C.A.S.E. created the accredited Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program to train more than 1800 mental health therapists nationwide from 18 different states. Adoptive, kinship and foster families across the country can now search by state to find mental health professionals who have the specialized skills to address your unique needs.
Heather Quinn is a seasoned event management and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in a broad range of functional areas including project management, operations and logistics, venue negotiations, marketing and promotional campaigns, sponsorship sales and fulfillment, and staff and volunteer management.
She has a proven ability to facilitate successful projects and events of any scale from thought leadership summits to the 1999 Women’s World Cup, professional tennis (Davis Cup and senior men’s tour) and golf tournaments (LPGA), concerts featuring national talent and other fundraising events.
Heather graduated from Brown University with a degree in Political Science. Heather is an adoptive mother of 2 children. She is active in her children’s school community at Georgetown Day School, where she serves on several committees.
Padmini Mahurkar is the former President of the World Bank Family Network, a unit of the World Bank Group.
She is a seasoned leader having spent the last 6 years in collaborating and network building at the World Bank to ensure the smooth transition of families from other nations to settle in the United States. She developed and sustained partnerships with senior management to ensure the representation of the 5000+ members of the organization. She is skilled in leading and motivating teams of people from diverse backgrounds that have relocated across the globe.
Her role entailed supporting survivors of domestic abuse as well advocating for them. She was involved in promoting the professional interests of dependent partners within the World Bank. Leaving her career in academics behind, Padmini relocated 7 times across the globe making her adept at adapting and assimilating with different cultures.
Prior to this role, Padmini has worked in academics in Manila, New York and Mumbai. She has a Masters in Economics from Mumbai University and a Masters in Finance from London University and currently enrolled in the University of Maryland for her Masters in Social Work.
Richard K. Devaney has over 35 years of institutional experience in the investment, development and operations of multifamily housing and commercial real estate. In 2015, Mr. Devaney, along with two other seasoned multifamily rental lending professionals, launched EagleBank’s FHA Multifamily Lending Division. This business a significant contributor to the bank’s profitability along with socially responsible investment strategies. Devaney has also overseen several new investment initiatives on behalf of EagleBank which are accretive to the bank’s overall strategic plan.
From 2006 up through 2015, Mr. Devaney co-founded Crossbeam Capital an institutional real estate investment advisor and launched its first private equity real estate fund in 2007. As Chairman and CEO, Mr. Devaney had comprehensive company responsibilities for investment strategy, capital markets, portfolio and asset management, and investor relations while having over $1 billion in assets under management.
Prior to forming Crossbeam Capital, Mr. Devaney served as National Vice President for Equity and Mezzanine Debt Investments with the American Communities Fund at Fannie Mae (“ACF”), and authored ACF’s five-year strategic plan.
From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Devaney managed a team that was primarily responsible for all of ACF’s equity investments, generating $971 million in investments over 188 transactions, spanning 40,504 units, with a total market capitalization in excess of $5 billion.
Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Mr. Devaney was Senior Vice President of the Community Development Lending Division at the Bank of America. Mr. Devaney holds a B.A. from Belmont Abbey College, with majors in Economics and Business Administration.
He is presently the Vice Chair of C.A.S.E., a 501 (c) 3 – Center for Adoption Support and Education.
As an adopted person herself, Sara Traigle van Geertruyden serves on the Board Directors at C.A.S.E., and provides pro bono counsel to the organization on issues related to child welfare policy.
Sara joined as a Partner at Thorn Run Partners in 2011. She serves as the Executive Director of the Partnership to Improve Patient Care (PIPC), which is also chaired by former Congressman Tony Coelho, primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her work is focused on policies to advance a patient-centered health system, from patient engagement in research to driving outcomes that matter to patients in healthcare payment and delivery.
Sara is a healthcare and welfare policy expert with over 20 years of experience. She began her career on Capitol Hill, working for former Senator John Breaux (D-LA) from 1996-2003, first as a projects assistant handling Congressional appropriations and advising constituents on the federal grant process, and ultimately serving as a legislative assistant, overseeing Senate Finance Committee issues on health and welfare.
In 2003, she joined the law firm, Patton Boggs where she practiced in the public policy group handling regulatory and legislative issues related to health care, child welfare, and appropriations for clients. Sara has represented clients including hospital systems, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare provider associations and coalitions.
Sara was introduced to C.A.S.E. at Patton Boggs, where she began providing pro bono counsel to the organization. Her scope of work in health policy combines expertise in working with major health care and social services agencies, including the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Children and Families, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.
Sara has a strong reputation on both sides of the political spectrum, having staffed Senator Breaux in his efforts to pass legislation that he championed with former Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) to modernize the Medicare program in his efforts to raise bipartisan ideas for health reform and re-authorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Sara received her Bachelor’s Degree from Wake Forest University and earned her juris doctor at the Catholic University Columbus School of Law.
703-659-0813
Susan LaVigna, LCSW-C serves clients via telehealth throughout the state of Maryland. She has been providing individual, group, and family therapy to children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland. Susan holds a certification in Adoption Competent Therapy from the University of Maryland as well. Her expertise includes adoptee identity issues, grief and loss, anxiety, and ADHD. She has a special interest in working with teens. In addition to extensive training in adoption issues, she brings to her work the personal perspective of being an adult adopted person.
Uma S. Ahluwalia is a respected healthcare and human services professional with extensive experience leading key growth initiatives in demanding political and legislative environments.
She is an expert in delivering innovative, reliable, cost-effective solutions and public policy strategies that improve operations and productivity.
Prior to joining HMA, she served as director of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services in Maryland. During her 12-year tenure she led implementation of the Affordable Care Act, oversaw the move to a more integrated and interoperable health and human services enterprise, and managed public-private partnerships and programs.
Montgomery County, Maryland was one of the few jurisdictions, where there was a nationally recognized model for integrating public health with human services and behavioral health to address population health and wellbeing. This integration across both public and private agencies involved strong community based organization partnerships and innovative contracting models.
Uma’s work experience also includes leadership in Child Welfare as the interim director in the Child and Family Services Agency in Washington, DC and assistant secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services in the State of Washington for the Children’s Administration.
She has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Delhi in India and a specialist, post-master’s in health services administration from George Washington University. Over her 28-year career in human services, she has progressively moved from case-carrying social work to executive leadership at the state and local levels.
Aaron Schuham is the Associate General Counsel for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Aaron has over 20 years’ experience in civil rights legal work. He joined HHS in 2015. Prior to serving in HHS, Aaron held numerous positions in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, including Chief of the Division’s Policy Section, Deputy Chief of the Employment Litigation Section and, earlier in his career, Senior Trial Attorney, also in the Employment Litigation Section.
He also served for several years in external civil rights community, as Legislative Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Aaron is a graduate of Stanford Law School, as well as Brown University, where he majored in Applied Mathematics. As Stanford, Aaron was an Associate Editor of the Stanford Law Review, and participated in a range of public interest legal activities. He clerked for the Honorable Judith W. Rogers, on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Aaron and his husband, Chris, have two children, both of whom they adopted at birth through open adoption processes. Aaron believes deeply in open adoption, and is proud to serve C.A.S.E. on its Board.
443-537-5920
Abigail graduated from McDaniel College where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. While at McDaniel, she worked as a direct support professional for more than two years with adults who had intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Additionally, she held an internship position for one year at the Child’s Advocacy Center in Frederick County, Maryland working closely with a multi-disciplinary team to address reports of child maltreatment.
She is currently pursuing her graduate degree at the University of Maryland – Baltimore School of Social Work. Abigail chose to intern at C.A.S.E. because she enjoys working with children and families and hopefully making a difference in their lives.
Agnes Leshner, Board Chair, 4 Montgomery’s Kids Former Director, Child Welfare Services, Montgomery County, Maryland is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2014 Star of Adoption.
Alex Hendricks is a Vice President & Sr. Manager for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at T. Rowe Price. He brings a broad and deep Human Resources & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) background, driving human capital initiatives and DE&I programs in several roles over the past 10 years.
In his current capacity with T. Rowe he supports business leaders with the development and execution of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion priorities’ and supporting the goal of driving meaningful change and progress for the firm, while cultivating a culture of inclusivity of belonging.
Alex is experienced in inspiring change related to Human Capital and DE&I within an organization, leading corporate activities and strategies in these areas while showing the ability to build instant credibility and gain trust with stakeholders
He is an advocate for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and strives to positively impact the lives of others. Alex graduated from Towson University in 2009 with Bachelor’s degrees in Sport Management and again in 2011 with a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development. He lives in Nottingham, MD with his wife Courtney and daughter Parker.
Amnoni Myers is a 2019 Star of Adoption!
Amnoni is a dynamic public speaker and child welfare advocate. A native of Boston, MA, Amnoni now resides in Sacramento, California where she is working with Forward Change Consulting as a Senior Research Associate.
In 2017, Amnoni received her Master of Public Administration degree from the National Urban Fellows Program. In this prestigious program, Amnoni was placed at the California Endowment located in Oakland, CA where she worked on The My Brother’s Keeper Initiative for young boys and men of color and other initiatives. Amnoni previously worked with the U.S. Children’s Bureau as a child welfare policy consultant as well as interning on both Capitol Hill, and The White House Domestic Policy Council helping influence policy. She received her undergraduate degree from Gordon College with a double major in Social Work and Sociology, and completed a Social Work and Peace and Conflict Studies Practicum in San Francisco, CA. Amnoni is passionate about traveling, playing Badminton, and taking time to Netflix and Chill.
What inspired Amnoni to contribute to Beneath the Mask was to help other young people understand and celebrate their unique identities instead of hiding behind their mask. Amnoni became a ward of the state at birth, and through her experiences in foster care she became committed to helping others break the cycle of poverty. She continues to advocate for the advancement of just polices for young people experiencing foster care and adoption.
703-665-1011
Anapaula Ojeda, LPC, serves clients via teletherapy throughout the state of Virginia. Anapaula earned her Master of Education degree in Counseling and Development at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia with a specialization in Community Agency Counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Anapaula has provided individual, family, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Most recently, she specialized in working with children and adolescents with a variety of mental health and substance abuse issues at a community services board. Anapaula has received training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She uses a strength-based approach and evidenced based treatment when working with clients. Anapaula was born in Peru and is fluent in Spanish.
Angela Tucker is a transracial adoptee based in Seattle, Washington.
Angela hosts The Adoptee Next Door podcast, has produced five short films and is the founder of the Adoptee Mentoring Society.
She is the author of YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL: Stories of Race Identity, and Transracial Adoption and has consulted with NBC’s This Is Us, supported the lead actor of Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill, has over 15 years of experience working within adoption and foster care agencies and has mentored over 200 adoptees.
Anna Bower is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2015 Star of Adoption.
Anna was adopted from Russia in 2005 at age 8, along with her older brother. She is a senior at St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Catholic Apostolate Union Leadership Team. Key areas of Anna’s leadership and accomplishment have been in athletics, community service, and music. Two of her four varsity years in soccer were as a team captain. She was twice selected to the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland’s All-Conference Soccer Team, and chosen by her coach as Most Valuable Player for 2013.
Anna has largely focused her 300 plus hours of community service to hunger and other special needs outreach, and to serving as toddler class Sunday School teacher at her church. As co-leader for her school’s hunger campaign to serve Washington D.C., she recently accepted, on the school’s behalf, the J.S. Mulholland Family Foundation’s award for the school’s top contribution. As clarinetist for her high school band, Anna’s many accomplishments included top honors in the county’s Secondary Solo and Ensemble Festival, and invited performance in the Catholic University of America’s High School Honor Band.
Anna’s future plans are to attend Anne Arundel Community College where she has signed a Letter of Intent for the women’s soccer team and to later transfer to the University of Maryland for a business degree.
Dr. Atkinson founded PolicyWorks, Ltd. in 1995 after having served as an administrator in school division and juvenile court settings and earlier in the field of child welfare. Experiences in assisting state officials led Dr. Atkinson to further expand the range of services of PolicyWorks, Ltd. from program evaluation and policy research to developing highly customized publications and training curricula designed to build the capacity of local policy makers and front-line professionals to implement effective, evidence-based practices.
Dr. Atkinson has been the lead evaluator of C.A.S.E. curricula, and hugely impactful in our ability to measure results and nationally disseminate.
Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General, Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) is a C.A.S.E. 2013 Star of Adoption.
301-476-4317
Tony, a former foster youth and adoptee, was adopted by a same sex couple in the mid 1990’s. He writes about his experiences growing up as both an interracial adoptee and as a child growing up in a same sex headed household in his memoir “The Son With Two Moms.”
Tony completed his Masters thesis in Sociology on the psychology of children within the same sex headed household in 2013, and in the fall of 2017 was awarded a full scholarship to begin his PhD studies in Language, Literacy, and Culture at the Univ. of Maryland Baltimore County, where he has begun work on his dissertation, which focuses on social connectedness among interracial adoptees.
In his time as Training Specialist at C.A.S.E, Tony has designed innovative training curriculums that help families and professionals respond to evaluation and assessment tools that encapsulate holistic pictures of adoptees and foster youth.
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301-238-4554
Ashley Garcia-Rivera is a Policy and Advocacy Fellow at the Center for Adoption Support and Education, where she advocates for the mental health needs of the foster care and adoptive community and adoption-competent therapy. Ashley is currently obtaining a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology and Philosophy at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.
In 2013, she created a charity, Suitcases of Hope, dedicated to giving a large duffel bag to youth entering the foster care system. Ashley’s goal is to eliminate the use of trash bags.
Since 2016, Ashley has been part of the Speakers Bureau for AdoptUSKids and the Ad Council. Ashley shares her foster care and adoption journey to inspire others to adopt older youth through foster care. This past summer Ashley completed an internship with the National Adoption Association and AdoptUSKids. Ashley looks to bring a fresh perspective from her lived experiences to our ever-changing welfare system.
301-834-2311
Avi joined C.A.S.E as Chief Operating Officer in 2022, to assist in the growth of the C.A.S.E. service portfolio. Avi brings nearly 20 years of experience in the Behavioral Healthcare Industry and has worked in both the public and private sectors, in direct care as well as in leadership.
