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GET TO KNOW US
Choice Adoptions Staff and Board Members
Choice Leadership & Board of Directors
Taryn O'Flynn, MA
Executive Director
Taryn has spent the better part of two decades in social services. She has spent most of her career working in children's mental health; psychiatric residential facilities, foster care, with adjudicated youth, and in group homes. Taryn spent over five years running Choice's Birth Parent Advocacy and Outreach Program before moving into the Executive Director role. Taryn gets to use her experience in counseling and case management to ensure her staff and their clients are holistically supported. Taryn received her Bachelors in Human Development and earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology with a counseling focus. When not working, Taryn keeps busy with her two boys enjoying all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer - SUPing, camping, bike riding, food cart pod eating, soccer, snowboarding, beaching. Taryn is a big international traveller and has tackled 40 countries with plans for many more. She also loves live music and finds herself with her friends or kids at a concert most months.
Taryn has spent the better part of two decades in social services. She has spent most of her career working in children's mental health; psychiatric residential facilities, foster care, with adjudicated youth, and in group homes. Taryn spent over five years running Choice's Birth Parent Advocacy and Outreach Program before moving into the Executive Director role. Taryn gets to use her experience in counseling and case management to ensure her staff and their clients are holistically supported. Taryn received her Bachelors in Human Development and earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology with a counseling focus. When not working, Taryn keeps busy with her two boys enjoying all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer - SUPing, camping, bike riding, food cart pod eating, soccer, snowboarding, beaching. Taryn is a big international traveller and has tackled 40 countries with plans for many more. She also loves live music and finds herself with her friends or kids at a concert most months.
Julie Webb
Director of Adoption Programs
Julie has over 20 years of adoption experience and is also an adoptive mother. She started her career after adopting an infant. Her passion came to help expectant parents and other families wanting to grow their family through adoption. In addition, she worked several years in social service programs as a parent educator and working in low income housing. Julie currently is the Director of Adoption Programs, where she works with families who want to adopt. She prepares them for their home studies, provides adoption education, assists with their profile book and matching, supports them while they wait and are finally matched, and onto the best part through to their placement and finalization. Julie has a Bachelor’s of Science degree focusing in family studies with a minor in psychology from Oregon State University. These days her interests are in traveling and camping with her husband and spending time with her grown children and family whenever she can.
Julie has over 20 years of adoption experience and is also an adoptive mother. She started her career after adopting an infant. Her passion came to help expectant parents and other families wanting to grow their family through adoption. In addition, she worked several years in social service programs as a parent educator and working in low income housing. Julie currently is the Director of Adoption Programs, where she works with families who want to adopt. She prepares them for their home studies, provides adoption education, assists with their profile book and matching, supports them while they wait and are finally matched, and onto the best part through to their placement and finalization. Julie has a Bachelor’s of Science degree focusing in family studies with a minor in psychology from Oregon State University. These days her interests are in traveling and camping with her husband and spending time with her grown children and family whenever she can.
Robin Eisenbach, MSW
Adoption Worker
Lauren LaStrapes, MSW
Adoption Specialist
Lauren has spent her career working on behalf of children and families in the Pacific Northwest. With a passion for adoption, Lauren has developed her social work practice working in International Adoption and with children in the Oregon Foster Care System. Lauren has received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work. Outside of work, Lauren loves being outside and enjoying the beauty of the PNW. On the weekends Lauren can be found camping, hiking, or paddle boarding. With a deep love for social justice and equality, Lauren loves working in the community and impacting change. Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and is looking forward to welcoming her first child, a daughter, this Fall.
Lauren has spent her career working on behalf of children and families in the Pacific Northwest. With a passion for adoption, Lauren has developed her social work practice working in International Adoption and with children in the Oregon Foster Care System. Lauren has received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work. Outside of work, Lauren loves being outside and enjoying the beauty of the PNW. On the weekends Lauren can be found camping, hiking, or paddle boarding. With a deep love for social justice and equality, Lauren loves working in the community and impacting change. Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and is looking forward to welcoming her first child, a daughter, this Fall.
