Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 27:13-14 “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Education: Masters in Social Work from Baylor University
Responsibilities: Assisting in the development of the foster care program for Nightlight Christian Adoptions. Responsible for recruitment of foster parents as well as case management and service coordination for children in foster/foster adoptive homes.
Favorite Adoption Story: My favorite adoption story is my #1 granddaughter, Mikaila. We welcomed her into our family when she was 2 years old. When my son married Mikaila’s mom, I have to say, we got a sweet package deal! After a year of marriage, my son adopted Mikaila, making her an official member of our family. She already had our hearts, she now has our name. Mikaila is 15 years old and a true delight! She has a younger brother and two cousins that adore her. I don’t know what our family would be like without her.
Education: BS, Interdisciplinary Studies; I have been a Licensed Child-Placing Agency Administrator since 2009.
Responsibilities: As the Director of Domestic Family Services, my duties are two fold: working with adoptive families, by coordinating the Orientation, Education, through the Initial Matching Process; and supervising Nightlight’s Domestic Family Coordinators.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 116:7 – Be at rest once again, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
Favorite Adoption Story: I worked for many years in our international programs and I am filled with joy at each child brought into a family. There was one case where we had difficulty with getting paperwork completed by a foreign country and had been praying for months for everything to come through and be approved for a family to adopt their child. When we finally got news of the approval, I remember running down the hallway toward my supervisor as we hugged, cried, and rejoiced that this family would be bringing their child home. Even as agency staff, we carry each of these children and families heavy on our hearts and thank God for each family that He creates.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Baylor University
Responsibilities: I focus on providing support and connection with our adopted children, adoptive families, and birth parents after placement through Nightlight’s Post Adoption Connection Center. We offer services for mentoring, coaching and counseling, support groups, referrals to resources, and other forms of support. I also manage our post adoption tracking coordinators and processes for our international adoption programs.
Favorite Bible Verse: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
Education: BA in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from Northwest University
Responsibilities: Julie assists with the support and counseling of expectant parents as they create their adoption plan. She also assists with home visits and post-placement reporting.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 27:8, "You have said, 'Seek my face.' My heart says to You, 'Your face, Lord, do I seek.'"
Favorite Adoption Story: I used to work as a children's pastor, and there was a 3rd grade boy in my ministry who was adopted by some family members. A few weeks after arriving home, he shared a testimony about his adoption with the other children at church. He told everyone about his family coming to bring him home, and before they boarded their flight, he got everyone's attention at their gate and excitedly said, "Everyone! This is my Mom and Dad! They have adopted me!" It was so sweet to hear how he saw the character of God through his own adoption.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (2016) from Baylor University and a Master’s degree in Social Work (2018) from Baylor University.
Responsibilities: Review, edit and approve home studies; pre-match consultations with adoptive parents; international referral reviews; supervision of social services employees
Favorite Bible Verse: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”-Proverbs 17:17
Education: PhD in Psychology, with a specialization in forensic psychology
Responsibilities: Primary person responsible for application intake of all programs, collection of documents, coordination with social workers and clients.
Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29: 11-13: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”
Favorite Adoption Story: There are so many but the one that stands out the most is one from a number of years ago around a baby boy who was born and after two days of testing we came to find out that he had been born with only a brain stem. As we were looking for his forever family, a young couple who was in the home study process contacted me (they had adamantly stated that they were not open to special needs) and said that this was their son. A few weeks later baby JoJo was placed for adoption. I was there for his first birthday (a milestone many thought would never happen). This little boy had a smile that would light up the room and a belly laugh like no other. At just over two years old he went to be with Jesus but it was incredible to see the impact that his life had on so many, mine included.
Education: BSW from Gordon College, MSW from Baylor University; TBRI certified
Responsibilities: As Executive Director, Rebekah oversees the programs of the Texas office, supervises its employees and runs the day-to-day functioning of the office.
