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Our Agency Staff

American Adoptions Staff

The dedicated staff members at American Adoptions have decades of experience in adoption. With backgrounds in social work, counseling, business and media, our staff can help you on your adoption journey every step of the way. Additionally, many of our staff members have personal adoption experience as adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents.

All of our clients will be matched with an Adoption Specialist, who can help them with any questions during the adoption process. Read our staff bios below to get to know the faces and learn the heart of America's adoption agency.

Shawn Kane - Executive Director, MBA

Shawn Kane

As Executive Director, I help to provide education, guidance and support to our clients and staff throughout the adoption process. Since we may never meet in person, I'd like to tell you a bit about myself!

Since 2000, I have worked with adoptive families and pregnant women, handled marketing and advertising efforts and continue to help lead, organize and train our staff. The adoption field is very rewarding. Adoption is challenging and complex, and you never really stop learning new things about it. My passion for adoption has grown through the years, and more recently, I have become a proud adoptive father to my daughter Claire! I admire and respect any person who considers adoption. Adoption takes special people making choices for the best interest of a child. Each adoption is a miracle in action!

E-MAIL: shawn.k@americanadoptions.com

Megan Kautio - Assistant Executive Director, LBSW

Megan Kautio

I currently serve as the Assistant Executive Director of American Adoptions. I have been a member of this wonderful team since 2000. In my years at American Adoptions, I have been a Birth Parent Specialist, an Adoptive Family Specialist and Assistant Director. I have enjoyed each role and continue to learn something new each and every day from our brave clients and our dedicated staff members. I love finding ways to support and lead our team so they can provide the best services possible to each and every person who needs our help. Working at American Adoptions is more than a job for me. So many people have trusted me with their lives and, for that, it has become a huge part of my life.

E-MAIL: megan.k@americanadoptions.com

Jennifer Van Gundy - Director of Social Services, LMSW

Jennifer Van Gundy

I have been a member of the American Adoptions team since 2005. I have held several different roles which have allowed me to be a part of many sides of the adoption process, including support for birth parents and adoptive families and home studies and post-placements. My current role is Director of Social Services. Through this position I am able to provide guidance and support to our amazing team of Birth Parent Specialists as they work with clients. I also approve home studies and post-placements completed by our agency. I have a special heart for adoption, as I was adopted as an infant. I was given the most amazing gift when my birth mother chose adoption for me. I feel very lucky and love to share how positive adoption has been in my life.

E-MAIL: jennifer.v@americanadoptions.com

Jenna Howard - Executive Director of American Adoptions of Texas, LMSW, LCPAA

Jenna Howard

I have always had a heart for adoption. As an adoptee and an adoptive parent, I know the blessing that adoption has been in my life. I love helping families experience that same blessing with their adoption journeys. I've been involved in the adoption field since 1994,and my work experience has included birth mother counseling, completion of home studies for both domestic and international adoption, and adoption education. Currently, I enjoy my role as Director of American Adoptions of Texas. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and my Master's in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. I have my LMSW with Independent Practice Recognition and my Licensed Child Placing Agency Administrator license. My husband and I have four sons and a daughter.

E-MAIL: jenna.h@americanadoptions.com

Brighid Titus - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Brighid Titus

As a Birth Parent Specialist, my role is to support prospective birth parents through adoption, help them to match with an adoptive family and prepare for the hospital experience. I have my Master's Degree in Social Work, and I maintain my LMSW license. Since I began with American Adoptions in 2008, I have done my best to educate prospective birth parents about all aspects of the adoption process as they face this difficult decision. Each adoption is unique and deserves individualized respect and attention. It is so rewarding to work with prospective birth parents as they choose to give their child the very best life. I hope to work with you, too!

E-MAIL: brighid.t@americanadoptions.com

Rachel Marcy - Adoption Specialist, LPC

Rachel Marcy

Hello! My name is Rachel Marcy and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I have my Master's in Counseling from Mid America Nazarene University, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kansas. My role is to help birth parents navigate the adoption process and help them develop the plan that is best for them and baby. I am there every step of the way to provide education and emotional support as they make this difficult decision. Adoption services are very close to my heart, as two of my family members are birth mothers who chose adoption for their babies. This has given me a greater understanding of what birth mothers go through and how selfless the act of placing a child for adoption is. Adoption can be a very difficult decision, and I admire you greatly for considering this choice. I look forward to working with you!