Hannah Duggan
Birth Parent Advocate
Hannah is an author, advocate, and public speaker. She has served the youth of Oregon and Washington for years in both professional and volunteer capacities. After receiving her Bachelor's in Applied Psychology from Multnomah University in Portland, OR, she moved immediately into adoption social work and has been in the field ever since. When she's not working, Hannah is either curled up in a coffee shop writing or gathering inspiration through travel, reading, or hiking in the beautiful PNW.
Hannah is an author, advocate, and public speaker. She has served the youth of Oregon and Washington for years in both professional and volunteer capacities. After receiving her Bachelor's in Applied Psychology from Multnomah University in Portland, OR, she moved immediately into adoption social work and has been in the field ever since. When she's not working, Hannah is either curled up in a coffee shop writing or gathering inspiration through travel, reading, or hiking in the beautiful PNW.
Jennifer Askew
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies at Cal Poly Pomona, as well her teaching credential, and began a career in Education. After having children, Jennifer began teaching adults and finding a new passion in the birth world. She has worked as a doula in both birth and postpartum and currently works in the hospital setting as a Childbirth Educator. She felt called to work as an Adoption Specials here at Choice Adoptions to support people in the adoption process. She is an adopted child herself, wife of 26 years and a mother of 3 adult children. She is a nurturing and supportive woman who is passionate about helping others. She enjoys spending time with her family, practicing a healthy balanced life, and always loves a good nap!
Connie Cummings
Board President
Connie was born in South Korea and adopted, along with her twin sister, by a wonderful loving family as infants. Connie comes from a large mixed race family with biological children and adopted children. She always knew she wanted to adopt one day. Connie had twin biological boys and then adopted her daughter from South Korea. As a family, they like to travel and attend both Boy and Girl Scouts. As a professional, Connie spent 24 years working for international nonprofits in humanitarian aid and adoption services. Recently Connie transitioned to Motorola Solutions as a Project Manager. Connie is looking forward to supporting the mission of Choice Adoptions as a Board Member.
Connie was born in South Korea and adopted, along with her twin sister, by a wonderful loving family as infants. Connie comes from a large mixed race family with biological children and adopted children. She always knew she wanted to adopt one day. Connie had twin biological boys and then adopted her daughter from South Korea. As a family, they like to travel and attend both Boy and Girl Scouts. As a professional, Connie spent 24 years working for international nonprofits in humanitarian aid and adoption services. Recently Connie transitioned to Motorola Solutions as a Project Manager. Connie is looking forward to supporting the mission of Choice Adoptions as a Board Member.
Gary Majors
Board Member
Gary was born in Portland and grew up in the Mt Tabor area. After marrying his wife Barb, they moved to the Milwaukie area to be closer to their church family. They built their family by adoption, with 3 of their 4 boys coming to them through both private adoption and through the state Foster Care program. Two of their sons have Asperger Syndrome/Autism and struggle with bi-polar, and all 4 boys are in their 20's now. They have successfully connected with some of their children's birth families and have enjoyed seeing their sons add to their own family histories. Gary has worked as a Realtor for 35 years and spends much of his free time volunteering at church and with the homeless.
Gary was born in Portland and grew up in the Mt Tabor area. After marrying his wife Barb, they moved to the Milwaukie area to be closer to their church family. They built their family by adoption, with 3 of their 4 boys coming to them through both private adoption and through the state Foster Care program. Two of their sons have Asperger Syndrome/Autism and struggle with bi-polar, and all 4 boys are in their 20's now. They have successfully connected with some of their children's birth families and have enjoyed seeing their sons add to their own family histories. Gary has worked as a Realtor for 35 years and spends much of his free time volunteering at church and with the homeless.
Mallorie Garber
Board Member/Co-Chair
Joel Robnett
Board Member
Joel is an adoptive and bio dad, husband, son, brother, business professional, and Christ-follower. Joel's passion for supporting all those on their adoption journey has lead to serving on the board of Choice Adoptions.
Joel is an adoptive and bio dad, husband, son, brother, business professional, and Christ-follower. Joel's passion for supporting all those on their adoption journey has lead to serving on the board of Choice Adoptions.
