Our Team


Executive Leadership

Janice Goldwater
Janice Goldwater,
MSW, LCSW-C
Chief Executive Officer
301-422-5125

Janice Goldwater, MSW, LCSW-C

Chief Executive Officer
Janice GoldwaterOur Executive Director, Janice, has been with AT since she founded the agency in 1990. Today, Janice’s leadership, vision, and direction guide the future of Adoptions Together in our community. With more than 30 years experience in child welfare and mental health advocacy, as well as raising 4 children who joined her family through birth and adoption, Janice is uniquely qualified to lead the agency as we move into the next 25 years serving families. Janice enjoys taking long walks with her 3 dogs and spending time with her husband and family.
Tiffani Williams
Tiffani Williams, MBA
Chief Business Officer
301-422-5130

Tiffani Williams, MBA

Chief Business Officer
Tiffani WilliamsTiffani joined the AT team in 2019 and is responsible for ensuring best business practices for Adoptions Together by providing oversight of agency operations and managing the day-to-day operations of the Finance department. With almost 20 years of hands-on financial and operational experience, she has worked extensively in the private and nonprofit sectors and brings diverse experience and endless enthusiasm to her role as CBO. Tiffani received her bachelor’s from North Carolina Central University in Business Administration with dual concentrations in Finance and Marketing and her Master of Business Administration from University of Maryland Global Campus, formerly University of Maryland University College. Tiffani enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading good mysteries, cooking, baking, traveling and all things music.

Domestic Infant Placement Program Staff

Pam Hoehler
Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C
Director of Placement Services
410-402-1117

Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C

Director of Placement Services
Pam HoehlerPam is currently the Director of Placement Services, overseeing the domestic infant and foster care adoption programs as well as the home study program. Pam possess nearly 25 years experience as a social worker, earning a Bachelor of Social Work from LaSalle University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore. While Pam worked in child welfare and schools with other agencies, she has consistently worked for Adoptions Together since 1998 in the areas of home study, birth parent counseling, training, parent coaching, and foster care adoption. Pam’s career has focused on creating permanency for children and advocating for the needs of children and families at all stages of their adoption journey. In her spare time, Pam enjoys reading, puzzling, hiking, and spending time with her husband, Dan, and her two daughters, Meg and Katie.
Amanda Bache
Amanda Bache
IT Support & Operations Specialist | Domestic Infant
Legal Support
410-402-1111

Amanda Bache

IT Support & Operations Specialist | Domestic Infant Legal Support
Amanda BacheAmanda graduated from Towson University in 2008 with a major in Family Studies. Immediately upon graduation, she joined the Adoptions Together Team. Over the years, she has enjoyed helping families with many aspects of the adoption process, from applications and clearances to finalizing documentation. Her main area of focus is assisting our staff and families as they navigate our online database (My Adoption Portal). Additionally, she also loves working with our staff to analyze processes to help identify new and more efficient ways to do things. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, and dog. She enjoys camping, bike riding, and relaxing at home with a family movie night.
Claire Beaman
Claire Beaman, LGSW
Adoption Social Worker
301-422-5104

Claire Beaman, LGSW

Adoption Social Worker
Claire Beaman Claire Beaman, LGSW, joined Adoptions Together’s Domestic Infant Program in July as an Adoption Social Worker after receiving her Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. On the DIP team, Claire splits her time working with birth parents part of the time and the other part of the time working with adoptees who are searching for their birth parents or counseling adoptive families. In her free time, Claire likes to travel with her husband (and soon-to-be little one), run, cook and bake, and go on walks with her dog.

