I founded Parents by Choice because I wanted a positive team environment where we could be creative, relentless advocates for kids. I was tired of “business as usual” and wanted an agency where kids would be the big deal. I’ve been blessed with a great staff and board of directors who have embraced these values and worked to make them a reality. Parents by Choice has an amazing team! Over the last 10 years, whether we are supervising a family visit, leading a parenting group or placing a foster child in a home, our team has worked to bring hope and healing to vulnerable children and their families. I am so proud of our agency and the people whose hard work has made this possible.

I am a social worker/administrator for Parents by Choice because God has brought me here to serve children and families. To be His hands and feet, demonstrate His heart, His love with like-minded people in His Purpose.

I became a social worker because I enjoy working with children and families. I've always wanted to help people in some way. It's rewarding to see a smile on a face when a child see's Santa for the first time as says "He really is real..." those are the moments I enjoy the most; and teaching families, working together to learn how to better parent our children and raise healthy little human beings.

I have been in the social work field for over 20 years. I first became interested in being a social worker when I reunited with my foster brother late in adulthood. My foster brother lived with us for four years until he reunified with his parents. He moved out of the country; however, has
remained in touch over the years. When I saw him again as an adult, he talked about the significance of living with a foster family who was there for him in his time of need. He relayed fond memories and felt blessed to have a forever family in addition to his own biological family.
Children are fascinating to me and every child deserves a chance. As a social worker, I hope to
be a positive presence in a foster child’s life while they are in foster care and while transitioning back to the care of their birth family.

Why am I a social worker?

To ensure every child I communicate with that they are a successful human being; whose purpose is to be a blessing to others with their gifts.

I became a Social Worker because I have always known in my heart that helping children is what I wanted to do. Being a Social Worker has opened my heart and I know that through faith, change can happen. I honestly believe I was put on this planet to help change children’s lives, no matter how small the change can be. I strive to be a positive influence no matter what type of setting I am in. Working so closely with children and families is something I am passionate about. Working for Parents by Choice has allowed me to positively change not only my outlook on life, but hopefully some outlooks of some of the children I look over.

Before working for Parents by Choice, I volunteered for a year. I enjoyed interacting with the children that I asked for a job. I have been working for Parents by Choice for over 4 years now. Each day is different than the next. The children that I interact with weekly are inspiring to me. These children are resilient and joyful despite what they have gone through. I enjoy every day that I have the chance to interact with them.

Growing up, I always wanted to help in my community and by teaching; I have the opportunity to do that as a positive parenting facilitator. I can focus on the parents by providing strategies, which help promote an enjoyable experience in parenting to better enjoy children. We must remember that our children are the future! I believe it is a fulfilling experience to have the ability to be a part of a change within our community and what a better way to start than with Parents by Choice; an amazing, growing, non-profit organization, which has become a second home!

Growing up in an unhealthy community I've see my fair share of dysfunctional homes that could have been helped if only someone brought resources to our community. Now as an adult I made the decision to join Parents by Choice because I knew I could be that one person who brought the resources to my community. Before, Parents by Choice I was working a job in sales, although I was really good at it, My heart was not being fulfilled. I knew my purpose was much bigger and I was willing to do anything to help my community. Teaching Parenting class not only benefits the parents but also the children. I have always said children are our future, and by helping parents with parenting we are influencing our future generation. I am very honored to work with such a loving and wise staff at Parents by Choice.

I have been a foster parent, bio parent, adoptive parent and maintained positive relationships with birth parents and social workers. I wanted to make a difference from my experiences.

Since I can remember I have loved interacting with children which became my first reason to look into working within the community. I have been raised with the values of helping others in need and providing a helping hand when needed. My college and previous internship experience have made me look into working with the community because not only do I enjoy working with children but it gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing someone will learn something from me and possibly make an impact in their life. Before working for Parents by Choice I started volunteering as a way to not only give back to my community but also to give me the experience needed when it came to looking for a job in my field of study. I got very lucky and blessed to be hired by such a loving and caring agency and I can definitely say it has been a great opportunity that I plan to grow from to give back to others!

I have always had a passion in helping children for as long as I can remember. My goal in life is to be able to make a difference in a child’s life. I am happy to be able to be a part of a passionate team where we are devoted to help children and the community. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces and having a positive progression is what keeps me inspired to continue my passion and grow within myself. I live by the saying, do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. With that being said, I have been able to accomplish my passion working at Parents by Choice.

Through my culture and family background, I was raised with certain beliefs about what a family is. Having both a father and mother present shaped me to be a strong and good hearted woman. As a young adult, I began to see that the world wasn’t exactly how I had envisioned it. Very early on I became the non- custodial family advocate for my first niece so that even through her young parents disagreeable differences I could make sure we kept connected. Having her near my children and being a part of their lives was one of my goals. A few years later, I became again the non-custodial family advocate and monitored a multiple of safe exchanges for my nephew in what had become hostile after divorce child exchanges. After years of my own supervised visitation monitor duties both my niece and nephew are still very much a part of our family’s lives today. Through adversity all is possible, for it is my intention with God’s lead to provide every child with the best recourse while in a safe environment. Parents by Choice welcomed me with open hearts to become another link to this loving chain.