The Staff of Adoption Access

I started Adoption Access in 1992 with the purpose of providing more extensive counseling to birthmothers. I have a Master's of Science in Social Work and served as executive director of another licensed child-placing agency prior to founding Adoption Access. Having served on the clinical staff of a Dallas psychiatrist, providing group and individual therapy, this was an interest and background I felt were underused in the adoption field. I have also had a private practice that included biofeedback services for Children's Medical Center. I even had a doll manufacturing business at one time. Adoption work is the most rewarding field in which you could ever hope to find yourself. It is a perfect fit for me, and I love everything but the hours. It is a privilege to be part of such a profound time in someone's life, both birthparents and adoptive parents and of course the children. I have tremendous respect for the young women who make such a painful and courageous sacrifice, so their children can have the best in life. I also believe strongly in the great gift adoptive parents provide. In over 350 adoptions we have had only two divorces. With the average rate of divorce for all marriages over 60% now, this is a huge gift of stability and love. I stay in contact with a great many of my birthmoms and parents so their gifts keep on giving to me. I also have an incredibly loving and hardworking staff that is like family to me. Thank you for your interest, and we hope we can provide you with some answers to your questions and concerns.

Eva graduated from Eastfield College in 2004 with an associate degree in Software Computer Programming, and she is currently a student of Richland College preparing herself for an Associate in sciences degree with emphasis in bilingual teacher preparation for early childhood. She is a member of PHI THETA KAPPA, and was listed in the National Dean's List 2003. Eva has a certificate in webpage design. and was the administrative assistant at Familia Bethel Internacional in Dallas, TX, it was there where she started her interest on helping people in need. Adoption Access is the perfect environment for her since she loves to help people.

Erynn is an adoption counselor in the Dallas area and has been with the agency since 2004.  She graduated from Abilene Christian University having earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies.  Erynn has extensive experience working with homeless populations, teenagers, and children around the world including Honduras and Trinidad.  Erynn has a special passion for working with those who are underprivileged.  She has been on numerous mission trips not only working with homeless populations, but also spending time with children placed in orphanages.  Her passion and drive to be able to help others and give them hope and light in times of darkness is part of what drove her to work in the field of adoption.   Erynn cherishes her job working with the birthmothers who are more than likely going through a hard time or stuck in a dark tunnel. She also loves experiencing the miracle that goes on between birthmothers and adoptive parents. She sees her job as a true blessing.  Erynn is a perfect fit for Adoption Access in that she carries such a strong passion for women and teenagers who are struggling.  It is a joy for her to walk through difficult times with them and let them know they are not alone.  The respect and admiration she has for her birthmothers shows in the strong relationships she builds with them.

Tina graduated from California State University Fullerton in June 1994 earning her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. In 1996, Tina completed her Master's in Social Work from California State University Long Beach. While in her Master's program, Tina worked in a psychiatric hospital with adolescents and adults having mental health and substance abuse issues. Upon finishing her education, Tina began her career working for the County of Orange where she provided outpatient individual, family and group counseling services to adults that were dually diagnosed. She developed an outpatient program for adolescents with similar issues. In February 1997, Tina was given an opportunity to transfer from the Dual Diagnosis program to the Adoptions program where she found her true calling. In the Adoptions program Tina was able to provide children with Forever Families when their birth families were found unfit to care for them. In May 2000, Tina and her husband Mike decided to move to Texas where Tina's career took a turn and she began working in the medical social work field. Tina developed an outpatient social work program for University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and simultaneously worked to receive her LCSW - the highest level of licensure offered in the State of Texas. Although it was a great opportunity to develop this program, it was not Tina's passion, and she moved on in 2001 to work with the Phoenix House of Texas. Here Tina developed another program working with teens at-risk or involved in drugs and/or criminal activities. While running this program, Tina became pregnant with her son, Cody, and unfortunately ended up on bed rest. Cody was premature and had a lot of medical issues; so since 2001, Tina has spent most of her time being a full-time Mommy. She did continue to do contract work for a few agencies to keep her social work and counseling skills up, and she began to work for Adoption Access in December 2003 as the after hours counselor. She loves the opportunity to work with our new birthmoms and provide them the comfort they need when they first call in to inquire about adoption, as well as talking with the birthmoms when they are in crisis to provide the on-going support they often need. She feels it is truly a privilege to be a part of their lives. Tina is a true blessing to Adoption Access, and we are sincerely grateful for her time and expertise.

As a Counselor to the agency in the El Paso area, Rose began working for Adoption Access in October of 1998. She has a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from University of Texas at El Paso. Additionally, Rose possesses eleven years of experience working with Head Start, the homeless, and at-risk youth in the El Paso area. Because of her expensive background and experience in social work, Rose is a natural for adoption work. She has been wonderful in connecting birthparents to other resources that can help them go forward with their lives. Adoptive parents don't need our help parenting, but birthparents often do need our help beyond placement. The counseling is always available to them, but they may need help in other areas of their lives. Making a difference for young people in difficult situations is something Rose has been doing for a long time. We are very happy she is doing this for us now. She is a very nurturing and caring person, and her birthmoms adore her.

Ashley graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Texas A&M University in 1997.  During college, Ashley volunteered at a crisis hotline and devoted her time assisting the elderly and teaching at a children’s shelter.  After college, she worked as an Alzheimer’s Care Specialist and as a caseworker for Child Protective Services.  In 2000, Ashley began working for Adoption Access as the Austin Area Counselor.  As an adopted child, Ashley is a strong advocate and supporter for her birthmothers.  She admires the courage birthparents possess that enables them to make such a loving and unselfish choice for their child.