Brittney Boone
Brittney Boone
Program Support Specialist
301-422-5119

Brittney Boone

Program Support Specialist
Brittney Boone Brittney serves as the Program Support Specialist for the Domestic Infant Team and the Executive Assistant to the CEO. She received her Bachelors degree in Family and Human Services from Towson University in 2017. After graduating, she accepted an internship position with Adoptions Together and has been part of the team ever since. She really enjoys being able to reduce the initial fear and anxiety a family may have about adopting by talking to families about the adoption process with Adoptions Together. In her free time Brittney enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching Netflix, shopping online, attempting new hairstyles from YouTube tutorials and taking naps.
Meshan Lehmann
Meshan Lehmann,
LMSW, LCSW-C
Adoption Counselor
301-422-5108

Meshan Lehmann, LMSW, LCSW-C

Adoption Counselor
Meshan Lehmann Meshan Lehmann, LMSW, LCSW-C, works full time as a pregnancy social worker in the domestic infant team at Adoptions Together. Meshan joined the team in 2016, and supports pregnant women and their families with all-options counseling throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. She helps women navigate the adoption process, choose a level of openness, and choose the right adoptive family for them. Meshan also provides trauma-informed therapy to clients in the weeks and months following an adoption placement. She graduated from St. Mary’s College with a degree in psychology and neuroscience, and graduated with a masters in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In her spare time, Meshan enjoys traveling, cooking, scuba diving, as well as binging tv shows with her pets.
Amy Simms
Amy Simms, LMSW
Adoptive Parent Social Worker
301-422-5117

Amy Simms, LMSW

Adoptive Parent Social Worker
Amy SimmsAmy Simms has worked as a social worker for over twenty years, serving families and children. She graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore and earned her Master of Social Work in 2001 and her LMSW in 2004. As an adoptive mother, she has extensive personal and professional experience in both domestic and international adoption and a passion for supporting families along their adoption journey. In addition to her work with families and children, Amy has worked in the international non-profit field and has a special interest and training in race relations and cultural bridge building. Outside of work, Amy enjoys coaching youth sports, reading, and spending family time with her husband and three children.

Foster Care Adoption Program Staff

Pam Hoehler
Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C
Director of Placement Services
410-402-1117

Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C

Director of Placement Services
Pam HoehlerPam is currently the Director of Placement Services, overseeing the domestic infant and foster care adoption programs as well as the home study program. Pam possess nearly 25 years experience as a social worker, earning a Bachelor of Social Work from LaSalle University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore. While Pam worked in child welfare and schools with other agencies, she has consistently worked for Adoptions Together since 1998 in the areas of home study, birth parent counseling, training, parent coaching, and foster care adoption. Pam’s career has focused on creating permanency for children and advocating for the needs of children and families at all stages of their adoption journey. In her spare time, Pam enjoys reading, puzzling, hiking, and spending time with her husband, Dan, and her two daughters, Meg and Katie.
Allison Clark
Allison Clark
Foster Care
Adoption Specialist
301-422-5115

Allison Clark

Foster Care Adoption Specialist
Allison ClarkAllison Clark spent 25 years in the legal and corporate field as a legal secretary for various law firms and then as an administrative/project assistant for such companies as Aetna, Cigna, University of Southern California, and First Interstate Bancorp. In 2003, Ms. Clark began her career as a child protection services social worker for the Connecticut Department of Children & Families (DCF). She worked in specialized units including Medically Complex/High Risk Newborns, Mental Health Adolescents, and Permanency, working directly with parents and children, as well as other professionals in law enforcement, schools, hospitals, and the judicial system. In 2013, Ms. Clark transferred to the Foster & Adoption Services Division of DCF, where she was a licensing and support worker for adoptive families. She was a member of the permanency placement team responsible for the selection and matching of children with adoptive parents. In addition, she is a certified trainer for the PRIDE and TIPS-MAPP curriculum for pre-adoptive training. She also provided DCF Mandated Reporter Training to community agencies, religious organizations, and schools. Because of her knowledge of CPS and the foster care system, and the respect of her peers, she was selected to be one of the trainers for the mandated division-wide FASU 101 Refresher Course.
In 2018, after relocating to Maryland, Ms. Clark joined Adoptions Together as the Foster Care Adoption Specialist for their program, Adoption Works. In this role, she is the trainer for the pre-licensing adoption training. She also assists families with their search for children, by providing counseling and presenting them at various national matching conferences. Once children are identified, she assists with obtaining necessary information about them from child placing agencies so that families can make informed decisions. She is the lead negotiator for contracts that guide the placement of the child. Ms. Clark provides administrative support and advocacy to the families once a child is placed in the home. In her spare time, Ms. Clark enjoys traveling, reading, taking long walks, singing in her church choir and volunteering in the community.
Alyssa Hanson
Alyssa Hanson
Program Support Specialist
410-402-1109

