Leadership & Staff
Board of Directors
Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries
Beth and her husband, Todd, live with their family in Cincinnati, Ohio where they serve as Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries. After graduating from Indiana University, the Guckenbergers moved to Monterrey, Mexico where they lived for 15 years. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised ten children.
Beth is the author of nine books including adult and children’s titles. She travels and speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings and church services. Her style is based in story-telling and she draws from her vast field experience as a missionary, Bible teacher and parent for illustrations of biblical concepts.
President/CEO of One More Child
Dr. Jerry Haag is the President/CEO of One More Child. During his tenure as president, he has guided the expansion of ministry sites from nine locations in Florida to more than 50 locations around the globe. Under his presidency, One More Child has launched its Anti-Trafficking, Child Hunger, Single Moms, Family Support (prevention) and Global programs to meet immediate and long-term needs of children and families.
Under Dr. Haag’s leadership, One More Child has increased from serving 3,351 children and individuals in 2007 to more than 320,000 in 2021.
Dr. Haag earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from Baylor University and earned a Ph.D. in finance and real estate in 1995 from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has led and participated in humanitarian aid, emergency relief, childcare and ministry to children and families in countries around the world.
Dr. Haag has served on the Florida Faith-based and Community-based Advisory Council since 2013, where he was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, Gov. Rick Scott and Gov. Ron DeSantis. He also serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) and is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council.
He has been invited on numerous occasions to share his expertise with national and world leaders – to include the United States Health and Human Services, the White House, the President’s Office of the Dominican Republic and the President’s Office of Guatemala.
He has also served as a member of the Child Welfare Innovation workshop group with American Enterprise Institute, a Washington, D.C. based think tank that researches government, politics, economics, and social welfare.
Dr. Haag is passionate about long-term policy change to impact vulnerable children, and he had the pleasure of participating in a distinguished seminar on Religion and U.S. Foreign Policy, sponsored by the Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs at Boston University.
He preaches regularly in churches throughout the nation, and he and his wife, Christi, also enjoy speaking together. Additionally, he has authored, presented and published academic articles relating to his business expertise and has been honored several times for his business, professional and civic achievements.
In 2018, Dr. Haag was awarded the 2018 George W. Truett Distinguished Service Award by the Baylor Line Foundation and was honored at its Hall of Fame Gala for his exceptional leadership in meeting the needs of children around the world.
Dr. Haag has served on the faculty and administration of both public and private universities, including serving as Baylor University’s Vice President for University Development.
From 2000-2007, Dr. Haag served as president and CEO of the South Texas Children’s Home. He also has corporate work experience with AT&T and is a Certified Financial Planner.
Dr. Haag and his wife, Christi, live in Lakeland, Fla. They are proud parents to their adult sons Ben and Brady, and are thrilled to have Ben’s fiancé, Maddie, and Brady’s wife, Katie, as part of their family.
Senior Partner and Founding Principal, Allworth Financial
Scott Hanson is senior partner and founding principal of Allworth Financial and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. Hanson co-hosts one of the longest-running financial radio programs in America, Allworth’s Money Matters, which can be heard at www.AllworthFinancial.com. He is a regular contributor to InvestmentNews, CNBC and author of three books, his most recent, “Personal Decision Points: Seven Steps to Your Ideal Retirement Transition” is available on Amazon.
D.J. Jordan is a Senior Vice President at Pinkston, a strategic public relations and marketing communications firm in the Washington D.C. area. Prior to joining Pinkston, D.J. served as Chief-of-Staff for the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, communications director for a U.S. Senator, and communications director for the U.S. House Committee on Small Business. Before his time on Capitol Hill, D.J. worked in broadcast journalism at CNN and also Fox News, covering national and political news. D.J. earned a master’s degree in public management from The Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications from Liberty University. He has served on various boards, including the Virginia State Board of Social Services and Virginia’s Kids Belong. D.J. and his wife are the parents of four children, including a child adopted from foster care.
Author, Speaker & Advocate
Aixa was born in Guatemala City and it’s where she has lived her entire life. She’s married to Alex López (pastor) and is mom to four: Two of which came through the miracle of adoption. After their decision to adopt, Alex and Aixa have become a voice for the vulnerable children of their country.
She holds a degree in graphic design, is a published author (Lágrimas Valientes/Brave Tears-and -upcoming- Para Siempre/Forever, Lifeway Español) writes regularly on her blog Corazón a Papel (Heart to paper) and other online magazines and is a public speaker. She serves as President to Alianza Cristiana para los Huérfanos de Guatemala, an organization that serves as bridge connecting vulnerable children to the resources of the Church in Latin America.
Wendy Palau shoulders a burden for the brokenhearted, born out of her own experience of loneliness, pain, and loss. While raised in a loving home on the island of Jamaica, her heart sought fulfillment and peace in all the wrong places.
At 25 years of age, God radically changed her life, and she found the true joy she had been longing for. She and her husband, Andrew, have since dedicated their lives to sharing this message of hope with hurting people around the world. For the past several years, they have led multiple festivals around the United States and the world reaching millions of people and partnering with thousands of churches in cities throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and the United States of America.
Currently, Wendy leads outreaches to women around the world in the context of Palau Festivals. She shares the hope she has found in Christ through her own personal story. She also shares the Good News through Palau’s Hope with God Radio and digital evangelism efforts.
Her new book, Stories of Hope, shares unique and diverse stories from multiple different women from around the world, highlighting how Christ worked in their lives to bring hope in their
darkest moments. Wendy and Andrew have three children, Christopher, Jonathan, and Sadie. They live in Portland, Oregon.
Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, Brightworth
Ray Padrón has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, from accountancy to senior management. Currently Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor at Brightworth, an Atlanta-based fee-only wealth management firm with approximately $3 billion in assets under management, Ray previously served as the firm’s President and COO.
Ray began his financial career with what is now PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has worked for the Marriott Corporation as a Tax Manager and served as Vice President of Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting for Finalco Group, Inc. In 1986, Ray became a Principal and Senior Vice President of Finance for Capital Associates, Inc., a regional venture capital firm that provided both capital and funding services for portfolio companies.
In 1988, Ray created ARC Financial Services, a financial planning firm that focused on the unique needs of business owners. He later merged ARC Financial Services with Ronald Blue & Co. (RB & Co.), a national wealth advisory firm. Ray’s career at RB & Co. included the starting of the Washington, D.C. branch office, the incubation and creation of their Baltimore, Md. branch, and eventually becoming the Vice President of Practice Areas and Chief Financial Officer at the RB & Co.’s national headquarters in Atlanta.
He is a Certified Public Accountant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. Ray completed the Investment Management Consultants Association’s Investment Analyst Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Investment Management AnalystSM. In addition, he is an Accredited Estate Planner®, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. Ray has been named several times in Atlanta magazine’s list of Five Star Wealth Managers*.
