American Adoptions Staff

Shawn Kane - Executive Director, MBA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emily Wheeler - Adoption Specialist

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

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

Tamera Collins - Adoption Specialist

Hello! I’m Tamera Collins, your Adoption Specialist. I will be working with you to create an adoption plan that is tailored to your needs. I look forward to being your constant support and helping you throughout this journey. Before we start this process together, I wanted to share some information about myself!

I was born in a small town in Kansas and moved to a bigger city to attend college. I attended Washburn University where I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. I have always had a passion to advocate for women and empower them. I have worked in various setting such as foster care, mental health, and domestic violence. Throughout my experience, I have learned the core values of empathy, compassion, and self-determination. I’m dedicated to empowering individuals and providing them with the necessary tools to overcome challenges. Advocating for those in need is my passion. Some of my hobbies include yoga, traveling, playing with my cats, hanging out with friends and family, and baking.

As a specialist, I’m here to support you throughout your adoption journey, offering emotional support and understanding. Your courage in considering adoption is truly inspiring, and I’m committed to being a constant source of support. I eagerly anticipate working with you.

E-MAIL: tamera.c@americanadoptions.com

Elizabeth Jones - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Hi! My Name is Elizabeth jones and I am your Adoption Specialist who will be working with you to create your adoption plan. Since we will be working so closely together, I would like to share a little bit about me.

I grew up in a small town in Texas. After graduating high school I went to University of Texas in Austin where I received my Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work. I moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area after graduation to intern with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. As much fun as it was working in the sports world, my heart has always been to work with adoption. Some of my hobbies include reading, going to concerts, shopping, spending time with family and friends, cheering on my stepchildren at their sporting events, and loving on my dog named Tucker who is also known as my sweet baby.

Adoption is something that has impacted my family as my mother and her siblings were adopted together. I feel so privileged to be able to work with birth parents on their adoption journey and help women consider all their options for their child. It takes a true selfless individual to put their child's best interest before their own wants. I admire you for taking this step and I support you 100% in whatever choice you make. I look forward to getting to know you through this process. I understand that adoption can be a very difficult decision and that is why I will be here for you whenever you need me. Do not hesitate to reach out anytime. I am excited to hear from you!

E-MAIL: elizabeth.j@americanadoptions.com

Claire Sherman - Adoption Specialist

My name is Claire Sherman and I am the adoption specialist who will be working with you to create your adoption plan. As we will work so closely together, I would love to share a little more about me.

I grew up in Missouri and attended Missouri State University. I graduated from there with my Bachelors of Science in Psychology as well as a minor in Criminology. After graduating, I worked there for a year as a case manager for children in foster care. I learned a lot in that position and cherished my time spent there but soon decided I wanted to move back closer to home and my family. I moved to Kansas and have loved it here ever since. Some of my hobbies include traveling and exploring, hanging out with family and friends, going to the gym, and going to movies or concerts.

Although I have never been directly involved in adoption, I have grown a love working for all women and children. I find myself feeling passionate to help and advocate for those who may be going through a difficult time in their life and just need to feel supported. I am honored at the opportunity to work with birth parents as they walk through their adoption journey. Adoption can be an incredibly difficult decision and I admire anyone who is taking the step to put their child's best interest first.

I am looking forward to getting to know you through this process. I will be there to support you along the way as well as to just be a listening ear when needed. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

E-MAIL: claire.s@americanadoptions.com

Elyse Koop - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Hi! My Name is Elyse Koop and I am your Adoption Specialist who will be working with you to create your adoption plan. Since we will be working so closely together, I would like to share a little bit about me.

I grew up in Missouri and after graduating high school I went the University of Kansas where I received my Bachelor's degree in Social Work. I moved to Kansas and went straight into my Master's program after graduating and completed my Master's in Social Work. Some of my hobbies include spending time with my family and hanging out with my four younger brothers, reading, spending time with friends, and trying new foods.

I don't have any direct experience with adoption but I have always had a passion for working with women and children. I am so excited to be able to work with you through this journey and I fully support whatever choice you make. I look forward to getting to know you! I know that this can be a difficult process so do not hesitate to reach out whenever and I will be happy to support you and answer any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!

E-MAIL: elyse.k@americanadoptions.com

Kristen Luttrell - Adoption Specialist, LMSW

Hi! My name is Kristen Luttrell and I am an adoption specialist who will be working with you to create an adoption plan. I am excited to work closely with you and would love to share a little bit about myself!

I have lived in Kansas for the majority of my life. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in social work and psychology from Kansas State University and then worked for a year before completing my Master's Degree in social work from the University of Kansas. Some of my hobbies include spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, watching movies, checking out new coffee shops, and hiking.

I have several years of experience working with women and children through various settings, and it is something I have always been passionate about. My role at American Adoptions is to be an advocate for birth parents and support them throughout their adoption plan. Adoption can be exciting and rewarding, but I also know that it can be a difficult decision to make. I admire every birth parent's courage for considering adoption, and I am here for you no matter what you decide. I am looking forward to getting to know you more and supporting you through this journey!

E-MAIL: kristen.l@americanadoptions.com

Kelli Cox - Adoptive Family Specialist, LBSW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hannah Carpio - Home Study Coordinator

Hi, my name is Hannah! I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2017 and have been with American Adoptions since 2022. As Home Study Coordinator, I help families throughout their home study. I obtain clearances, connect them with social workers, and provide support the whole way through the home study process. I get to work with them again during the post placement stage to coordinate their visits and reports! I have witnessed the gift of adoption through many friends and have loved being more directly involved with adoption stories around the country. I am so lucky to be a part of families' journeys!

E-MAIL: hannah.c@americanadoptions.com

Wade Morris - Director of Community Resources

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

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

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

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

Desiree Koudele - Communications Specialist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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