Alyssa Hanson

Program Support Specialist
Alyssa HansonAlyssa Hanson joined Adoptions Together as an intern while completing her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with University of Wisconsin-Stout. Alyssa works in the Training department organizing trainings within the agency and in the Home Study and Foster Care Adoption departments working directly with prospective adoptive parents. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys exploring state and national parks and binging reality TV.

Home Study Program Staff

Pam Hoehler
Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C
Director of Placement Services
410-402-1117

Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C

Director of Placement Services
Pam HoehlerPam is currently the Director of Placement Services, overseeing the domestic infant and foster care adoption programs as well as the home study program. Pam possess nearly 25 years experience as a social worker, earning a Bachelor of Social Work from LaSalle University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore. While Pam worked in child welfare and schools with other agencies, she has consistently worked for Adoptions Together since 1998 in the areas of home study, birth parent counseling, training, parent coaching, and foster care adoption. Pam’s career has focused on creating permanency for children and advocating for the needs of children and families at all stages of their adoption journey. In her spare time, Pam enjoys reading, puzzling, hiking, and spending time with her husband, Dan, and her two daughters, Meg and Katie.
Jessica Ostrander
Jessica Ostrander, MSW
Home Study Supervisor
703-657-7291

Jessica Ostrander, MSW

Home Study Supervisor
Jessica OstranderAs the Home Study Supervisor, Jessica Ostrander supports adoptive families through the entire home study and post placement process. She works as a liaison between clients and many of our home study social workers as well as outside placement agencies and government entities that serve the adoption process. Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the George Washington University in 1992 and a Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996. She began working in the field of Child Welfare with Washington, DC Child and Family Services in 1997. She started as a home study social worker contractor with Adoptions Together in 2004 and began working full time for the agency in 2008. She has also supported the Domestic Infant Team and Training departments for several years.

A parent to two adult daughters and two adult step-sons, Jessica currently lives with her husband Dave and two dogs in State College, Pennsylvania. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time at local college sporting events, hiking, and traveling.
Jenna Cannon
Jenna Cannon
Home Study Specialist
410-402-1120

Jenna Cannon

Home Study Specialist
Jenna CannonAs the Home Study Specialist, Jenna Cannon supports adoptive families through the entire home study and post placement process. She also works as a liaison between clients and many of our home study social workers, as well as outside placement agencies and government entities that serve the adoption process. Jenna received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2014. She began working for Adoptions Together in 2016.
Alyssa Hanson
Alyssa Hanson
Program Support Specialist
410-402-1109

Alyssa Hanson

Program Support Specialist
Alyssa HansonAlyssa Hanson joined Adoptions Together as an intern while completing her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with University of Wisconsin-Stout. Alyssa works in the Training department organizing trainings within the agency and in the Home Study and Foster Care Adoption departments working directly with prospective adoptive parents. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys exploring state and national parks and binging reality TV.

Clinical & Training Team

Melanie Geddings-Hayes
Melanie Geddings-Hayes,
LCSW-C
Director of Clinical Services
202-629-0204

Melanie Geddings-Hayes, LCSW-C

Director of Clinical Services
Melanie Geddings-HayesMelanie joined the team at Adoptions Together in December 2020 as the Director of Clinical Services.She serves in a leadership role providing oversight to the counseling, family finding, and training programs. Melanie has extensive experience in child welfare in both public and private agencies. She holds both her bachelors and masters degree in Social Work. She has worked as a Social Worker in Family Preservation, Reunification/Foster Care, Adoption, Custody & Guardianship, Post Adoption, Outpatient Mental Health Center, and as the Director of Residential Services at a Maryland based child placement agency. She is a licensed clinical Social Worker, board approved supervisor, certified residential child care program administrator, and holds a certification as a clinical trauma professional. Melanie is a life long learner and has taken extensive training in trauma informed care, grief and loss, motivational interviewing, and treating self-destructive behavior with trauma survivors.
Weberlyn Dossen
Weberlyn Dossen, LMSW
Intake Coordinator
202-629-0205