E-MAIL: rachel.m@americanadoptions.com

Laci Simpson - Adoption Specialist, LBSW

Laci Simpson

Hi! My name is Laci Leiker and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Kansas. My role at the agency is to work with birth parents considering adoption and assist them in creating an adoption plan. I provide support to birth parents during this difficult decision and work hard to ensure their wants and needs are being met. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with so many courageous birth parents and to provide all of the support I can throughout their adoption journey. I admire your strength in considering adoption for your child and look forward to working with you!

E-MAIL: laci.s@americanadoptions.com

Laura Marriott - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Laura Marriott

My name is Laura Marriott and I am your Adoption Specialist, and can't wait to get to know you. I'm looking forward to collaborating and developing your adoption plan. My job and my passion is to support you and advocate for you as we work together through this process. This is a big decision, and I want you to feel as comfortable with me as possible; so I'd like to tell you a little about myself.

I was born, raised, and still live in Kansas City. I received my Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas and then immediately continued my education at Missouri State University, where I received my Master's Degree in the same field. After college, I returned to the Kansas City area where I go to as many football, baseball and soccer games for our hometown teams as I can. I love to travel to new places, try novel foods, hike the mountains and explore with my friends and family. I am fortunate to be near my family and spend as much time with them as I am able. In my downtime, I love to get lost in a good book or watch a cheesy movie.

I admire your courage and consideration for your child’s best interests. I understand that this is a difficult decision and I will be here with you through the entire process - wherever it takes us. You are a strong person; I am here to aid you and support you through this emotional time. Please feel free to call me or text me should you have any questions or worries at all.

I look forward to working with you!

E-MAIL: laura.m@americanadoptions.com

Sasha Horn - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Sasha Horn

Hello! My name is Sasha Horn and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas with my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and then attended graduate school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where I received my Master's degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Social Worker in both Missouri and Kansas. My role is to assist birth parents on their journey in developing an adoption plan that is unique to their wants and preferences. I provide support to birth parents along the way as they navigate such a difficult decision. I admire you for your courage and strength for considering this choice. I look forward to working with you!

E-MAIL: sasha.h@americanadoptions.com

Emily Wheeler - Adoption Specialist

Emily Wheeler

Hi there! My name is Emily and I'm an Adoption Specialist. I am so excited to get to know you on this journey! I want you to know how much I admire you for considering adoption. It's not an easy thing to consider, but it can be a selfless and positive experience, and I look forward to supporting you every step of the way. My job as your specialist is to advocate for you and ensure you feel comfortable, so here's a little bit about me:

I graduated from the University of Kansas City-Missouri with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. Studying sociology really opened my eyes to people and communities of all backgrounds and cultures, and I try to apply that open-minded view to all aspects of my life, but especially my work. In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and family, try new recipes in the kitchen, and snuggle up on the couch with a good book (or a good Netflix binge watch!)

Please know that I understand this is a difficult decision. No matter what you decide, I am here for you, and you can reach me anytime via phone call, text, or e-mail. I look forward to talking to you soon!

E-MAIL: emily.w@americanadoptions.com

Stephanie Jarman - Adoption Specialist

Stephanie Jarman

Hi, my name is Stephanie Jarman and I am a Birth Parent Specialist. I graduated from Appalachian State University in North Carolina, with a degree in Social Work. I am currently in school working towards my Master's degree in Social Work through Campbellsville University.

My role with American Adoptions is to provide support and education to birth parents through the adoption process. I admire you for taking this step and will support you, whichever decision you choose for you and your baby. This is not an easy decision and it takes great strength and courage. Please know I am here for you and available by text, email, or phone.

E-MAIL: stephanie.j@americanadoptions.com

Kelli Cox - Adoptive Family Specialist, LBSW

Kelli Cox

Hi! My name is Kelli Cox. As an Adoptive Family Specialist, I look forward to assisting families through education and support as they work their way through the adoption process. I am a licensed social worker and have been at American Adoptions since 2005. During my time here I have not only worked with adoptive families but also with women who were considering adoption for their children to provide them with guidance and support. Adoption is something that is close to my heart, as I have three family members that were touched by adoption. It is wonderful to see how much of a blessing adoption can be in lives of each family I work with. I hope to take my experiences and share them with families to make their adoption experience as positive as possible.