Ray is currently on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement of Georgia. Ray also serves on the Executive Committee of the Buckhead Coalition. He recently became the past President of CEO Netweavers, a community of CEOs and trusted advisors committed to helping and improving the Atlanta business community. Ray is also a founding board member of Matchbook Learning, a national non-profit K-12 school management organization focused on a unique blended, competency-based model of learning for struggling schools. He is an active member of Business Executives for National Security (BENS), a non-profit organization focused on bringing the private sector together with our government partners to apply best business practice solutions to its most difficult national security challenges. He is a past member of the board of directors of the Financial Planning Association of Georgia and also a past chairman and board member of an international faith-based ministry. Over the years Ray has been a frequent speaker to executives on retirement planning. He has also spoken on operational excellence within the financial planning and wealth management industry.
Ray and his wife, Sharon, have four grown children and nine grandchildren, and are active members at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek. His hobbies include international travel, golfing with friends, reading and exercise.
President and CEO of Buckner International
Dr. Albert L. Reyes is President and CEO of Buckner International, a non-profit international ministry that transforms the lives of orphans, vulnerable children, families and elders.
He is the sixth President and CEO of the 140-year-old organization based in Dallas, Texas. He previously served as President of Buckner International and President of Buckner Children and Family Services. Prior to his service at Buckner, Reyes was president of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio.
Reyes also has served as pastor of three churches and was involved in numerous roles within the Baptist General Convention of Texas, serving as its President in 2005. He serves as Vice President of the North American Baptist Fellowship.
Reyes received a bachelor of business administration degree from Angelo State University, and master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also earned a doctor of philosophy degree from Andrews University and completed post-doctoral study at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, Oxford, England.
He is the author of The Jesus Agenda: Becoming an Agent of Redemption (Believers Press, 2015) and Hope Now: Peace, Healing, and Justice when the Kingdom comes near (Iron Stream Books, 2019). Reyes and his wife Belinda have three adult sons and are members of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas.
Gary Schneider has served for 20 years as a full-time missionary, called to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with orphaned children worldwide.
He is the founder and President of Every Orphan’s Hope (EOH), a ministry in Zambia, Africa, that rescues, raises, and restores orphans to life in Christ, in a family, in a home, and in a community where they are known and loved. (everyorphan.org) EOH does not build or operate orphanages. Rather, they provide a holistic care model for orphans and vulnerable children, from newborns to graduating college students transitioning to work/life independence. The ministry’s goal is family permanency for every orphan through reunification, long-term foster care, adoption, and temporary placement in alternative care family homes for children without parental or family support.
Gary’s passion for helping develop entrepreneurial skills and opportunities for young adults in Zambia also led to the creation of Chicks-4-Orphans, The Narrow Road Bike Shops, Bikes for Orphans, and The Bread of Blessing Bakery as small business sustainability initiatives creating skills training, jobs and revenue to support EOH’s holistic orphan care ministry.
Gary is also the founder of Orphan Sunday. This annual event calls the Christian Church to minister the love of Christ to orphaned children in their community on One Day with One Voice for One Purpose – to invite orphans into the family of God as adopted sons and daughters through faith in Jesus Christ.
Gary has been married to his wife Debbie for 38 years, and they have four children ages 18 to 34, one through adoption. They love their newest roles as Papa G and Gammy to their grandson Armie. Gary and Debbie are avid Formula1 and Kansas City Chiefs fans and enjoy traveling and cheering on their youngest daughter as she competes for championship titles in International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Partner, Yates & Yates
Curtis Yates is a partner with the firm Yates & Yates, serving as literary agent for some of today’s most respected Christian communicators. Curtis especially enjoys working alongside articulate, passionate Christian communicators to counsel and protect them, fiercely advocate for them, and help them advance life- and culture-transforming messages for the sake of the Kingdom. He cares deeply about issues of soul care and spiritual formation in an age awash in technology and celebrity. Curtis and his wife Karen live in southern California with their three children.
Emeriti Board Members
President, Orphan Outreach
Mr. Douris has over 46 years of experience managing children services domestically and internationally. His experience includes work at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Lufkin Independent School District, Dallas County Juvenile Probation Department, and Buckner International. Mr. Douris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Mr. Douris served 22 years at Buckner International. He was Vice President of Buckner International where he led the development of Buckner’s international program and managed domestic and international adoption and orphan care programs. Prior to developing Buckner’s international program, Mr. Douris served 11 years in executive management at Buckner Children and Family Services managing and developing services to children in the whole spectrum of care.
Additionally, Mr. Douris served as the chairman of the Dallas County Mental Health Children’s Committee. He has developed childcare programs including therapeutic foster care, assessment centers, residential treatment, family preservation, community-based services, as well as international programs including adoption, foster care, transitional living, therapeutic residential programs, community based services and family preservation services. Mr. Douris developed an annual Russian National Children’s Conference in partnership with the Russian Chamber of Commerce. He has provided consultation on children’s issues to government officials in numerous countries including Russia, Latvia, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, and Kenya.
Currently, Mike one of the founders and serves as President of Orphan Outreach a 501c3 non-profit ministry-serving children in Guatemala, Honduras, Russia, Latvia, Kenya, India, Ukraine and Nepal. In addition, Mike is a founding board member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, a coalition of adoption agencies, orphan care organizations, and churches that work with children throughout the world and serves on the advisory board of Faith to Action.
Mike has been married to his wife Anita for 46 years and has three children and two grandchildren.
Sharen Ford, Ph.D., is a nationally-recognized child welfare consultant and the retired Manager for Permanency Services for the Colorado Department of Human Services in the Division of Child Welfare Services. She retires with 30 years of comprehensive work history with the department. She oversaw six programmatic areas including the Foster Care and Adoption Program and supervised a team of professional staff.
Dr. Ford is the former President of the National Association of State Adoption Programs (NASAP) and the Association of Administrators for the Interstate Compact on Adoption Medical Assistance (AAICAMA). She currently serves as the Director for Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family and is as committed as ever to raising awareness regarding the need for every child to have a permanent family.
President & CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance
Tami Heim has been the president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance, headquartered in San Clemente, CA, since January 2012. Her professional career includes executive leadership experience in the technology, marketing, publishing and retail industries. She has served as a partner in The A Group – Brand Development, executive vice president and chief publishing officer for Thomas Nelson Publishers, and as the president of Borders, Inc.
After graduating from Purdue University in 1980, she entered the management-training program at Federated Department Stores and continued to serve in various leadership roles until she left in 1996. At the time of her departure, she was responsible for the operations of both the LAZARUS and Goldsmith’s chains.
Her board experience includes serving on the nonprofit boards of EQUIP, Lead Like Jesus, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Growing Leaders. Christianity Today, and Christian Leadership Alliance. Tami and her husband, Dale, are actively involved in ministry at Long Hollow Baptist Church. Since 2010, they have been leading mission teams to Haiti to love and disciple orphans.
Tami and Dale find great joy in spending time with their two daughters, son-in-law and two grandsons.
Vice President, Lifesong for Orphans
Andy serves as Vice President at Lifesong for Orphans (whose mission is Gospel centered orphan care to 8,000 children in 13 countries and creating sustainable businesses within those orphan care locations — to generate income which fuels orphan care projects, develops meaningful skills for orphans, create jobs for orphan graduates and create jobs for caregivers – which helps prevent orphans and preserve families.