Weberlyn Dossen, LMSW

Intake Coordinator
Weberlyn DossenWeberlyn is responsible for intakes, conducting psycho-social assessments, problem identification, treatment planning, and pairing clients with a therapist that will best fit their needs. Weberlyn has spent 3 years working with adults, adolescents, and families as an advocate for individuals involved with the Philadelphia Family Court and as a therapist in Primary Care Office settings. Her areas of expertise include acute trauma, women’s health, depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD with or without psychotic features, substance use disorder, unmanaged chronic illness, intuitive eating/ fitness, and truancy. She loves to cycle, roller skate, dance, drink tea, travel, make plant-based recipes, and watch old episodes of Hey Arnold and The Office. Life is about healing and learning how to love and accept ourselves. Her aim is to have everyone feel heard, understood, loved, and accepted.
Sharazad (Sarah) Haimanchandra
Sharazad (Sarah) Haimanchandra, LGSW, LMSW
Mental Health Therapist
410-846-6171

Sharazad (Sarah) Haimanchandra, LGSW, LMSW

Mental Health Therapist
Sharazad (Sarah) HaimanchandraI received my B.A in Psychology from Trinity University. I also earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Maryland, Baltimore. I have worked with children and families in various settings for 5+ years, trained at CFSA’s Child Welfare Training Academy, trained in trauma-informed care, and provided Functional Family Therapy to at risk youth and families. Working with children and families has always been a passion of mine. I enjoy working closely with families, getting to know them, what works and what doesn’t, and developing a partnership in order to help them feel empowered and equipped with the tools needed to heal and promote positive outcomes. To be able to witness the growth and resiliency that every child and family has is super rewarding and makes it all worth it. I am a Mental Health Therapist with Family Works Together, providing counseling to individuals and families who have achieved permanency through adoption.
Alyssa Hanson
Alyssa Hanson
Program Support Specialist
410-402-1109

Alyssa Hanson

Program Support Specialist
Alyssa HansonAlyssa Hanson joined Adoptions Together as an intern while completing her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with University of Wisconsin-Stout. Alyssa works in the Training department organizing trainings within the agency and in the Home Study and Foster Care Adoption departments working directly with prospective adoptive parents. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys exploring state and national parks and binging reality TV.
Erica Moltz
Erica Moltz, MA, NCC
Master Clinical Trainer
301-439-2900

Erica Moltz, MA, NCC

Master Clinical Trainer
Erica MoltzErica has been part of the Adoptions Together team for 20 years. Her specialty is supporting families to achieve permanency. As a Master Clinical Trainer and Coach she facilitates workshops and support groups for parents and professionals nationally and internationally. Her core topics of interest include trauma, attachment, FASD, mindfulness, open adoption, stress management, and grief and loss.
Delois Pearsall
Delois Pearsall, LMSW, LCSW-C
Counseling Specialist
410-402-1104

Delois Pearsall, LMSW, LCSW-C

Counseling Specialist
Delois PearsallDelois Pearsall LMSW, LCSW-C, joined FamilyWorks Together in April 2017 as a Counseling Specialist (Therapist) for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services’ Permanency Program. She entered the field of social work in 2004, after a lengthy career in Information Systems Management in the private sector. Delois’ experience in public child welfare, school social work, and her business acumen, have equipped her in providing excellent counseling services and customer service to her clientele. Delois is an adoption competent, attachment focused, and trauma informed therapist with FamilyWorks Together, serving clients in Maryland. In her spare time, Delois is a history buff and enjoys reading, writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to release her 2nd published work in 2020.
Cynthia Rivers
Cynthia Rivers
Program Specialist, FamilyWorks Together
202-536-1147

