Meet Our Staff

Directors

Patricia S. Ameling, M.A., PCC

Co-Director

Patricia S. Ameling, M.A., PCC

Pat assumed the role of executive director in 2006. She works tenaciously to maintain the family-centered culture that the agency was founded upon and is dedicated to placing the best interest of each and every child Caring for Kids serves first. Pat holds a master’s degree and is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Ohio adoption assessor. She brings 15+ years of prior experience as a mental health counselor. Pat is a Trust-based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) practitioner. 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

Jill Davies, LSW

Co-Director

Jill Davies, LSW

Jill has worked in the child welfare field for over 20 years, beginning her career investigating child abuse and neglect for the Child Welfare System. She later began working in the area of public and private adoption and has continued to work in this field for the past 13 years.

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

Birth Parent Services

Andrea Rubinstein, MSA, LSW

Supervisor-Columbus Office
Birth Parent Counselor
LEAD Team

Andrea Rubinstein, MSA, LSW

Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Administration and has worked in the field of child welfare and adoption since 1992. She is a licensed social worker and Ohio adoption assessor.

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

Sarah Bozsik, LISW-S

Private Adoption Coordinator
LEAD Team

Sarah Bozsik, LISW-S

Sarah joined Caring for Kids in June of 2011 as a Birth Parent Counselor after completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at The University of Akron. In her role as program coordinator, her goal is to help everyone feel supported in their adoption journey. Sarah enjoys working closely with and providing support to everyone involved in the adoption process. She is passionate about ensuring that any plan put in place is, above all else, what is best for the child. Sarah is grateful to be involved with this loving decision.

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

Erin King, LISW

Birth Parent Counselor
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Supervisor
LEAD Team

Erin King, LISW

Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from The University of Akron in December 2009, after completing her internship here at Caring for Kids. She began her social work career as a contracted Adoption Assessor completing homestudies and post placement work with Caring for Kids while working full time as a Case Manager for a Therapeutic Foster Care Network in Tallmadge, Ohio. She continued her education to earn her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Akron in May 2011.

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

Anna Allen, MSW, LSW

Birth Parent Counselor

Anna Allen, MSW, LSW

Anna graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2018. Anna joined Caring for Kids as an intern in August 2017. After completing her internship, she became a part time employee for Caring for Kids in June 2018. Anna is both an adoptee as well as a birth parent and is looking forward to being able to use her own previous experience to provide the best and most comprehensive services she can to clients.

Anna is married and is parenting 4 daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games and going to the movies.

Email:anna@cfkadopt.org

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiters

Renee Baker, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Supervisor
LEAD Team

Renee Baker, LSW

Renee has been involved in the field of child welfare for 28 years. She began her social work career working as a Protective Services caseworker for a local public agency. A few years later she was hired as an Adoption Social Worker with the same agency, advocating for permanency for youth in foster care. She later became employed as an Adoption Assessor for a private international adoption agency where she eventually served as the Social Service Administrator and then the Ohio Program Administrator for many years.

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

Angela McAlarney, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Angela McAlarney, LSW

Angela received a Bachelor of Science in School Health Education from Kent State University in 2000. She has attended multiple trainings on child development and has worked with children of all ages throughout her career. She owned and operated her own child care center from 2007-2010. Angela enjoyed her work as an educator, however she wanted a career that would make a greater difference in the lives of children. She decided to close her business and returned to college in order to obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She received her degree from The University of Akron and became a licensed Social Worker in 2016. Since obtaining her degree, she has worked with children in foster care as a case manager and therapist at foster care networks. She joined the Caring for Kids team November 2017 as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter. Angela is thankful to have the opportunity to assist with finding adoptive homes and permanent connections for children in the program.

Email:angela@cfkadopt.org

Darlene Reynolds

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Darlene Reynolds

Darlene graduated from West Virginia State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. She began working in child welfare as a Child Protective Specialist for Kanawha county in WV. Darlene relocated to Columbus in 2016 and secured a position with Franklin county, continuing with ongoing and intake casework. Darlene joined Caring for Kids as a WWK Recruiter in January of 2020.

Darlene truly believes that every kid deserves stability and a forever home! She is a proponent of the child-focused recruitment model which is evidence based and up to 3 times more effective in serving youth who have been in foster care the longest. Darlene is very excited to be an advocate for at-risk youth and being part of the WWK team.