He is passionate about reducing barriers to care, especially for specialized populations and areas, understanding that each population is unique; therefore, his work has focused on ensuring clinical approaches, staffing, administration, and education match the expectations and needs of each community served. This process creates a system where the communities receive best in class care while the programs gain the ability to grow its service offerings, again, benefiting the communities.
The dedicated focus to this value has led to successful implementations of open access systems of care, data informed growth, value-based care initiatives, program development, workflow enhancements, and electronic medical record deployments and optimizations.
Avi is originally from New York and graduated from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. His clinical work has focused on addiction treatment, out of control sexual behaviors, LGBTQ focused care, and crisis interventions. His administrative work has included both small- and large-scale operations in rural and high need areas as well as multi-state programs. He has managed and led both inpatient and outpatient programs. Avi is married, has three children, and a forever puppy golden retriever. He is currently living in Baltimore County and his hobbies include hiking with his family, fixing cars, woodworking with his kids, and aerospace.
703-372-0671
Barb Franck, LCSW-C, serves clients through teletherapy throughout the states of Virginia and Maryland. She received her undergraduate degree in English and Art History from Florida State University. She earned her Master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Maryland, and her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Barb has over 20 years’ experience working with youth and families, both as an adoption-competent therapist and as the former Clinical Director of an agency providing wraparound services to families raising children with emotional and behavioral challenges. She has extensive experience in the field of adoption and specializes in issues of grief and loss, identity, diversity, and transracial adoption. Barb is an adoptive mother of two.
Barbara has recently retired from a 40-year banking career. For the last ten years, she has served as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending for United Bank providing commercial real estate lending and financial services, primarily construction lending throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Barbara spent twenty years with Bank of America; in addition to her work as a client manager, she has also served as credit policy officer, team leader in various geographic locations, and has specialization in both financing income producing properties for market rate and affordable project development.
Barbara is skilled as team leader, mentor, and coach, and has excelled in corporate and sponsor financial analysis, complex negotiation of banking documents, and commercial real estate analytics.
Barbara has a BA from Drew University and a JD from American University Law School. She has three children, three grandchildren, and resides in Arlington, Virginia.
202-487-5017
Prior to interning with C.A.S.E., Becky held numerous positions supporting women, children, and families in Washington, DC. Most recently, she worked in administration in the special education program at a bilingual Washington, DC public school.
Prior to that, she started a business as an adoption doula providing hands-on support to newly adoptive families. She has also worked as a consumer advocate on a variety of issues including HIV research, prescription drug safety, and environmental conservation.
She is fluent in Spanish and has had many opportunities to incorporate her Spanish into her work and interests, including supporting refugees and migrants arriving in the United States.
Becky graduated from Hampshire College and is currently as student at Howard University School of Social Work. Adoption, foster care and kinship care are issues that Becky has long been interested in and she is very excited to be joining the C.A.S.E. team as an intern.
240-482-8724
Benjamin Owusu, PhD serves as the Learning Management System Administrator at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E). Previously Benjamin served as a special education teacher and Instructional Designer. Benjamin has a great passion for online learning and designing instructions by incorporating artistic skills with instructional design models to create engaging and dynamic learning experiences for all learners.
Benjamin has over five (5) years of experience in providing learning solutions to federal and private institutions. He is well versed in ADDIE model implementation and has knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in instructional design and technology. Benjamin is proficient in using course authoring tools, Learning Management System (LMS), and has experience with SCORM and 508 Compliance.
Benjamin holds a master’s degree in education (Instructional Technology) from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is a current student at Liberty University studying Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology.
Retired Associate Judge Beverly J. Woodard is an adoptive parent of one child. Now recently retired, she served as a Senior Judge in Prince George’s County, Maryland since 1998, first on the District Court bench for 10 years, and then moving up to Circuit Court in 2008. One of her initiatives has been to implement alternative programs to incarceration for offenders with alcohol, substance abuse, and mental health issues. She successfully launched a District Court Drug Court program and a Circuit Court Veterans Treatment program.
Before becoming a judge she worked in the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Office as a prosecutor specializing in sexual assault and child abuse cases. Prior to that she was an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs, Staff Attorney for the Neighborhood Legal Services Program in the District of Columbia and a Legislative Aide in the House of Representatives.
Judge Woodard’s passion has always centered around adoption issues. Since 2010 she has coordinated the National Adoption Day program for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. She has always been appreciative of the role C.A.S.E. has played in the program in raising public awareness of the ever-growing need for adoptive homes for our most precious asset, children.
Judge Beverly Woodard graduated from Brown University with a major in Political Science and received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Bonni Goodwin is Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma (OU) Center for Child Welfare and Statewide Coordinator of Adoption Preservation Services of the Oklahoma Dept of Health and Human Services and Research Association for the Center for Child Welfare and Training Simulation.
In this role, Bonni conducts research and trains child welfare and mental health professionals on the unique and complex needs of children in foster care and those who have been adopted from state custody.
Bonni has proactively created awareness of the need for adoption competency within the state of Oklahoma and across the country and has been a leading force in bringing the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI) Training and Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) to her home state. Bonni’s research focus is on permanency through adoption and post-adoption support and services.
C.A.S.E. is currently working on a proposal with Bonni to pilot an intern project at OU as a template for the Demonstration and Teaching Clinic.
240-252-1821
Brock Sellers, BSW, MSW is a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience helping children, youth, and families navigate the various adversities of daily life.
Holding a BSW and MSW from the University of Alabama, he has worked across child welfare providing essential training nationally and internationally to promote a sense of permanency and well-being amongst all members of the adoption kinship network.
Brock currently serves as the Assistant TAC Coordinator and Trainer with the National Training Institute where he provides consultation, training, and administrative support for the successful national implementation of the TAC curriculum.
Brook Brownstein is a 2020 Star of Adoption!
Brook is 16 years old and attends Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. She moved from her foster home in Texas to her current home in Maryland at age 10. Adjusting to a new school, home, family, and even a new state was not always easy, but Brook did it with the kindness, humor, silliness, and huge heart that are her trademarks.
Brook is talented and creative; she enjoys performing in plays and dancing at her summer camps, writing stories and song lyrics, and drawing. She works with younger children at her synagogue and volunteers with kids at an art camp. Last year, she received special recognition for completing all of the community service hours required for high school graduation by the end of 8th grade. After much hard work and determination, she recently had her Bat Mitzvah, and everyone at this special event was deeply moved by the original prayer she wrote for children who have found their forever families through adoption.
240-763-0311
Brooke Petersen, LCSW-C serves clients via teletherapy throughout the state of Maryland. Brooke earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, and her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She received a post-graduate Adoption Certification from Rutgers University School of Social Work and also completed the TAC ™ training in 2021.
Brooke has over 10 years of clinical experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to youth and their pre and post adoptive/kinship families. She has worked with children, teens, and adults within the school, community, and outpatient settings. Brooke’s experience also includes providing clinical and administrative supervision to a team of Adoption Support Therapists and facilitating case conferences as a Provider Partner for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
Brooke specializes in complicated grief and loss, complex trauma, and attachment. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, collaborative, and holistic with a strong emphasis on client empowerment. She has extensive training in several evidenced-based practices and modalities such as Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Play Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She often uses creative and expressive therapeutic interventions such as music, art, sand tray, and play therapy.
Carol Trawick, President, Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
Caroline Clarke is a 2017 Star of Adoption! Caroline is an award-winning journalist whose experience spans television, digital and print. At Black Enterprise, she has served in a succession of key roles including general manager, Interactive Media; senior editor and editor-at-large, Black Enterprise Magazine and host, Black Enterprise Business Report, a nationally syndicated television show. She was the visionary behind Black Enterprise Books, a publishing division in joint partnership with John Wiley & Sons. Currently, she serves as the managing director of the Women of Power Summit and host of the Women of Power TV Show.
Clarke has been the keynote speaker, mistress of ceremonies, or moderator for numerous organizations including Nationwide Bank, Morgan Stanley, American Express, National Urban League, Nashville Rotary Club, Women in Sports and Events, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Spence-Chapin Family Services, the YMCA, Council of Urban Professionals, Jumpstart, Jack and Jill of America, Columbia University Business School, George Washington University, The Links Inc., Smith College, and more.
An acclaimed author, Clarke’s memoir, Postcards from Cookie, highlights her own very personal story of adoption and reunion with her biological mother who, she was surprised to learn, was the daughter of musical legend Nat King Cole. Reviewed as “soulful,” “elegant,” and “splendid and soul-baring,” Postcards from Cookie was named Best Memoir of 2014 by Essence magazine.
An avid adoption and public schools advocate, she has served on non-profit boards including Spence-Chapin Family Services. She is currently a member of the Black Enterprise BRIDGE Foundation board and the Smith College Business Network, an advisory board to the president of her alma mater. She also continues her involvement with Spence-Chapin Family Services where she is a board member emeritus.
Clarke holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Smith and a master’s degree with honors from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She is the proud mother of a daughter and son.
Casey earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University, and her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sociology from Rowan University. She received a post-graduate Adoption Certification from Rutgers University School of Social Work. Casey has clinical experience providing individual, parent, and family counseling to youth and their foster or adoptive/kinship families as well as experience working in alternative and special schools. Her specialty is grief and loss and her therapeutic approach encompasses attachment focused, trauma informed care. The foundation of Casey’s work is built upon the family systems perspective with an emphasis on improving attunement and strengthening the family bond with the goal to create positive change within the family unit. Casey incorporates the youth’s hobbies and interests into sessions whenever possible and may include play and art activities as well as bibliotherapy.
240-252-1801
Charnita Parker joins C.A.S.E. with years of experience in administrative support working for nonprofits with a heart to serve always.
Being at C.A.S.E. gives her another opportunity to serve a great mission, the mental health of the adoption, foster and kinship community.
She is excited to join C.A.S.E. as the Administrative Assistant to COO, with a grateful heart that is motivated and excited to have the opportunity to contribute her expertise to serve the mission.
Cheyenne is a 2019 Star of Adoption!
After a challenging early childhood, Cheyenne and her twin brother joined the Richmond family at the age of 7 as a foster care placement that turned into adoption just before their 10th birthday. Now 19 years old, Cheyenne is a full time college student pursuing a degree in Elementary Education while working part time at Orangetheory Fitness.
Active in school, church and community, Cheyenne is also very involved at home with the family where her three younger adopted brothers (ages 4, 5 and 6 years) look up to her and adore their time with her. In the past four months Cheyenne has managed to maintain her focus, school work, job and relationships while supporting her twin brother’s fight against a rare and aggressive cancer.
Cheyenne hopes to share her story and work with other kids who struggle with foster care and/or adoption and help them through similar struggles. A firm believer that your past shouldn’t stop you from accomplishing your dreams, Cheyenne is active in the foster and adoptive community and speaks at conferences and events to share her story and support others.
Chiara earned her Bachelor of Science in Women’s Studies from Towson University and her Master of Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore. Her education and career have always focused on her passion for working with children and families and has been working in the field of foster care and adoption for over five years. Chiara has been working with C.A.S.E since November 2015. Before taking on the new role as Case Manager, Growing Together Campaign (GTC) Baltimore City, Chiara held the role of a Wendy’s Wonderful Recruiter and worked in our previous 3L program assisting foster youth who were aging out of the foster care system in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Chiara strongly believes that every child waiting to be adopted is adoptable. She values permanency, family and most importantly adoption. When Chiara worked with older youth aging out of foster care, she saw the negative impact and unfortunate outcomes of youth not having a permanent family and home of their own. She then vowed to advocate for every child and support their hopes and dreams.
Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senate from Maryland is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
Colleen Cordova’s goal is to use her work and life experience to make a difference for adoptive/foster children and their parents. Colleen is an experienced, innovative business leader having held various positions including General Management, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Acquisitions in Manufacturing working for Kennametal, GeneLogic, W.R.Grace, and Honeywell (AlliedSignal).
Colleen Cordova has over 30 years of senior leadership in manufacturing and held increasing P&L assignments within the last years with Kennametal, culminating in the job of Vice President and General Manager of Wear Components, a global business with nine plants around the world. In addition, she had several overseas assignments and was a dependent director for the Kennametal India Board (KIL). They in turn sponsored SPARSHA, an NGO dedicated to rescuing exploited children, working to give those children opportunities for comprehensive development and to discover their potential.
As a respected and successful leader in a global manufacturing organization, Colleen makes time to mentor female manufacturing employees. Additionally Colleen was a recipient of the 2013 Woman in Manufacturing STEP Award presented by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and The Manufacturing Institute. Colleen has an MBA in International Marketing from the University of Richmond, a Masters of Chemical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic University, and a Bachelors of Chemistry from Old Dominion University. She is the proud parent of a son and daughter and wants all children to be able to unlock their potential and find safe haven.
757-761-8389
Cortney Jordan, LGPC is a native of North Carolina. She earned her BA in Psychology from North Carolina Central University Counseling. Mrs. Jordan holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as an MA in Human Services Counseling. She served the students and communities of Washington DC for over seventeen years in various capacities which include Professional School Counselor, Director of School Counseling, College Counselor, and Student Experience Coach. She has been a strong advocate for children and the policies which improve the educational and mental health system. Mrs. Jordan is married and has two sons. She currently serves as an Education Implementation Specialist
Courtney Carter is the Digital Marketing & Communications Manager for Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). Courtney has led the digital growth of C.A.S.E.’s online brand since 2015 through development of the organization’s social media channels, website, online store and ongoing webinar series. She is an asset to all C.A.S.E. departments bringing technical knowledge and creativity to C.A.S.E.’s growing work in the field and digital space.
Courtney holds an Associate in Psychology from Howard Community College, Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from University of Maryland, College Park and Master of Science in Management, Marketing Specialization from University of Maryland Global Campus.
Daniel Leonard is a 2016 Star of Adoption!
After 18 months in foster care, Daniel and his sister joined the Leonard family when he was 2 1/2 years old. Now 18, Daniel is a senior at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland. Daniel was a columnist for Walter Johnson’s newspaper, an officer of several clubs and a member of the stage crew for WJ’s very active drama group. Last year, Daniel was selected to represent all of the high school students in Maryland at a national conference on civic engagement. As part of the conference, he met with Congressman Van Hollen to present a teacher evaluation and feedback program he developed and which he hopes will be implemented nationwide.
