Meet Our Staff
Executive Director
Jill Davies, LSW
Director
Jill Davies, LSW
Jill, an Ohio adoption assessor, currently oversees the Birth Parent Services Program and the Domestic Public Adoption Program at Caring for Kids. Jill has dedicated her career to child welfare and believes that not only does every child deserve a family, but that there is a family for every child.
- Email:jill@cfkadopt.org
Program Directors
Ashley Berdine, MSSA, LISW-S
Foster Care
Behavioral Health
Ashley Berdine, MSSA, LISW-S
- Email:ashley@cfkadopt.org
Erin King, LISW
Licensing and Training, COA
Erin King, LISW
Erin joined the Caring for Kids team full time in May 2013 as part of the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. She transitioned into the position of Birth Parent Counselor in 2015. Erin has a passion for working with children and families and loves working with prospective birth families and prospective adoptive families.
- Email:erin@cfkadopt.org
Renee Baker, LSW
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Renee Baker, LSW
Renee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Baldwin-Wallace College. She is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Adoption Assessor. Renee joined Caring for Kids in 2015, and is currently the Supervisor for the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. She is passionate about finding long term connections and permanency for youth and is excited to be a member of the WWK team!
- Email:renee@cfkadopt.org
Cassie Shreve, CPA
Controller/HR
Cassie Shreve, CPA
Cassie is married and has one child. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
- Email:cassie@cfkadopt.org
Sarah Bozsik, LISW-S
Private Program
Sarah Bozsik, LISW-S
Sarah is married and has two children. Adoption is part of her life outside of work as many family members and friends have built or grown their families by opening their hearts and homes to adoption and foster care.
- Email:sarah@cfkadopt.org
Ben Thompson
Agency Development & Community Engagement
Ben Thompson
Ben served as the chairman of the board for the Foster Care advocacy and support group, Fostering Love from 2018-2020 and has helped a number of people begin their journey into Foster Care and Adoption and helped provide ongoing support for them as they've continued the journey.
As a birth dad who placed a child for adoption in high school, and as a transracial foster and adoptive parent to his son, Ben possesses a unique blend of personal experience and passion for helping children find safe and caring environments for nurture, growth and success. He is married with three children and lives in Columbus.
- Email:ben@cfkadopt.org
Birth Parent Services
Andrea Rubinstein, MSA, LSW
Supervisor-Columbus Office
Birth Parent Counselor
Andrea Rubinstein, MSA, LSW
Andrea works with and counsels expectant expectant parents considering placing their child for adoption and with couples considering growing their families through adoption.
Andrea’s responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of Caring for Kids’ Columbus office, conducting home studies, as well as providing post-placement services for adoptive families and post-adoption counseling for expectant parents. She is married and has two children.
- Email:andrea@cfkadopt.org
Kayla Duhme
Birth Parent Counselor
Kayla Duhme
Kayla is married with four Dachshunds who are her pride and joy. She considers herself a foodie, enjoys camping, singing, and spending time with family. She also has a very unique last name which is pronounced Doom!
- Email:kayla.duhme@cfkadopt.org
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiters
Matthew Snider, BA
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Supervisor
Matthew Snider, BA
Most recently Matthew did ongoing casework in Franklin County for over three years bringing stability, safety, and permanency to children and families in Franklin County.
Matthew believes that every child deserves stability, love, and a forever family. Matthew Is dedicated to working towards the goal of adoption for every child, regardless of their story.
- Email:matthew@cfkadopt.org
Lydia Lyons, LSW
Wendy's Wonderful Kids
Supervisor
Lydia Lyons, LSW
Lydia worked in child welfare for almost 10 years, with 5 years in the post adoption unit. She wrote a quarterly newsletter and ran a support group for adoptive families and aided families in applying for post adoption subsidy. She has also worked as an assessor for an international adoption agency, and had the opportunity to travel to South Korea to bring home children for families in which she completed their home study.
She believes every child deserves to have a forever family and will work hard for every child on her case load.
- Email:lydia@cfkadopt.org
Kristin Jordan, LSW
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Supervisor
Kristin Jordan, LSW
Kristin joined Caring for Kids in 2011 as an adoption assessor and began her role as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter in August 2012. In October of 2022, she moved into the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Supervisor position.