Cynthia Rivers

Program Specialist, FamilyWorks Together
Cynthia RiversCynthia Rivers joined Adoptions Together in 2014 to support our permanency services programs and is now the FamilyWorks Together Counseling Program Specialist. She brings with her 17-years of dynamic administrative and information management experience in the private, government, and non-profit sectors. Her contributions are indispensable to the operation of our Counseling program. Prior to AT, she was the Data Supervisor for Educational Data Systems, Inc. She has a strong interest in ethnology and is currently enrolled at UMGC, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science. Outside of work, Cynthia enjoys time with her family- outdoors, at science and cultural events, and being creative.

Family Find Step Down Program Team

Melissa Lewis-Ransom
Melissa Lewis-Ransom, LMSW
Family Find Manager
443-423-5013

Melissa Lewis-Ransom, LMSW

Family Find Manager
Melissa Lewis-RansomMelissa Lewis-Ransom, LMSW, joined Adoptions Together as the Family Find Manager in November 2021. She has worked for 10 years in child welfare at Baltimore City Department of Social Services. She worked as a Social Worker in Out of Home Placement, Extended Hours, Intensive Case Management, and Adoptions. For six years, she was a Family Find Specialist/State Liaison working in the Family Find Unit-BCDSS that is in collaboration with Adoptions Together. She worked as a Certified Confidential Intermediary in the Adoption Search Contact and Reunion Services Unit, connecting with adults who were previously adopted in Baltimore City seeking assistance with locating their biological families. Melissa holds an Associates Degree in Human Services Administration and a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Urban Children and Family Services. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Kim R. Bivens
Kim R. Bivens
Family Find
Permanency Specialist
410-869-0620

Kim R. Bivens

Family Find Permanency Specialist
Kim R. BivensKim R. Bivens is a Family Find Specialist for Adoptions Together, Inc., although contracted with Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Kim was the Director of the Mediation Program at Adoptions Together, Inc, which she later became the Coordinator for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program at the Juvenile Court in Baltimore City. Legal Assistant for Randall & Sonnier Attorney at Law advocating for children in the Child-Welfare System, a licensed Mediator/Facilitator, Director of the Peoples Law Program at the Community Law Center, Batterers Counselor at the House, and a lifelong advocate for families and youth in the foster care system.
Terrie Smith
Terrie Smith
Family Find
Permanency Specialist
443-985-2071

Terrie Smith

Family Find Permanency Specialist
Terrie SmithTerrie Smith has worked in social services for approximately 11 years. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Community Counseling. Terrie has worked in several roles, starting out as a dependency Case Manager, and later a Lead Child Protective Investigator where she served in that capacity for over nine years. Terrie is currently a Family Find Permanency Specialist.

Lakisha Solomon
Lakisha Solomon, MSW
Family Find
Permanency Specialist
410-869-0620

Lakisha Solomon, MSW

Family Find Permanency Specialist
Lakisha SolomonLakisha Solomon is a human services worker with over 18 years of experience serving youth and their families. Lakisha earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Social Work from University of Maryland, Baltimore. Lakisha is currently serving as a Family Find Permanency Specialist whose mission is to connect children and youth in the child welfare system with relatives and permanent support. Lakisha’s extensive community-based work includes case management, parent interviews, counseling services, and facilitating foster parent training classes for perspective foster and adoptive parents. Lakisha has been committed to providing passionate, energetic, personable, dependable service to the community and enjoys working with people. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with family and friends.
Mardea Zor
Mardea Zor, MSW
Family Find
Permanency Specialist
410-869-0620

Mardea Zor, MSW

Family Find Permanency Specialist
Mardea ZorMardea Zor is a Family Find specialist at Family Works Together. She received her bachelor’s in social work at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven Connecticut and a Master of social work at Fordham University. Mardea worked as a Family advocate providing advocacy and education to children and families at Yale New Haven Child sexual Abuse clinic for 5 years. She has experience working with Children and family, for over 14 years in settings such as community based, psychiatry/hospitals, and child welfare system. Most favorable time is spent with family cooking, traveling, bonding, and building memories.
Janet Watkins
Janet Watkins
Family Find Investigator
410-869-0620