For three years, Daniel taught Sunday school for the Interfaith Families Project of Greater Washington. He also is a graduate of Outward Bound’s sailing program. Accepted by several colleges, Daniel is planning to attend Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA.
Daphne Boteler is a 2017 Star of Adoption!
Daphne first joined her family when she was two-years old from her birthplace in the Philippines. Her interests include music, theater, cooking, rock climbing, and basketball. As the lead singer, Daphne fronts an all-girl band, DKA, which she formed in eighth grade.
She was a member of her school choir and participates in the St. Bernadette Summer Theater Program. She had her breakout role in a high school production of Beauty and the Beast. Daphne loves working with young children and volunteers every summer as a youth counselor at Vacation Bible School. Her favorite subject is History and when she has time, she enjoys cooking gourmet meals for her friends and family.
Dara Busman is the Director of Product Strategy and Operations at Bluemercury Inc. She brings deep knowledge of product development, brand marketing management, supply chain and operations. She is an experienced leader with a proven track record of bringing exceptional products from concept to market. She is passionate about mentoring others, partaking in mentorship roles and programs in the organization and values fostering relationships for team growth. Prior to Bluemercury, she worked for Macy’s Inc., also in product management.
As an international adoptee herself, she understands first-hand the adoption journey, and the importance of the resources C.A.S.E. provides. She is passionate about C.A.S.E.’s mission and values.
Dara graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and is currently receiving her MBA at the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business. She resides with her husband in Washington D.C.
Darian Cherry is an Administrative Program Assistant supporting both the Director of Clinical Program and the Director of Clinical Program Operations. Darian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biological Sciences from Suny College at Old Westbury. Darian has over three years of experience as an administrative assistant and in Customer Service. She is excited to join and grow with the C.A.S.E. Family.
Dr. David Brodzinsky is Professor Emeritus of Clinical and Developmental Psychology at Rutgers University. He is currently a research and project Consultant for the National Center on Adoption and Permanency and serves as a clinical and forensic consultant in his private practice.
Since 2009, he has participated in two other advisory boards for C.A.S.E. adoption competency trainings and provided training and clinical consultation. Over the past four decades, his research and scholarly writing has focused primarily on issues related to the adjustment of adopted and foster children and their families. In addition to over 100 journal articles and book chapters, he has coauthored or co-written seven books on adoption.
David Bulitt is a partner in the Washington, D.C. Metro law firm of Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA. For more than a decade, he has been chosen as one of the area’s top divorce lawyers by multiple publications and recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” and a Washington, D.C. Metro “Super Lawyer.” Praised as “the lawyer who epitomizes stability and old-fashioned common sense” by Bethesda Magazine, David has a particular interest in families with special needs, foster and adoptive children as a result of his personal experiences.
He and his wife, a therapist at C.A.S.E., are the authors of two top selling books on relationships and families, The Five Core Conversations for Couples and Secrets of Strong Couples. David has also published two fiction novels and served as a managing partner of his law firm for more than eighteen years.
Dawn Wilson, MSW, Director, National Training Institute, has more than 30 years of experience in the child welfare, mental health and prevention fields, with expertise in program development and implementation. As Director of the federally funded National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative, Ms. Wilson oversees the development, pilot implementation, evaluation and national launch of two state-of-the-art web-based trainings for child welfare professionals and mental health clinicians to effectively address the mental health and complex challenges of children, adolescents and their families moving to permanency through adoption or guardianship.
Previously Ms. Wilson served as a Child Welfare Program Manager with Catawba County Social Services in North Carolina overseeing prevention, family reunification, independent living, and post-permanency services. She worked collaboratively with The Duke Endowment on the Child Well-Being Project to develop, implement and evaluate an evidence-informed post-permanency service, Success Coach, to provide case management and in-home therapeutic services to improve outcomes for adoptive, guardianship and reunified families following foster care. The Success Coach Service garnered national attention as a promising practice and was the recipient of the 2013 Youth Thrive Award from The Center for the Study of Social Policy; the Transforming Local Government 2014 Alliance for Innovation Award; and the Harvard Kennedy School Ashe Center 2015 Innovations in American Government Award. Prior to her work in child welfare, Ms. Wilson worked in the prevention and intervention fields focusing on domestic violence, sexual abuse, and teen pregnancy.
Ms. Wilson received her B.A. Degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Debbie B. Riley, LCMFT, is C.A.S.E.’s Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. Debbie also serves clients via telehealth throughout the state of Maryland.
She earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and her Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland. Since C.A.S.E.’s inception in 1998, Debbie has grown the organization into a national and international mental health resource for foster and adoptive families as well as for the professionals who support them.
Among her many professional accomplishments is her co-authoring of the book, Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens.
Debbie also founded the TAC (Training for Adoption Competency Curriculum) currently taught in 17 states across the country. Through a recent federal five-year grant awarded to C.A.S.E from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Debbie serves as the Principal Investigator to establish a National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI), created to build the adoption competency capacity of child welfare professionals and mental health practitioners that serve youth moving toward permanency as well as youth living in permanent adoptive or guardianship homes.
Debbie is proud recipient of the Children’s Bureau 2015 Adoption Excellence Award nominated by Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Debbie’s unwavering commitment to providing resources, support and advocacy for children, teens and family members touched by adoption and foster care is in itself extraordinary.
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Dr. GinaMarie “Gina” Dattilo is a licensed psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania. She also has an EPassport that enables her to provide online therapy in any PSYPACT location including, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. She completed her post-doctoral experience and internship in clinical/school multicultural crisis psychology for the Houston Independent School District. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Services Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia. Her dissertation was on attachment and therapist’s self-efficacy. She also has a Master’s degree in Psychology from the New School for Social Research. She completed NTI online training and TAC training in 2022.
Gina has provided individual, family and group therapy to children, adolescents and families for over 20 years, in homes, crisis centers, outpatient settings, residential treatment centers, schools and online. Gina has received a variety of training including crisis psychology, grief & loss, CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and Theraplay. Gina focuses on providing trauma and attachment informed care. She provides empirically supported therapy and considers the quality of the client therapist relationship to be integral to its success. In addition to being a psychologist, Gina is also an adoptee and an adoptive mother. These two experiences inspired her to see additional training to help serve the adoption kinship network and have led her to work for C.A.S.E.
Dwaneda Underwood joined C.A.S.E. as the Human Resource Specialist in 2022. After seven years of working in administrations, she moved into the non-profit sector because she wanted to work for an organization that makes a difference in the world, we live in. Dwaneda is following the footsteps of several family members who serve in-need communities. Currently, Dwaneda is studying Human Resources with a focus on Administrative Management at Baltimore County Community College. Dwaneda brings to C.A.S.E. her positive, innovative, and teamwork-based thinking.
Edna Davis-Brown, M.P.H., currently serves as a Training and Implementation Specialist with the federally funded National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). Ms. Davis-Brown has more than 20 years of experience in program development, management and implementation, program monitoring and evaluation, group facilitation, and training/technical assistance development and delivery. She has supported and managed numerous federal and non-federal projects for healthcare management firms and national organizations in areas such as health equity and disparities, substance abuse prevention and treatment, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and emergency mental health disaster response and coordination.
Prior to joining NTI, Ms. Davis-Brown served as a Management Training Consultant providing support to national organizations, community-based organizations (CBOs), healthcare organizations and health departments across the U.S. which involved training, capacity building and strategic planning support including the delivery of five evidence-based interventions and public health strategies funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She previously worked as Program Director with the American Psychological Association’s Behavioral and Social Science Volunteer (BSSV) Program funded by the CDC delivering capacity building support to health departments and CBOs across the U.S. that provide HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services. She holds a graduate degree in Public Health Education from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Ms. Davis-Brown is also co-founder of the Gregory B. Davis Foundation, a small non-profit formed to preserve the legacy of her youngest sibling, Gregory, who died of AIDS in March 2000. GBDF strives to enhance the lives of rural underserved youth and their families through health and educational program and initiatives. GBDF was co-recipient of the very first Susan G. Komen Triangle for the Cure (Research Triangle, NC) Innovations Award as well as two community service awards from healthcare organizations in northeastern NC.
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Elizabeth holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania with a specialization in Child Welfare and Child Wellbeing and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government from Colby College. She is licensed in both Maryland and Washington, D.C. Elizabeth has experience providing individual and group counseling to youth and families in a variety of settings. Elizabeth has worked extensively with survivors of sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, and physical and emotional trauma. She has also worked directly in the foster care system and is passionate about supporting families navigating the complex issues surrounding adoption. Elizabeth’s practice is strongly rooted in empowering clients to identify and channel their strengths and she utilizes a variety of interventions and modalities to support clients in achieving their goals.
Ellen Franks has a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Maryland and 30 years of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral and psychiatric challenges. She began her career working with children and young teens in foster care settings in Israel. When she returned to the US, she spent eight years working with adults with psychiatric diagnoses combined with intellectual disabilities. She then worked for 20+ years overseeing Quality Assurance at a large nonprofit agency in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Ellen Motley joined C.A.S.E. as the Executive Assistant to the CEO, in 2020. Before working at C.A.S.E., Ellen worked for two other non-profits, National 4-H Council where she served as the EA to the CFO and Washington Ireland Program where she was the Managing Director of the DC office. Prior to that, she worked in the competitive intelligence field for more than 18 years. Outside of work, she is president of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) DMV Alumni Chapter and enjoys stewarding her neighborhood Little Free Library. She holds a B.S. in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
How did you first come to know C.A.S.E.?
I first came across C.A.S.E. as a teenager searching for therapists who specialized in adoption and had knowledge of trauma, grief, and loss. C.A.S.E. was the only provider in the D.C. area that I found in my Google searches. I was a client towards the end of high school and five years later, I introduced myself to Debbie Riley at the 2023 National Adoption Conference, reconnecting with C.A.S.E.
How has your work with C.A.S.E. impacted you and your family?
C.A.S.E. has played a pivotal role in my own journey of healing and helped me to process the difficult parts of my adoptee identity. It was at C.A.S.E. that I first felt safe to express my whole self and navigate the good, the bad, and the everything in between of adoption. It was also here that I found the confidence to pursue a search and reunion for my birth family. I began to reconcile my experiences into an integrated whole, a skill that still follows me years past being a client.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader at C.A.S.E., and what do you hope to achieve during your time as a Board Member?
Being an Emerging Leader is a small way of supporting an organization that supported me during one of the most vulnerable periods in my life. I hope that by serving on the Council, I can promote a culture of openness by sharing my story and listening to those of others.
Tell us about your life outside C.A.S.E.: What do you do professionally and what are your interests outside work?
Outside of my work with C.A.S.E., I can be found working with children in the foster care system. I provide in-home therapeutic support to kids as they navigate what their life has looked like, ending with the creation of a Lifebook that we print and bind for them (if only this was common practice when I was adopted)! Aside from my job, I love to travel pretty much anywhere, thrift new-to-me treasures, and spend time taking in the Pittsburgh bakery and coffee scene. I also grew up tap dancing and am currently searching for ways to continue tapping in my spare time.
Emily Kwiatkowski is a domestic, same-race adoptee who grew up in Springfield, Virginia and now calls Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home. After being a C.A.S.E. client in her later teenage years, Emily started to share her story more openly and became passionate about amplifying the voices of others with lived experience.
Emily now works as an in-home therapist providing support to children in foster care. She hopes that her practice will shift the historical narrative and center these young people, and the adults they become, as the orators of their unique stories.
Emily holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from The University of Tennessee- Knoxville and a Master’s of Social Work from The University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work, Emily loves trying out new coffee shops, thrifting, spending time with friends and family, and exploring all that Pittsburgh has to offer.
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Erin Bader, LCSW has 20 years of experience in child welfare in child welfare, including direct services to children, youth, and families and program development and management and has worked in both government and non-profit settings. As Director of Knowledge for the federally funded National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services (The Center), Ms. Bader will collaborate with Center partners and consultants to launch the Repository.
Previously, Ms. Bader has provided national-level leadership at Child Welfare Information Gateway as a Child Welfare Strategic Consultant on Adoption and then Manager of Strategic Initiatives. In these roles she provided subject matter expertise for website content and product development, oversaw annual National Initiatives (National Adoption Month, National Foster Care Month, and National Child Abuse Prevention Month), provided leadership for creation of new materials and resources about adoption, represented Gateway at major conferences, kept staff apprised of trends in adoption, and cultivated partnerships with national adoption agencies and experts in writing, peer review, and dissemination of current and relevant adoption resources. Prior to these roles, Ms. Bader was the Statewide Administrator for Children’s Services with Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, where she had previously been Director of Permanency and Well Being Programs. She has also worked as a Children’s Social Worker for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, among many other areas of professional experience in child welfare.
Ms. Bader received her B.S. in Family Sciences degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and her Master of Social Welfare degree from the University of California Los Angeles.
Eve Alcalan is a 2020 Star of Adoption!
At 15 years old, Eve took a chance. She moved from sunny Orange County California, not just to the East Coast, but the fast paced Washington D.C. area. Eve started at Northwood High School in Silver Spring Maryland as a sophomore and soon everyone knew her name. She joined the Academy of Dance and Musical Theater and played trumpet in the symphonic and pep bands, in addition to playing in the pit orchestra for most Northwood stage performances. Eve was awarded for her role as a leader in the band and assistant to the conductor. By the end of junior year, Eve had conquered the public transportation system and started looking for her first job. Eve loves cooking and baking for others and her first job at a sushi counter made her more interested in working in food service.
After graduating from Northwood, she went on to work at Cookie Dough & Company at Montgomery Mall before landing her career at Starbucks. Eve truly embraces her role as a barista and working for such a supportive company. She is working towards pulling the perfect shot of espresso and aspires to work in one of the Reserve Starbucks stores. Eve hopes to travel to Japan in the future, and is working to learn the language. She enjoys Anime and video games as well as music of all types. Eve has always maintained a great relationship with her biological grandfather, aunt and younger brother and sister and visits them in California regularly.
Felecia Woodard, MA joined C.A.S.E. as the Marketing & Communications Coordinator in 2021. She is a Public Relations specialist and Graphic Designer, who specializes in event coordination. Felecia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Marketing, and Media Sales from Morgan State University and a Master of Arts in Integrated Design from University of Baltimore.