Lifesong builds teams of business owners and orphan advocates who want to offer their skills, energy, investments and expertise to come alongside business to help orphans. Orphans and vulnerable children become equipped and discipled to become capable Christian business leaders…and where 100% of net-profits from businesses fund and sustain the Gospel centered orphan care ministry.
In addition, Andy and the Lifesong Impact team have started, acquired and invested in U.S. based businesses (through both charitable and for-profit impact investments) to create redemptive business as a “giving engine” to fund orphan care.
Andy and his lovely wife, Jill, are adoptive parents and have 4 children – Travor, Haley, and Caleb, and Hope.
Tony Mitchell is a CAFO Emeritus Board Member. He previously served as Chief Operations Officer and for six years as a board member.
Tony serves as a nonprofit board member, an independent corporate board member, national speaker, and strategic advisor — using his considerable experience to help organizations and leaders build stronger organizations and foster more purposeful leadership.
After being placed in foster care as newborn, Tony lived in the foster care system for two years before being adopted by a caring family. Raised in a loving but impoverished home, he became the first and only person in his family to attend and graduate from college, with honors and went on to navigate a successful 30-year business career.
During his business career, Tony served as an executive, board chairman, board member, and business advisor for closely-held, family, public, and divisional companies ranging from $2 million to $2 billion in revenue. His business experience spans manufacturing, food service, broker-dealer, technology, and professional services industries.
As a speaker, Tony has appeared at business conferences, executive panels, and faith-based events. He and his wife, Venita, serve as speakers at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember® marriage conferences. Venita has worked in both public and private accounting, served as Women’s Ministries Director, and is a board member, speaker, and mentor. Tony and Venita have two adult children and reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Founder & Creator, Ever Thine Home
After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, Barbara joined the staff of Cru in 1971. Her husband, Dennis, whom she married in 1972, is the President and CEO of FamilyLife, a ministry of Cru that is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Together they have six children, plus six more grafted in by marriage, and 24 grandchildren. She is the author or coauthor of more than 35 books, including the Moments Together for Couples, and Moments With You marriage devotionals, the Growing Together series, A Symphony in the Dark and her most recent Letters to My Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife.
Having faithfully served alongside Dennis for more than 45 years, both in ministry and at home, Barbara has recently launched a new endeavor called Ever Thine Home®. This new blog of encouragement to women to help them experience the reality of Christ in their homes is accompanied by a line of products for women helping them share their faith at home. Her heart for Ever Thine Home is based on the familiar Old Testament instruction:
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:9, ESV)
You can read more about Barbara’s work at EverThineHome.com.
CAFO Staff
Location:
Indiana
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Africa
Favorite pastime activity:
I love reading, especially as on the beach. However, I also enjoy coaching baseball when I’m not on a beach.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee & Tea, and sometimes together…I will take all the caffeine I can get!
More about Jeremiah:
Jeremiah is husband to Cyndi Lee, and dad to two amazing boys, Micaiah and Josiah.
Adoption has been a major part of Jeremiah’s story and faith journey. Jeremiah’s mom was a single parent until he was 5 years old. Three years later, Jeremiah’s Dad not only was decreed his dad legally, but gave him the same last name. This launched not only a deep desire in Jeremiah to adopt, but also gave a clearer picture of God’s love as He adopts us as His children.
Jeremiah and Cyndi are honored to be adoptive parents.
Jeremiah serves as the Director of Operations for the More Than Enough team and currently lives in Noblesville, Indiana.
Location:
Arizona
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Prince Edward Island
Favorite pastime activity:
Spending time with friends and family, reading, creating, swimming, hiking and hammocking
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, but I enjoy tea as well.
More about Michelle:
Michelle hopes to never lose the wonder of being saved by grace! She is passionate about growing in her relationship with the Lord and sharing the love of Jesus with those around her. Michelle is CAFO’s Director of Development & Discipleship – her dream job! She is a cheerful giver herself who believes development is ministry. She loves collaborating and learning together with other ministry/nonprofit professionals. During her 20+ years in development and leadership roles, a common thread has been serving vulnerable children and families. She believes deeply in the value of every person made in God’s image and the importance of nurturing families to create healthy individuals and communities.
In addition to her nonprofit experience, Michelle spent some time in politics and public policy including working for a US Senator and business and pro-growth economic advocacy organizations. She is an Arizona native and a University of Arizona wildcat (bear down!). Her favorite role is being Aunt Michelle to many nieces, nephews and second cousins. She is also a former foster mom of one very special boy. Michelle has served in church children’s ministry for many years, and also engaged in disability ministry.
Location:
Tennessee
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Italy
Favorite pastime activity:
Time with family and friends
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Aaron:
Aaron grew up in Knoxville where he met his wife Kerri. Their two teenagers, Gracie and Mason, keep them busy with school, sports and other activities. They enjoy spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains or at the beach.
As the Chief Operating Officer at CAFO (Christian Alliance for Orphans), Aaron leverages his background in Finance from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from Tennessee Tech University to support the organization’s initiatives. He brings a wealth of experience, having previously spent over 16 years as the Executive Pastor, Operations, at Faith Promise Church. In this role, he developed systems that allowed the church to reach and impact thousands in their community.
Aaron is a passionate advocate for the local church and believes that equipping Christians to care for vulnerable children is a powerful way to transform communities.
Location:
Alabama
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
New Zealand
Favorite pastime activity:
Reading and being outside
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Callie:
Callie’s heart for orphan and foster care started with her father, who grew up in a group home called the Baptist Children’s Village in Jackson, MS. He raised all four of his children to know and love the Lord, and Callie and her husband are now a licensed foster home. Callie combines this passion with project management skills gained from years of work in higher education, and as Project Administrator for the Development & Discipleship initiative, she serves organizations in the CAFO community as they seek to engage and minister alongside financial supporters.
Location:
Indiana
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Alaska and Hawaii
Favorite pastime activity:
Spending time with family and friends
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Lisa:
Lisa is serving as the Staff Accountant for Christian Alliance for Orphans. She is the wife of Leonard and mom to two adult boys Michael and Matthew and lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Lisa graduated from University of Northwestern Ohio and has had various accounting roles, with her latest at a non-profit in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is very excited to join the CAFO family in serving in God’s Kingdom for vulnerable children.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Location:
Washington, DC
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Yellowstone National Park
Favorite pastime activity:
Fly fishing
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, extra dark!
More about Jedd:
Jedd Medefind loves journeying life with his wife, Rachel. He relishes wrestling matches with his five children—Siena, Marin, Eden, Lincoln, and Phoebe. Most of all, he desires to reflect the heart of Jesus Christ in all of life.
Jedd has seen (and experienced!) that lives are turned upside-down when Christians begin to reflect God’s heart through adoption, foster care and service to orphans worldwide. This kind of love transforms not only vulnerable children, but also those who open hearts and homes to them. Churches begin to look different, too, as the entire community pulls together for children who’ve known great hurt. Finally, the change touches even onlookers, who encounter the Gospel not only in words, but made visible before their eyes.