Janet Watkins

Family Find Investigator
Janet WatkinsJanet is the FFSD Investigator and formally a fourteen years bounty hunter with full jurisdiction. She is the very first Parent Locator for the Baltimore City Courts where she closed 508 backlog cases in two months. Her success in this role is just 10 simple steps: 1: Have Ideas, 2: Keep Good Notes, 3: Research what the job involves and learn to juggle, 4: Develop your skills, 5: Focus on the prize, 6: Bounce back from failure, 7: Develop your brand of character, 8: Believe in yourself, 9: Build a network of mutually supportive people, 10: Know when to quit. These steps make her job a success every time and through out the years make her continue to love her job as an investigator.

Extreme Family Find

Melissa Lewis-Ransom
Melissa Lewis-Ransom, LMSW
Family Find Manager
443-423-5013

Melissa Lewis-Ransom, LMSW

Family Find Manager
Melissa Lewis-RansomMelissa Lewis-Ransom, LMSW, joined Adoptions Together as the Family Find Manager in November 2021. She has worked for 10 years in child welfare at Baltimore City Department of Social Services. She worked as a Social Worker in Out of Home Placement, Extended Hours, Intensive Case Management, and Adoptions. For six years, she was a Family Find Specialist/State Liaison working in the Family Find Unit-BCDSS that is in collaboration with Adoptions Together. She worked as a Certified Confidential Intermediary in the Adoption Search Contact and Reunion Services Unit, connecting with adults who were previously adopted in Baltimore City seeking assistance with locating their biological families. Melissa holds an Associates Degree in Human Services Administration and a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Urban Children and Family Services. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Keyla Ragland
Keyla Ragland
Extreme Family
Find Investigator
301-683-4385

Keyla Ragland

Extreme Family Find Investigator
Keyla RaglandKeyla is an adoptions investigator with EFF and received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bowie State University. She has a passion for community service and has participated in numerous volunteer activities throughout the community such as feeding the homeless and mentoring disadvantaged youth in urban areas. In 2012, Keyla merged her passions for mentoring and law and became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). As a CASA advocate, Keyla was able to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children during court hearings and in a variety of other settings. During Keyla’s leisure time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Development Team

Margo Devine
Margo Devine
Director of Development
301-439-2900

Margo Devine

Director of Development
Margo DevineOur Director of Development, Margo, has been working with Adoptions Together for 10 years. Margo first started working for the agency as a contractor doing events. She later came on full time as the Events Manager and in 2018 transitioned to the role of Director of Development. Margo’s two children were both adopted at birth. Her passion for building and strengthening families drives her to find the critical funding to enhance AT’s programs. Margo enjoys spending time with her husband and kids and frequently visiting family in Florida.
Brittney Boone
Brittney Boone
Program Support Specialist
301-422-5119

Brittney Boone

Program Support Specialist
Brittney Boone Brittney serves as the Program Support Specialist for the Domestic Infant Team and the Executive Assistant to the CEO. She received her Bachelors degree in Family and Human Services from Towson University in 2017. After graduating, she accepted an internship position with Adoptions Together and has been part of the team ever since. She really enjoys being able to reduce the initial fear and anxiety a family may have about adopting by talking to families about the adoption process with Adoptions Together. In her free time Brittney enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching Netflix, shopping online, attempting new hairstyles from YouTube tutorials and taking naps.
Drew Hayden
Drew Hayden
Data & Communication Specialist
301-422-5105

Drew Hayden

Data & Communication Specialist
Drew HaydenAs a Data & Communication Specialist at Adoptions Together, Drew writes grants and works with the data processes of programs and the organization as a whole. He received a Bachelors Degree in English and Philosophy from Loyola University Maryland in 2019. Drew’s passions include social & economic equity, queer liberation, and art. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with the love of his life—his cat Blanche.

