This week let’s give a warm welcome to AFTH’s newest Philadelphia employees: Eddie Donlevie, Jackie Lovell, Devin Crenshaw, Neely Jones!

Tell me about yourselves?

Eddie: Born and raised on the Main Line in PA. I filled my days with theater and music at YPTW (Swarthmore Players’ Club’s youth classes). I attended Archbishop John Carroll High School where I became heavily involved in ACTS (Archbishop Carroll Theater Society). After that, I attended Point Park University in Pittsburgh for Musical Theater. I’ve worked in Advertising (ViaMark), Spa Management (Hand & Stone) and VeeStar Touring Companies (Sesame Street Live! and Hello Kitty’s Supercute Friendship Festival) that have taken me across the United States and Canada. Later, I returned home because I missed my family. I never wanted roots; I liked the traveler’s life. When I met my fiancé, Derek, my whole world flipped. Now, I’m creating my own family. Love is the key to happiness and this place is full of just that.

Jackie: Born and raised in New York. I moved to PA about a month ago to work for Adoptions From the Heart 😊. I love to play sports, spend time with family and friends, and laugh a lot.

Devin: I grew up in Cleveland, OH. Later I moved to College Station, TX when I was a teenager. I have a degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. My husband is in the Coast Guard and got stationed in Philly last year, which is why I’m here! We love to travel, drink coffee, and hang out with our cat – Monster Cat.

Neely: Hi I’m Neely! I grew up in the Philadelphia area. I attended The University of Massachusetts (Amherst) for my undergrad education where I studied Communication, Psychology, and International Relations. Post-graduation I spent a year in Israel teaching English and working with underprivileged families. Upon returning to the U.S. My love for working with children and families led me to participate in a dual degree program and ultimately earn a dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Early Childhood Development from Loyola University and Erikson Institute in Chicago.

What is your position here at AFTH?

Eddie: Office Manager and Marketing Associate

Jackie: Adoption Social Worker

Devin: Administrative Assistant for the Pittsburgh, Central PA, and Connecticut Offices

Neely: My position at AFTH is District Supervisor for the Wynnewood Office.

What made you want to pursue a career in social work and/or with AFTH?

Eddie: I am adopted. I love my adoptive family. I want to help others find that missing piece of their life that my parent’s found through adoption.

Jackie: I have always loved helping others and caring for others. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, and I love every minute of it.

Devin: The environment, goals, and overall mission of AFTH was very impressive to me and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Also, I have considered going into social work myself, and I knew working here would expose me to that field.

Neely: I am extremely passionate about teamwork/team building and believe that when communities work together, progress is made and individuals feel empowered. I have always been compassionate and have had a strong sensitivity to the well-being of others. Ultimately, I cannot imagine pursuing any other field. Having the opportunity to work with children and families on a daily basis is something that I look forward to every day and continue to feel grateful for.

What do you hope to accomplish through your work at AFTH?

Eddie: My Production Manager / Advertising background has equipped me with skills to streamline efficiency and order. I hope to bring a sense of calm to the whole process for the amazing staff at Adoptions from the Heart.

Jackie: Help to complete families 😊

Devin: I hope to make a difference and ultimately serve as a good reflection of the company. In addition, I want to learn a lot and challenge myself in order to become a better person, both personally and professionally.

Neely: I hope to continue playing a role in preparing families for any possible unexpected changes as they move through the adoption process, as well as working to counsel and assist with life adjustments that may occur along the way. Educating families and the general public about adoption and destigmatizing stereotypes that surround the decisions that lead families to pursue adoption is something I try to do. Ultimately, as a supervisor, I strive to support and guide my staff members through the challenges and obstacles they may face while working with families. Remaining available for them whenever they need to process events daily and/or ask questions and also celebrate the positives when they occur in an often challenging field is important to me.

What is something you want people to know about adoption and/or AFTH?

Eddie: It’s completely life-changing. Being loved and celebrated as opposed to growing up alone and unnoticed is the difference adoption makes.

Jackie: Adoption From The Heart is like no place I have ever worked for. For instance, the staff is all eager to help and support staff and the families we work with. Everyone prides themselves in their work and Adoption From The Heart has been completing families for so many years!

Devin: Working here has shown me how interesting and diverse different adoptions can be. Adoption has the unique ability to change lives, unite people, and expand love.

Neely: Its comprised of staff members who are passionate, caring, and dedicated to the work that they do. Above all, AFTH is there for their co-workers, and stepping in to help whenever needed, but most importantly being available and supportive of the clients that we work with, and assisting them in any way possible.