New Team Members at AFTH
Here at AFTH some exciting changes have taken place! Our marketing team is full of fresh faces, and we have two new social workers! AFTH is eager to see what the new marketing team will think up to spread the word about AFTH and open adoption. We are also thrilled that BOTH of our new social workers speak fluent Spanish. We receive inquires from the Spanish speaking population on a regular basis. This means AFTH can help even more families!
For this week’s blog, we asked these new employees to share why they joined us and what their experiences have been so far. Enjoy meeting the team!
The Marketing Team
Christie R., MSW, Sponsorship & Donor Development Coordinator
“I could not be more excited about being a member of the Adoptions From The Heart Team serving as the Sponsorship and Donor Development Coordinator. Working in development and strengthening families is my passion. Recently I graduated from Columbia University with my Master’s Degree in Social Work. I also have my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Widener University. My background in social work gives me a healthy understanding of our programs and the people they serve. This is incredibly helpful when going out into communities and talking with individuals about the work at AFTH. I am proud to be working to build families with love and care in my community by contributing my talents to the sustainability of this wonderful organization.”
Kellie G., BA, Events & Marketing Coordinator
“I have been a non-profit enthusiast for a long time and I credit a large portion of that to my college career. As a student at Penn State University, I immediately became involved with Penn State Dance Marathon (THON). Over the course of my time as a THON volunteer, I formed close bonds with many fellow students, families, and THON children who had been impacted by cancer. The Four Diamonds Fund, the sole beneficiary of THON, opened my eyes to the beauty that can exist in even the darkest of circumstances. THON gave me a life’s purpose and I took that purpose with me when I began interning with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter.
Upon leaving LLS and completing my college degree, I worked for ESF Summer Camps in Bryn Mawr, PA. Again, I found myself working with children and families on a daily basis. I was always leaving work with a smile on my face. It is easy to imagine how excited I was when I saw the job posting for the Events and Marketing Coordinator position at Adoptions From The Heart. Not only had I missed the non-profit component of my work that I had grown to love immensely, but there was also a calling to help families and children. There could not have been a more perfect position for me and my professional goals.
I have been with Adoptions From The Heart for almost four months and I am still so grateful for the opportunity to work for this amazing organization. My first week on the job was actually the week of our annual picnic. There, I had a “wow moment.” I loved meeting all of the members of the adoption triad and hearing their amazing stories of love, growth and friendship. I have continued to have those “wow moments” on a consistent basis in my time here. I am so thankful to be a member of this team and to make tiny impacts wherever I can.”
Social Workers
Lindsay M., MSW, Social Worker
“I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, I have lived out of state since college. Mostly I lived in Pittsburgh, PA, where I went to school, and Denver, CO where I attended graduate school. I’ve also lived abroad too.
I was interested in working at AFTH because I feel that adoption is one more choice that women have in making their own family planning decisions. Providing such options to women is, I believe, a matter of social justice. Providing such options/counselling to women in the language which they are most comfortable speaking is as well.
One of my favorite parts about working here is seeing adoptive families being placed with a child for whom they have waited years in some cases. Also everyone on our staff is wonderful and super organized! After working in some less-than organized nonprofits, this level of organization was certainly a welcomed surprise!”
Jessica M., MSW, Social Worker
“My name is Jessica Materin, and I am currently a social worker at Adoptions From The Heart. I received my MSW from Boston College a year ago, and have lived in Pennsylvania since. When I found the opportunity to possibly work for the agency, I was thrilled and curious to know more about it. Although I’ve worked with children and families in different settings over the years, I had never worked with adoptions. However, I wanted to apply my passion, clinical skills and personal immigration experience to the agency and help the families embark on this journey. I am excited for what’s to come!”
These ladies are excited about joining our team, but we’re even more ecstatic to have them. AFTH is confident that this team will help us soar as an organization. Not only that, but they will also help us serve the needs of all members of the adoption triad. Meet the team for yourself at our upcoming fundraising event! Casino Royale, “Betting on a Better Future” will also benefit our Birth Parent Scholarship Fund. Meeting the team, delicious food, drinks, live music, casino games, and raffles will be only half the fun. Join us at The Clothier Room in Wynnewood on Saturday, November 5, from 7-11 pm. Get your tickets here!