Email:darlene@cfkadopt.org

Denise Barczyk, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Denise Barczyk, LSW

Denise graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Denise is a Licensed Social Worker, and Ohio Adoption Assessor.

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

Jon Wymer, BS

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Jon Wymer, BS

Jon graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2012. Shortly after graduation, Jon worked at a residential treatment center for children and teens with behavioral issues. Jon has over 5 years of experience in working with developmentally disabled teens in a direct care capacity and over 2 years of experience as a case manager for the same agency. Jon has experience in Trauma Informed Care and teaching children to identify and utilize their coping skills. After 7 years in residential, Jon joined the Caring For Kids team in March 2020.

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

Gina Branco, BS, CMFT

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Gina Branco, BS, CMFT

Gina joined the Caring for Kids team in 2021 as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter. Gina graduated from the Kent State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in English, will complete her Master’s in Marriage in Family Therapy in September 2021, and will begin her Psychology PhD in January 2022. Gina is Certified in Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, and Play Therapy. More recently Gina worked with Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services as an Extended Services Caseworker. After working with children that were removed from their bio-homes and helping them find adoptive homes began Gina’s passion for adoption. Seeing these children go through so much in their young lives and finding a forever home has brought joy to Gina’s role in social work, bringing her to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. Gina loves working with the preteen and teen age groups and is excited to find these children forever homes. She is looking forward to using her background in social work and therapy to continue advocating for children to have loving and happy permanent homes.

Email:ginab@cfkadopt.org

Kaleigh Yoder, MSW, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Kaleigh Yoder, MSW, LSW

Kaleigh graduated from Kent State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus in Case Management. Kaleigh worked for over five years at a local public child welfare agency as an Ongoing Caseworker, New Hire Trainer, and at the counties Group Home. She graduated in 2019 from The University of Akron with a Masters in Social Work. During her internship for her Masters she was able to work directly with kinship families, foster parents, adoptive families, the Independent Living program, and help start a Group Home. Kaleigh is a licensed Social Worker and certified Adoption Assessor. Kaleigh joined the Caring for Kids team in May 2020 as part of the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter program.

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

Gina Holderbaum, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Gina Holderbaum, LSW

Gina graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Work in 1986 from the University of Akron. She worked over 23 years in child welfare, first as a Protective Services worker, then for 14 years as an adoption worker. She was also the children services liaison on the Sexual Abuse Collaboration Team for the county.

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

Kristin Jordan, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Kristin Jordan, LSW

Kristin graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Akron in 1995. She completed her Ohio adoption assessor training in 2009. Kristin has worked in various social work fields throughout her career. She was a home shelter case manager, school social worker for Akron Public Schools, parenting class instructor, family search and engagement worker, and an information and referral specialist.

Kristin joined Caring for Kids in 2011 as an adoption assessor and began completing post placement visits, homestudies, and homestudy updates. In addition to her adoption assessor work, she has now begun working with the Wendy Wonderful Kids’ program as of August 2012.

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 mixed family herself.

Email:kristin@cfkadopt.org

Laura Merklin, MSW, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Laura Merklin, MSW, LSW

Laura earned her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication in 2008 from Ohio University, and her Master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University in 2010. After completing her graduate program Laura worked as the Youth, Teen, and Family Director at a Jewish Community Center in York, Pennsylvania. Laura supervised the after school program, directly worked with children during summer camp, planned holiday celebrations, and was the youth group advisor. Laura joined the Caring for Kids team in January 2015 as part of the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter program. She works with youth in county custody who are at high risk of aging out of the system without a permanent home. Laura very much believes that every child deserves a forever family, and is excited to work on behalf of an organization that believes “unadoptable is unacceptable”.

Email:laura@cfkadopt.org

Lydia Keto, LSW

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Lydia Keto, LSW

Lydia graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1992 with a Bachelors of Science in Social Work. She joined Caring For Kids in August 2014 to be a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter for children in Summit County Children Services’ Custody.

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

Matthew Snider, BA

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Matthew Snider, BA

Matthew graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies. Matthew has spent the greater part of his professional life dedicated to improving the lives of young people through coaching, education, and case work.