She brings to C.A.S.E. her drive to learn, evolve, and design meaningful marketing campaigns. Felecia has over nine years of experience building, maintaining, and protecting individual and/or companies’ brands. Her vast experience working with diverse clients in the Public Relations, Marketing, Graphic Design, Customer Service, and Retail Management industries allows her to understand the bigger picture of how brands impact not only the organization, but also the world around them.
Frani Gutierrez, LCSW is currently a part-time adoption competent therapist working with C.A.S.E. clients in Virginia.
Frani has over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. She believes in the connection with her clients and supporting them in identifying their inner strengths in order to foster resiliency. She utilizes a strengths-based approach.
Frani started her career working at Domestic Violence Shelter. She then transitioned to in an inpatient psychiatric hospital with a focus on trauma informed care and crisis stabilization. She has experience working in private practice, in particular with individuals who are working through anxiety, depression, identity issues, trauma, life transitions, and loss.
She graduated from University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Family Studies. She also graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Social Work Degree. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia.
Hannah McFadden is a 2018 Star of Adoption!
One of the youngest members of the U.S.A. Paralympic Team, Hannah McFadden, is a 3x World Champion and 2x Paralympian in track having represented the U.S.A. in the London and Rio Games. She is ranked 2nd in the U.S.A. in the 100m and 200m and 4th in the world.
Hannah was adopted from Albania at age 3 and due to a congenital bone deformity, she had her leg amputated above the knee at age 5. Hannah takes pride in designing the colors and looks of her prosthetic leg which started from her first one sporting puppies and monkeys. She volunteers her time with young children with disabilities as well as wounded warriors. She recently traveled to South Africa and worked in an orphanage for children with disabilities.
In addition to track, Hannah has been active in many sports including ice hockey, downhill skiing, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and is certified in scuba diving. She has her eyes set on representing the U.S.A. in Tokyo 2020 at the Paralympics.
Hannah graduated with honors and her Gold Award from Atholton High School in Howard County, Maryland and is currently a junior at the University of Illinois with aspirations to work with refugees.
Dr. McGinnis is an Assistant Professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work. In addition to being adopted from South Korea, she has more than 25 years of community organizing, practice, policy, and research experience relating to the life course of orphaned and separated children.
Her research examines social and cultural determinants of mental health, with a focus on improving outcomes for youth and adults with histories of childhood adversity, specifically, understanding the lived experiences of individuals who have been adopted, including adoptive and racial/ethnic identity development, stressors specific to the experience of attachment trauma, cultural loss, and systemic oppression.
Dr. McGinnis was previously Policy Director at the Donaldson Adoption Institute, where she headed a national study on adoption and racial identity among adopted adults. Hollee also founded Also-Known-As, Inc., a non-profit adult intercountry adoptee organization providing post-adoption services to international adoptees and adoptive families. In 2008, she was recognized by the U.S. Government with a Congressional Angel in Adoption award for her work on adoption.
Ike Leggett, Former County Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
Jacquin joins C.A.S.E with over 15 years of administrative experience and more than 8 years as an Executive Assistant.
She previously served as an Executive Assistant for two other non-profits: Bethany Christian Services and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Being at C.A.S.E. reconnects her with her love and passion for the mission of non-profit organizations that serve the adoption, foster, and kinship care community.
She is excited to join the National Center team as the new Executive Assistant and grateful for the opportunity to contribute her skills and expertise to help drive the mission forward.
Jake Hofmann is a 2019 Star of Adoption!
Jake is 14 years old and lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was born in Guatemala, and came home to live with his forever family when he was a baby.
He attends Northwood High School as a freshman. Jake loves Lacrosse and plays it at his high school. When he is not playing lacrosse, he enjoys playing soccer, swimming, hanging out with friends, and eating pizza. Jake was inspired to tell his story because he wanted other kids who were adopted and felt sad or badly about it to understand that they are not alone.
Jane Dugan-Burdette is the Educational Implementation Specialist for the C.A.S.E. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. After completing her degree, Jane has worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist in non-profit agencies and within school systems as a School-Based Therapist.
More recently, Jane has worked in private practice where she has served adolescents and their families. However, she eventually transitioned into the non-profit sector to focus on better serving the needs of children and families experiencing adoption, foster care and guardianship placements.
As the Educational Implementation Specialist for C.A.S.E., Jane works to ensure that adopted and foster children receive the support and education they need to thrive in school. She is dedicated to helping mental health school professionals support students while they navigate the unique challenges that come with adoption and foster care.
In her free time, Jane enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, skiing, and exploring the outdoors. Additionally, Jane enjoys spending time with her family, including her two children. She values her time with loved ones and recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
Jayra is proud that she was born into a vibrant Hispanic community in Northern Virginia, and she continues to celebrate her Bolivian heritage with her family.
Placed in foster care with her younger sister when Jayra was 13, the girls were adopted together in 2019 when Jayra was 16 and her sister was 11.
This past June, Jayra graduated from Dominion High School and the Monroe Advanced Technical Academy, where she studied cosmetology. She is currently a full-time college student majoring in criminal justice and minoring in Spanish.
Jayra joined her adoptive home with a terrific sense of humor and plenty of optimism. Still, adjusting to a new culture, unfamiliar community, and traditional public school was not always easy. However, she quickly learned to lean on her support systems, and because of her creativity, persistence, and strong self-advocacy, Jayra had an incredible senior year of high school.
She played rec soccer, got her driver’s license, made the honor roll for the first time, and was awarded “Outstanding Student in Cosmetology.” Jayra earned an official Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish on her high school transcript, and she is working toward earning her license to practice cosmetology in Virginia. Jayra is also a proud blood donor, and she has enjoyed volunteering with her grandparents to deliver “Meals on Wheels.”
This past year she also won second place in a local high school student essay contest for her essay, “My Losses Led Me Home”. This was Jayra’s first time sharing part of her adoption story publicly.
In this essay, she notes, “Over the last eighteen years I have learned that not everything in life goes the way we expect it to, but I have also learned that even if we feel like life is falling apart, we should not give up on ourselves or our futures.”
She hopes to find ways to continue to share her story so that others who have experienced childhood loss and trauma know that they are not alone in their journey.
Jeff Snyder is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2015 Star of Adoption.
Jeff was adopted from Columbus, GA before the age of one. He grew up in Bethesda, MD with his parents. Jeff attended Georgetown Day School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase high school before attending Purdue University to study Landscape Horticulture and Design. Upon graduating, he worked for several large landscape companies in the area, before going full time with his own business in 2013.
His passion for landscaping and design quickly grew his business to serve a wide variety of clients. Throughout his years in the industry, Jeff has learned Spanish and worked to assist immigrants in the community locate jobs and learn the skills of the trade. In addition to his work, he has used his personal experiences to support a number of adolescents struggling with substance abuse and challenges with being adopted. Jeff lives in Takoma Park with his new wife, Ellie (as of May) and his Newfoundland dog, Rey.
Jennie is a licensed clinician and licensed foster parent. She started her mental health practice, Step By Step Counseling, LLC in 2009 in Missouri, focused on children, youth and families primarily involved in foster care/adoption.
Since completing her Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) Training through the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis Missouri in January 2021 Jennie was inspired to make changes in her service delivery, including creating a new service, “Parent Hub,” during the pandemic, as a central location where parents can find a safe space to find psychoeducation and other resources and interact virtually with other caregivers.
Jennie has also added “community care” as one of the pillars of her practice, to encourage collaboration with providers and provide education to the larger community to promote positive mental health outcomes. She continues to actively support TAC by having her clinical staff complete the program – with four already completing, five currently participating in TAC cohorts and three set to start in 2022.
Jessica Moses, MSW, MDiv., LICSW, RYT 200 (she/hers) serves clients in the Washington, DC area. Jessica earned her Master of Social Work, with a concentration in physical and mental health, and Master of Divinity degrees from Baylor University. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jessica is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and families. She has a background in crisis management, individual and family counseling in school and community-based settings. Jessica also relies on her yoga teacher training to draw upon mindfulness and awareness of the body in counseling sessions.
Jessica takes a collaborative approach to the counseling space. Her hope is to facilitate a braver place for healing, wholeness, and exploration.
Jimmy Wayne is a New York Times bestselling author, presenter and former foster youth dedicated to creating a positive change in the lives of children in foster care who need permanent families. Many of his award-winning songs including Stay Gone, Paper Angels, I Love You This Much and Do You Believe Me Now, which earned BMI’s prestigious Million-Air Award, spotlight his mission of raising awareness for youth in foster care.
Jimmy has spent his career advocating for children in foster care, sharing his own experience as a homeless youth who was welcomed with open arms into the home of Bea and Russell Costner, 75 and 79 years old respectively, when he was 16 years old. Living with the Costners allowed him to attend school and eventually write and perform music.
Jimmy’s three-time New York Times bestselling memoir Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way has become a valuable resource for foster and respite foster parents.
His children’s book Ruby the Foster Dog, inspired by a puppy he rescued while on his walk halfway across America, explores the challenges of foster care in a way that is both heartwarming and relatable for all ages.
In 2010, Jimmy founded Project Meet Me Halfway, an initiative that inspires Americans to take action in their home communities as volunteers and advocates for children in foster care. That initiative coincided with Jimmy’s 1,700 mile walk across the country from his home town of Nashville, Tennessee to Phoenix, Arizona to raise awareness of foster youth aging out of care into homelessness.
Project Meet Me Halfway advocates for services for these at-risk youth and encourages states to increase the age of emancipation to 21 so that young people have continued access to critical services as they transition into adulthood.
Jimmy helped advocate for the successful passage of legislation raising the emancipation age in California, Tennessee, and his home state of North Carolina.
While walking, he wrote the Christmas novel Paper Angels (2011, Simon & Schuster). In 2012, Jimmy lobbied to pass legislative bills extending the age of foster care from 18 to 21 in California and Tennessee. In 2013, Jimmy’s first film, Paper Angels (UPtv) became an instant holiday classic and in 2014 he released Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way (2014, Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins) which became a three-time New York Times bestseller, crossing the 170,000 sales milestone in early 2019, and became a #1 Bestseller at Amazon.
In 2016 President George W. Bush (41) awarded Jimmy the prestigious Points of Light award. One year later, he was honored with the inaugural Community Maker award by Verizon and received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from William Woods University.
In 2018 Jimmy received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Cal State University San Marcos and most recently, in May of 2019, he was honored by the National Council for Adoption with the Warren and Mary Alice Babineaux Award in recognition of his continued commitment to creating positive change in the lives of children in foster care who need permanent families.
Jimmy has shared his story, The Power of One, globally as a keynote speaker and has performed on the Grand Ole Opry 223 times. He lives in Nashville and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of at-risk foster youth.
Dr. Pittman is a Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Director of the MSW program at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Her teaching and research has focused on group work training, connecting theory and practice, global education, and interprofessional collaborative practice. Dr. Pittman is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board approved supervisor with over 15 years of experience of providing mental health services to individuals and families.
Jolene Ivey is a Council Member, Prince George’s County, Maryland, is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
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Jonelle Wimbush is a licensed foster parent turned child advocate. She has five kids but that’s likely to change if she has anything to do with it. She has coined the motto “Give me all the babies” Adopting from Illinois and now Maryland. She has worked in many different industries including Supply Chain Logistics, Long-Term Rehabilitation Care and Special Education Schools. Finding her passion as a resources parent she feels C.A.S.E. is the perfect way to support and educate the local community on the desperate need for suitable loving homes. Jonelle graduated from Strayer University with a Bachelors in Business Administration.
Judy Woodruff, American Broadcast Journalist, is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
Julie Bulitt, LCSW-C has spent more than 30 years working with individuals, couples and families. Her private practice focuses on family, couples and individual therapy, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Executive Functioning coaching. She has served as a Clinical Supervisor and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant for the Montgomery County (Maryland) Mental Health Association and spent several years as an Adoption Therapist for the Center for Support and Education in suburban Washington DC. She presently serves as the in-house therapist for The Discovery Channel in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Julie and her husband David, a D.C. area divorce attorney, are the co authors of an award winning book on relationships, The Five Core Conversations for Couples, published in 2020. The couple are frequently invited to speak to businesses and other organizations on strategies to build and maintain relationships both at home and in the workplace.
Julie and David have been married for over 35 years and are the parents of four daughters, two biological and two adopted.
Julie enjoys spending time at the beach, exercising and hanging out with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Karen Meyer serves as the Marketing Manager for the National Adoption Mental Health Competency Initiative (NTI) at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). She comes to C.A.S.E. with 35 years of proven experience across many facets of marketing, public relations, website administration, branding, social media, and design. She has successfully reached diverse audiences within the healthcare, education, technology, financial, and environmental sectors.
Ms. Meyer creates and executes strategic creative marketing communications to engage child welfare and mental health professionals, seeking to persuade them about the importance of participating in the NTI web-based training for advancing practice. In addition, she enthusiastically promotes the newly developed School-based Mental Health training to advance the knowledge and practice of school counselors, social workers, and administrators as they seek to help students who are a part of adoptive, guardianship, or foster care families. Her knowledge of steering marketing programs and forming partnerships in addition to creating integrated communications is used in reaching out to all states, tribes, and territories.
Having received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and Visual Communications from North Carolina State University and completing numerous post-graduate courses, she enjoys lifelong learning and frequently participates in marketing conferences and educational events. Ms. Meyer was honored to serve as the Director of Marketing for organizations in education, health care, and technology including the nation’s largest patient education video library company. Most recently, she served in higher education as the Associate Director of Marketing for the Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Dr. Kate Murray is a licensed psychologist and director of Duke University’s Center for Child and Family Health Post Adoption Support Services, where she oversees the provision of family support and mental health services to adoptive families in 20 North Carolina counties.
Dr. Murray is a trainer of the Resource Parenting Curriculum (RPC), a certified facilitator of NCTSN’s Core Curriculum on Childhood Trauma for students and mental health professionals, and has vast experience training multidisciplinary professionals in trauma-informed care.
301-660-4268
Kathleen “Katie” Quinn holds an MSW from George Mason University and earned her Bachelor’s from North Central College in Naperville, IL. She has always had a strong focus on child welfare and family support, including participating in the Title IV-E Program while in graduate school and writing her undergraduate thesis on the impact of media portrayals on the foster care system. Katie’s previous experience includes working in private intercountry adoption, therapeutic foster care, and services for older youth. Most recently, Katie worked in foster care prevention, in-home services, and foster care in Greene County, VA. Katie is an avid hiker, having thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018 and hiked half of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022.