E-MAIL: kelli.c@americanadoptions.com

Dacia Peterson - Adoptive Family Specialist, LMSW

Dacia Peterson

My name is Dacia Peterson. I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master's Degree in Social Work and am a licensed social worker in the state of Kansas. I have worked in adoption for over 10 years now and have experienced adoption from both the state foster care and adoption side and the private adoption side. My role is to provide support and education to adoptive families during the adoption process. I am honored to be part of such an important time in a family’s life. I have found my home here at American Adoptions and love working with such amazing families throughout their adoption journey!

E-MAIL: dacia.p@americanadoptions.com

Lara Sandusky - Adoptive Family Specialist, LSW

Lara Sandusky

My name is Lara Sandusky, and I am a Licensed Social Worker and Adoption Specialist in Northwest Arkansas. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and have spent a majority of my post-collegiate years working for or with a child-placement agency.

My primary focus is to meet with potential adoptive families and complete home studies, as well as support and guide you through your wonderful adoption journey. I look forward to meeting you all very soon!

E-MAIL: lara.s@americanadoptions.com

Emily Droge - Adoptive Family Specialist, LBSW

Emily Droge

Hello! My name is Emily Droge, and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and am now a Licensed Social Worker here in Kansas. My role is to provide support and advocacy for men and women that are exploring and creating adoption plans and to help guide them through and ensure that all of their needs and expectations are being met. I provide education about the adoption process and am available for emotional support, as well. I have experienced adoption personally in my own family and have always known that one day I would be blessed with the opportunity of assisting others in their journeys. I am amazed by the strength and courage of each and every adoptive parent that I work with, and I look forward to working with you in any way that I can!

E-MAIL: emily.d@americanadoptions.com

Melanie Leal - Adoptive Family Specialist, LMSW, LCPAA

Melanie Leal

Hi! My name is Melanie Leal. As an Adoptive Family Specialist, I enjoy helping families with education and support throughout their adoption journeys. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of North Texas and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas. I have worked in the adoption field since 2003 and have worked in several areas of adoption, including home studies, domestic and international adoption, adoption education for families, working with adoptive families, and working with women considering adoption for their children. Several of my family members are adopted, and I greatly enjoy using my experience to help adoptive families throughout their adoption experience.

E-MAIL: melanie.l@americanadoptions.com

Erin Ponak - Adoption Family Specialist, LMSW

Erin Ponak

Hi! My name is Erin Ponak, and I am an Adoption Specialist here at American Adoptions. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master's Degree in Social Work and am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I have spent the past several years working with birth parents to assist in creating adoption plans for their children and I am now providing education and support to adoptive families throughout their adoption journeys. I am honored to be part of such a special time in a family’s life and I love getting to know each family throughout the process. I look forward to working with you and helping in any way that I can!

E-MAIL: erin.p@americanadoptions.com

Justin King - Adoptive Family Coordinator

Justin King

As a member of our Adoptive Family Department, I complete home study reviews for our families before activation. This entails reviewing all home studies done by agencies other than American Adoptions to ensure their compliance with ICPC standards nationwide and collecting all of the family's supporting documentation for their file. I also coordinate all post-placement supervisory visits with both American Adoptions social workers and outside agencies and make sure these are sent to the necessary parties before finalization. If you received a home study through an agency other than American Adoptions and have questions or have any questions about the post-placement process, I'm your guy.

E-MAIL: justin.k@americanadoptions.com

Mike Aguilar - Adoptive Family Coordinator

Mike Aguilar

Hi! My name is Michael Aguilar, and I have worked here at American Adoptions since 2006. I understand that choosing a domestic adoption agency can be very overwhelming, and as a result, I truly believe that knowledge is power, especially when it pertains to adoption. Helping couples complete their families is the most rewarding part of my job here at American Adoptions. My role with the agency is not only to provide information and support to potential adoptive families, but more importantly listen to our families and try to meet their needs. I never know what the next day will bring; every family that I talk to is unique, and it is not every day that a person can help influence the outcome of another's life.