Desiring to spur this kind of transformation through the Church, Jedd serves as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
Through CAFO, more than 225 respected organizations unite in shared initiatives, along with a wide network of churches. CAFO’s membership works in tandem to inspire and equip families, churches and organizations for effective service to vulnerable children and families — from adoption and US foster care, to aid and empowerment programs worldwide.
Prior to his this role, Jedd served in the White House as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, leading the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In this post, he oversaw reform efforts across the government to make community- and faith-based groups central partners in all Federal efforts to aid the needy, from prisoner reentry to global AIDS. As described by the Harvard Political Review, these reforms “fundamentally changed the government’s strategy for improving the lives of the downtrodden…”
Previously, Jedd held a range of posts in the California State Legislature. He also helped establish the California Community Renewal Project, which strengthens nonprofits in some of the state’s most challenged communities. He has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, with organizations ranging from Price-Waterhouse in Moscow to Christian Life Bangladesh.
Books written by Jedd include Upended and Four Souls. He also writes articles and op-eds for publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post to Comment Magazine, and engages radio interviews with both faith-based and mainstream outlets, from NPR and Al Jazeera to Moody Radio. Jedd’s most recent book, Becoming Home, offers a brief-yet-rich exploration of how families and communities can embrace vulnerable children with wisdom and love through adoption, foster care, mentoring and more.
SPEAKER REQUEST FORM
Location:
Virginia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Alaska
Favorite pastime activity:
Listening to books while running!
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee! Black for the first cup, creamer for the third.
More about Rachel:
The wellspring of CAFO’s work is not mere idealism or social activism, but the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Our love flows from His love. So we long to set our relationship with Him and our identity as His children at the center of all we do. This includes living lives awash in gratitude and praise — seeking always to worship God in spirit and in truth.
The CAFO “Artist in Residence” will help the CAFO staff to faithfully invite our entire community into this worship-centered vision and to experience it together — both in our corporate gatherings and all throughout the year.
Location:
Michigan
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Any new country I’ve yet to visit!
Favorite pastime activity:
Traveling to new places with my family
Coffee or Tea?
Can I pick both?!
More about Zawadi:
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and adopted by European missionary parents, Zawadi was raised internationally, living in both Africa and Europe before his family settled in the United States. He is a multi-instrumentalist and holds a Bachelor of Music degree as well as a Master of Arts in Worship Studies. He currently serves as the Director of Worship at Calvary Holland, Director of Global Worship at Hope College, and leads a Collective of local artists committed to encountering their Creator, equipping each other and empowering local churches to become cathedrals of creativity.
He is married with two children (one through adoption). When he’s not at home leading worship each week and spending
time with his family, you can sometimes find him on tour with artists like Kings Kaleidoscope, Andy Mineo, Switchfoot, and
SYML.
Location:
California
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
The Holy Land. I want to walk where Jesus walked.
Favorite pastime activity:
Opening my box of art supplies, taking a long walk with my husband and paddle boarding on the lake.
Coffee or Tea?
There’s no competition here and I’m not picky, COFFEE!
More about Ashley:
Driven by her heart for children, Ashley received her BA in Christian Education from Biola University and furthered her education by receiving a certificate in Graphic Design from CSU, Stanislaus.
Awakened to the orphan crisis on her first global missions trip right after college, the Lord has led Ashley on a beautifully unfolding journey. Ashley joined CAFO in 2011. Ashley serves as the Brand & Culture Director responsible for all of the CAFO print, online, mobile and brand designs as well as holding the culture of CAFO, which she would say is the heart of the organization. She also leads the training and onboarding of new CAFO team members including interns, volunteer leaders, contractors and employees.
Ashley strives to visually display and share the stories of the growing Christian orphan care movement. Creating beauty from pain and expanding who the “orphan and vulnerable child is” through graphics and other visual media is what motivates her every morning. She truly believes she has the best job out there!
Ashley, a native-Californian, enjoys traveling, leading worship at her church, spending time outdoors, walking around the block with her husband to reach Fitbit challenge goals, observing the ways of a teenaged boy and learning how to express her feminine heart in a home outnumbered by boys.
Location:
Michigan
Place to Visit:
Australia
Pastime:
How can I choose? But probably biking
Coffee/Tea:
Coffee!
More About Meredith:
Meredith serves as the Sr. Data Analyst at CAFO. She joined CAFO after spending several years at a CAFO member organization, House of Providence, where she served in a variety of administrative roles, including Program Analyst. In this role, she developed an internal data collection and evaluation program aimed at assessing and improving all aspects of the program.
Prior to her time at House of Providence, Meredith worked at Yale as an environmental researcher after attaining a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology at the College of Charleston. This massive career shift from biological research to orphan care took place after coming face to face with the realities of orphans and vulnerable children in her local community. Meredith strives to use her God-given abilities, passion for data, and unconventional career path to support orphan care efforts both near and far.
Meredith enjoys spending her time exploring the beautiful state of Michigan, trying new recipes, or working on a new puzzle.
Location:
California
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Mo’orea to swim with humpback whales
Favorite pastime activity:
Reading and writing
Coffee or Tea?
Tea
More about Leah:
Originally from Canada, Leah studied business at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania and started her career in tech. She worked in startups and in corporate strategy for companies like Uber and DoorDash before she felt God calling her to pivot to the nonprofit sector.
As a Chinese adoptee with two adoptive sisters, she has always had a deep passion for orphaned and vulnerable children. She loves writing and frequently writes on adoption-related topics.
Outside of work, she lives with her husband and baby daughter in the heart of Silicon Valley in California and is an avid traveler (70 countries and counting!).
Location:
Alabama
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Antartica (seriously!)
Favorite pastime activity:
Spending time with my family at the lake.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee with a touch of cream
More about Sarah:
Originally from Dayton, OH, Sarah seems to continually find herself moving south! She spent several years in Louisville, KY completing her Bachelors in Biblical Studies from Boyce College, and most recently in Birmingham, AL serving with a gospel-centered, international orphan care ministry for 7 years.
With a desire and passion to serve both personally and professionally in the world of orphan care, adoption, and foster care, Sarah comes to CAFO with 10 years of administrative experience and is eager to serve and support the work CAFO is doing on behalf of the fatherless locally, and around the world.
Sarah is also engaged personally in advocating for vulnerable children and families as a licensed foster parent.
CAFO Communications
Location:
Ohio
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
The United Kingdom, all of it
Favorite pastime activity:
Baking or making food to be enjoyed by others
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, please!
More about Charity:
Charity serves as CAFO’s Design Manager. She is passionate about making the mundane interesting and the complex digestible. Prior to CAFO, she was a freelance graphic designer who collaborated with Fortune 500 and other national companies as well as extensively serving the local church and various nonprofits.
She and her husband, Stephen, find much joy in partnering together to serve the local church through vocational ministry. On any given Sunday, you may find Charity serving on the worship team or in the children’s ministry… she can also identify every paint color used on the walls at their church.
Charity and Stephen’s favorite date night is an evening filled with live music and their family loves to travel and explore new places. One of her favorite things that keeps her closer to home, is practicing hospitality on a regular basis.