240-763-0348 ext. 450
Kathleen Bush, PhD, LCPC has a master’s and license in Illinois in counseling and PhD in international psychology with a trauma-focus. She has been working for 29 years in child welfare, most of it with children in foster and adoptive/guardianship homes. Kathleen is very concerned for children and families being harmed by well-meaning but untrained professionals. She is excited to work for C.A.S.E., an organization full of people who make a difference by training professionals to be adoption competent across the nation.
A mother of 12 children is indeed an extraordinary woman. To take what she learned from her mothering experience…combine that insight with a generous financial gift…and serve as the springboard to fill the needs of thousands of adoptive families…that takes someone extra-extraordinary. There are simply not enough “extras” to describe our founder, Kathleen Dugan.
As a high school volunteer working in an orphanage, Kathleen knew she would one day adopt a child. What she didn’t imagine was that after giving birth to four daughters, she and her husband, Mike, would go on to adopt eight children. The longer a child remains in foster care, the less likely it is for them to find a permanent home.
Knowing this, the Dugan’s reached out to older children. Many of these children had a traumatic history. As they matured, their troubled emotions often resulted in challenging behavior. Determined to help each child reach their fullest potential, Kathleen searched for the support her adoptive family needed. It wasn’t an easy search.
Kathleen Dugan believes that every child deserves a loving, permanent family. She also knows that those families need qualified, adoption-competent mental health and family support services. Frustrated by the lack of availability, in 1998 Kathleen invested her own financial resources to establish the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), one of the few non-profit organizations in the country concentrated on serving foster and adopted children, their families, and the network of people that assist them.
How did you first come to know C.A.S.E.?
The way that I came to know C.A.S.E. was shortly after discovering that I was adopted 9 years ago and researching local organizations. Then more recently through a friend who presented the Emerging Leader opportunity.
How has your work with C.A.S.E. impacted you and your family?
My work with C.A.S.E. has only just begun but I’m already feeling a sense of accomplishment through the process of joining the Emerging Leader team.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader at C.A.S.E., and what do you hope to achieve during your time as a Board Member?
The reason why I wanted to become an Emerging Leader is because I’ve got a heart for those who are also adopted. I’m hoping that by sharing what I’ve learned through my own personal experiences that someone gains a better understanding of a specific topic, whatever that may be.
Tell us about your life outside C.A.S.E.: What do you do professionally and what are your interests outside work?
Outside of C.A.S.E I’m an Accounting professional for a D.C. Law firm as well as an On-Call Banquet server for a Hotel at the National Harbor. With the warmer weather approaching you’ll typically find me out in nature exploring a hiking trail or finding another outdoor activity. More than likely by way of short road trip. My kids are the motivation in everything I do, even the fun stuff since it’s mostly about giving them new experiences and making memories. Living life while it’s still here!
Can you share how counseling has helped you along your adoption journey and how it can help others?
I’d highly recommend some form of counseling for anyone who has experience being adopted. It has helped me to navigate certain feelings that had been stored away and presented themselves in ways I hadn’t realized. Talking through the issues has made a major difference in my life.
Read Keith’s recent article in Foster Families: Trauma Shaped My Purpose
Keith Sciarillo is a Late Discovery Adoptee who was born in New York City, raised in NY and then later in NJ and currently resides in the DC Metropolitan area. Keith works in the Accounting field as well as the Food and Beverage industry. A father of 2 children who are his world and enjoys outdoor activities as well as reading. Looking forward to contributing as a member of the Emerging Leaders team at C.A.S.E. for a long time to come.
Kristiana’s adoption story started when she and her birth mom were sheltered by the family that would eventually foster and then adopt she and her sisters. They lived with the family starting when Kristiana was 5 and stayed for 2 years before her birth mom got Section 8 housing. Within 6 months Kristiana and her sister entered into the foster system. The same family who has sheltered she and her mom fostered and adopted them in 2018, when she was 9 and her sister was 2. In 2019, her youngest sister, Kamrynn, joined the family. Kristiana has been in trauma therapy since entering the foster system and continues to this day. Additionally, she does EMDR therapy weekly.
Kristiana has struggled with anxiety, grief and loss and had to learn how not to be the momma bear to her sisters, looking different than the rest of family, and finally coming into her own. She went from sitting in the back of the room with a hoodie over her head, to easily making friends and being a joy to her friends and family.
Kristiana is 15 years old and is in 9th grade. She’s the seventh child out of nine in her adopted family. Her favorite subject in school is geography because she loves to cook and learn about different cultures. Kristiana is also a swim coach for kids on the Lancers swim team. She enjoys singing and playing video games in her free time. She loves her pets, especially the family goldendoodle, Xanny. Kristiana is very happy to be getting this award and wants to thank her family and friends and her counselor, Ms. Mari.
Kylie Golden, LCPC, serves clients through telehealth throughout the state of Maryland. She holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Bachelor Degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Lewis University (IL). Kylie has provided individual, family, and group therapy to a variety of populations, including children and families involved with the foster care system, adult men charged with intimate partner violence, and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Kylie’s clinical specialties include the impact of complex trauma on child development, adoption, grief and loss, parent/child relationship dynamics and attachment, children’s coping strategies, and resiliency.
Her treatment model includes a combination of empirically based modalities that incorporate the mind/body connection and brain based interventions, and expressive, client centered, and play therapy techniques that include cultural, developmental, and strength focused considerations.
301-660-4267
Lala-Marie Perez, LMSW, received her Bachelors degree in Sociology from Hunter College and her Masters of Social Work from Fordham University in NYC. She then moved to Northern Virginia where she received her general license (LMSW) and began practicing. Her clinical experience is at Residential (RTC), Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). At these higher level of cares, she has treated adolescents with severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and other co-occurring disorders. She uses a strength based, person centered approach while providing a non-judgmental safe space for youth. Lala-Marie’s area of expertise include individual and group therapy, family stabilization, and crisis intervention while using techniques such as DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapies and Mindfulness. Lala-Marie’s personal connection with adoption drives her passion to work with youth impacted by several mental health challenges within the adoption, foster care, and kinship community.
Laura Ornelas, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. She has been working in the field of foster care and adoption for 30 years and has been instrumental in the startup of multiple programs throughout California. She has been immersed in all angles of child placement and public and private adoptions in Los Angeles, and has worked with children of all ages, specializing in the birth-to-5 population, as well as with widely diverse families. After a decade of child placement work, Laura was inspired to support families post placement on their lifelong journeys. For nearly a decade, Laura served as the Regional Director of Mental Health Services for Kinship Center, during which time she designed and oversaw specialty mental health clinics for children who had been adopted and/or were being raised by kinship caregivers. Having studied with the leaders in attachment and trauma-informed care, she created a powerful clinical model rooted in relationship-based healing. In 2018, Laura was asked to join the team at C.A.S.E. where she is currently launching the Academy for Advancing Clinical Practice in Permanence for mental health professionals.
Laura educates parents and professionals across the country about the effects of ruptures in relationships and best practices in child welfare and adoption. A seasoned and respected trainer, Laura has also written several works, including Effectively Addressing Mental Health Issues in Permanency-Focused Child Welfare Practice (Child Welfare Journal), Attachment Through the Senses (Fostering Families Today) and numerous white papers, including Childhood Trauma: A Multi-Dimensional Approach and Yoga as Trauma Treatment for Children. She is also a contributing curriculum developer and master trainer for ACT: An Adoption & Permanency Curriculum for Child Welfare and Mental Health Professionals and Pathways to Permanence 2: Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and Loss. Most recently, Laura was the lead writer and trainer of trainers and consultant for the federally funded NTDC, the National Training and Development Curriculum for foster and adoptive parents. Laura remains passionate about broadening collective understanding of children’s development to include loss, trauma, attachment, and intersecting identities.
Lauren received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University in 1991 and has spent the past 30+ years working to improve the lives of children, youth and families. She began her professional journey working in an emergency children’s shelter, providing temporary care for foster children and runaway youth. She then provided clinical services to therapeutic foster children, utilizing play therapy, sand tray, and other expressive therapies to help them process their past experiences and prepare them for their future permanency plans. After relocating to the Northern Virginia area, Lauren focused her work on adoption, preparing adoptive families for Special Needs and International Placements. Lauren has brought her professional and personal experience with adoption to the Northern Post Adoption Consortium. She enjoys working with families from all different types of adoption (private, foster care, kinship and International) and at different stages of the adoption journey. Lauren particularly connects with the TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) Model and incorporates the connecting, empowering and correcting principles in her work with families. Each family is so unique with their own strengths and needs and Lauren appreciates the flexibility to work alongside families through Individualized Family Partnership Plans.
Lauren Lynch has a passion for working with foster and adoptive families. Before joining C.A.S.E., she worked at the University of Kentucky and served as the program coordinator for Adoption Support for Kentucky. In 2020, Lauren and her husband created the Attitude of Gratitude Foundation with the goal of financially assisting those seeking to become adoptive parents.
Lauren received her B.S. from Eastern Kentucky University and her M.A. from Georgetown College. She is an adoptive mother of two and a lifelong University of Kentucky Wildcats fan.
Leah is a 2019 Star of Adoption!
Leah Miao Linsin is 14 years old and is an eighth grader at Pyle Middle School in Bethesda, Maryland. She and her family live in Potomac, Maryland.
Leah was born in China, in the Guangzhou metropolitan area. She was adopted by her parents when she was 9 months old. She has played soccer since age three and loves art, reading, Legos ( she has not outgrown her love of Legos and claims she never will), pandas, Dr. Who, K-pop, and her friends. She is active in the student- led group CAIF (Capital Area Interfaith Friends), which promotes inter faith awareness and community service.
Leah is grateful to her C.A.S.E. therapist, who helped her learn to process and talk about her adoption. She contributed to C.A.S.E.’s new publication, Beneath The Mask: For Teen Adoptees because she wants to help other kids her age who might benefit from her experience. Leah is excited to travel to China this summer and to see her birth country for the first time since her adoption.
Dr. Leigh Leslie is Associate Professor Emerita, Family Science, School of Public Policy U of MD. She is the author of numerous book chapters and over 50 journal articles focusing on topics related to family functioning and mental health.
Specific foci include social support, gender issues in families, interracial adoptive families, and military families. She has conducted numerous evaluations of psychoeducational programs in areas such as couples communication, parent education, and promotion of emotional resiliency in children.
A faculty member of The Couple and Family Therapy Program at the University of Maryland for over 30 years, Dr. Leslie served as Program Director from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, Dr. Leslie retired and currently maintains a private therapy practice serving individuals, couples and families.
Leslie joined C.A.S.E. in 2014 as the Chief Financial Officer. Her major accomplishments include an NTI Federal grant for $9M, a VA Case Management grant for $1.4M, establishing an Endowment Fund and has consistently achieved the annual operating budget. She is a senior executive with nearly 30 years of experience in private and public accounting. Leslie possesses extensive experience in strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting and analysis including SEC and SOX reporting, problem solving, and implementing new processes to improve productivity.
Leslie is a member of the AICPA and the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. Degree in Accounting.
Dr. Lisa Cullins is the Director of the NIMH Clinical Training Program, and an Attending Physician in the Emotion and Development Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD.
Dr. Cullins is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC and is currently the treating psychiatrist at C.A.S.E.
Lisa Maynard, LMSW, ACSW, TC-TSY-F, is a Licensed Social Worker with expertise in trauma, attachment, and adoption. She is an Implementation Specialist with the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) for the National Adoption Mental Health Competency Initiative (NTI) implementing web-based training for child welfare and mental health professionals across the U.S. She also maintains a private therapy practice in Upstate New York, integrating yoga philosophy, meditation and mindfulness in her work with clients, guiding them to explore life challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
Ms. Maynard holds an LMSW, New York State, earning a Masters of Social Work from State University of New York, Buffalo; Trauma Counseling Certification, State University of New York, Buffalo; Post-Graduate Certificate in Adoption Therapy, Hunter College of Social Work; certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies through the Justice Resource Institute(JRI), Cambridge, MA; certificate of completion, NTI Child Welfare training; certified in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, JRI and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Ms. Maynard has received the following honors: 2010 North American Council on Adoptable Children “Adoption Activist Award;” 2008 United States Department of Health and Human Services Excellence in Adoption Award for post adoption services; 2001 Congressional Honor “Angel in Adoption.” In 2008, she co-produced an 8-part TV news series on the issues of adoption aired by WROC TV8 Rochester NY that received national attention winning the Children’s Bureau’s 2008 Anna Quindlen Award and was also nominated for an Emmy award.
Read Lisa’s recent article, Surviving Parenting in the Time of COVID on the C.A.S.E. blog.
Lucy was born in Guatemala in 2001 and adopted by her parents and brother at ten months old. She lives in St. Louis, MO, with her mother and father. Currently, she is a senior at the University of Dayton majoring in Sports Management.
While at Dayton, she works in the athletic department as a student assistant. In the past, Lucy has worked with three professional women’s soccer teams. She likes working with athletes and support staff to create a fun game day for all to enjoy. Lucy’s favorite part about working in women’s soccer is she feels like she is a part of something bigger than herself.
In the fall, she was part of a Sales and Fundraising class at UD. She was given the opportunity to participate in the Health & Sport Science’s annual Philanthropy Tournament. This tournament allows students to advocate for a charity close to their hearts. Each student competes against another by giving 5-minute presentations on their charity. This year, the five finalists were granted a donation in their name to their charity. Lucy was the 2022 Philanthropy Tournament winner. She advocated for C.A.S.E. and the importance of mental health support for the adoptive and foster care community. Lucy was awarded a $2,500 donation to C.A.S.E.
Lucy’s presentations were about her life and how she battled mental health issues relating to being adopted. For the first time, Lucy shared her story with others. For as long as she can remember, she has always had behaviors of anxiety. It wasn’t until high school that it became almost uncontrollable. This anxiety led to her hating the best part of her story, being adopted. After hiding her anxiety and panic attacks for so long, Lucy is letting her light shine.