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

Rochelle Hohman, BA

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Rochelle Hohman, BA

Rochelle joined the Caring for Kids team in 2021 as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter. Rochelle graduated from the University of Findlay with a Bachelor’s of Science majoring in Equestrian Studies. Rochelle is a Certified Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor allowing her to spend a big part of her career improving individuals lives with the help of horses. The joy Rochelle felt helping people lead her to an interest in the child welfare field. More recently Rochelle worked with Union County Children Services as their Adoption Caseworker. The work Rochelle did in adoptions brought on a new passion to help achieve permanency and connections in children’s lives. Rochelle is dedicated to help and understand the child’s goals and needs, and she will work hard to accomplish this. She is looking forward to continue advocating for children so they can be in the loving homes they deserve.

Email:rochelle@cfkadopt.org

Stephanie Novak, LPC

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Stephanie Novak, LPC

Stephanie joined the Caring For Kids team in 2012 as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling from Cleveland State University. Stephanie began her social work career as a case worker in child welfare and then moved on to adoption work. She realized adoption social work was her passion and decided to pursue that career again after time off to raise her own young children.

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

Shaina Provey

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Shaina Provey

Shaina moved from Connecticut to Akron in 2010 to attend the University of Akron, pursuing a Social Work Degree. Before transferring to Western Connecticut State University to be closer to family, she lived in San Antonio, Texas and San Diego, California. She graduated from Western Connecticut State University with her Bachelors of Science in Social Work in 2018. After graduating she had the opportunity to work as Social Worker at the YMCA she grew up going to for multiple summers. During the school year she worked as an Educational Instructor for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. This is not where her passion for working with children began but where she realized how important it is for children, especially those who struggle with behavioral and emotional disorders, to have healthy relationships, learn social and coping skills and to have someone on their team rooting for them.

She loves to travel, take photos and read. Her love for travel took her on a cross country road trip that led her right back here to Ohio. At the very end of 2021, Shaina joined the Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter team and she is excited to be here for the youth as their biggest cheerleader.

Email:shaina@cfkadopt.org

Kirstie Clapper, BS

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Kirstie Clapper, BS

Kirstie graduated from Kent State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduating from Kent State University, Kirstie worked at a community based mental health agency as a community and school-based case manager and Hospital liaison. Kirstie then went on to Child Welfare working at a local public welfare agency for over five years as an Investigation Caseworker, New Hire Trainer, and Ongoing Caseworker. Kirstie enjoys working with preteens and teenage youth.

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

Stephanie Novak, LPC

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Stephanie Novak, LPC

Email:stephanie@cfkadopt.org

Shaina Provey

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Recruiter

Shaina Provey

Public Foster Care and Adoption Services

Ashley Berdine, MSSA, LISW

Foster Care Supervisor
LEAD Team

Ashley Berdine, MSSA, LISW

Ashley has worked in child welfare for over ten years since graduating from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences with a Master of Science in Social Administration. She has professional experience as a child-centered recruiter, a foster care case manager, in behavioral health, and working with children with special needs. In addition to her professional experience in foster care and adoption, Ashley is a foster and adoptive parent who has personally navigated the system. As a result, Ashley is a strong advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare system and is passionate about obtaining needed services to provide the best outcome for those she serves.

Email:ashley@cfkadopt.org

Caitlin McDougle, PCC-S

Clinical Supervisor
LEAD Team

Caitlin McDougle, PCC-S

Caitlin joined Caring for Kids in 2013, as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter and transitioned to Clinical Supervisor in 2018. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisor Status. She has worked as a community based therapist in Summit County, with a focus on families and children. She has training in Trauma Focused CBT and is passionate about helping children who have been impacted by trauma. She believes that all children deserve a happy and healthy home. Caitlin enjoys spending time with her husband, reading and serving in her home church.

Email:caitlin@cfkadopt.org

Tracy Deitrick, LSW

Public Adoption Coordinator
LEAD Team

Tracy Deitrick, LSW

Tracy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Akron in 1994 and is a licensed social worker and Ohio adoption assessor.

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

Christin Bartunek, PCC

Clinical Case
Manager

Christin Bartunek, PCC

Christin holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and has worked in the field of child welfare, trauma and adoption since 2000. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor and Ohio adoption assessor.

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

Donielle Aufdencamp, MSW, LSW

Clinical Case
Manager

Donielle Aufdencamp, MSW, LSW

Donielle graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Toledo in 2013. She went on to complete her Master’s degree in social work from Walden University in 2018 and has been a licensed social worker since 2013 as well as is an Ohio foster care/adoption assessor since 2018.

