Employees

Angela Phinney
Executive Director

I have served as a foster parent, guardian and host home for youth for over 30 years. I have a passion for youth and finding permanent placement in a home that meets the unique needs of the child. In addition, I have over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit field, serving The Arc of Lane County, Senior and Disabled Services and ORI Community and Evaluation Services.

Across the region, young people, especially BIPOC and teens, are struggling to find forever homes. While demand for services continues to rise, we must relook at the service system and find creative and powerful tools to connect families and youth in the foster care system. Adoption is not a one-size fits all process. AFFEC has a strong history of matching youth with nontraditional families and finding a match that can create unity and love for every child. I am very proud to be a part of this organization and provide leadership to making AFFEC relevant and serve unmet/niche communities.

Kelli Smith
Child and Family Operations Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator

Kelli was a long term volunteer with A Family For Every Child before finding her place with our organization. Since 2012, her position has grown to include Child Recruitment Services as well as the Volunteer Coordinator for the organization.

ā€œI consider it a privilege to be a part of this organization and to work alongside such dedicated individuals. I firmly believe that there truly is a family for every child.ā€ Kelli is exuberant about her work and eager to form partnerships with agencies and social workers nationwide. ā€œWe all have the same goal in mind-to find stable, loving homes for waiting foster children. By providing free recruitment services, we can achieve this goal together.ā€

While Kelli’s work is her passion, she likes to spend her free time with her husband, two grown children as well as with many friends and relatives. While they enjoy trips to the Oregon Coast, University of Oregon football, and the beauty that is the Pacific Northwest, they are also self-described nerds and their home is filled with their memorabilia collection.

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Debbie Lira
Matching Assistance Program Director
Debbie started at A Family for Every Child in January 2020 after 14-years of service at the University of Oregon. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Debbie and her family moved from Austin, Texas and arrived in Eugene on Christmas day 2005. As both an adoptee and adoptive mom she brings life experience to her commitment to find forever homes for kids in our foster care system. By working with families in the Matching Assistance Program, she hopes to support others in their journey to create the family of their dreams. Building forever families one child at a time
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Madeline Broedel
Development Director
Heart Gallery Director
Maddy joined the A Family For Every Child team in June of 2021 after graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in Public Relations and Nonprofit Administration. While in college, Maddy discovered a passion for both nonprofit work and the Eugene area, and loves working with local businesses to create meaningful community events. When she's not working on an upcoming event, you can find her hiking the Oregon coast, shopping at farmers markets, and playing video games with her friends.
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Kristin Barreth
Administrative Assistant
Kristin comes from 15 years of public safety service. Her diverse background in the community gives her a comprehensive understanding surrounding both the public and private sectors of family welfare. She resides in Springfield, Oregon with her husband and their two children. She loves spending time with her family, usually camping, hiking, swimming and wakeboarding. Kristin is known for her love of children, animals and the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
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Andrew Hampton
Technology Director
Before joining A Family for Every Child as the IT Director, he spent 5 years working as a web developer / programmer specializing in work with schools, banks, utilities, small businesses, and nonprofits. When not working he enjoys spending time with his family, travel, exploring the outdoors, and is a music fanatic.
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Adoption Workers

Rosalind Trotter
Adoption Worker
Eugene, OR

Rosalind has a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention from the University of Oregon. She worked as a caseworker for the Department of Human Services Child Welfare department for seven years. She has also worked with homeless families and victims of domestic violence. She says, ā€œI believe that taking care of children is the most important job in our society and children in foster care are among those needing the most careā€. Rosalind was born in North Carolina, but grew up in Italy. She has worked in Africa helping girls to go to high school. She has three children, six grandchildren, one cat, and enjoys gardening and writing.

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Nichole Brown
Adoption Worker
Eugene, OR

Nichole Brown has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Spanish from The University of Oregon in Eugene, OR. She worked as a Bilingual Child Protective Services caseworker for 12 years and has extensive experience working with foster families, interviewing child abuse victims and developing individualized case/safety plans. She currently serves as a legal assistant and child visitor for juvenile and family law attorneys currently serving local youth in foster care.