Operations Team

Audra Hurd
Audra Hurd, MBA
Operations Director
301-422-5136

Audra Hurd

Operations Director
Audra HurdAs the Operations Director, Audra is responsible for the agency’s information technology, security, compliance, marketing, human resources, licensing, and facility management. She has a bachelors from Towson University in Health Science and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Audra loves analyzing problems, collaborating with teams, and leveraging technology to resolve operational challenges. When she’s not working, Audra loves reading, hiking, camping, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
Amanda Bache
Amanda Bache
IT Support &
Operations Specialist
410-402-1111

Amanda Bache

IT Support & Operations Specialist
Amanda BacheAmanda graduated from Towson University in 2008 with a major in Family Studies. Immediately upon graduation, she joined the Adoptions Together Team. Over the years, she has enjoyed helping families with many aspects of the adoption process, from applications and clearances to finalizing documentation. Her main area of focus is assisting our staff and families as they navigate our online database (My Adoption Portal). Additionally, she also loves working with our staff to analyze processes to help identify new and more efficient ways to do things. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, and dog. She enjoys camping, bike riding, and relaxing at home with a family movie night.
Drew Hayden
Drew Hayden
Data & Communication Specialist
301-422-5105

Drew Hayden

Data & Communication Specialist
Drew HaydenAs a Data & Communication Specialist at Adoptions Together, Drew writes grants and works with the data processes of programs and the organization as a whole. He received a Bachelors Degree in English and Philosophy from Loyola University Maryland in 2019. Drew’s passions include social & economic equity, queer liberation, and art. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with the love of his life—his cat Blanche.

Jen Hoffmann
Jen Hoffmann
Marketing Specialist
301-422-5106

Jen Hoffmann

Marketing Specialist
Jen HoffmannJen Hoffmann joined the team at Adoptions Together as the Marketing Specialist in 2020. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors Degree in Media & Professional Communications, she started her career working in marketing at her alma mater before joining the team at Adoptions Together. In her free time, Jen loves listening to podcasts while going for long walks, learning new skills in the kitchen, and hanging with her furry friend, Ezra!
Rute Rivas
Rute Rivas
Accounting Specialist
301-422-5134

Rute Rivas

Accounting Specialist
Rute RivasRute Antunes joined Adoptions Together as an Accounting Coordinator in 2013 and brought with her 14 years of financial and administrative experience. Today Rute is our Accounting Specialist and has become the point of contact for our Finance Department overseeing a variety of financial duties and the coordination of the finance department, reporting to the CBO. With superior accounting skills, and an understanding of accounting principles and practices, she is tasked with performing and recording all financial transactions relating to AP/AR, general ledger reconciliation, and payroll. She also performs account analysis and brings expertise in administering contracts and monitoring compliance requirements to ensure all work is complete and invoiced in a timely manner. Rute is trilingual, having fluency in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and often helps her program colleagues with translation for birth moms and families.
Vincent Wilson
Vincent Wilson, MA
HR Generalist
301-439-2900 | 301-422-5100

Vincent Wilson, MA

HR Generalist
Vincent WilsonMy name is Vincent Wilson and I’m a career Human Resources Specialist. I was born and raised in Springfield, MA, the home of Friendly’s Ice Cream, the birthplace of basketball, and the home of Dr. Seuss. I would consider myself to be a very happy and outgoing person, always looking for ways to be more useful. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, coaching basketball, and watching any show on the Food network. Additionally, I see myself as a relentless problem-solver and I’m always looking for a new challenge.