Prior to coming to Caring for Kid in July 2020, Donielle worked for another foster care agency where she was able to grow her knowledge of the child welfare system and her passion for helping children grew. She loves helping children and seeing their progress and development.

Donielle lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two fur babies (cats) Ella and Lily. In her spare time she likes to crochet and cross stitch.

Email:donielle@cfkadopt.org

Christine Sourek, MSW, LSW

Clinical Case
Manager

Christine Sourek, MSW, LSW

Christine Sourek graduated from Cleveland State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Christine went on to graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University in 2019. Christine has completed graduate internships in Foster Care and School-based therapy before gaining work experience in Early Childhood Mental Health, Childcare Consultation, and Community and School-Based therapy before joining Caring For Kids in May 2021. Christine is certified in both Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Conscious Discipline. Christine has a passion for working in child welfare and especially with those children in foster care and adoption. Christine is excited grow in knowledge and is ready to meet and serve children, teens, and families through Caring for Kids.

Email:christine@cfkadopt.org

Gervaise Burks

Intake and Support
Specialist

Gervaise Burks

Gervaise is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

Gervaise joined the Caring for Kids staff in September 2013. Gervaise has 11 years of experience working with children and families in the foster care system. In Gervaise’s current role in the Foster Care Department as an Intake and Support Specialist, she is always willing to provide all clients with a supportive, informative and welcoming environment.

Email:gervaise@cfkadopt.org

Danielle Nastase, LISW

Clinical Case
Manager

Danielle Nastase, LISW

Danielle graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2011. She has been a licensed independent social worker since 2015 and an Ohio Adoption Assessor since 2016. Danielle joined the Caring for Kids team in 2017, after spending six years at a public child welfare agency. Her responsibilities include conducting home studies, providing post-placement services for adoptive families, and foster care case management.

Email:daniellemarie@cfkadopt.org

Hannah Segers, MSW, LSW

Clinical Case
Manager

Hannah Segers, MSW, LSW

Hannah Segers graduated from Eastern University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Social Work. Hannah then went on to graduate with a Masters in Social work from the University of Akron in 2017, and had the pleasure of completing her graduate level internship with Caring for Kids. Hannah was elated to be asked to join the Caring for Kids staff in May 2017.

Hannah has a passion for working with at-risk youth and loves having the opportunity to meet and serve children and teens through Caring for Kids. Hannah enjoys educating and advocating for foster families and coming alongside them as they navigate the world of foster care and adoption.

Email:hannah@cfkadopt.org

Ishanae Pollard, MACJ, MSW, LSW

Clinical Case Manager

Ishanae Pollard, MACJ, MSW, LSW

Ishanae’ Pollard graduated from the University of Toledo in 2012 with a Bachelors of Social Work. Ishanae’ then went on to graduate with a Masters in Social Work from the Cleveland State University in 2015 and also a Masters in Criminal Justice in 2017. Throughout her educational journey, Ishanae’ has gained experience from working within Hamilton County Children Services, Cuyahoga Job and Family Services, Hitchcock Center for Women’s AOD Residential, and Abraxas Counseling Center as a Therapist. Ishanae’ has a passion for learning and gaining knowledge while working with at-risk youth and loves having the opportunity to meet and serve children and teens through Caring for Kids.

Email:ishanae@cfkadopt.org

Leah Cistone

Administrative
Assistant

Leah Cistone

Leah is very excited to be working with the children and families at Caring for Kids. Leah was born and raised in Akron, so she’s passionate about the local area and excited to help families in her community. Leah has an extensive background in childcare and has always loved working with children. She spent the last five years working in the art world, which gives her a unique and creative approach to the administrative side of our office.

Email:leah@cfkadopt.org

Maureen Centa, BSSW, LSW

Training and Support
Specialist

Maureen Centa, BSSW, LSW

Maureen graduated from Ashland University May 2014 with a Bachelors of Science in Social Work. In 2007 Maureen and her husband started working with Caring for Kids as foster parents. Four years and a full house later, Maureen decided to return to school to pursue a degree in Social Work so she could continue to work with foster children and families. In January 2014 Maureen began an internship with Caring for Kids and in May 2014 was hired on full-time. Maureen’s current duties include foster care case management, foster parent training coordination, support group leader, night time and weekend referral coverage and foster parent support specialist.

