Benjamin (Ben) Parish is new to the board for 2026 but has been involved with Tuscaloosa Angels as a foster parent since 2019. He currently serves in undergraduate student support at The University of Alabama, as well as an instructor in the College of Education. Before transitioning to higher education in 2023, he spent significant time in the K-12 realm as a special education teacher in diverse communities. He holds degrees in special education and higher education administration and is passionate about supporting and advocating for all young people, particularly those from under-represented, -performing, and/or -valued populations.

Ben and his wife, Paige, have been foster parents in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for almost 7 years and have welcomed many children into their family that includes two biological kiddos, Reid and BW. It has been an absolute joy to invest in families experiencing foster care and love them on their journey to reunification and permanency. The emphasis that Tuscaloosa Angels places on community has been vital and allowed continued service to the foster care community. Ben and his family are active members of Anchor Church.