We are pleased to introduce the new Family Locate Team, now part of The Department of Health and Welfare, Youth Safety & Permanency under the supervision of Robyn Lloyd. This team will be reaching out to general foster families to verify and update information. Their efforts will help ensure that we are making the most appropriate and informed placement decisions—matching children with foster families that best meet their individual needs.
In addition to gathering updated information, the team will also contact families to discuss potential placement opportunities.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Robyn Lloyd via email at Robyn.lloyd@dhw.idaho.gov or by phone at 208-732-1336. You may also contact the new team at FLT@dhw.idaho.gov.
We appreciate your continued support and commitment to the children and families we serve.
Brandy Macias
Hello, my name is Brandy Macias. I have been newly appointed to the DHW Family Locate Team under Robyn Lloyd’s supervision. A little about me is that I am from Southern California but was mainly raised here in the Magic Valley, specifically Jerome.
I went to Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID where I gained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2020. While I gained my degree, I was working at Bannock House as a Youth Advocate/Direct Care Professional. During my time with Bannock House (BH), I gained a better understanding of the foster care system intricacies and how the adolescents involved are affected. I also had a chance to experience the differences of working at BH before and after COVID-19 was freshly introduced and got to experience the complications surrounding the disease.
I also have job experience as a behavior tech, substitute teacher, GED Teacher, Reading Tutor and even some warehouse experience jobs through FedEx and Amazon. I feel drawn to working with youth as they are our future and strongly believe that we as a community should strive to better the next generation’s living conditions whether environmentally, mentally, or socially.
Nora Hess
Hello, my name is Nora Hess. I graduated from Brigham Young University–Idaho in 2024 with a degree in Public Health. During my time there, I completed an internship at Cassia Regional Hospital, where I focused on community health initiatives and outreach.
I am passionate about serving and supporting my local community, with a special focus on Hispanic families. As a bilingual professional fluent in both English and Spanish, I am committed to bridging communication gaps and promoting inclusive services.
I bring experience working with young children through church-based programs, and I am excited to expand that work by helping children across the state find safe, supportive families and foster homes.
Outside of work, I’m a dedicated wife and mother of three. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and running, which help me stay balanced and energized.
Blaine Pendergrass
Hello, my name is Blaine Pendergrass, and I am a dedicated professional with a strong background in youth ministry, student mentorship, and facilities operations. In February 2025, I joined the Department of Health and Welfare in Idaho, bringing nearly a decade of experience supporting young people and maintaining safe, functional environments that foster growth and community.
Prior to relocating to Idaho, I spent nine years working at a combined school and church campus in Southern California. While managing a wide range of campus maintenance responsibilities, I also served as a junior high and high school ministry leader. In this role, I led student programs, mentored youth, and helped create a supportive and inclusive environment where students could thrive spiritually, emotionally, and socially. I worked with teens and pre-teens, developed strengths in leadership, communication, and relationship-building across diverse age groups and backgrounds.
I have a passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Whether mentoring students or supporting behind-the-scenes operations, I bring a heart for service and a commitment to excellence.
Now based in Idaho, I am excited to continue serving others, expand my professional skills, and remain focused on work that strengthens individuals and communities.
William Maki
Since being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2007, I have continued to seek a sense of purpose and belonging in something greater than myself. During that journey I have worked in multiple different industries from retail stores, an auto garage, a car dealership, and even a candy manufacturing plant in Mexico.
I felt most fulfilled when working with troubled youth, I have done this in 2 capacities: as a youth mental health case worker and as a special education paraprofessional while living in Montana. In 2016, I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in Addictions and Recovery, along with a minor in Business. I continued to work with troubled kids through the school district through shadowing and monitoring/correcting behaviors and reporting findings/suggestions to the Special Education Director when we moved to Hagerman, Idaho in 2020.
I have been married for 21 years to my wife, whom I deeply love and cherish. Together, we are raising three wonderful sons, ages 16, 13, and 10. We relocated to Twin Falls approximately three years ago, and I am eager to become a more active and engaged member of the community.
Jeremy Reeves
Hello, my name is Jeremy Reeves, and I graduated from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I earned my bachelor’s degree in human services counseling. My social work journey began while living in Las Vegas, while working on my undergrad degree. During that time, I spent over five years working with homeless youth and housing chronically homeless adults.
I am originally from Rupert, Idaho. My recent experience as a social worker has been in Idaho. I worked for IDHW from 2021-2024 with the Division of Behavioral Health in the clinical services bureau as a mobile crisis team member, statewide intake team specialist, and as a region 5 and 6 discharge coordinator in the hospital aftercare program.
Aside from my passion of advocating for Idahoan’s, I enjoy indoor activities such as cooking, reading, writing songs, singing, and playing guitar. I also, thrive in the great outdoors where I can be found road/trail running, hiking, biking, or snowboarding. Perhaps my greatest point of pride, happiness, and time are spent in the role I enjoy the most; being the father of two teenage boys named Ayden and Noah.
FUN FACT: I love to travel and have visited Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Canada, as well as, 30 plus states in America. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to engage in the wonderful work associated with the IDHW’s WIG at CYFS.