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Heather Raskin
Adoption Worker
Eugene, OR / Surrounding Areas

Heather is an adoption worker based out of the Eugene/Springfield area, however, she works with families all over the state.  She has been with the agency for several years now and absolutely loves being able to help families through their adoption journey.  She has a huge heart, and has made it her mission to find loving and stable homes for children in the foster care system. Heather has a background in education and taught elementary and middle school for 13 years in Florida, California and Oregon before stepping into the social work arena.  She spent time traveling around the United States in her camper before settling down in Oregon. She has worked with diverse populations and especially loves to work with non-traditional families. Heather connects well with children and goes the extra mile when it comes to providing service for her clients before, during and after adoptions.  Additionally, Heather facilitates a community adoption support group that meets in Eugene once a month and is in the process of creating a group in the Medford area.   

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Staci Super
Adoption Worker
Portland, OR / Surrounding Areas

Staci is an adoptive parent who has a passion for assisting others grow their families through adoption.  Staci is a passionate advocate and has a strong knowledge of adoption and how the system works.  She lives in the Portland area with her children and husband.  They enjoy the outdoors, helping others, and doing things together as a family.  Staci is a dedicated worker who has many years of experience as a youth support counselor and as a teacher.  Staci loves assisting others through the adoption process.

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Tina Childers
Adoption Worker
WA

Athenia (Tina) Childers……..was born in California to a single mother in crisis. She spent most of her formative years moving often from state to state, even at one point living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Much of these years were spent moving in and out of foster care, group care, receiving care and relative care.

Tina has 4 biological children and 7 grandchildren and 1 very cherished angel. Currently she has a teenager and her two sisters residing all in the same home.

Growing up in care Tina brings a unique perspective to the table. Always questioning and encouraging our youth to question. Bringing the ā€œfamily valueā€ of teaching our children to Dream……that is the one word that most us take for granted. Passion…….Drive……..Teach……..these are all very valuable qualities that Tina has had to learn along the way. One’s that she values above all else and shares with friends and family.

Tina has worked in Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program / Shelter (YWCA), Federal Probation & Parole, State of Washington Children’s Administration (Child Protective, Child Welfare, Division of Licensed Resources), Pioneer Human Resources, Auburn Youth Resources, Sea Mar Community Healthcare and Anthem Healthcare (Amerigroup.) Currently she holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensics, and a Master’s in Science Criminal Justice Administration. With numerous other trainings and certifications. It is also with great anticipation that Tina looks forward to collaborating with our community, state and agency partners to provide a better future and to teach our kids to Dream again.

Dani Clifford
Adoption Worker
Bend, OR
Dani is a compassionate human services professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Human services from the University of Oregon. She has a background in foster care where she worked primarily with the foster youth. For the last several years, she has been assisting foster youth, aiding them in their journey to become self sufficient leaders of their own lives as they age out of the system. She helped them to secure life opportunities in housing, education, employment and helped them to develop necessary skills for success. Dani is a dedicated and resourceful advocate with an infectious enthusiasm for helping others. She is passionate about improving the care and well-being of those who experience societal disadvantages or are unable to advocate for themselves. She is extremely excited to work with a non-profit adoption agency and to further her reach within this system. Dani has strong facilitation and case management skills with experience in maintaining cultural sensitivity, establishing rapport with members of diverse groups and creating an open and safe environment. She believes in focusing her work on open communication and mutual respect to ensure the best outcome for all involved. Personally, she is a PNW native, proud dog mom and auntie of two. She is an outdoors fanatic and loves to kayak, camp and hike, She is a travel enthusiast, lover of all things furry and a sucker for a good scary movie
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Mae Salas
Adoption Worker
Salem, OR
Mae earned her Masters’ of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Her education and career have always focused on her passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Mae has a strong background in working with foster and adoptive families and extensive experience working with children with developmental disabilities. Mae is a focused, driven and organized profession that strives to support families in their self-directed adoption journey.
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Stephanie Cummings
Adoption Worker
Eugene, OR / Prineville, OR

Hello my name is Stephanie Cummings and I am an Adoption Worker.

I have been working with families and children for over 30 years. I started out as a foster parent at 23 with a new baby myself. My household quickly grew with 2 bio children, 5 foster and a guardianship within a year. I fell in love with the children and began to look at the "why" and "how" we have children in foster care and the needs of families and communities. I became an advocate for my kids in court and providing resources for special needs. My heart grew bigger and I needed to know and research about this vulnerable population of little people. I decided to continue my education at received a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and in Women's Studies from Portland State University. I also have a 2-year degree in Interpersonal and Domestic Violence.