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

Melanie Montgomery, LSW

Public Program Specialist

Melanie Montgomery, LSW

Melanie joined Caring for Kids in January 2017 as an intern while completing her Master’s degree in Social Work. After graduating in October 2017, she transitioned to working as an adoption assessor assisting families through the homestudy process towards licensure as foster/adoptive parents. In July 2018, she took on another role and began serving as preservice trainer. In January 2021, Melanie began working in yet another capacity with CFK as the public adoption program specialist.

Melanie has several years of experience working with families in both private and public child welfare agencies. She has a personal connection to foster care and adoption as she and her husband were licensed foster parents for 3 years and adopted a sibling group of 3 children in 2020.

Melanie lives in the Akron area with her husband and 7 children.

Email:melanie@cfkadopt.org

Monica Brown, MA, LPC

Clinical Case
Manager

Monica Brown, MA, LPC

Monica graduated from John Carroll University in 2016 with a Masters of Arts within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Prior to becoming a Clinical Case Manager at Caring for Kids she worked as an intensive in-home therapist as well as provided behavioral health support within the school systems. Monica has a passion for working with at-risk youth and being an advocate for them and their foster families.

Email:monica@cfkadopt.org

Mya Clemons, BASW, LSW

Clinical Case
Manager

Mya Clemons, BASW, LSW

Mya is a graduate of The University of Akron with a Bachelors of Art in Social Work. Shortly after graduation, Mya became a Licensed Social Worker. She has always had a passion for working with children and making a difference in their lives. Mya started at Caring For Kids in May 2021 and believes she can make an impact in the foster care system. She was excited to begin working and continuing to do what she loves best; making an impact on children in our community.

Email:mya@cfkadopt.org

Rebecca Resnik, LSW

Clinical Case
Manager

Rebecca Resnik, LSW

Rebecca graduated from Ohio University in May 2016 with a Bachelors of Social Work. During her undergrad, she completed her internship with Athens County Children Services and regularly volunteered to work with their foster children. One of her greatest memories of this time was being able to assist in organizing and running a weekend camp for siblings in foster care who had separate placements. Post-graduation, Becca became a Licensed Social Worker and began working as a group counselor in an alternative school. This rewarding experience allowed her to truly understand her passion for making a difference in children’s lives.

Rebecca was ecstatic to begin working for Caring for Kids in January 2019. She had chosen Social Work as a career to have the ability to make an impact on the foster care system. Accepting the position as a Clinical Case Manager was going to enable her to have just that. She believes that she now has the potential to have a more direct influence on children’s lives, while advocating and assisting foster parents in any way possible. Rebecca knows that every child deserves a safe, happy home and will do everything within her power to make that happen.

Email:rebecca@cfkadopt.org

Traci Cristino

Intake Specialist

Traci Cristino

Traci graduated from the University of Akron in 2012. Traci’s biggest passion is people, no matter the age; helping them, learning from them, just getting to know them. She has embraced what others can teach us and how even strangers can enrich our lives. She has loved working with children throughout her lifetime. Whether at a summer camp, substitute teaching, or children of family and friends, Traci has learned that children bring a light to our world that we are meant to let shine! Even though her job as an Intakes Specialist at Caring for Kids does not directly work with children, she enjoys that she can be apart of impacting children in our communities.

Email:traci@cfkadopt.org

Wenda Carr

Administrative Assistant

Wenda Carr

Originally from the Cleveland area, Wenda graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, focusing on nonverbal and interpersonal communication. Her lengthy customer service background has provided her with additional incite and understanding of the importance of strong relationships. Wenda is excited to be working with the children and families at Caring for Kids. She hopes to make a strong impact through her administrative role in helping cultivate wonderful and loving bonds between children and families.

Email:wenda@cfkadopt.org

Jaidyn Adkins, BSSW, LSW

Clinical Case
Manager

Jaidyn Adkins, BSSW, LSW

Jaidyn was born and raised in Newark, Ohio with her three younger siblings whom she is still very close with. She graduated from The Ohio State University in May 2021 with her Bachelors in Science of Social Work and received her LSW in November 2021. She joined the Caring for Kids team in Columbus in January 2022 and is furthering her education at The Ohio State University Graduate School. Jaidyn will receive her Masters in Social Work in 2023. Jaidyn has worked with children of all ages for years in many different capacities, starting with volunteer work when she was 14. She has taught dance to children, worked in a school counselor’s office, worked in a residential facility, and even has experience working directly with Franklin County Children Services as an intern. Jaidyn continues to grow in her knowledge regarding the child welfare system and remains passionate about her work with children; she is always excited to see growth in children and watch them learn to appreciate and use their own strengths.