She wants people who have been adopted to hear her story and to know that they are not alone. No person should question themselves because they look different from the rest of their family. She wants parents of adoptees to know that it’s okay for them to not have all the answers. Parenting doesn’t come with a guidebook. Lucy believes that every human being has a light within them and that their light deserves to shine bright.
Maqueda Brown joined C.A.S.E. in 2018 with 26 years of nonprofit accounting and managerial experience. With public accounting, international labor union and corporate experience under her belt, Maqueda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Finance Department at C.A.S.E. assisting the CFO in budget tracking and monitoring, the annual audit, and special projects. Maqueda serves on the Staff and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committees at C.A.S.E. Maqueda holds a B.S. in Accounting from Hampton University.
Mari Itzkowitz, LCSW, serves clients through teletherapy throughout the states of Virginia. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and received her Masters of Social Work from The Catholic University of America. Mari is an Adoption Competent Therapist and Trainer and has over 20 years of experience providing clinical services to families who have adopted both domestically and internationally.
Mari provides individual, family and group therapy to adopted children, teens, adults and their families, as well as pre-adoption therapy for children and families moving toward finalization. Her specialty is grief and loss, and attachment issues. Mari works from a family systems perspective and believes that strengthening the family bond is the most effective way to bring about change.
Mari is a leader of the C.A.S.E. Training Team, providing training and education to adoption, child welfare, mental health and school professionals as well as parent groups, both locally and nationally. Mari is a key facilitator of the “Train the Trainer” program for C.A.S.E.’s Training in Adoption Competency (TAC) program, created to increase the adoption competence of mental health professionals around the country. To date, she has trained over 50 trainers nationwide who are teaching the TAC Curriculum to clinicians in their communities.
Marjorie Margolies is a 2017 Star of Adoption!
She is founding President of Women’s Campaign International (WCI), a group that provides advocacy training for women throughout the world. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a CBS News Foundation Fellow at Columbia University, Marjorie began her career as a television journalist at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia. Marjorie was a journalist with NBC and its owned and operated stations both in New York and Washington, DC. She was a contributing correspondent to the Today Show, Sunday Today, A Closer Look, CNBC, and Real Life with Jane Pauley. Marjorie’s reporting has won numerous awards including five Emmys.
In 1992, Marjorie was the first woman ever elected to Congress from Pennsylvania in her own right. She was also the first Democrat since 1916 elected from Pennsylvania’s 13th district. In 1995, Marjorie served as the Director of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. After Congress, Marjorie chaired the National Women’s Business Council and as executive director of the Women’s Campaign Fund, a group that supported pro–choice women candidates.
Currently, Marjorie is a Resident Senior Fellow with the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2015 she was given the Outstanding Teacher Award by the students and faculty of the Fels Institute of Government at Penn and was a senior fellow at the Annenberg School for Communication, Institute for Public Service. In addition, as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, Marjorie lectures at universities throughout the country. She was a presidential appointee to the Vietnam Education Fund, which focuses on scientific education and exchange between the United States and Vietnam.
In 1970, at age 28, she covered a story on Korean orphans and was so moved by the experience that she became the first unmarried U.S. citizen to adopt a child internationally, Lee He from Korea and four years later, Holly from Vietnam. Marjorie chronicled their experiences in the 1976 best-seller, They Came to Stay, the first of four books she authored. Later she married a partner with four girls, had two biological children and became the legal guardians to three Vietnamese boys.
The Honorable Mary Landrieu is a 2016 Star of Adoption!
A former Louisiana Senator and adoptive mom, Ms. Landrieu is a recognized advocate for building families through adoption. She served as the Senate co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and was a leader in the passage of numerous congressional acts supporting adoption and child welfare including the Adoption Tax Credit.
301-476-8526
Mary Wichansky, MSW, LCSW-C is a seasoned, passionate human services professional with over 25 years’ experience delivering exceptional quality and bottom-line results. She has a unique blend of behavioral health clinical expertise and leadership and keen ability to anticipate consumer needs and respond with innovative products and services. We welcome her demonstrated ability to establish and build relationships with key stakeholders.
Mary is very excited about the game-changing opportunity that this initiative affords to transform cross system collaboration so that families receive the services and supports they need and that professionals who work in these systems are afforded the workforce development they deserve. After 30 years of serving children and families, it is exciting to think about building a responsive system that heals families. Professionally, this work braids together heart, head and relationship work which are the realms I enjoy being in most.
Matt McGuire is a 2017 Star of Adoption!
Adopted as an infant in 1980, Matt McGuire grew up in Rockville, MD, as a transracial adoptee with his parents, two sisters, and brother. He came to know C.A.S.E. in 1998 where he found access to the adoption-competent support that would help to positively and forever shape his lifelong adoption story. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mt. St. Mary’s College, and a master’s degree in philosophy from American University, where he completed his graduate thesis on the ethics of transracial adoption. During graduate school, Matt participated in a public service internship program that exposed him to the challenges, rewards and opportunities that come with a career in public service. The experience inspired him to pursue a career with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Matt currently serves as a child welfare program specialist with the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, where he works on improving the lives of children and families through programs that reduce child abuse and neglect, increase the number of adoptions, and strengthen foster care. He lives in Olney, MD, with his beautiful wife Sarah, and is the proud father of two sons Jeremiah and Cole and a daughter Amelia.
Michael Dugan began his career in the electrical industry more than 40 years ago. He has been the President and Founder of Freestate Electrical Companies since 1984, successfully growing the business to a $30 million full-service commercial electrical contractor. He actively participates in the industry, serving on the board of the National Electrical Contractor’s Association (NECA) and working with the Washington Metropolitan Subcontractors Association and the Prince George’s County Electrical Board.
The Dugans live in Laurel, MD and are the parents of 12 grown children: 4 daughters by birth and 8 children adopted from foster care. Twenty years ago, Mike and his wife, Kathleen, established C.A.S.E. to improve the lives of children who are adopted or in foster care and their families through counseling, lifelong education, and a growing national network of trained professionals. Since C.A.S.E.’s founding, Mike has served a number of terms on the Board of Directors, starting his most recent term in 2015.
How did you first come to know C.A.S.E.?
When I was about 10 years old, my parents brought both me and my adopted brother to a family therapy session at C.A.S.E. The intention was primarily for my brother who was having some adolescent behavior issues that were thought to stem from underlying problems related to being adopted but it soon became clear that he had no interest but I did. I then started attending therapy sessions on my own.
How has your work with C.A.S.E. impacted you and your family?
C.A.S.E. has had a huge impact on my family. Once I began attending therapy sessions, it was very clear how comfortable I was telling my adoption story. I have been asked to be a part of various events such as panels for adults with adopted children, helping lead a children’s group at the KAN Carnival, telling my story for radio advertisements, participating in video testimonies, and attending meetings on Capitol Hill to advocate for more funding. C.A.S.E. gave me the skills to be comfortable telling my adoption story and they gave me the desire to help as many people as possible by telling my story. In addition, my father also found C.A.S.E.’s purpose to be important and joined their Board as a member in hopes of continuing the impactful help that they provide to foster and adopted children and families.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader at C.A.S.E., and what do you hope to achieve during your time as a Board Member?
C.A.S.E. has helped me become a more confident woman and as I have gotten older, I have looked back and recognized the importance that C.A.S.E. had in helping me grow as an individual. Without C.A.S.E. I do not think I would be as comfortable in my own skin. I have a solid understanding of who I am because they helped me through my own adoption story and understand how it adds to my already existing identity. I have seen how impactful C.A.S.E. is to hundreds of children and families. I have worked first hand with children who struggle with understanding why they were placed for adoption. I joined the Emerging Leaders at CASE because I hope to continue helping these children and families while also hopefully reaching new individuals who need these services and never knew they existed. I hope to provide new insights based on my own personal experiences while continuing the work that CASE provides.
Tell us about your life outside C.A.S.E.: What do you do professionally and what are your interests outside work?
I graduated from James Madison University and have a degree in Kinesiology. I grew up playing basketball and enjoy sports medicine and the rehabilitation side of sports. I currently work at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC as a rehabilitation assistant where I help physical therapists improve the quality of life of post surgical patients along with various other physical therapy needs. I currently am in school to become a physical therapist assistant so I can continue my love of rehabilitation. Outside of work, I enjoy all things related to fitness. I love working out, Pilates, yoga, going for hikes, or bike rides.
Michaela Battle is an adult adoptee from Olney, Maryland. She has been a client of C.A.S.E. and also involved with C.A.S.E. events over the years. Michaela has a B.S in Kinesiology from James Madison University and resides in Howard County, Maryland and is currently pursuing a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Michelle Savieo, MSW has dedicated her career to service–related, leadership positions in the field of child welfare, with the last six years being dedicated to adoption work. She has experience overseeing the administration of a large child welfare office and has demonstrated skills in program development and establishing and maintaining relationships with child welfare partners.
She has experience identifying system needs in child welfare services and has worked to strategically develop solutions and interventions to address such needs. She led multiple permanency initiatives in Indiana and is able to identify barriers to permanency for children, develop action plans to overcome such barriers, and obtain permanency for children by collaborating with the others to develop and implement service plans.
She has a Master of Social Work degree from the Indiana University School of Social Work and is a licensed Social Worker in the State of Indiana. Michelle has completed the National Training Initiative (NTI) – Adoption Competency Training and Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) with C.A.S.E. and is a strong advocate for improving adoption competent services to children and families.
301-875-1465
Miles Brown graduated from York College of Pennsylvania and earned a B.S. in Sports Management as well as a minor in athletic coaching. While at school, Miles spent time working in the York College of PA Sport Management Program, where he was tasked with being a building supervisor. Miles chose to work for C.A.S.E. because he feels he can really thrive and grow in a working environment. When he is not at C.A.S.E., Miles coaches swimming for Machine Aquatics.
Monica T. Jackson joined C.A.S.E. in the fall of 2020 bringing with her almost 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit field focusing on fundraising, marketing, and event planning. She has raised funds for people with multiple sclerosis and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Monica has always wanted to be able to help people and knew that C.A.S.E. would be a great fit. Monica received her B.A. Degree in Public Relations and Marketing from Ashford University.
301-478-4015
Oterial Arrington is a passionate child advocate with a deep commitment to improving the lives of children from all backgrounds and abilities. Since 2005, she has been the loving mother of an adopted child, which sparked her interest in helping children find loving homes and supportive families.
With a background in recruitment, staffing, and management spanning over 20 years, Oterial brings a wealth of experience in building and nurturing relationships. However, her true calling lies in advocating for children and addressing their unique needs.
Oterial firmly believes in the power of community and subscribes to the philosophy that “it takes a village” to support and care for children. She recognizes that organizations like C.A.S.E. are crucial in facilitating the process of finding children permanent and loving homes.
With her passion, experience, and dedication, Oterial is a valuable asset to C.A.S.E., working diligently to match children with adoptive families who are committed to providing a nurturing environment. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that every child finds a loving and supportive home where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
Ottilie is a 2019 Star of Adoption!
Hello, I am 16 years old and was adopted by my mother when I was an infant. I attended Dora Kennedy French Immersion School in Greenbelt, Maryland and started taking French when I was in the first grade.
I am in the 11th grade at Saint Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, MD where I am taking AP French, so I guess you can say I’m bilingual. My cell phone is in French and I hope to visit Francophone, Canada again this summer.
I have been playing the viola since the fourth grade. Ever since I was little I’ve had an attraction to water, and I want to become a marine biologist. I play tennis and I’m hoping to play in college. I have already been contacted by several college recruiters. I love hanging out with friends and having fun.
I decided to contribute my story to the new Teen Workbook because I wanted to let other adoptees know that they are not alone – I wanted them to see the similarities in their struggles and mine.
Currently, Pamela serves on the C.A.S.E. Board of Directors. Pamela has over 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist working with children, families, individuals and groups. She specializes in anxiety, depression, infertility, postpartum, marital and family conflict, and adoption. She has worked as a Contract Therapist at C.A.S.E., facilitating the Kids Adoption Network (KAN) Support Groups for adopted children.
Pamela graduated from New York University with a B.S. in Cultural Anthropology and an M.S. in Social Work. She is also a graduate of the Ackerman Institute Post Graduate Program in Couples and Family Therapy. Pamela is a parent by birth and international adoption. She co-chaired the C.A.S.E. Annual Gala from 2013-2015.
301-660-4264
Paris Terrell, LMSW earned her Master of Social Work Degree at Boston University with a specialization in Child, Youth, and Families and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Human Services at Towson University. Paris was drawn to social work at Towson University during her Family Law class after the class focused on adoption law. She has previous experience working with waiting adoptive families as they navigate through the adoption process, as well as providing individual, family, and group therapy to children, youth, and families in various settings.
Most recently, Paris provided school based mental health services in Prince Georges County where she focused on crisis interventions in order to help support the students and school community. Paris enjoys working with transitional age youth with a strength-based and collaborative approach who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss.
Rachel Shifaraw first came to C.A.S.E. in 2017 with a writing contribution for the Beneath the Mask: For Teen Adoptees Workbook. After working closely with the organization for 3 years doing public speaking engagements & writing assignments, Rachel was asked to help establish the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council. Using her lived experience as an interracial adoptee & her passion for writing, Rachel acted as the co-chairman for the Emerging Leaders from
February 2020 to 2024.
In early 2024, Rachel joined the C.A.S.E. staff as a creative content specialist. She brings a unique lens that weaves lived adoption experience, advocacy & artistry all together.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trinity University (Washington, D.C.) & an Associate of Applied Science in Forensics from Montgomery College (Rockville, Maryland).
Rachel Crow is a 2016 Star of Adoption!
Rachel Crow is an American singer, songwriter and actress haling from Mead, Colorado, who first came to the nations attention with her stunning x factor audition in 2011. Beating out over 150,000 fellow contestants, Rachel made history, as the shows youngest ever participant, at the tender age of 13 and captured both the viewers’ and judges’ hearts.
After finishing in the top 5 on the x factor, Rachel guest starred on many Nickelodeon shows. She released her first E.P. with Columbia Records, and her song “Mean Girls” perfectly captured the difficulties faced by many high schoolers. With well over 15 million views on YouTube, the song was a global success.
As an actress, Rachel has guest starred on shows such as The Office, Big Time Rush, Figure It Out, and she also had a recurring role on Nickelodeon’s Fred: The Show. Rachel also can be seen along side Ann Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, and Bruno Mars as one of the leading roles in 20th Century Fox’s hit animated feature, RIO 2. This year Rachel starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Invisible Sister, and is the lead in an animated TV project (coming summer 2016).