I have worked with families all over Oregon in many different roles. I have been an in home safety service provider, a foster parent, community trainer, family advocate, homeless families case manager in Portland and a child welfare social worker in Child Protective services and adoptions. I recently worked as an Education Manager for Head Start and Early Head Start and a Family Advocate. I have many years and training hours in attachment and bonding, special needs and education, RAD, oppositional and defiant behaviors and trauma and crisis.

I live in Prineville but travel to Eugene often as a second home base! I grew up in Springfield but have traveled and lived all over the state of Oregon plus a few other states! I have a blended family with 5 children and 6 grandchildren all under the age of 7! I love to travel, read, quilt and meet new people!

I feel strong and open communication, knowing your families and providing amazing family and child connections and matches are so important in what I do! I am so excited to begin this journey with A Family for Every Child

Megan Anderson
Adoption Worker
Eugene, OR & Other Select Areas
As an advocate for youth in foster care as both a CASA and an Adoption Worker, I cannot wait to help guide you through the home study and adoption process. Adoption has always been a part of my story—my older sister was adopted from a neglectful situation as a young child more than 40 years ago. I draw from this experience to assist families seeking to adopt.   As a graduate from the University of Oregon I have strong connections to the Eugene/Springfield area, where I have lived with my family since 2002. I have four children ranging in age from 2-14 and married my husband in June of 2019. Currently, I am balancing adoption work with running my own business creating online corporate training content.   I understand this process can be overwhelming and emotional. I see my job as helping families see their strengths and then helping them match successfully with a child waiting in foster care who will benefit from those strengths
Prudence Zeni
Adoption Worker
Spokane, WA
Prudence was born and raised in West Virginia, but has lived in various cities throughout the southern and northeastern US, as well as Australia during a couple of her childhood years! She visited the Pacific Northwest while in college and knew that, one day, she would be back to stay. Prudence shares her Portland home with a Cocker Spaniel named Minne, two cats, her husband, and all of his guitars. She loves to cook, clean, organize and generally be a homebody, although she likes to go out for hikes, coffee dates with friends, or mini golf. Prudence got her degree in social work in 2001, and has held positions with a variety of interesting and worthwhile organizations, including domestic violence shelters, afterschool programs, and teen mentoring programs. After working with youth and their families for over twelve years, Prudence is so excited to be part of the adoption process!
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Georgina Jones
Adoption Worker
Astoria,OR / Surrrounding Areas
I’m Georgina Jones and I live in beautiful Astoria, Oregon. I serve the north coast area of Oregon and southwest coast region of Washington. I am a mom to two wonderful people; my son is 24, and my daughter is 14. Some of the things I love are: my partner, essential oils, photography, yoga, dancing, camping and chickens. I also love all things metaphysical and became a Reiki Master in 2014! I enjoy helping people live their best lives. My journey into the world of youth experiencing foster care started in 2000 when I became a CASA volunteer. From that time on I have found myself in several different jobs where I have advocated for or supported youth in foster care. I spent several years supporting foster families and youth as a certifier, trainer and coordinator for a therapeutic foster care program. I spend 17 years organizing a camp for child surivors of sexual violence. Eventually I even came full circle as staff for the CASA program. Along with being an Adoption Worker I currently work as a Family Find Specialist at Hope House in Astoria. I also find time to volunteer for two organizations close to my heart: FosterClub and Camp Victory. All my professional positions have helped me gain knowledge, but there is nothing like real life experiences to help you truly gain insight and understanding into the needs of youth experiencing foster care and adoption. I had the honor of being a foster parent for 10 years. I know the ups and the downs, and the whys and the how to’s, and I’m very excited to help you grow your family!
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Brittany Bucholz
Adoption Worker
Portland,OR
Hello! I am overjoyed to be a part of this wonderful team and working with wonderful families! I have a passion for working with children and families with nearly a decade of experience working with Child Welfare, in addition to 4 years of private adoption social work, and I am also working as a social worker in public schools. I have done foster care and I am an adoptive parent. My family loves playing board games, doing fun and silly traditions, and playing with our dog. I also enjoy reading, trying out new crafts and ways to be creative.  I love adoption social work because I am passionate about children and families being the best fit for each other. That is why I write home studies the way I do. I want workers to feel like they really know a family based on their home study and they can feel confident that they are matching a child with the family that is the best fit for both of them. I also love providing post adoption support as I know the feeling first hand of how fast everything is moving and how confusing it can be. Since I love reading, I can always recommend a great adoption related book or find great training and support for families!
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Monique Shropshire
Adoption Worker
Boise, ID