Staff Therapists

Erica Moltz, MA, NCC

For over 25 years, as part of Adoptions Together/FamilyWorks Together, Erica Moltz, MA, NCC has supported families to achieve permanency, build the bonds of attachment and help their children heal from trauma As a Master Clinical Trainer, she also facilitates workshops for parents and professionals in the U.S. and internationally about trauma, attachment, FASD, stress management, mindfulness, adoption/ foster care and transracial adoption. Ms. Moltz graduated from Ohio State University with a BA in Sociology and then achieved a master’s degree from the University of Maryland in Community Counseling. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Delois Pearsall, LMSW, LCSW-C

Delois Pearsall LMSW, LCSW-C, joined FamilyWorks Together in April 2017 as a Counseling Specialist (Therapist) for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services’ Permanency Program. She entered the field of social work in 2004, after a lengthy career in Information Systems Management in the private sector. Delois’ experience in public child welfare, school social work, and her business acumen, have equipped her in providing excellent counseling services and customer service to her clientele. Delois is an adoption competent, attachment focused, and trauma informed therapist with FamilyWorks Together, serving clients in Maryland. In her spare time, Delois is a history buff and enjoys reading, writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to release her 2nd published work in 2020.

Haley Peterson, LGSW

Haley Peterson, LGSW, is an adoption competent, attachment focused, and trauma informed therapist with FamilyWorks Together, serving clients in DC. She provides individual, family, and group therapy for children, adolescents, and parents who are navigating the child-welfare system by providing honest, collaborative, and compassionate therapy. Haley has been in a social service role for 8 years working in many different modalities in an effort expand her knowledge and exposure to the best interventions for children and their families. Haley received her Bachelor’s Degree at Rollins College, and completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Fordham University. Her main areas of interest are trauma informed care, attachment, resilience, and environmental factors. When she not working, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog.

Roberta Rinker, LICSW, LCSW-C

Roberta Rinker has been a social worker for over 20 years, serving children, youth and their families. While she is currently a professional at the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), she is the former Director of Clinical Services at Adoptions Together/FamilyWorks Together. As part of her leadership role at Adoptions Together, she provided oversight to the counseling, family finding, and training programs. She has extensive experience and training in working with children, adolescents and young adult survivors of complex trauma and their families. She encourages youth and their families as well as the professionals who support them to remember that healing from complex trauma is a journey, not a race, and healing is possible. Roberta is an adoption-competent, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed therapist with FamilyWorks Together, serving clients in Maryland and DC. Roberta is an adolescent and young adult specialist. In her free time, Roberta enjoys traveling internationally, spending time with family and friends, and her dogs.

Cynthia Rivers

Cynthia Rivers joined Adoptions Together in 2014 to support our permanency services programs and is now the FamilyWorks Together Counseling Program Specialist. She brings with her 17-years of dynamic administrative and information management experience in the private, government, and non-profit sectors. Her contributions are indispensable to the operation of our Counseling program. Prior to AT, she was the Data Supervisor for Educational Data Systems, Inc. She has a strong interest in ethnology and is currently enrolled at UMGC, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science. Outside of work, Cynthia enjoys time with her family- outdoors, at science and cultural events, and being creative.

Cheryl Roberts-Samsingh, LCSW-C

Cheryl Roberts-Samsingh, LCSW-C, is an adoption competent, attachment focused, and trauma informed therapist with FamilyWorks Together, serving clients in Maryland. She has been working with children and families as a therapist for 30 years. Cheryl is a foreign national who was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. She migrated to the United States following her graduation from Howard University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Child and Family Services. Cheryl also received a Post Graduate Certification in Children and Family therapy through Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic and completed an Attachment Training Certificate with Adoptions Together. She has extensive experience and training working with children with behavioral issues, developmental disabilities and psychological trauma. Additionally, she has received advanced training in family therapy and is a certified practitioner of hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming. She also belongs to the International Association for Trauma Professionals. Cheryl is a life-long learner. She continues to attend conferences, develop curriculum and present at conferences. She reads extensively about new treatment techniques and strategies to help children and families to improve their relationships, facilitate improved understanding and address behavioral challenges. Cheryl enjoys spending time with her adult children and family.

Sheryl Walden, LICSW, LCSW-C

Sheryl Walden is a Clinical Licensed Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Boston University. Sheryl has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in office, home, hospital, and community-based settings as well as families involved in the child welfare system. Sheryl believes each family is unique but all experience times when therapy can provide added support, increased communication and greater understanding of family dynamics. Sheryl has been married for 30+ years and a native to California.