Location:
Colorado
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Spain—I would love to spend a few weeks exploring the art history and architecture scene.
Favorite pastime activity:
Hiking and reading
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, though tea makes a strong showing during the winter
More about Katie:
Katie Casselberry serves as Director of Marketing for US Initiatives at CAFO. In this role, she guides CAFO’s efforts to reach churches, organizations and advocates working to care for vulnerable children in the US, and helps equip them to communicate about their work effectively.
Katie joined CAFO from International Justice Mission (IJM), where she served as Global Sr. Lead for Brand and PR Messaging. In this role, she led messaging strategy and content for IJM’s global brand, and created trainings and resources to equip staff across IJM’s five regions to amplify and unify IJM’s voice. Prior to her time at IJM, Katie was Director of Marketing and Communications at the Chalmers Center for Economic Development.
Outside of work, you’ll find Katie serving as local Auntie to her sister’s family, hiking, baking, or trying to rehabilitate her classical piano skills.
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Barcelona
Favorite pastime activity:
DIY home projects, organizing, riding bikes with my kids, binging reality tv shows
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Robin:
Robin serves as the Digital Communications Coordinator for CAFO. Prior to this role, Robin spent 10 years in the education field working as an early childhood teacher and parent resource educator. Most recently she created digital content for teachers and parents.
Robin earned a M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Southern Methodist University and a BBA in Business Marketing from Dallas Baptist University. With a heart to help families and an eye for marketing, she is excited to bring these passions to life in her role at CAFO.
When she isn’t working, Robin loves spending time with her husband, Ben, and 4 young children. Much of their free time is spent with their church where Ben serves as the worship pastor. A good date night probably involves eating good food and enjoying all the fun things Fort Worth has to offer, such as two-stepping and strolling the Stockyards.
Location:
Minnesota
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
I would love to visit Sweden someday.
Favorite pastime activity:
Hanging out with my kids and grandkids, sporting events and home projects
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Justin:
Justin has partnered with CAFO on a volunteer or contract basis since 2010 and officially joined the organization full-time in 2026. He is an experienced video producer, videographer and editor with more than 25 years of experience working across corporate, non-profit, fitness and education environments. Justin brings both technical excellence and creative vision to every project he undertakes.
Throughout his career, Justin’s work has ranged from fitness and mindfulness content to client testimonials, music videos and higher education media. He has played a key role in designing and building three professional studio spaces and developing efficient production workflows. His experience includes working with Fortune 500 companies as well as small, mission-driven non-profits.
At the core of Justin’s work is a desire to educate and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through video. He believes that a well-told story or thoughtfully produced educational video can have lasting impact—helping individuals grow, consider new ideas, and deepen their relationship with God. Justin is passionate about using media as a tool to connect people, share redemptive stories and create work that matters.
Justin met his wife, Ali, in college, and together they have seven children, three of whom joined their family through adoption. They are also the proud grandparents of two grandchildren. Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, cooking, biking and going to concerts.
Location:
Florida
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Greece
Favorite pastime activity:
I could spend all day with a good book, out in nature, or just laughing with my friends!
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee is my go-to, but tea is slowly earning some respect.
More about Keren:
Keren is originally from Havana, Cuba, and moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. Growing up in an impoverished nation shaped her heart for serving vulnerable communities, and her dream has always been to give back to places like the one she came from. She is bilingual (Spanish is her first language) and loves connecting with people from all around the world, with a bucket-list goal of visiting every nation one day!
Prior to joining CAFO, Keren served at One More Child as the Director of Child Sponsorship for five years. She graduated from Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Human Services. Today, she’s grateful to bring her skills and passion to her role as Communications Manager for CAFO’s Research Center and Global Initiatives, where she shares stories that inspire action and highlight the impact of global work.
When she’s not working, you can usually find her hosting friends, diving into a new home improvement project, or hanging out with her best friend, Bernie, her gentle giant rescue pup!
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
China and Greece
Favorite pastime activity:
Traveling, reading, walking, organizing things, watching movies & experiencing new adventures with my family!
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon
More about Jenny:
Jenny is a Texas girl with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for following Jesus. In 2004, she graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in journalism and moved to New York City to work in public relations on Broadway. One year later, she returned to her Texas roots of steaks and salsa, married her best friend and college sweetheart Chris, and began her dream job in communications at Dallas-based global ministry, Buckner International.
Jenny served at Buckner for 10 years in various roles, including Publications Editor, Associate Director of PR and Director of Marketing and Media Relations. She later returned to school and received her master’s degree at Dallas Baptist University. In 2012, Jenny and Chris became parents to son Miller, and in 2015 to daughter Emmeline, who lives with a rare neuromuscular disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and breaks down barriers everywhere she goes! Most recently, Jenny served as Director of Communications at University Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
Jenny is thrilled to be on the CAFO team and champion the Church’s voice so that every orphan and vulnerable child can experience God’s unfailing hope and love. When she’s not working, Jenny loves traveling (and planning trips), reading, musical theater, family movie nights, long walks and drinking good coffee (or wine) on the patio with friends!
Location:
Virginia Beach, Virginia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
I’d love to go to Turkey someday to visit the sites of the early churches.
Favorite pastime activity:
This is a hard one! I enjoy keeping in touch with friends and family scattered across teh country during my free time. I also like to relax by playing games with my husband (preferably beating him), exploring our city and cooking together.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee and tea! I drink most anything hot.
More about Kristin:
Kristin is a Chinese adoptee who loves giving back by helping champion the cause of vulnerable children worldwide. She enjoys writing and using the power of written words to communicate God’s love and hope. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristin used the extra time to pursue her bachelor’s degree and graduated in 2021 from Liberty University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with areas of focus in Christian counseling and communication. She joined the CAFO team as an intern in 2022 and now loves serving on the communications team. Prior to her work with CAFO, Kristin owned her own business teaching private piano and violin lessons for 10 years and continues to teach on the side.
When not working, she enjoys leading worship, developing meaningful connections with people, reading, traveling and spending time with family. In 2022, Kristin married her best friend of many years, Nick, and they welcomed their firstborn, Lydia Rose, into their family in January 2024. They currently enjoy living in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Summit & Membership
Location:
California
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Paris
Favorite pastime activity:
Camping and leisurely walks
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Katrina:
With a background in Child Development and working with children in various settings for over 10 years, Katrina quickly witnessed the importance of approaching children’s well-being and development through their families and community. After many international trips, God’s prompting, and a hunger to learn more about community support systems for families, Katrina went to graduate school and received her Master’s degree in International Community Development. She is passionate about seeing vulnerable families strengthened and supported so their children can thrive.
Katrina and her husband, Jonathan, have been serving on their church ministry team for the last 4 years, supporting families involved in Safe Families for Children or Foster Care (and are an approved Safe Family themselves). Katrina is honored to be part of the CAFO team!
Katrina loves camping, exploring new cities, and road-tripping with her husband. Some of her favorite pastimes are going on walks (preferably by a body of water), playing board games, and watching cooking shows.