Being adopted herself along with several of her siblings, Kristin is a strong advocate of adoption. She also has experience with multi-racial adoptions being raised in a racially diverse family herself.
- Email:kristin@cfkadopt.org
Stephanie Novak, LPC
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Supervisor
Stephanie Novak, LPC
Stephanie works with children who are at risk of aging out of the foster care system and are in need of a permanent family. She loves her role as advocate for children and is motivated by her belief that every child deserves a loving, committed family to grow up in.
- Email:stephanie@cfkadopt.org
Denise Barczyk, LSW
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Denise Barczyk, LSW
Denise has experience in Child Centered Recruitment, Child Protection, Early Intervention, and Partial Hospitalization groups in a residential setting, along with training residential staff. Denise enjoys being active in her community and volunteering.
Denise joined Caring for Kids as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter in July 2013. The Wendy’s Wonderful Kids belief that “unadoptable is unacceptable” is at the heart of all Denise does. She feels that each and every child deserves a forever family.
- Email:denise@cfkadopt.org
Gina Branco, BS, CMFT
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Gina Branco, BS, CMFT
- Email:ginab@cfkadopt.org
Gina Holderbaum, LSW
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Gina Holderbaum, LSW
Gina retired in 2017, but she still had the desire to help older children find families who are in the foster care system, so she joined Caring for Kids in January 2018 as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kid’s Recruiter. She loves her role of being a strong advocate for children who are at risk of aging out of the system without a permanent plan. She feels that children are never too old for a family to call their own.
- Email:gina@cfkadopt.org
Jon Wymer, BS
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Jon Wymer, BS
Jon firmly believes that every child deserves a forever home and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Jon is committed to assisting children in establishing permanent connections and is excited to work on behalf of an organization that truly believes “unadoptable is unacceptable.”
- Email:jon@cfkadopt.org
Kaleigh Yoder, MSW, LSW
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Kaleigh Yoder, MSW, LSW
Kaleigh has a passion for foster care and adoption and believes every child deserves permanent connections, a sense of identity, and to feel safe. Kaleigh loves animals, being active, cruises, and believes “knowledge is power”.
- Email:kaleigh@cfkadopt.org
Laura Merklin, MSW, LSW
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Laura Merklin, MSW, LSW
- Email:laura@cfkadopt.org
Kirstie Clapper, BS
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Kirstie Clapper, BS
Kirstie joined the Caring for Kids team in 2021 as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter. Kirstie is thankful to have the opportunity to help find adoptive homes and permanency for the youth in the program. Kirstie believes every child deserves a “forever family”.
- Email:kirstie@cfkadopt.org
Caroline Montanez, BSW
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Caroline Montanez, BSW
- Email:caroline@cfkadopt.org
Tyler Gilmore
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Tyler Gilmore
Throughout my work experience, I grew a deep interest in the adoption process as the joy I felt witnessing my clients find their forever home was immeasurable. I am elated to have found an organization in which I can be a part of that process as everyone deserves to feel loved and a part of a family.
- Email:tyler@cfkadopt.org
Kendal Wonacott
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Kendal Wonacott
- Email:kendal@cfkadopt.org
Samantha Shields
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Samantha Shields
- Email:samantha@cfkadopt.org
Amanda Snider
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Amanda Snider
- Email:amanda@cfkadopt.org
Lauren Raymond
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Lauren Raymond
Since her graduation in 2017, she has stayed in the field of working with families and children working as an Americorps Member serving those affected by the 2018 wildfires in Northern California , a treatment Specialist in Residential for foster youth,intern with a foster care and adoption agency, intern as a Community Based Therapist, a Preschool teacher and most recently a Caseworker for Summit County working in intake and ongoing services during her time there. Through these experiences,she has always held steady to how important family is and believes wholeheartedly in the saying “Unadoptable is unacceptable”. She hopes to continue to educate,encourage and support children in achieving permanency. In the next few years, hopes to continue to go on adventures with her “dog son” Odin and to achieve her social work license with the hope it will help her continue to find new and exciting ways to engage families post-adoption to ensure a family is truly “forever”.