Rachel is very honored to have been invited by President Obama and The First Lady on two occasions to perform at The White House. Once at the Easter Egg Roll, where she performed the National Anthem on the balcony alongside The First Family, and at The Kids State Dinner where she sang and danced alongside The First Lady.
Rachel is also a young philanthropist with a strong passion for kids in foster care, being adopted from foster care herself, Rachel is committed to making a difference in the lives of kids across the United States. She was honored as the face of National Adoption Day (2013), and is an ambassador for the Dave Thomas Foundation.
Rachel played a pivotal role in raising a record breaking 2.2 million dollars at the 2013 Wendy’s National Convention, where she gave a heart warming rendition of her song Promise to Promise. Most recently, Rachel made her Broadway debut with Stars4FosterKids and You Gotta Believe, raising awareness for older foster youth in New York City. Alongside Tina Fey, Megan Hilty, Daren Criss, Charlene Tilton and many others, Rachel helped raise over $500,000 Rachel was so honored to be awarded the Congressional Angel in Adoption Award this past November, the award was in recognition for her work in raising awareness for children in foster care.
Rachel is currently signed to S-Curve-BMG records as a recording artist and songwriter. She will be releasing her single this spring.
Read the Huffington Post’s article about Rachel’s adoption story.
How did you first come to know C.A.S.E.?
I first came to know of C.A.S.E. when I submitted a writing piece in hopes of being considered to be included in the Beneath the Mask: For Teen Adoptees: Teens and Young Adults Share Their Stories.
How has your work with C.A.S.E. impacted you and your family?
My work with C.A.S.E. has been fundamental in my personal healing regarding my own adoption. Working alongside the amazing staff at the organization has taught me so much about navigating adoption trauma. C.A.S.E. has given me a safe space express, share & channel all my feelings on adoption.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader at C.A.S.E., and what do you hope to achieve during your time as a Board Member?
I wanted to become an Emerging Leader at C.A.S.E. because I wanted to give back to the adoption community that has been so supportive of my adoption journey over the years. While serving on the board, I hope to help create a space where adoptees can feel dedicated to using their own adoption experience as a source of help to others. Whether it be working with other adoptees, their parents or advocating for adoptees & foster care children, I hope to encourage our team to use our stories to open up those difficult conversations that we know need to be had.
Tell us about your life outside C.A.S.E.: What do you do professionally and what are your interests outside work?
Outside of C.A.S.E. I own a small pet care company in Frederick, Maryland that offers dog walking, boarding, pet sitting & training. We spend our days spoiling pets when their owners cannot. When I’m not working, I am either taking orders from my four children or trying to find a quiet place to escape! I love to travel the world, lay in my bed & eat divine food that I really can’t afford.
March is National Social Work Awareness Month. Can you share how a social worker/therapist has made an impact in your life?
Social workers have been active parts of my life for as long as I can remember as I find tremendous value in therapy. They have helped me through some of my darkest life moments with such gentle guidance & grace. I’d like to thank all the amazing social workers & therapists who work tirelessly to provide mental health services to adoptees & beyond.
Rachel Shifaraw was internationally adopted from Santiago, Chile at 6 weeks of age. She has lived in Maryland ever since & currently resides in Frederick with her husband & four children. Rachel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from Trinity University in Washington, DC & an Associate of Applied Science from Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland. Rachel came to C.A.S.E. with a writing contribution that was published in the Beneath The Mask Workbook & she has been passionate about working with the organization from that day forward.
Rachel joined the Emerging Leaders Council in hopes of giving a voice of lived adoption experience to assist C.A.S.E. in their mission of offering adoption support. When not busy with her family or small pet care company, Rachel spends her time writing descriptive stories & hanging out with animals on the local Frederick farms.
Rachel Wegner holds an MSW from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Rachel is the new Regional Manager of NPAC at C.A.S.E. Previously, Rachel worked in several clinical research settings and was the president of a small non-profit organization advocating for ethical and transparent adoption practices. Most recently, Rachel worked for the accrediting entity for intercountry adoption to accredit, monitor, and oversee adoption service providers in intercountry adoption. Rachel resides in northern Virginia with her spouse, two children, and two dogs.
Regi Corbie, LGMFT serves clients via telehealth throughout the state of Maryland. Regi received his undergraduate degree in Electronic Media & Film from Towson University. He earned his master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Regi has provided individual, couple, and family therapy to youth and adults. Regi’s experience includes working with clients of varying family and couple relationship structures, and he specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. Maintaining a culturally competent and trauma-informed lens is imperative to Regi’s work with his clients, as he believes the intersectionality of our identities can play a significant role in our experiences and view of self. Regi works collaboratively with his clients and uses a strength-based approach.
Renette Oklewicz, Former Director, Freddie Mac Foundation is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) is a 2014 Star of Adoption.
Rich Madaleno, Chief Administrative Officer, Montgomery County, Maryland is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
Rick Powell is the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) Board of Director Treasurer.
Roger Berliner, Former Council Member, Montgomery County, Maryland, is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
240-249-0993 x477
Sam is a seasoned creative professional with over 20 years of experience in the in the field of visual communications and marketing.
Throughout his career, he has successfully managed creative teams and executed a wide range of projects while delivering innovative and visually striking designs for various industries, brands, and organizations in the private, public, and federal sector. His experience spans across print and digital media, branding, photography, marketing collateral, social media, and integrated marketing campaigns.
Sara Bruce was adopted at 3 weeks old by her parents in Richmond, Virginia. She grew up in Connecticut and returned to the DMV area after earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan to pursue a career in international development. Sara spent a year in Tanzania working for an organization that advocates for orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as child welfare reform. Upon returning to the U.S., she was inspired to seek out opportunities to improve the foster and adoption system in her community. As an Emerging Leader with C.A.S.E., she aims to use her unique background and perspective to advocate for those who have been or currently are part of the foster and adoption system in the U.S. In her free time, Sara can be found exploring the DMV area with her partner and two dogs.
610-301-7617
Sarah Lorish joins C.A.S.E. as the Marketing Manager for the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services. She is a creative producer with over ten years of experience creating written, graphic, and video content for a diverse clientele. Her work has successfully engaged audiences within the public health, finance, technology, education, and environmental sectors.
Sarah’s years of experience managing creative teams contribute to her well-rounded and intuitive approach to research, strategy, and driving successful campaigns from concept to delivery. She is excited to employ her digital marketing and storytelling expertise to spotlight the work of the center by producing multichannel digital content that educates and engages audiences.
Sarah looks forward to learning all about the adoption, foster, and kinship space while she works to build and fortify the Center’s digital presence. Sarah holds a BA in Professional Writing from Penn State University. She also studied film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
301-476-4348
Sarah earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Texas State University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Human Service Studies from Elon University. Sarah began her career as the Director of Community Outreach and Education for Family Abuse Services of Alamance County before transitioning to child welfare and adoption work in 2015. She worked with birth, foster, adoption, and guardianship families as a caseworker with Child Protective Services in Texas. Additionally, Sarah served as the Adoption Program Specialist where she managed the adoption and post adoption programs and policy for the state of Texas. During this time, Sarah worked collaboratively with C.A.S.E. to bring NTI to child welfare in Texas. It was this experience that brought Sarah to C.A.S.E.
Sarah has two siblings who were adopted as infants.
Senator Amy Klobuchar is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2015 Star of Adoption.
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is the first woman elected to represent the State of Minnesota in the United States Senate and is one of only 20 female senators currently serving. She is the Senate Co-Chair for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption which works on issues pertaining to children in need of permanency, children in the foster care system, and domestic and international child welfare, as well as to advocate for every child’s right to a safe, stable and loving family.
“I have long worked to advocate for these loving families, and through my new leadership role in this bipartisan caucus, I intend to build upon my work to eliminate red tape in the adoption process and help keep adoptive families strong.”
Senator Klobuchar has sponsored and cosponsored several pieces of adoption-related legislation, including: International Adoption Simplification Act (Keeping Siblings Together in Adoptive Families) and Supporting Adoptive Families Act (Ensuring Adoptive Families Have the Support They Need)
She graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School. Her work has gained national recognition. She has been named by The New York Times as one of the seventeen women most likely to become the first female President of the United States, and by MSNBC in 2010 as a possible nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Working Mother Magazine named her as “Best in Congress” for her efforts on behalf of working families.
Shadell is a licensed social worker and Manager of Adoption Services for Chester County, Pennsylvania Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Even with 25 years of experience in adoption and trauma Shadell was moved by her Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) Training, provided through Voce in Harrisburg, PA. She described a mindset shift and stated, “My TAC Training caused me to rediscover how invaluable the assessment tool is to our work.”
After completing TAC she promptly began working with her post-adoption support staff to develop several assessment tools, including the county’s first Post-Adoption Biopsychosocial assessment tool, utilizing many of the resources from TAC.
Shadell also noted the importance of setting an example for her colleagues, sharing TAC concepts in decision-making meetings, especially with respect to honoring sibling connections and understanding the impact of decisions to separate siblings. She leads by example, encouraging her staff to keep a posted copy of the adoption-competent clinical practice principles as a daily, visual reminder to “…ensure these principles become a part of who they are professionally and the foundation of their work with families.”
301-476-1912
Shamele Hill, MSW, serves as a Training and Implementation Specialist with the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). Ms. Hill has worked in the field of social work for 20+ years and has extensive child welfare experience. She also has experience with curriculum development, training and facilitation, volunteer management, and program development and management.
Ms. Hill is also a Training Consultant and has worked with OVC TTAC where she has developed and facilitated different training curriculums to include serving as a Resiliency Coach in the Pilot of the Resiliency Project. Additionally, she is an authorize facilitator of the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children curriculum that focuses on educating adults on preventive measures of child sexual abuse. Prior to joining C.A.S.E., Ms. Hill worked within the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) network for approximately 15 years in different capacities to include Chief Program Officer and Director of Training and Volunteer Development where she had the opportunity to dedicate focused resources on volunteer training, increase professional development opportunities for staff and community partners, oversee organizational operations, and provide best-interest advocacy for children in foster care.
Ms. Hill received a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and a Master of Science Human Resource Management from Lindenwood University.
240-233-2186
Shannon earned a Master of Education in Counseling and Development from George Mason University and a post-master’s certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University.
Fun fact: Her undergraduate studies and first career were in engineering. Shannon enjoys her work now in the mental health field and is living a purpose-driven life.
Shannon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey. Shannon is also a Board Approved Supervisor in Maryland and a Certified Nature Informed Therapist.
As both an engineer and a helping professional, Shannon’s professional experience includes working in clinical and corporate settings. She enjoys optimizing operations in the areas of personnel management, organizational strategy, and process improvement, while honoring the heartbeat of any organization, its people.
Shannon chose to work for C.A.S.E. due to alignment with its mission and culture. She is hopeful that her previous experience in mental health as both a therapist and a practice director will support C.A.S.E.’s ever growing clinical team to further the organization’s impact.
Sophia was adopted from Guatemala City, Guatemala when she was five months old. After being raised in Baltimore, Maryland, she went on to receive her BA in Communication from the George Washington University.
Currently residing in the nation’s capital, Sophia is a mental health advocate who has personally felt the immense positive impacts from counseling services in her adolescence, and strives to share her experiences with like individuals. She also believes that storytelling is a powerful tool for community building and creating visibility for diverse identities, prompting her to give a related TEDx Talk at the University of Miami in 2019.
How did you first come to know C.A.S.E.?
After graduating from GW, I was actively seeking out opportunities to get involved with my passions of mental health advocacy and storytelling. When I discovered C.A.S.E.’s website, I was so thrilled to find an organization that is aligned with my beliefs and identity. It felt like a match made in heaven. After seeing C.A.S.E.’s real life impact at this year’s KAN event, I could not be more honored to be involved with such a special place.
How has your work with C.A.S.E. impacted you & your family?
While I have not received direct counseling services from C.A.S.E., I can absolutely remark on the power that counseling services can have on adopted youth from my own experiences with therapy over the years. It has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complex journeys and emotions that surround adoption, particularly in one’s adolescent years.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader at C.A.S.E., and what do you hope to achieve during your time as an Emerging Leader?
Being an Emerging Leader allows me to build connections with other like-minded individuals and stimulate conversation around adoption, identity, and mental health. In this position, I strive to leave a positive impact on the broader adoptive and fostered communities within the DMV, and further C.A.S.E.’s spirit of acceptance, honesty, and collaboration.
Tell us about your life outside of C.A.S.E. – What do you do professionally and/or what are your interests outside work?
I currently work as a Project Manager for a web design agency. I love being able to collaborate with other creatives in my daily life through my job. Outside of work, I love prioritizing self care through different forms of movement, writing, and being outside!
Tamara Arsenault joined C.A.S.E. as Director of Development in 2016, to manage individual and major giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving and fundraising events. She oversees C.A.S.E.’s $5 million Growing Together Campaign to generate an endowment fund, increase planned giving and attract growth capital to fuel C.A.S.E.’s expansion and ensure its sustainability.
Tamara is a nonprofit leader and mental health advocate with more than 25 years of experience in fundraising and business development, program design and performance management, monitoring and evaluation, organizational capacity development, and strategic planning. Previously, as Director of Innovative Partnerships at Global Communities, she managed a $24 million portfolio of corporate and foundation partnerships that included The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The MasterCard Foundation, Coca-Cola, Chevron, Cummins, and Unilever. She developed a day of service campaign with sites in seven countries, eight corporate partners, and more than 6,000 volunteers.
Tamara has a B.A. in International Relations, M.A. in International Relations and Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Tatyana is a 2019 Start of Adoption!
My name is Tatyana and I am 20 years old. I just finished a ten-month program with AmeriCorps where I worked with FEMA – I got to travel to Puerto Rico, North Carolina, and Florida to help people recover from the hurricanes.
I earned the Bronze Congressional Award and the Bronze Presidential Award for public service and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Florida for my work related to Hurricane Michael.
In the near future, I plan to attend college and pursue a degree in Emergency Management and Business. I enjoy hiking, reading, photography and hanging out with my husky German Shepherd, Rocket.
