Unsung Hero: Diana Hardwick-Smith, 'We couldn't do what we do' without her

Seattle's Child is proud to once again sponsor the Unsung Heroes being honored in February by the Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington.

Nominations are accepted from around the state and and include biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofit organizations; some mentor others in their communities. All honorees are true heroes: outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.

Diana Hardwick-Smith (Seattle)

Diana has been a foster parent for 26 years, and throughout this time she has fostered nearly 40 children, and has cared for many more.

Diana is the hub home provider for one of our office's Mockingbird constellations. She has supported foster parents in the constellation by being a mentor and respite provider, helping families get through difficult times and see the positives in the challenges.

In addition to the Mockingbird constellation meetings, Diana also helps with organizing the local foster parent support group. She even helped to mentor our new constellation hub home, and as a result, we have a wonderful network of "extended family" foster homes!

Diana seems to always be in a great mood and has seemingly endless energy. I can count on her for a quick response or comedic relief in a time of need. I have seen her interact with kids in the most kind and cute manner. She is so helpful and loves to have fun in everything she does, but she also knows how to get down to business and accomplish goals, like helping our team find placement for a child in a pinch.

We couldn't do what we do without amazing foster parents like Diana.

Nominated by: Jessica Hatch