E-MAIL: mike.a@americanadoptions.com

Jason Tabuchi - Adoptive Family Coordinator

Jason Tabuchi

As an adoptive family coordinator, I assist families with initial guidance about how the adoption process works. I answer any questions they may have and assist with their adoption plan. I am involved in preparing the family for a successful adoption and work closely with them regarding their specific needs. Together with the other coordinators, we give seminars in different locations for prospective adoptive families. I also assist in the accounting department as my background is in finance. I have been with American Adoptions since 2011, and I love working with families on fulfilling their dream of becoming parents!

E-MAIL: jason.t@americanadoptions.com

Laura Braun - Project Coordinator

Laura Braun

Hello! My name is Laura, and I am a member of the administration team here at American Adoptions. I graduated from Kansas State University and joined the agency in January of 2018. Some of my tasks include directing incoming calls to the correct representatives, supporting the Social Work department by mailing packets to birth mothers, and assisting other departments and staff when needed. I love working with a dedicated staff and for an organization that is passionate about helping families.

E-MAIL: laura.b@americanadoptions.com

Wade Morris - Director of Community Resources

Wade Morris

I have been with the agency since 1995. I provide education and support to adoptive couples on our adoption policies and procedures and educate adoptive families joining American Adoptions. In addition, I network and market our agency with other adoption professionals and organizations and provide outreach in adoption communities nationwide. Adoption is extremely rewarding, and I enjoy assisting couples in becoming parents. As the years go by, watching these children grow up happy and seeing their progress means the world to me.

E-MAIL: wade.m@americanadoptions.com

Michelle Downard - Birth Parent Peer Support / Birth Mother

Michelle Downard

My name is Michelle Downard, and I am a birth mother who has been working for American Adoptions since 2003. My primary focus is peer support for all the birth mothers that we work with who want to know that they are not alone and that someone else understands how they feel. I placed my son for adoption in February of 1998. He is the love of my life, and I know that it is because of adoption and his wonderful adoptive family that he has had all of the opportunities and experiences that he has been blessed with. I also handle the pictures and letters here at the agency and love being able to talk with both adoptive couples and birth mothers about their experience and contribute in making it a positive experience for everyone.

E-MAIL: michelle.d@americanadoptions.com

Doreen Ball - Social Work Support Coordinator

Doreen Ball

I joined American Adoptions in May 2012. My duties include receiving incoming calls and directing families and birth parents to their proper representative and/or specialist, assisting the Adoptive Family Department by sending out information packets to adoptive families, and assisting with other projects as needed. Adoption has also touched me personally, as I have witnessed it in both my extended family and close friends. I am excited to be working for an organization that brings birth parents and adoptive families together to create forever families.

E-MAIL: doreen.b@americanadoptions.com

Mikayla Doyle - Project Coordinator

Mikayla Doyle

My name is Mikayla and I have been working for American Adoptions since 2020. As a member of the administration department, I am responsible for a variety of tasks. My role involves directing phone calls, assisting the social work department by mailing packets and adoptive family profiles to birth parents, scanning and uploading documents, and assisting with other projects as needed. I also receive picture and letter correspondence from adoptive families and birth parents, which I then forward to the correct party.

E-MAIL: mikayla.d@americanadoptions.com

Jasmine Yam - Project Coordinator/Social Work Support

Jasmine Yam

Hi there, my name is Jasmine! I started with American Adoptions in 2020. Since being with the agency, I’ve had various roles which have been mainly focused on social work support. Some tasks that I’ve previously dedicated my time to here are coordinating the file room, updating the database with various birth parent and family documents, counselor and doctor searches for birth parents, and Home Study Draft Review. Currently, I get to focus my time on requesting medical records, as well as the most rewarding task I’ve taken on — filing the Interstate Compact of the Placement of Children (ICPC) packet. Once this gets the stamp of approval, I have the pleasure of sharing the good news with the respective specialists that the new family is able to travel home!

Personally, I do not have a connection to adoption, but it has found its way into my heart. I’ve been able to learn a lot from my peers and the work I’ve had the pleasure of doing. Although I may not be on the front line of working with birth parents or adoptive families, I truly enjoy having a hand in connecting the two and helping create your family.

