ADOPTION CHOICES OF TEXAS - Key Persons
Amanda has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University and her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has been a licensed social worker since 2015 and has experience with forensic and clinical assessment and case management in many social work settings and fields.
Amanda's passion for empowering and supporting those in need and her unwavering ethical principle of respecting the worth and dignity of each person have always guided her work. She has been involved in adoption work since 2016, and she remains thrilled to be involved in this field and contribute to creating families through adoption. Amanda is a Louisiana native, but currently lives in Austin with her husband and 3 kids.
Ashley Daly holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work from Texas State University and a master's degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. She is a Licensed Social Worker who has been working in the adoption field since 2011. Ashley is also currently working on her clinical license and is under supervision though Leticia Jimenez, LCSW-S. Throughout her professional career, Ashley has had the opportunity to work with diverse populations by assisting in case management services, crisis assessments, and support through empathetic counseling.
Ashley is passionate about adoption and feels honored to be a part of the Adoption Choices of Texas team. She feels privileged to work alongside birth parents and adoptive parents in their journey to create families through adoption. It is Ashley's passion to advocate and support birth parents and adoptive parents throughout their emotional journey of adoption to ensure every aspect of the adoption process is a positive experience. Ashley is in Austin native who now resides in San Antonio with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys painting, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and going on bike rides.
Cristela is a highly motivated individual who isn't afraid of trying new things. When Cristela thinks of home, she thinks of the Permian Basin. Cristela attended the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) where she studied psychology. Cristela then continued her education at UTPB, where she pursed a Master's Degree in Counseling. Cristela's mission is to instill hope and serve as an instrument of healing for her clients.
Cristela serves as an active member in her community and is always looking for opportunities to give back and assist others. Wither her experience in the field of human behavior, Cristela enjoys interacting with others and building strong relationship and connections. Cristela enjoys relaxing on her weekends with her family and bingeing on the latest crime show documentary on Netflix.
Cristela es una individual bien motivada la cual no tiene temor de aprender cosas nuevas. Cuando Cristela piensa en casa piensa en el Permian Basin. Cristela atendio la Universidad del Permain Basin (UTPB) donde estudio psicologia despues Cristela continuo su educacion en Mastria de Concejeria.
El objectivo de Cristela es instilar esperanza y servir como instrumento de sanction para sus clientes. Servir como un miembro activo en su comunidad y siempre estar buscando oportunidades para dar y asistir a otros. Con su experencia en el departamento de salud y servicios humanos, Cristela disfruta interactuando con otros. Cristela disfruta relajandose en sus fines de semana con su familia y viendo el mas nuevo documental sobre crime en Netflix.
Dr. Simmons-Carvajal's passion to empower individuals within her own community drove her to become a Life Coach and expand her coaching services to reach a broad range of professionals and community members. She has spoken at various Women's Conferences, Empowerment events, and Leadership and Development summits, conducted workshops, and has been featured in the Austin Women's Magazine.
Dr. Simmons-Carvajal specializes in helping people overcome personal hurdles and change their lives for the better by focusing on clients' existing beliefs and patterns of thinking. Her life mission is to change communities one mindset at a time by continuing to equip people with the tools they need to battle the war within their minds.
Job Titles:
- Professional Certified Life Coach and Counselor
Dr. Dominique Simmons-Carvajal is a Professional Certified Life Coach and Counselor, certified through The School of Professional Coaching (SPLC), who has spent over a decade assisting individuals in developing a healthy balanced life using transformational and mindset coaching. She has a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Counseling and Life Coaching from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simpson University. Dominique started her career coaching at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system, school districts and transitional living facilities, and non-profit organizations.
Job Titles:
- Adoption Coordinator Houston
Hannah Forbes is originally from Ardmore, OK but currently lives in Dallas, TX with her husband and children. Hannah graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor's in Social Work as well as her Master's in Social Work. She has been a licensed Master of Social Work since 2015. Throughout her professional career, Hannah has worked with various agencies providing case management and crisis intervention. Hannah is passionate about serving birth moms in their adoption journey through counseling. In her free time, Hannah loves spending time with her family outdoors and traveling.
Jennifer Morrison is the agency's Child Placing Agency Administrator, Child Placement Management Staff, and the Executive Director. She works in our main office based out of Dallas. Jennifer has been working with Adoption Choices of Texas since the organization began in 2012. Ms. Morrison graduated with a BS in Sociology from Texas Wesleyan University and is a Texan native and mother to three daughters.