Melissa Hudson
Board Member
Melissa is an adoptive mother of one and a foster mom to many. Before getting married and having kids, Melissa enjoyed her time as a flight attendant traveling and experiencing the world. She has a bachelors in theology and is currently working on getting her masters in theology. Serving at church is a large portion of her life where she serves on the children's leadership team, teaching and writing lessons. Melissa’s passions are health and adoption. Her main hobbies are baking, reading, and going to the beach.
Melissa is an adoptive mother of one and a foster mom to many. Before getting married and having kids, Melissa enjoyed her time as a flight attendant traveling and experiencing the world. She has a bachelors in theology and is currently working on getting her masters in theology. Serving at church is a large portion of her life where she serves on the children's leadership team, teaching and writing lessons. Melissa’s passions are health and adoption. Her main hobbies are baking, reading, and going to the beach.
Todd Newlin
Board Member
I am a proud father of two kids, an attorney who specializes in injury law and a die hard Tennessee Titans and Portland Timbers fan.
I grew up in Austin, TX, where my father was also an attorney. I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Before joining the bar, I spent 5 years in the financial services industry in Colorado and California, including running my own mortgage company. When I’m not practicing law, I enjoy spending time with my family exploring Oregon’s vast and beautiful natural resources. We love to hike and camp, and I’m a big fan of Portland’s live music scene.
I am a proud father of two kids, an attorney who specializes in injury law and a die hard Tennessee Titans and Portland Timbers fan.
I grew up in Austin, TX, where my father was also an attorney. I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Before joining the bar, I spent 5 years in the financial services industry in Colorado and California, including running my own mortgage company. When I’m not practicing law, I enjoy spending time with my family exploring Oregon’s vast and beautiful natural resources. We love to hike and camp, and I’m a big fan of Portland’s live music scene.
Amber Boersma
Board Member
Amber is a devoted mother of three human girls and three canine sons, a wife to her husband Brant, a philanthropist and community change agent. Amber's family are the founders of Dutch Bros. Coffee so she spends a lot of her time geeking out over coffee and the people and places who bring it to us.
Being an example of love, enjoying creation and living in the present moment are her passions. Amber cares about promoting good sustainable lifestyle habits for her children, friends and family. Amber loves to be out in her yard with her flowers and garden when she’s not out on travel adventures with her family or friends.
Amber is a devoted mother of three human girls and three canine sons, a wife to her husband Brant, a philanthropist and community change agent. Amber's family are the founders of Dutch Bros. Coffee so she spends a lot of her time geeking out over coffee and the people and places who bring it to us.
Being an example of love, enjoying creation and living in the present moment are her passions. Amber cares about promoting good sustainable lifestyle habits for her children, friends and family. Amber loves to be out in her yard with her flowers and garden when she’s not out on travel adventures with her family or friends.
Kenzie D'Ambrosio
Board Member
Heather Denio
Board Member
Heather is an Oregon native, who loves the outdoors and spending time with family. Heather graduated from LBCC with an Associates in Culinary Arts. She’s held a career in the culinary field for the last 20+ years, working in fast passes, ever changing environments, expressing her talents creating menus. Heather met her husband Steven in Bend, Oregon in 2007 and married 2012 in Tulum, Mexico. They share a passion for travel, adventure and real estate. They started their adoption journey with Choice Adoptions in 2017 and finalized the adoption of their son in 2020. Since her son Sebastian has joined the family Heather has been a stay at home mom while running the families multiple Short Term Rentals. You may find Heather chasing her 2 year son around the local parks, farmers markets or hiking in the Gorge.
Heather is an Oregon native, who loves the outdoors and spending time with family. Heather graduated from LBCC with an Associates in Culinary Arts. She’s held a career in the culinary field for the last 20+ years, working in fast passes, ever changing environments, expressing her talents creating menus. Heather met her husband Steven in Bend, Oregon in 2007 and married 2012 in Tulum, Mexico. They share a passion for travel, adventure and real estate. They started their adoption journey with Choice Adoptions in 2017 and finalized the adoption of their son in 2020. Since her son Sebastian has joined the family Heather has been a stay at home mom while running the families multiple Short Term Rentals. You may find Heather chasing her 2 year son around the local parks, farmers markets or hiking in the Gorge.
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