About Us

Professional And
Dedicated Consulting Services

Adoption Partners of Michigan represent over 60 years in child adoption experience.  We have extensive experience throughout Michigan.  We are available to consult on an individual basis and encourage you to reach out with any situation. 

Our Team

Hi! I am Jennifer

Director

I consider it a privilege to be able to work closely with women during, what they consider to be, a challenging time in their life, and I am happy to do so as a Director of Adoption Partners of Michigan. I am passionate about supporting women as they evaluate their choices and become educated about private adoption, and I am awed time and time again by the courage and selflessness birth mothers show as they make a loving adoption plan for their child. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to assist each of my birth parent clients and feel especially honored to know them

I am a Louisiana native and have been working in the field of adoption since moving to Michigan in 2006. I have a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, and I enjoy the opportunity to speak with other organizations, groups, or individuals about adoption in an effort to de-stigmatize the motivation and experience of birth mothers. More personally, I am the mother of two school-aged boys who are a ton of fun and keep me young at heart. I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and all things summer.

Hi! I’m Michelle

Director

I’ve been working in adoption since 2001, with experience in international adoption at Bethany Christian Services, and as a caseworker and director at Adoption Associates. Now As a Director with Adoption Partners of Michigan my greatest joy is seeing children thrive as they grow and develop. I’m so grateful for the birth parents that entrust us to help them make good adoptive placements for their children.

Adoption is personal for me too. As an adoptive mom I feel so lucky to witness my adopted daughter growing into the person she’s meant to be. I also have two brothers who were adopted from South Korea. I’m married, have three now-adult children, and one sweet granddaughter too. I have a BSW from Calvin College and an MSW from Grand Valley State University.

Hi! I’m Alivia

Adoption Specialist

I’m so happy to be with Adoption Partners of Michigan! I have worked in adoption for over six years and has been with Adoption Partners since the beginning. My favorite thing about working in adoption is seeing the love that surrounds adoption. Watching birth parents show love and strength by placing their child and giving an adoptive family the greatest gift – love, is something so amazing.

I was touched by adoption at a young age when my sister was adopted from China, and I have other relatives who were also adopted. I live in west Michigan with my husband, daughter, and golden retriever. In my free time I like to take walks, bake/cook, and spend time with friends and family.

Hi! I’m Joy

Adoption Specialist

I’ve lived in the Mid Michigan area my whole life. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Family Studies, and I am happily married with three children at home. Our children definitely keep us busy. Our son graduates high school this year, and then hopes to begin working right away in the automotive field. Our daughters are involved in dance, drama, and choir so we are constantly on the move. 

I was first called to the work of adoption, when I met my husband who was adopted as an infant. I was with him when he met his birth mother for the first time at 18, and I will never forget his voice when he called to tell me about it. We are blessed to have a relationship with his birth and adoptive families. I look forward to working with you!

Hi! I’m Janine

Adoption Caseworker

I am happy to be a part of the team at Adoption Partners of Michigan. I have spent the last five-plus years working in the adoption field as an Adoptive Family Caseworker. I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Valparaiso University and my Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University. I also have a Post Master’s Certificate in Child, Family, and Marital Work from Wayne State University. I spent over ten years of my career working in educational settings that included early intervention, counseling services, special education, providing education and training, and support services. My focus has always been on working with children and families. I have also volunteered for many years on hospital advisory councils, schools, my church, and community organizations. I took time away from my career to focus on raising my two children (who are now grown). I am an adoptive parent and also have two nieces through adoption.

I have a personal and professional desire to provide education and support to families as they navigate the lifelong journey of adoption. I have an outgoing, warm personality that incorporates humor in my interactions. I grew up in Illinois and am often visiting my family there but have called Michigan home for the last 28 years. I know I am a true Michigander as I use my hand to describe places in Michigan. When I am not working, I enjoy reading, going for walks, traveling, and spending time with my husband and with family and friends.

Hi! I’m Stephanie

Adoption Caseworker

As someone who has watched several friends and family members experience the joys and sometimes the heartache that come with adoption, I am passionate about providing superior care to birth moms, babies, and adoptive families. I’m thrilled to be working for Adoption Partners of Michigan because of the agency’s emphasis on putting the child first – which also means putting the birth mom first. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and have spent many years coming alongside others as they make major transitions in their life. It gives me great joy to work with adoptive families to prepare them to raise a child not born to them. My favorite part of the home study process is educating families on important issues concerning adoption such as positive adoption language, open adoptions, and transracial adoption.

Hi! I’m Katie

Adoption Caseworker

I have worked in the field of adoption for over three years and I was excited to join Adoption Partners of Michigan as an adoption family caseworker in January 2022. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Hope College and have prior work experience with foster care, family support coordination, and working with elementary age children. As the mother of two older boys, I enjoy attending their sporting events, volunteering, as well as gardening, being outside, and spending time with family and friends. Our family resides in Midland. I feel truly blessed to assist prospective adoptive parents and to be a part of building families through adoption.

Are you pregnant in and looking for information about adoption?

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