Location:
Illinois
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Italy
Favorite pastime activity:
Playing cards and/or board games
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee (as long as it’s flavored)
More about Sara:
Sara is a passionate and dedicated individual who puts 110% of herself into whatever she does. God and her family have infused a servant’s heart within her, which colors every area of her life. Through her jobs over the years, as well as her volunteer experiences serving adoptive and foster families both within and outside of CAFO, she simply loves bringing all that God has given her to serve the people she is blessed to be working alongside.
She has a Bachelors of Arts in Human Services and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Judson University. After completing her masters, she worked for 2 years at Judson University, providing counseling services to the students, as well as teaching about and promoting awareness of mental health issues to students and staff on campus. Although she is not currently practicing as a counselor, she is incredibly passionate about helping people understand how their experiences have shaped who they are today.
When not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has six brothers and one sister, which have added many, many sisters-in-laws, nephews and nieces. Being an Aunt has been one of the best experiences of her life…even being Honorary Auntie to many of her friends’ kids. Coming from a such a big family has shaped her heart for families and children and her desire to see them thriving in every area of life.
One of her long-term goals is to become certified as a financial advisor or financial counselor. She wants to help people and families improve their finances, so that they can have more financial freedom to do what God is calling them to do.
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Alaska
Favorite pastime activity:
Beach Volleyball
Coffee or Tea?
Why does this have to be either or? Chai Latte.
More about Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Correll is the Vice President of Engagement for the Christian Alliance for Orphans where she loves to watch families and the local church transform as they show God’s unfailing love to orphans and vulnerable children in their communities. Elizabeth works to provide connection and collaboration among Christians and child advocates around the world through a variety of best-practice initiatives and the annual CAFO Summit.
Prior to this role Elizabeth served in the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives under President George W. Bush where she spearheaded outreach and organized trainings for faith-based organizations nationwide. She received her BS in English Education and Masters of Music Education and thoroughly enjoyed teaching junior high and high school for a short season before moving to Washington, DC.
Location:
Central California
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Ireland
Favorite pastime activity:
Visiting the East Coast – my other home!
Coffee or Tea?
Will you still like me if I say neither? My favorite beverage is…lemonade!
More about Ashley:
Dr. Ashley Phelan is passionate about supporting the Church in its call to care for vulnerable children and families. She serves as Senior Manager of Engagement at CAFO, working alongside students, members and Summit leaders and participants to provide guidance and support in their unique roles and ministries.
With 20 years of experience as a foster care and adoption social worker in Central California, Ashley continues to serve her community through support groups, coaching, consulting and speaking on foster care and adoption topics. She holds a DMin in Strategic Christian Ministry from Liberty University, an M.S. in Christian Counseling from Cairn University, and is a certified TBRI® Practitioner, MSOYW Facilitator and SAFE-trained.
Outside of ministry, she enjoys volunteering with Young Life and her church, taking her niece and nephews on adventures, spending quality time with family and friends and attending Broadway musicals.
Location:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Italy
Favorite pastime activity:
Home maintenance and gardening
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Sebilu:
Sebilu lives in Ethiopia with his wife, Helina, and their children. He enjoys fellowship with believers and values being part of a vibrant community of friends, colleagues, and extended family. He considers fatherhood a great joy and sees walking alongside his three children—guiding them through life’s transitions—as his primary calling.
Sebilu’s passion for global engagement began early. At the age of 20, while in college, he was selected to join the World Vision Youth Ambassadors Program—an initiative that brought together 50 young people from 50 countries for a shared journey of workshops, music, and community service across seven Southeast Asian nations. His postgraduate studies in Germany further enriched this global perspective, as he studied alongside peers from 15 countries.
With nearly 30 years of experience in international development, Sebilu has served as both a field practitioner and organizational leader. Over the past 15+ years, he has focused on family-based care—supporting program development, coalition building, advocacy, and systems strengthening across multiple countries while working with Bethany Christian Services. He finds deep fulfillment in seeing local churches embrace their calling to care for orphans and vulnerable families within their communities.
Sebilu also has a deep appreciation for mountains. He reflects on how often God chose mountains as places of encounter with those He called and is curious about that imagery.
Location:
Georgia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Norway
Favorite pastime activity:
Traveling and running
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Laura:
With a heart for cross-cultural ministry, Laura serves as Manager of Network Programming for the CAFO Global Network. She is passionate about equipping and supporting those serving children and families in communities around the world, and feels blessed for the opportunity to take part in this work. Prior to her role at CAFO, Laura worked in non-profit development and education.
Laura and her husband Andrew believe deeply in marriage ministry and family preservation. They enjoy serving as volunteers in these ministries at their local church in Monroe, GA. Laura and Andrew are parents to four active boys who keep them on their toes! As a family they enjoy travel, adventure, and cheering on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets!
Location:
Dominican Republic
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Switzerland
Favorite pastime activity:
Watching science fiction movies, listening to music
Coffee or Tea?
Masala tea if available, if not coffee with milk
More about Onésimo:
Onésimo Féliz is a husband to Yaneth, father to Melanie Joyce, and stepfather to Monica and Luisa. He comes from a family of ten siblings and a strong pastoral heritage, with seven pastors in his immediate family—including his parents—which has deeply shaped his faith, values, and sense of calling.
With over 15 years of experience in international nonprofit leadership, Onésimo has served across Latin America, Africa, and South Asia, helping build and strengthen programs, systems, and multicultural teams. His work has focused on holistic child development, church and community mobilization, organizational strengthening, and leadership development, all anchored in faith-driven purpose and sustainable impact.
Alongside his professional work, he serves as a church planter and is actively engaged in leadership development and mentoring in the Dominican Republic. At the core of his life and work is a commitment to Christ-centered service, walking alongside others, and pursuing transformation through strong local partnerships and faithful leadership.
Location:
Georgia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Ireland with my wife, Lisa.
Favorite pastime activity:
Watching movies, hiking in the woods (not at the same time).
Coffee or Tea?
Tea.
More about David:
David left his professional career in 2005 to bring his business knowledge to international ministry. David believes that combining passion for orphan care with a focus on ministry excellence creates profound impact for the fatherless. It is with this conviction that he desires to inspire, equip, and connect local churches and ministries around the world to wisely and effectively serve orphans and vulnerable children, ultimately bringing glory to Jesus Christ.
David’s wife, Lisa, and five girls (all adults now) have personally served in Russia and Ukraine for six summers. Through their YouthReach International efforts, the Hennessey’s met one of their daughters while living in Russia. They were immensely blessed to be able to adopt her in the summer of 2008. Their family continues to be involved in orphan ministry within their church, and one daughter has returned to the mission field with her husband to serve vulnerable children and families.
Prior to this role, David served as Executive Director for YouthReach International, an orphan mentoring ministry serving in Eastern Europe. In this position, he pioneered an orphan mentoring program using local volunteers, encouraged US and international churches to support orphan care efforts, and streamlined operations for the ministry. Previously, David served as Director of Professional Services for ScanSource, a bar-code and wireless data collection distributor, helping usher new technologies into a value-added reseller market. David joined CAFO in 2012 to launch the Global Movements Initiative, which has evolved into the CAFO Global Network.
