| Our Staff |
Colleen Haney - Executive DirectorWelcome! My name is Colleen Haney and I am very pleased to introduce you to Adoption Connection, PA and to the wonderful world of adoption.Having personally worked in social services for over twenty-three years, I have been blessed to assist families with their desire to adopt; honored to help women - and their families - as they face the challenge of an unplanned pregnancy; and privileged to advocate for many, many children who have been abused, neglected or simply need a forever family. I must say that no other work has allowed me to take part in seeing families realize their hopes and dreams as in my work in the field of adoption. My own experience with crisis pregnancy as a teenager, as well as with infertility later in life, has left me with heartfelt sensitivity to the issues that present themselves on a daily basis at Adoption Connection, PA. My sincere desire is to see birth families, children and adoptive families make connections for permanency in a way that honors the desires of their hearts, allows them to move forward with hope and dignity and provides for safety, stability, and lots of bright tomorrows. Thank you so much for exploring our website; as you continue to familiarize yourself with our staff and services, you'll see that we have the background, experience and desire to serve you with compassion and excellence, no matter where you are in the adoption circle. I hope that your time on our website serves you well, and I encourage you to contact us directly with additional questions - or to take the next step in your adoption journey. We at Adoption Connection, PA would love to assist you in any way we can.
Linda Venn - Operations ManagerLinda has been devoted to providing support, information and technical assistance to hundreds of families during her many years in the field of adoption/foster care, and she has offered them a wealth of compassion and information. Prior to entering the field of adoption over ten years ago, Linda spent many years working in residential care for troubled youth. Linda and her family also provided foster care for children between the ages of 12 to 18 over a span of many years. Her knowledge and experience make her an incredible help to all of us who work here as well. An Associate's degree in Accounting adds to the many valuable skills Linda brings to our ministry. She is married with 2 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren.
Sherry Hutchison - Permanency Programs SupervisorSherry is a strong advocate for those waiting to adopt and it is standard for Sherry to work over and above the expectations of her position to ensure permanency for the children she places. Sherry places great importance on educating waiting families, and she makes it a priority to develop a connection with each family as they traverse the ever-changing landscape of the adoption journey. Sherry's Bachelors Degree from Slippery Rock University has an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation and special needs youth, and Adoption Connection is blessed to have Sherry on staff, as is each family who has the opportunity to work with her. Married and mother of four children, Sherry is a very active member of her church and has held various positions there through the years.
Jenn Rosenberger - Lead CaseworkerJennifer Rosenberger is an experienced county worker with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Mercyhurst College. She has held various positions in the area of social services through the years, and states that her work with adoptive families and children has definitely been the most rewarding. Jenn enjoys the unique work dynamic of Adoption Connection; from creating child and family profiles to providing follow up visits after a child has been placed, Jenn strives to provide each family with a caring and personnel approach. She strongly believes in the importance of open, honest communication with her families and everyone she works with benefits from her skills and experience. Jennifer is married and is the proud mother of three young children.
Dana Ellis - CaseworkerDana has obtained her degrees in Social Work and Human Services. While completing her internship with Adoption Connection, PA, she was given a job opportunity to join the staff. Dana’s focus with ACPA is the Foster Care Program. She resides in Beaver with her husband, Rob, and son. We are pleased to have Dana on our team.
Jill Buffalini - Caseworker
Karen Skvarla - Office CoordinatorKaren has years of experience working to assist families with their adoption journeys. She takes great care in providing client support & assistance, managing client files and coordinating the agency's office. She is deeply committed to her work here, and especially to the families we serve. Karen always has a ready smile and a helping hand. Karen lives in Western PA with her husband Dan. They have two grown children and two grandchildren.
Tonya Reed, M.S.W. - Outreach CoordinatorTonya has a Masters in Social Work and has trained as a family and children's therapist. She has over 30 years experience in social work, beginning as a house parent and then working with abused, neglected and extremely delinquent youth. Tonya has served as a therapist, a professor, a foster care trainer and an outreach pastor. Currently she teaches in the Human Services Program of Geneva College, and is the Outreach Coordinator for Adoption Connection, PA.
Robin ThompsonRobin is ACPA’s new Matching Specialist; she also works in our SWAN Services division. She graduated from Shippensburg University with a Masters in Criminal Justice Administration and a BS in Special Education. Robin has worked in the human service field for twenty three years with a focus on children and adoption, and has also adopted two sons of her own. She resides in Brighton Township with her husband David and four sons.
Heather MooreHeather graduated from Geneva College with a BS in Human Services and Missions and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. She completed an internship with ACPA and ranks as one of the best and hardest working interns in the agency’s history. Heather is blessed to have an adopted brother, which confirmed for her that a full-time position in the adoption field was what she has always wanted. Heather works with ACPA to provide SWAN permanency services to children and families.
Lauren GrossmanLauren is a part-time clerical worker as well as a contracted caseworker at ACPA. She graduated from Slippery Rock University with a BA in Communication. Lauren has also worked as a DJ at 3WS FM in Pittsburgh. She resides in Brighton Township with her husband, Steve, and their four children. Lauren is a member at First Presbyterian Church in Beaver and sings on the praise team there. She also enjoys working with the youth at church.
The following Adoption Workers also work for Adoption Connection, PA on a contracted basis to assist the children, families and agencies that we serve.Ann Marie Balzer, BA in Sociology MLS – Allison Park, PA Lisa Baronner, B.S. - Erie, PA Beth Booze, MA - Darlington, PA Lori Calve - MS in Juvenile Justice - Beaver Falls, PA Jim Caldwell, BA – Beaver Falls, PA Ginny Caldwell, BA in Speech Communication – Beaver Falls, PA Kate Campbell, BA in Sociology – Sewickley, PA Christina Carlucci, MA– Pittsburgh, PA Deb Erb, White MA in Social Work - Ambridge, PA Beck Fife, BS – Beaver, PA Tamara Fluitt, BA – Pittsburgh, PA Andrew Gall Julie Legters, MA– Butler, PA Ann Matsko – Darlington, PA Jill Manns, Masters in Education Counseling – Cranberry, PA Monica Monismith, MA – Cranberry Twp., PA Kathy Rae, Bachelors in Community Ministry – Pittsburgh, PA Tami Ray, MS in Recovery Education – Beaver Falls, PA Chelsea Repic, MA - Aliquippa, PA Sue Starn, MA in Higher Educaiton – Beaver Falls, PA Rose Sullivan, MA in Counseling - Beaver Falls, PA Melissa Zimmovan, BA in Art – Pittsburgh, PA |