Tatyana McFadden is an American Paralympic athlete of Russian descent competing in the category T54 and international adoptee. Tatyana is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2014 Star of Adoption.
Tewedaj Molla, LMSW serves clients via telehealth throughout the state of Maryland. She has provided individual, family, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient clinics and schools. Tewedaj has experience working with clients who have challenges managing anxiety, adjustment disorders, depression, ADHD, trauma, abuse, attachment disorders and conduct disorders. She uses a strength-based approach and evidenced based treatment when working with clients.
Tewedaj earned her Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Behavioral Health from University of Maryland School of Social Work. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She also has trainings in Psychodynamic treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Behavioral treatment modalities.
The Gonzalez family is a 2017 Star of Adoption!
After welcoming four children through birth, Catherine and Paul Gonzalez opened their hearts and home to ten children through adoption.
In 1995, working with Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Catherine and Paul first adopted Gabriel from South Korea. Over the next four-and-a-half years, two more children, Dominic and Mary Teresa from Korea, also joined their family.
In 2002, while traveling to the Philippines to pick up their daughter Nelyn, they witnessed firsthand the results of extreme poverty. As a result, in 2005, they returned and adopted three siblings, ranging in age from 8 to 12; Mike, Piolo and Eddie. In 2008, they welcomed another 12-year-old son named Jed, followed by daughter Rey age 10. In 2010, 15-year-old daughter Verlene joined the family as well.
The Gonzalezes have welcomed children and teens into their family who had spent their early years in orphanages and foster homes. They have worked patiently to help their children overcome developmental, physical, and emotional challenges and have continually sought strategies to better parent. Over the years, they have turned to C.A.S.E. for support and to learn ways to help their children come to terms with their painful life histories. They have attended the C.A.S.E. Kids’ Adoption Network (KAN) conference and participated on panel discussions for prospective adoptive families. Today, Catherine continues to share learned strategies and experiences with an adoption support group that regularly meets in her home.
Anchored by their strong Catholic faith, Catherine and Paul are busy launching the five children who remain at home into adulthood, caring for grandchildren, advocating for families, and running a childcare business.
Shannon always knew she wanted to be a mom through adoption. In February 2012 she took the first steps to find her daughter by attending an orientation on adopting through foster care. That same month, seven-year old Monae moved to Families First in Denver, CO. For two and a half years, they both did the hard work of preparing for and searching for their forever family. Shannon pursued placements in numerous states and endured a long, frustrating adoption process with dedication and empathy. Finally, on July 3, 2014, they met and on August 17, 2014, Shannon welcomed ten-year old Monae into her life with open arms in Arlington, VA.
They are in most ways an extremely typical family, formed in an atypical fashion. Atypical is that Shannon is a single-mother by choice, who became a mom at 39 years old of a ten-year-old daughter. Very typical, she cried and cried on Monae’s first day of fifth grade, just like most moms dropping off their kids on the first day of school. They are a transracial family that sometimes has to explain to how it is that they are related, but more often are stunned by how much they are alike – Monae is a “Graving Girl” just like her mom, grandma, and aunt. In fact, while we honor Shannon and Monae as Stars of Adoption, the Graving Family is much more than the two of them and includes Grandma Pat, Aunt Heather, and Uncle Rob, as well as loving and supportive extended family members and friends.
The Gravings have relied on C.A.S.E. for incredible support and tremendous insight in weekly family therapy and have attended the annual C.A.S.E. Kids’ Adoption Network (KAN) conference, learning from others who share similar stories. Monae has volunteered at the KAN Conference as well, assisting staff with younger attendees. They are thrilled to be recognized this year as a Star of Adoption.
The Stribling Family is a 2021 Star of Adoption!
Someone once described adoption as the process by which your family tree becomes an orchard – a fitting description for the Stribling family who own an apple orchard in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
After years of dealing with infertility, Rob and Stacia worried that they would never get to experience the love and joy of raising a family. Then friends of theirs became foster parents and convinced Rob and Stacia to take a chance on this beautiful path to growing their own family. Working with their county agency, the Striblings embarked on months of training and welcomed their first foster son, who would become their beloved adopted son, in February of 2013. A year later their son’s newborn sister also joined the Stribling family.
Over the last eight years, the entire family has engaged in the hard work of healing. With the help of C.A.S.E. therapists, webinars, and conferences, Rob and Stacia have unlearned neurotypical parenting practices and relearned effective ways to parent children from hard places, while their children have learned to process their feelings and to embrace their identities and their adoption stories. Their son discovered the healing power of animals and is now a budding equestrian earning ribbons at local horse shows. Their daughter prefers to process through her creativity – she loves to make art, to sing, to play the piano, and to dance.
With the help of C.A.S.E. therapists, Rob and Stacia have developed as advocates for their children, making sure that school staff understand their children’s unique needs, fighting for appropriate accommodations, and educating others on the realities of foster care and adoption. As a professor of education, Stacia has also infused her new knowledge of trauma and FASD into her courses for practicing teachers; she supports teachers to be trauma-informed in their classroom practices, to view student behaviors through multiple lenses, and to find ways to honor families in all their beautiful complexity. Most importantly, the Striblings work hard to honor the “orchard” by building and maintaining relationships with their children’s birth family so they can feel grounded in who they are and grow into their best selves.
The Vasquez Family is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2016 Star of Adoption!
Kaari and Lee Vasquez are the adoptive parents of two young boys that they adopted through foster care. The older one joined the family at three months and the younger one at two years. The Vasquez’s have done an incredible job of including both of the boys’ birth families into their lives. They have been accepting and non-judgmental of the birth families while also setting some healthy parameters as to their involvement in the boys lives.
Kaari and Lee have also been active foster parents for numerous children over the past nine years and have dealt with heartbreaking challenges during that time including the death of a foster child’s baby. They continue to stay in touch with the children they have fostered as well as the families that have adopted them, even providing child care when needed. They recently transitioned a young boy to his birthfather in Central America which was a difficult process for all involved.
The Vasquez’s have incredible knowledge of the complexity of adoption and attachment and share this knowledge willingly with others. They are active in their Church where they conduct weekend trainings on adoption through the TCU Institute of Child Development and are involved in a support group for adoptive parents at the Church. This exceptional family has opened their home and their hearts to those that need it most.
Theo is a 2021 Star of Adoption!
Theo was born in Guatemala in 2006 and was adopted by his adoptive mother at 8 months old. He lives in Bethesda with his mother and two dogs, Lucy and Fern, and goes to Walt Whitman High School, Class of 2025.
He enjoys whitewater kayaking, biking, and fishing. He often takes younger kids out on these excursions to share his passion for the outdoors. Recently he volunteered to be a chaperone kayaker for a group of inner city youth who had never been on the water before, let alone moving water.
He has a strong sense of social justice and has attended several BLM protests through his Church and with peers. He is very passionate about music and writes raps as a way of expressing how he feels about the world and about himself. Theo is a strong presence in his Bethesda neighborhood and is always ready to lend a hand, often helping out at the weekly farmer’s market, doing odd jobs for elderly neighbors, dressing up as the Easter Bunny at the little kid Easter Egg hunt and planting trees on Earth Day. Many in his neighborhood refer to him as “the Mayor of Brookmont”.
Theo has been to Guatemala several times since coming to the United States to experience his birth country, one time staying for a month as an attempt to learn Spanish. Despite language lessons every day, both he and his mom came home knowing little Spanish but having met wonderful people and made lifelong memories. Right before the pandemic Theo and his mom visited Guatemala to meet his birth family including his birthmother, half brothers and sisters, and cousins. It was a joyous meeting. He stays in touch through social media. Theo wants to make his first international trip post pandemic to Guatemala to see them again.
How did you first come to know C.A.S.E.?
I first heard of C.A.S.E. in passing during my internship with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute as a Foster Youth Intern in 2014. I recently became more acquainted with C.A.S.E. through my mentor and former C.A.S.E. board member Jelani Freeman who connected me to the Emerging Leaders. I also had the chance to meet C.A.S.E. CEO, Debbie Riley at the 2021 Angels in Adoption Gala hosted at Senator Mary Landrieu’s home.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader at C.A.S.E., and what do you hope to achieve during your time as a Board Member?
As someone who works in child welfare advocacy and as an adoptee, the general belief is that adoption is how foster youth and families achieve their “happily ever after.” While this does happen, it is often overlooked that it takes a significant amount of work to ensure that it does. Working as an Emerging Leader will allow me the opportunity to contribute to a group of individuals that understand the importance of providing services, supports, and education to families to ensure adoptive families stay together. Also as an African American male, I believe I can help further any race equity work the Emerging Leaders may hope to do. As well as empower youth who struggle with being adopted embrace their power and own their story.
Tell us about your life outside C.A.S.E.: What do you do professionally and what are your interests outside work?
Outside of C.A.S.E. I serve as the Federal Policy Specialist with Youth Villages, a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health committed to building strong families, delivering effective services and significantly improving outcomes for children, families and young people involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems across the country. I also work as a Young Adult Consultant with the Capacity Building Center for States and am a member of the National Foster Youth Institute. Outside of my child welfare pursuits, I love to lift weights, bake, and perform theatre, especially musicals!
Tony Parsons, has built a career working on behalf of children, youth, and families across multiple systems. He began as an intern with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute where he produced a policy report with recommendations for increasing permanency for foster youth. After graduating from Michigan State University, he worked in education. As an academic advisor for educationally gifted students in a low income community, he drafted curriculum, elevated student voice in the decision making process, and convened stakeholders to improve educational outcomes. He also worked in a systems level change capacity with the Michigan College Access Network, helping low income, first generation, and/or students of color realize their potential of accessing higher education.
Currently, Tony manages a diverse youth policy portfolio including the Family First Prevention Services Act, Medicaid, education, and juvenile justice among others for Youth Villages. Youth Villages is national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health committed to building strong families, delivering effective services and significantly improving outcomes for children, families and young people involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems across the country. Additionally, Tony serves as a Young Adult Consultant for the Capacity Building Center for States.
Valerie Ervin, Deputy Chief of Staff, SEIU is a Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) 2013 Star of Adoption.
Yasmin R. Lewis-White, a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 15 years of human resources experience, joined C.A.S.E. in 2017. Yasmin has a passion for working in the non-profit industry, specifically those working to improve the lives of others. Before joining C.A.S.E., she served as the Director of Human Resources at Wesley Theological Seminary and worked at the National Center for Children and Families where she served as the Director of Human Resources for 9 years.
Yasmin received her B.S. Degree from Howard University, a certificate in Human Resources from Catholic University and a Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
How did you first come to know C.A.S.E.?
I first came to know C.A.S.E. because my mom worked at C.A.S.E. as a therapist and brought me to the KAN Carnivals when I was younger with my other adopted sister. I came back later in life to contribute my adoption story to the Beneath the Mask: For Teen Adoptees: Teens and Young Adults Share Their Stories.
How has your work with C.A.S.E. impacted you and your family?
I have known from a young age that I was adopted and I loved that. Especially going to the KAN carnivals every year, made me love being adopted and made me believe that I was different, but in a good way for it. It gave me a lot of confidence to share my story with others and normalize adoption to those around me. C.A.S.E. has definitely always been there as a resource for my family, including my sister who struggled with her adoption identity, and her mental health, for a long time.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader at CASE, and what do you hope to achieve during your time as a Board Member?
I have always been an advocate for adoption and would openly share my story to whoever wanted to know more. Obviously as a teacher, my goal is to always educate in anyway I can. For me, being on the Council would give me another way to educate and share my story and my experiences with those who need it, but also letting others stories and experiences help to educate myself in return.
Tell us about your life outside of C.A.S.E.: What do you do professionally and what are your interests outside if work?
I am a Social Studies teacher for MCPS, so I love all things history. I am a manager for the Sherwood Community Youth Choir where children grades 4-6th come together to learn singing techniques and singing in a group, while building community. I am also in the adult choir, Sherwood Community Chamber Choir, which is comprised of alumni of the Sherwood High School music department and other community members (anyone can join!). I am also frequently enjoying the DMV theatre scene, seeing as many shows as I can.
Zoe Bulitt was adopted by her family from birth and has a biological sister who was also adopted into her family after her. She grew up in a household of four girls and a wonderfully supportive family who introduced her to C.A.S.E. To help navigate adoption from a younger age. She pursued her passion of theatre for her undergrad at Monmouth University and ultimately found a second passion of teaching a few years post grad. She went back to school to get her Masters in Teaching from UMBC and is currently a Social Studies teacher for MCPS. She has also helped manage the newly found Sherwood Community Youth Choir to combine her love of performing and teaching. Always an advocate for telling her adoption story, Zoe returned to C.A.S.E. by contributing her story that was published in the Beneath the Mask Workbook. Zoe joined the Emerging Leaders Council to continue telling her story and to help others find their voice in telling theirs. When Zoe is not teaching, she enjoys attending theatrical performances of all types and singing in her alumni choir, Sherwood Community Chamber Choir.
Zoe Evans was born in Huanggang, China and adopted in 2004 when she was 18 months old. Prior to her adoption, Zoe was living with a foster family that also worked in the Huanggang orphanage.
Zoe’s story of unpacking her adoption began with a middle-school assignment called “Where I’m From.” Ever since creating and presenting the knowledge she accumulated through interviews with family members, looking at photos, and researching the geographical and historical aspects of her birth country, Zoe has continued to take her interest to a deeper level.
Zoe was nominated to be the leader of an adoption group in middle school in Washington D.C., has continued to write several academic papers on her identity as an adopted, Asian American female, and centered her artwork to target different aspects of her story whether it’s through symbols or the selected color palette.
Zoe is currently an undergraduate at Marist College, in Poughkeepsie New York where she is majoring in social work. Working with kids has always been a passion of Zoe’s. She hopes to use her own insights and experience to help others overcome challenges they have faced in their adoption journey.
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Due to traumatic life experiences and compromised beginnings, many children who are adopted, who are being raised by relatives (kinship care), or have experienced foster care have higher risks for developmental, health, emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges.
Of therapy clients were children under the age of 18 in 2021.
Served in 2021 through therapy, case management, post-adoption services and Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruitment program.
Registrants for our monthly Strengthening Your Family webinars and parent support groups featuring a wide array of topics for the adoptive, foster and kinship community.