needs, including child welfare services, mental health services, parenting support, and reentry counseling, to help families achieve their full potential.
Jessica Micheli MS, Program Director
Jessica Micheli MS, Program Director: Jessica brings extensive social services and child welfare experience to her role as Program Director. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in social work, as well as her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy counseling, from Fresno State University. Jessica leads programs that enable children and families to thrive with experience in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and clinical settings. She leads with a person-centered approach, applying expertise in program administration, case management, and community outreach that reflects her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and creating lasting positive change.
Board of Directors
Scott Fox, Director
Scott believes that fostering—or adopting—a child takes a true family commitment.
“The Staff at North Star Family Center goes above and beyond. I am blessed to be a part of such a great organization that cares so passionately about their families.”
Scott gives to the community in many ways, including serving on the board of several nonprofit organizations. He was an elementary school coach for seven years. A small business owner, Greg was named the Small Business of the Year in 2008 by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce.
Tim Yoshiteru Ikeda, Director
Tim comes to North Star with a business background, including retail management, technology services, and pharmaceuticals. He earned his BS in Business Administration from Fresno State and graduated from Clovis West High School. Tim volunteers for the Central Valley Food Bank at Groceries to Go and at various distribution sites and was honored to be named volunteer of the month last year.
Ryan Woods, Director
Ryan brings his experience serving clients as a successful National Sales Manager to his role as a director of our Fresno adoption and foster service agency. As a father of two girls, he believes every kid should have the opportunity to grow up in a loving home.
“I am excited to give back to an organization that is focused on children, advocating and supporting for their well-being.”
Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from UC San Diego
Michael Delaney, Director
Michael has served on the North Star board many years. His board experience includes serving as a director for business, nonprofit, and professional organizations. Michael is a strategic planning consultant, especially in the field of marketing communications. Michael holds a master’s degree in Health Systems Leadership and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco, as well as an Associate of Arts Degree from Fresno City College.
Greg Donato
Greg supports North Star Family Center, as well as the Fresno Fire Chief’s Foundation and several other community based organizations because he wants to positively impact the lives of people in the community. Prior to his current career in the insurance industry, Greg was a professional baseball player for the Atlanta Braves, and a Paramedic at American Ambulance Service in Fresno.