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Bahamas
Favorite pastime activity:
Watching NBA and college football games
Coffee or Tea?
Tea
More about Ade:
Ade, and his wife Jenni, are adoptive parents to Kiva and Isaiah. As a young believer, Ade was first introduced to orphans at the age of 21 in Nigeria at his church. This began his journey working with orphans in orphanages, serving as a house uncle to 15 boys and reconciling some of the boys back to their biological homes. Ade moved to the US in 2011 with Jenni and worked for a church; they now lead a foster care bridge organization.
Ade loves coaching African leaders in his role with CAFO Global Network and enjoys helping connect churches, NGOs and government leaders as they form active networks to support best practices of caring for orphans and vulnerable children in their communities.
Location:
Georgia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Ireland
Favorite pastime activity:
Camping
Coffee or Tea?
Tea
More about Amanda:
It was during an Orphan Sunday service in 2014 that she and her husband Jacob first had their eyes and hearts opened to the great need for loving foster parents in their area. They opened their home the following year and were parents to many kids over the next few years. They currently have three children, both biological and adopted.
Amanda has a degree in Science, Technology and Culture from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has always loved working with and advocating for children and prior to working at CAFO she was a Kindergarten teacher.
Location:
Florida
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Anywhere I can watch the Northern Lights!
Favorite pastime activity:
I do enjoy a nice evening walk outside, but my favorite pastime is sharing coffee and conversation with my husband at our favorite coffee shop.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee during the day. Tea preferably at night to unwind.
More about Frances:
Frances is wife to Jeff Chaisson, and mother to her beautiful daughter Renee through the miracle of adoption in 2018.
She was born and raised in Puerto Rico but has called Florida her home for over 25 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Studies from Eckerd College.
In 2013, she and her husband Jeff, driven by their faith and passion to see families whole, co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to preventing children from entering foster care by supporting and empowering families at-risk. In 2015 their organization joined the ministry of Salty Church and became Salty Family Services, where it continues to grow and serve families in their community.
Frances serves as the Collaboration Support Coordinator for More Than Enough and currently lives in Ormond Beach, Florida.
Location:
South Carolina
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Japan
Favorite pastime activity:
Watching movies or trying new restaurants
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, always!
More about Rachel:
Rachel Jackson is currently serving as the Community Impact Strategist for More Than Enough. When Rachel was six years old, her family adopted two of her older sisters from Ethiopia, which God has used to place a special burden on her heart for vulnerable children and families. Throughout high school and college, the Lord continued to provide opportunities for her to intern and volunteer with various adoption and foster care agencies, eventually allowing for her to cross paths with the CAFO team! Rachel has enjoyed getting to use her God-given abilities, including her eye for detail and love for data, to serve the CAFO community in her current role.
Rachel graduated from Clemson University in 2019 with a degree in Sociology and recently earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, going to the movie theater, and serving on the audio/visual production team at her church.
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
I would like to visit each continent.
Favorite pastime activity:
Doing creative projects with my husband.
Coffee or Tea?
Depends if chocolate is involved.
More about Trisha:
Trisha Weber serves as the operations coordinator for CAFO’s Center on Applied Research for Vulnerable Children and Families. She earned her BSW and began full-time ministry serving urban churches and vulnerable families in Denver, CO. Partially as a result of this experience, Trisha and her husband, Jason, were foster parents for ten years and have had the privilege of adopting their five children from foster care. Trisha loves coaching foster and adoptive families through their journeys and supporting local church leaders and social workers. She is a co-author of the HomeBuilders Bible Study, Considering Adoption and of the resource Preparing for Transracial Adoption. In her free time, she loves to work on creative projects with her husband, go on adventures with her family, and sit with friends for long meals talking deeply and laughing hard. Trisha and family, live in Plano, Texas.
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Machu Picchu, Peru
Favorite pastime activity:
Renovating old stuff
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee (with enough chocolate in it to make it not taste so much like coffee)
More about Jason:
Jason and his wife Trisha first gained a passion for children in foster care while living and working in the inner city. Many of the kids and families they encountered in their neighborhood had experienced foster care at some point in their lives. Partially as a result of this experience, Jason and Trisha became foster parents and have been caring for and adopting children from U.S. foster care since 2001. They have had the privilege of adopting their five children from foster care. Jason has helped to produce and write several books, bible studies, and other tools all created to serve the Church as it cares for hurting kids. He eagerly anticipates the day when God, through his Church, provides more than enough for kids and families in foster care. Jason serves as the National Director of Foster Care Initiatives for the Christian Alliance for Orphans and currently lives in Plano, Texas.
Location:
Arkansas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Paris
Favorite pastime activity:
Walking local trails with my family, coffee in hand
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, please!
More about Alyssa:
Alyssa grew up on Whidbey Island and recently moved from the PNW to the South, trading evergreens and gray skies for sunshine and humidity. She and her husband, Josh, have two young daughters, Willa and Hallie, who fill their home with curiosity, laughter and constant motion.
Alyssa holds a Bachelor’s in English and has spent more than a decade working in missions and local church ministry, experiences that have given her a meaningful look into the needs of vulnerable communities around the world.
Motivated to contribute in more practical and sustainable ways, she went on to earn a Master’s in International Community Development. She is excited to be joining the CAFO team and is looking forward to supporting the Pure Religion team, organizations and the local church.
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys running, photography, a good vanilla latte and spending time with her family.
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Doc’s house in Back to the Future.
Favorite pastime activity:
Construction projects around the house.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee. Lots of coffee.
More about Jason:
Jason and his wife Emily met their senior year in college and were married just after graduating. They have four daughters and a long story…and anyone who’s been in the world of foster care and adoption can relate to that…it’s a long story! 🙂
After growing up in a ministry home in Dallas, TX Jason attended Texas A&M University (where he Emily met…Gig ‘Em!) and began working at a church during his time there. After graduating in 2002 he began his pastoral ministries studies at Dallas Theological Seminary while working in ministry.
In 2008, alongside a core team of people in the North Houston area, Jason and Emily had the privilege of planting and leading a church. It was here that many, including their family, became involved in foster care. The church then founded a non-profit committed to serving, supporting and equipping foster and adoptive families in the city of Houston.
In 2013, combined with 14 years of church-based ministry and leadership experience and their family’s foster and adoptive journey, Jason began working for an organization helping church leaders implement structures and strategies of ministry within their churches and developing resources to encourage and support foster and adoptive parents along their journeys. This ultimately led to his current role as the Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement with CAFO. In his work he speaks and teaches at churches, conferences, forums and workshops on church and nonprofit ministry strategies and best practices as well as encouraging families that are in the trenches and those that are considering getting involved.
Much of his time is also spent coaching and consulting with church and organizational leadership teams around the country on how to start, lead and grow ministries within their church or build the most effective church engagement strategies within their organizations.
Jason is the author of ReFraming Foster Care (for families and support groups), Everyone Can Do Something (for church and ministry leaders), The ALL IN Curriculum (small group based study for those considering), Effectively Engaging Churches (for organizational leaders and advocates) and blogs regularly at Jason Johnson | Blog.