Jeri Carraway is originally from Dallas, TX where she earned her associate degree in PC Support from Richland Community College and her bachelor's degrees in Social Work and Political Science with minors in Criminal Justice and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has worked in the social services field for over 12 years and she enjoys advocating for reuniting and building families. Her work experience includes 6 years with Child Protective Services including; supervision, legal, and investigations and 5 1/2 years at Texas Mentor CPA including; intake, case management, and recruitment. Jeri lives in Arlington, TX with her husband and 2 dogs.
Malyn Herrera is from Houston, TX. Ms. Herrera has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and is currently in her last year of graduate school for Social Work. She is concurrently pursuing her LMSW. Ms. Herrera is the Manager of Child & Family Services at a nonprofit. She is bilingual, fluent in Spanish. Ms. Herrera has over 15 years of experience in the social service field including work with the State of Texas, Harris County CPS, nonprofits, contract services, clinical behavioral health hospital experience, school-based social work and deployed as a Child Safeguarding Focal Point during Hurricane Michael. Social Work and advocacy have always been a passion of hers. Ms. Herrera is excited to be part of the adoption process for Adoption Choices of Texas.
Ms. Herrera enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her nieces and nephews, outings with family and friends, appreciates art, shopping and loves her (soon to be 17-year-old) cat.
Malyn Herrera es de Houston, Texas. La Sra. Herrera tiene una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Servicios Humanos y actualmente está en su último año de posgrado en Trabajo Social. Al mismo tiempo, está cursando su LMSW. La Sra. Herrera es Gerente de Servicios para Niños y Familias en una organización sin fines de lucro. Ella es bilingüe, habla español con fluidez. La Sra. Herrera tiene más de 15 años de experiencia en el campo de los servicios sociales, incluido el trabajo con el estado de Texas, CPS del condado de Harris, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, servicios por contrato, experiencia clínica en hospitales de salud conductual, trabajo social en la escuela y desplegada como punto focal de protección infantil, durante el huracán Michael. El trabajo social y la defensa siempre han sido una de sus pasiones. La Sra. Herrera está emocionada de ser parte del proceso de adopción de Adoption Choices of Texas.
Melissa Trevino is originally from Lubbock where she earned my bachelors degree in human services and masters degree in educational psychology both from Wayland Baptist University. She worked as a parole officer for 17 years then decided to go into the insurance industry where she still has the opportunity to help others in need. Melissa contracted for about 6 years in Lubbock and enjoyed helping families prepare for their new addition to their family and most importantly ensuring a safe place for children. She has a grown son and daughter that reside in Lubbock and 5 beautiful grandchildren that she adores!
Job Titles:
- Adoption Specialist, Dallas Area
Montoya Hunter is originally from Irving, TX where she attended Texas A&M-Commerce and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Agriculture Business. She has worked in social services for the last 13 years and enjoys when permanency is achieved. Her work experience is 3 years with Child Protective Services including Conservatorship, Parent Trainer, and Foster and Adopt Development along with 3 years with DePelchin Children's Center including Kinship, Foster Adopt, and Adoption. Montoya lives in Irving, TX with her daughter.
Morgan Martin is our Surrogacy Coordinator with a profound passion for the world of adoption and surrogacy. Drawing from personal experiences as a surrogate and egg donor, she brings a unique perspective to help individuals and couples build their families. She is committed to providing support and guidance to intended parents and surrogates, ensuring a smooth journey.
RoseMary earned her Bachelor's degree and her Master's from The University of Texas at Arlington in Social Work, specializing in mental health and substance abuse. RoseMary is a licensed Chemical Dependency Intern Counselor in the state of Texas and is working towards her License Master Social Work. As part of her social work development she interned in a Sober Living Community assisting women with resources and community support during their wellbeing journey.
RoseMary has worked as a Case Manager for the past 4 years helping families and children with resources, education and community support. RoseMary is excited to be part of the team where she can collaborate, support and assist the clients in their needs.
in her free time RoseMary loves to travel out of the country to learn about other cultures, spend time with loved ones and go to the movies.
RoseMary obtuvo su licenciatura y maestría de la Universidad de Texas en Arlington en Trabajo Social, especializándose en salud mental y abuso de sustancias. RoseMary es una Consejera Interna Licenciada en Dependencia de Sustancias Químicas en el estado de Texas y está trabajando para obtener su Licenciatura en Trabajo Social. Como parte de su desarrollo de trabajo social, hizo sus horas clínicas en una comunidad de vida sobria que ayuda a las mujeres con recursos y apoyo comunitario mejorando sus jornadas a una vida sana.