Jaidyn still lives in Newark, Ohio with her dog, Remmie. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, relaxing, watching movies, playing board games, hiking, or taking other adventures.

Email:Jaidyn@cfkadopt.org

Traci Cristino

Intake Specialist

Traci Cristino

Email:traci@cfkadopt.org

Wenda Carr

Administrative Assistant

Wenda Carr

Email:wenda@cfkadopt.org

Financial & Support Staff

Cassie Shreve, CPA

Financial Controller

Cassie Shreve, CPA

Cassie earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from The University of Akron in May 2010. She went on to pass the CPA exam by December 2010 and was officially licensed a Certified Public Accountant in 2012. Cassie joined Caring for Kids as the Controller in May 2019. She has been involved with Caring for Kids since 2012 as a financial donor and participant in various activities and later joined Caring for Kids’ Board of Directors in 2017.

Cassie is married and has one child. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.

Email:cassie@cfkadopt.org

Ashley Keener

Administrative Assistant

Ashley Keener

Ashley received her Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 2018 and is currently pursuing her Masters of Social work. Ashley began her career working with children in 2014, specializing in helping children with exceptional needs through instructing dance and volunteering. Before joining Caring for Kids Inc., Ashley held positions in management and administration that have prepared her for her current role. Ashley discovered a passion for working in social services and finds great joy in her position. She is delighted to work every day to help support the youth and families in our local communities.

Email:info@cfkadopt.org

Ben Thompson

Community Engagement

Ben Thompson

Ben took an unconventional route into Caring For Kids and the world of adoption and foster care. An ordained pastor, Ben joined the CFK team after 15 years in church ministry.

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

Bill Butt, LSW

Ohio Adoption Assessor

Bill Butt, LSW

Bill began his social work career in the Public Child Welfare System as an ongoing worker. In 2007, he joined the Caring for Kids team as a child-centered recruiter with the Adopt Cuyahoga Kids program.

Currently working with both foster and adoptive families, Bill provides post-placement supervision, constructs court packets for adoption finalizations, and completes home studies.

Bill’s unique brand of humor is greatly appreciated by co-workers and clients alike. As the father of two internationally adopted children, one from Guatemala and one from El Salvador, Bill is able to share an adoptive father’s perspective with his clients

Email:bill@cfkadopt.org

Colette Mickle, LSW

Recruiter

Colette Mickle, LSW

Colette has been a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio since 1995. After a few years of experience in residential treatment and school systems, she began writing home studies for foster care/adoptions in 2004. She joined Caring for Kids in 2018 through the recruiting and licensing departments.

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

Emily Williams

SACWIS Coordinator

Emily Williams

Emily joined the Caring for Kids team in July of 2017. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Findlay in 2014. She brings customer service and coordinating skills to the CFK team.

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

Karen Gonidakis

Administrative Assistant

Karen Gonidakis

Karen returned to the work force in 2014 after enjoying her time raising her family for 18 years. She has many years of experience in the administrative field as well as actively coordinating and volunteering with the schools and sports teams where her sons were involved. Karen and her husband Barry have raised four boys and are blessed to now have a daughter-in-law and two beautiful granddaughters.

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

Michelle Bores

Administrative Assistant

Michelle Bores

Michelle began her career working with children in 1995 as a Kindergarten teacher in Garfield Heights. In 1997, she began working as a preschool administrator and since then has fulfilled various roles over the last 25 years. She began working at Caring for Kids, Inc. in June of 2012.

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

Polly Busch

Administrative Assistant

Polly Busch

Polly Busch joins the staff of Caring for Kids as an administrative assistant, a position she has held with various organizations for 18 years. She brings to CFK her experience working with a diverse population such as urban high school students, nursery school infants and toddlers, individuals with intellectual and developmental disability, volunteers and the general public. Polly and her husband sponsor a boy from the Dominican and a girl from Haiti through Compassion.

About CFK
Meet Our Staff
Information Packet
Our Events
Give to Caring for Kids
Birthmother Sponsorship
Employment Opportunities
Placement Statistics
Volunteer Opportunities

About CFK
Meet Our Staff
Information Packet
Our Events
Give to Caring for Kids
Birthmother Sponsorship
Employment Opportunities
Placement Statistics
Volunteer Opportunities

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.