Jason and Emily and their four girls live in Texas and enjoy whatever it is they’re doing, as long as it’s together.
If you are a pastor, ministry leader, advocate, organizational non-profit leader, foster or adoptive family or potential foster or adoptive family, Jason would love to connect!
Location:
Texas
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Niagara Falls
Favorite pastime activity:
DIY projects, family time, fishing, and traveling
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, the darker the better!
More about Jimmy:
Jimmy Moore grew up in the small farming town of Morton, Texas, where his life as a child was full of hard knocks. With the investment and blessings of a good mentor in his life, Jimmy earned a scholarship to play basketball at Lubbock Christian University while receiving his BS and M.Ed. degrees. After graduating from Lubbock Christian University, Jimmy served alongside his wife as a foster parent at the Children’s Home of Lubbock and Family Service Agency. At the same agency, he served as the Therapeutic Recreation Director before changing career paths. Jimmy went on to hold positions as a public-school teacher and coach, collegiate coach and athletic director, public-school principal, as well as a public-school human resource director.
Jimmy has an impressive skillset and a history of proven leadership. He is enthusiastic about helping kids and families coming from hard places. He enjoys watching those same kids and adults grow in wisdom and stature while loving God and others unconditionally. Christian living is important to Jimmy. He has also served as a youth minister, deacon and elder in the church.
Eventually, Jimmy came full circle as he served as the President & CEO of the Children’s Home of Lubbock and Family Service Agency prior to joining the CAFO staff. When asked why he returned to the field of child-wellbeing, Jimmy responded, “Because there are a lot of traumatized souls and broken families out there and I want to make a difference in their lives, give them some of the opportunities to heal like I was blessed with.”
Jimmy has been married to Shelley (Smith) for 36 years. They have a daughter, Jada who is married to Matthew, and a son, Jalen who is married to Kayli. Jimmy and Shelley are now enjoying their grandparent status to the fullest. They have five grandchildren: Maya, Grayson, Manilla, Cameron, and Shiloh. Jimmy is enthusiastic about serving God, family, and community. His life is defined by loving God and loving others.
Location:
New Jersey
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
The Mediterranean Coast
Favorite pastime activity:
Picnics at the playground with my kids
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee. Always Coffee.
More about Paige:
Paige is a graduate of Taylor University and has worked in both child protection and foster care, experiences that deepened her passion for supporting the well-being of children and families. She also brings experience in project management from both nonprofit and start-up settings, combining operational insight with a heart for mission-driven work. It’s a true blessing to serve in a way that mirrors God’s heart for His people.
Outside of work, Paige enjoys life in New Jersey with her three children. She’s endlessly grateful for her “village” and finds joy in storytelling through photography—capturing the beauty of connection in everyday moments.
Location:
Peru
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Hawaii
Favorite pastime activity:
Dancing and spending time with friends doing anything fun outdoors
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
More about Analu:
Analu lives in Arequipa Peru. She serves as the LA Liaison for the Research Center. For the past years she has worked serving vulnerable children and families along a team of psychologists and Social Workers with Kids Alive. She Graduated from the Saint Agustin University in Arequipa. She has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. She has worked both for Non-Governmental institutions and in private practice cross-culturally serving English and Spanish speaking client.
Analu enjoys learning more about how to serve the Lord better at her church and with her profession. She loves spending time playing with her two nephews who are 5 months and 2 years old.
Location:
Alabama
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Gates of the Arctic National Park, AK
Favorite pastime activity:
Hiking and camping
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee before 9am, tea anytime after!
More about Amanda:
Dr. Amanda Hiles Howard is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Samford University. She came to Samford after serving as the Assistant Director of the TCU Institute of Child Development. She worked closely with Drs. Karyn Purvis and David Cross in the development of Trust-Based Relational Interventions, which is a trauma-informed evidence-based approach to working with children who have a history of trauma.
Amanda’s professional interest broadly falls under the category of applied developmental psychology. Her work integrates theory, research and practice in a concentrated effort to increase understanding of the interpersonal processes underlying mental health and quality of life for children and youth in non-traditional care. Her research has generated a great deal of political and public policy interest both nationally and internationally. Some of her major engagements include addressing Australian Parliament and meeting with the Prime Minister, speaking at the internationally simulcasted Empower to Connect Conference, and training professionals within the Department of Family and Protective Services in multiple states.
Location:
Virginia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Santorini, Greece
Favorite pastime activity:
Going on nature walks
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee first
More about Dalia:
Dalia is passionate about using her gifts for Kingdom work to see better care for children around the world. She serves as the Care Transition Coordinator for CAFO’s Research Center. Prior to this, Dalia supported vulnerable populations in various capacities. For almost a decade, she served in remote Egyptian villages alongside local churches coordinating a variety of family strengthening programs. She was also involved in the planning, funding and managing of holistic development, family strengthening and orphan care programs with nonprofit and government sectors in the U.S. and abroad.
Dalia has earned her MA in International Development, a BA in Business Management and a fellowship in Cross-Cultural Communication. Her diverse experience in corporate and nonprofit allows her to bring a standard of excellence and professionalism to her spiritual and relational approach in service.
Outside of work, Dalia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, hiking, and exploring the beauty of nature.
Location:
Virginia
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
New Zealand
Favorite pastime activity:
Traveling somewhere new
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee hands down
More about Jedd:
Jedd Schroy’s life and work are deeply rooted in his passion for God and his pursuit of knowing God more. His faith is the foundation of all he does, shaping his leadership and commitment to service. During his decade in South Africa, he co-founded Paradigm Shift, a nonprofit focused on equipping churches to empower entrepreneurs, where he gained valuable experience in leadership, strategy and team building.
Jedd also spent several years at a philanthropic advisory firm where he served as Director of Advisory Research. There, he authored trend reports on the nonprofit sector, wrote hundreds of client briefs, and consulted with nonprofit leaders on impact measurement projects. This experience has since shaped his continued work helping nonprofits track, measure and communicate their impact effectively.
Jedd is married to Janelle, and together they are raising four vibrant daughters, all born in South Africa. Their family has embarked on a global adventure, traveling to 47 countries (and counting), which has enriched Jedd’s perspective on life, faith and family.
At CAFO, Jedd is focused on helping others flourish by creating strategies and environments that drive meaningful impact—always with a heart for service, faith and a spirit of adventure.
Location:
Peru
One place I’ve always wanted to visit:
Thailand
Favorite pastime activity:
Hiking
Coffee or Tea?
Tea
More about Nicole:
Dr. Nicole Wilke serves as Director of CAFO’s Applied Research and Best Practice Initiative. Prior to this role, she worked as a child and family therapist, missionary, in juvenile detention, and with children with special needs. Through her professional and personal life, she has gained extensive experience with foster care, adoption, residential care, trauma recovery, transitioning to family care, OVC research, and cross-cultural ministry. Nicole has degrees in Psychology, Family Studies, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Permanency and Adoption Competency. She lives with her family in Peru, where they work to see vulnerable children raised in families.