E-MAIL: jasmine.y@americanadoptions.com

Desiree Koudele - Communications Specialist

Desiree Koudele

In 2006, just before my first child turned 1-year-old, I knew the only way I was going to be able to balance my new life as a working mom was if I was using my skills to benefit my biggest passion - family. So, I left my desk as the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine and joined the American Adoptions team. At American Adoptions, I work with families to design their adoptive family print profile and also contribute to our website, marketing materials and other information. I received my degree in Electronic Journalism from Kansas State University in 2000 and have experience in all facets of the media, including radio, television, print and the internet. Today, I am a mom of two and still enjoy the fact that I am able to combine my love of all things creative along with my passion for family!

E-MAIL: desiree.k@americanadoptions.com

Todd Brace - Lead IT Specialist

Todd Brace

Since 2006, I have been working as the agency's IT Specialist. My main duty is developing and maintaining our custom database, software, website and network. But I also manage our office inventory and serve as an all-around fix-it guy.

E-MAIL: todd.b@americanadoptions.com

Kathy Grant - Adoption Specialist, LPC

Kathy Grant

Hi I'm Kathy and I've been working with American Adoptions since 2004 and it's been a wonderful journey. I am a licensed professional counselor in both Kansas and Missouri, I currently also work in substance abuse treatment and also have a private practice. I love working with prospective adoptive families and find it a very rewarding experience helping families welcome children into their lives.

E-MAIL: kathygrant76@yahoo.com

Molly Gray - Adoption Specialist

Molly Gray

Hi, my name is Molly and I have been working with children and families for more than twelve years has been one of my greatest pleasures and honors. From the time I was young girl, I knew my life's work was to help families. I earned my Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work and have worked with children and families ever since. I have worked for American Adoptions since 2005. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know couples and helping them take the beginning steps of the wonderful journey of adoption. However: for me, the true highlight is watching these couples transform into families once they bring their babies home. Witnessing the true love and devotion of adoptive families is, without question, the reason I work in the adoption field.

E-MAIL: mollyhgray19@gmail.com

Marzena Murphy - Adoption Specialist

Marzena Murphy

Hi! My name is Marzena and I have received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health from University in South Florida. I furthered my career by attending Argosy University where in 2007 I obtained an Education Specialist degree. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. My interest in adoption began during my work in the Child Welfare program in the adoptions unit, where my responsibility was to recruit parents to adopt children from foster care. I have continued to expand my love for working with children and assisting families in their dream of having a forevever family by working with American Adoptions of Florida. I began working with American Adoptions in December of 2004. I truly enjoy seeing families becoming parents through the process of adoption. I have received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health from University in South Florida. I furthered my career by attending Argosy University where in 2007 I obtained an Education Specialist degree. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

E-MAIL: marzenamurphy@gmail.com

Susan Patterson - Adoption Specialist, LCSW

Susan Patterson

Hi! My name is Susan Patterson and I am a licensed clinical social worker. In 2001, I reunited with my sister, who was placed for adoption years ago. Between this reunification and my years of volunteer work as a Pregnancy Resource Center volunteer, I have been working with American adoptions since 2006 and in the adoption field since 2003.

E-MAIL: savyjane0807@yahoo.com

Jazmin Taylor - Adoption Specialist, LSW

Jazmin Taylor

Hi my name is Jazmin Taylor and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Cedarville in Ohio. I have worked in the social services field on and off since 1997 and in the adoption field since 2006. Since a young age I have had a passion for adoption and working with adoptive families and birth parents. I am a mother of 3 and we were given the blessing of adopting our son Thomas In 2007 when my family moved to Arkansas. As an adoptive parent I have come to admire birth parents and understand the blessing that adoption provides not only to a child, but to an entire family and community. I believe I have found my true calling working in the field of adoption.

E-MAIL: jazmintaylor42@gmail.com

Debbie Velcheck - Adoption Specialist, LCSW

Debbie Velcheck

My name is Debbie Velcheck and I have a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work, as well as my state licensure in Missouri. I became interested in the field of adoption soon after graduating from college while doing an internship with the State of Missouri. I worked closely with adoptive parents and love a being part of children finding a "forever home". I began working with American Adoptions in 2007, and truly love being a part of the adoption process. I have a niece and an nephew who joined our family by way of adoption, do I hold adoption close to my heart.

E-MAIL: debvelcheck@gmail.com