Maryland Post-Adoption Program

Melanie 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.

I 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.

Jennifer received her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been a therapist with Adoptions Together since 2020 and is also the Parent Mentor Supervisor. Jennifer has been working with youth and families in various capacities for the past 20 years and is a foster and adoptive parent as well as a biological parent. Jennifer is trained in TFCBT and loves working with children of all ages along with their families. In her free time she likes to hike and camp and is actively involved with her local Roller Derby league.

Erica has been part of the Adoptions Together team for 20 years. Her specialty is supporting families to achieve permanency. As a 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 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.