- Email:lauren@cfkadopt.org
Melissa Kreuz
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Melissa Kreuz
- Email:melissak@cfkadopt.org
Makayla Butcher
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Makayla Butcher
- Email:Makayla@cfkadopt.org
Monique Brown
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Monique Brown
- Email:monique@cfkadopt.org
Amy Woodside
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Amy Woodside
- Email:amy@cfkadopt.org
Brad Edwards
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Brad Edwards
Trent Ashworth
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Trent Ashworth
Trent is also an adoptive parent to his vibrant, adventure-loving, and caring daughter. Together, they enjoy hiking, performing karaoke concerts at home, and playing board games. Trent believes that play is essential to all humans, regardless of age, and loves to play games. Find him on a playground playing Four Square or shooting some hoops!
Trent joined Caring For Kids as a WWK Recruiter in May 2023. He holds tremendous value for the importance of trusting relationships and is eager to play a role in connecting youth and families to one another. He firmly believes that every child deserves the love and support required to become who they want to be, and he looks forward to identifying adults who are driven to make the difference.
Emily Mapp
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter
Emily Mapp
Public Foster Care and Adoption Services
Rebecca Resnik MSSW, LSW
Foster Care Clinical Supervisor
Rebecca Resnik MSSW, LSW
- Email:rebecca@cfkadopt.org
Christin Bartunek, PCC-S
Foster Care Clinical Supervisor
Christin Bartunek, PCC-S
Christin’s responsibilities include assisting in the the day-to-day operations of Caring for Kids’ Columbus office, conducting home studies, teaching pre-service training, providing case management for foster placements as well as providing post-placement services for adoptive families. She is married and has two biological children and two adopted children.
- Email:christin@cfkadopt.org
Sierra Carraway MSW, LSW
Clinical Case
Manager
Sierra Carraway MSW, LSW
Alexis McClung, LSW
Clinical Case
Manager
Alexis McClung, LSW
- Email:alexis@cfkadopt.org
Danielle Nastase, LISW
Clinical Case
Manager
Danielle Nastase, LISW
Melissa Tolson
Clinical Case
Manager
Melissa Tolson
- Email:MelissaT@cfkadopt.org
Monica Zebrowski, MA, LPC
Clinical Case
Manager
Monica Zebrowski, MA, LPC
- Email:monica@cfkadopt.org
Bailey Nelson
Clinical Case
Manager
Bailey Nelson
- Email:bailey@cfkadopt.org
Rebecca Six
Foster Care Intake Specialist
Rebecca Six
Prior to becoming an Intake Specialist with Caring for Kids, Rebecca worked in the field of Corrections. She has been a Case Manager for offenders, a Cognitive Behavioral Facilitator in a Halfway House, and a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist for all ages.
In her spare time Rebecca cares for her many animals that include rats, mice, lizards, cats, crabs, and aquariums. Despite all of her children having at least four legs (or fins) she believes every child deserves to have a safe place they can call home, and is excited for the opportunity to help local families.
- Email:RebeccaS@cfkadopt.org
Miguel Carvallo
Intake and Support Specialist
Miguel Carvallo
- Email:miguel@cfkadopt.org
Amy Davis
FC Administrative Assistant
Amy Davis
Amy will be working in an administrative capacity in the Caring for Kids Cuyahoga Falls office. She won’t be working directly with children but loves the idea that she is supporting those who are in that role.
- Email:amy.davis@cfkadopt.org
Mya Clemons, BASW, LSW
Clinical Case
Manager
Mya Clemons, BASW, LSW
- Email:mya@cfkadopt.org
Champagne Ham
Clinical Case
Manager
Champagne Ham
During Champagne's free time she loves to workout, attend sporting events, and have family time. Champagne lives by the quote "Get Better Every Day."
Ashley Keener, MSW, LSW
Clinical Case
Manager
Ashley Keener, MSW, LSW
Ashley holds a Master of Social Work degree and graduate certificate in Clinical Social Work. In addition, Ashley is a licensed social worker and adoption assessor through the state of Ohio. She is passionate about advocating for children, while providing unconditional care and support. Ashley aspires to create a meaningful impact in the lives of the families and youth that she has the privilege of working with.