Monique Shropshire is an Adoption Worker who assists prospective parents in their adoption journeys in a personal and relaxed manner. Monique has worked in child welfare for a tribal agency and as the Director of Social Services for a skilled nursing facility. This has given her experience with foster children, foster parents, and adoptive parents; as well as extensive work with family support systems. Monique is a licensed social worker in the State of Idaho, as well as a licensed foster home for the State of Idaho and Nez Perce Tribe. Monique holds a Bachelor of Social Work and AA in Behavioral Science from Lewis-Clark State College. She is trained in PRIDE foster parent training, Strengthening Families training, and Child Welfare Academy.
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Ericka Griffith
Adoption Worker
Gold Beach, OR
Ericka Griffith has a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Portland State.  She has worked with disadvantaged youth since forever including a residential treatment facility for teen girls, Job Corps in recreation and as a Child Welfare permanency caseworker for the state of Oregon for 6 years. Currently she works as substitute teacher, and volunteers with the local DHS office to put together a summer camp weekend for foster families as well as helping with the Holiday party for local foster children and families.    At home she likes to spend time with my family at home and exploring the forest and coast.  We were foster parents as well a few years ago. 
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Bridget Barrus
Adoption Worker
Idaho
Bridget is an adoption worker in Idaho who is passionate about children and families! She and her husband have fostered over 65 children and have adopted 14 children who were in foster care around the country. They also have four biological children. Bridget has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Boise State University. She is a licensed social worker and owns a small counseling practice specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families. She is also a certified Special Education Teacher. There is never a dull moment in the Barrus house! Bridget and her husband Ben reside in Boise, Idaho. In addition to traveling and board games, you can usually find her cheering one of the kids on at their many activities, throwing in a load of laundry (or 4), or feeding the small army she lives with. She is excited to work with families and children who are walking through the challenges and joys of adoption.
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Evian Granitz
Adoption Worker
Portland Area
Evian Granitz has her Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus on child development and an Advanced Certificate in Public Health from New York University (NYU). She has been working closely with A Family For Every Child for the past year as a Family Adoption Specialist, helping families navigate the adoption from foster care process. Evian has had the privilege to work with families of all backgrounds, guiding, supporting and educating them along various stages in their journey to parenthood. She combines her education and research on child development and trauma along with her experience working closely with case workers and the adoption from foster care process in order to provide you with the support and information you will need on your own journey. She is ready to be your advocate and help bring together your forever family! In her free time, Evian enjoys hiking, reading, photography, playing the piano, and aerial yoga.
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Malia Ladd
Adoption Worker
Salem, Oregon
I’ve always considered myself and advocate children and families. I began my career as a special education teacher, followed by many years as a college professor and staff development trainer. In the past 10 years I have focused my work and volunteer activities on children in foster care as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and as a Family Support Specialist for children and families experiencing challenging life experiences. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, a Master’s Degree in Education/Administration and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. As an adoptive parent myself, I can’t imagine work that is more satisfying than helping bring a child and his/her forever family together.
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Elyse Hoots
Adoption Worker
Portland, Oregon

My name is Elyse Hoots and I live in Sherwood, Oregon. I am married to my wonderful husband and we have two children that keep us busy! Together we love to go camping, play games, spend time outdoors and go to OSU football games (Go Beavs!). I received my degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University with the specific desire to work with children and families in the adoption process. Professionally, I have worked in Relief Nursery settings, Child Welfare and most recently have been honored to work with families adopting internationally. I am now thrilled to be able to advocate for children and families in this capacity. I am passionate about providing my clients with information, training, resources and compassionate support. I truly love getting to know my families, learning their stories and partnering with them through each stage of the adoption process.

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Lindsey Costa
Adoption Worker
Redmond, Oregon
Lindsey has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. She has previously worked as a Case Manager for the Department of Human Services and at a residential treatment facility supporting teens struggling with mental health and addiction. Her passion has always been among helping others and being able to help a family through their journey is a true honor for her. The adoption process can be emotional, Lindsey hopes to provide genuine support and advocacy for families. Outside of work, she can be found somewhere outdoors enjoying all the beauty Central Oregon has to offer!
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