- Email:ashleyk@cfkadopt.org
Maureen Centa, BSSW, LSW
Foster Parent and Training Support
Specialist
Maureen Centa, BSSW, LSW
Maureen brings a wealth of personal knowledge and experience to the agency. Maureen is the mother of six children, four of which she was blessed to have had join her family through adoption. Maureen is experienced with adopting through a private domestic infant program and also fostering and adopting teens, sibling groups, special needs children, having open adoptions, and adopting out of birth order.
- Email:maureen@cfkadopt.org
Tami Mobley
Clinical Case
Manager
Tami Mobley
Dana Dawson
Intake and Support
Specialist
Dana Dawson
Licensing and Training Department
Emily Williams
Licensing Supervisor
Emily Williams
Emily coordinates the state wide database and works to get families approved to foster and adopt. She enjoys meeting families and interacting with children.
- Email:emily@cfkadopt.org
Colette Mickle, LSW
Contracted Assessor Supervisor
Colette Mickle, LSW
Colette is married and has two children. She values the importance of being part of a permanent family and enjoys seeing connections that grow through the foster care/adoption experience.
- Email:colette@cfkadopt.org
Madison Bettio
Licensing Specialist
Madison Bettio
- Email:madison@cfkadopt.org
Cassidy Moore
Licensing Specialist
Cassidy Moore
- Email:cassidy@cfkadopt.org
Abby LaCourt
Administrative Assistant
Abby LaCourt
Michelle Bores
Administrative Assistant
Michelle Bores
Although her role does not involve working directly with children, Michelle enjoys attending events such as “My Time to Shine” and the fishing event we hold each year. She also enjoys providing support to our families and children through the finance and administrative departments.
- Email:michelle@cfkadopt.org
Wenda Carr
Administrative Assistant
Wenda Carr
- Email:wenda@cfkadopt.org
Financial & Support Staff
Patricia S. Ameling, M.A., PCC
Special Projects
Patricia S. Ameling, M.A., PCC
After 15 years as an executive director for Caring for Kids, Pat took a step back from the directorship and is transitioning toward retirement. Pat has worked tenaciously to maintain the family-centered culture that the agency was founded upon. She holds a master’s degree and is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Ohio adoption assessor. Pat and her husband have the great privilege of parenting two lovely daughters, one biological and one adopted. Pat describes the 2001 international adoption of her daughter as the life-changing event that unearthed her passion for finding permanent families for children in need.
- Email:pat@cfkadopt.org
Karen Gonidakis
Office Manager
Karen Gonidakis
Karen came to Caring For Kids in April 2019 and is thrilled to be assisting in the process of our private adoption program.
- Email:karen@cfkadopt.org
Kara Parsons
Communication and Marketing Assistant
Kara Parsons
She became an Executive Assistant after graduating to build her skills on the social spectrum and adopted a love for reaching out to the community with an inspiration to spread awareness on important issues which is ultimately what brought her into the Marketing and Communications role here at Caring for Kids.
She enjoys keeping an open mind to new ideas and an open door to communication to foster growth and kindness wherever she goes.
- Email:kara@cfkadopt.org
Jen Walker
Administrative Assistant
Jen Walker
I have two daughters. One just graduated from high school and the youngest is a freshman. I am usually at the ball field with my youngest. She is on a travelling team and that is how I have typically spend all of my free time.
- Email:jen@cfkadopt.org
Michelle Butler
Administrative Assistant
Michelle Butler
- Email:michelleb@cfkadopt.org
Tracy Deitrick, LSW
Administrative Assistant
Tracy Deitrick, LSW
Throughout her career, Tracy has held a variety of positions. She has legally advocated for battered women, worked as a social worker for Akron Public Schools and has been a caseworker for at-risk teens. For eighteen years Tracy has worn many hats in the adoption field, working as an assessor, trainer, and caseworker.
She lives in the Akron area with her four wonderful children.
- Email:tracy@cfkadopt.org
Amanda Buckeye
IT Administrative Assistant
Amanda Buckeye
Amanda Harmocy
Administrative Assistant
Amanda Harmocy
Thank You For Your Support!
We thank you for your consideration of these strong, selfless women – whose tremendous sacrifice and courage to make an adoption plan for their child deserves our ongoing encouragement and support.
We welcome your questions! Please feel free to call or email Lori Scobee at Lori@cfkadopt.org or Jill Davies at jill@cfkadopt.org.