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Leadership and Board Members
GET TO KNOW US
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
Robin Eisenbach is a social worker, educator, and facilitator from Portland, Oregon. She has spent the last 20 years working with Oregon’s youth and families in some of the state’s most marginalized and underserved communities, and along the way she has seen the unique brilliance and resilience that every family has. For choice, Robin is grateful to serve as an adoption worker for waiting families and loves to partner with them on their path to adoption. In addition to social work, robin is a diversity, equity, and inclusion workshop leader and has facilitated these workshops all across the United States.
When not facilitating, Robin volunteers for clackamas county search and rescue, is a blue belt in brazilian jiu jitsu (which means she’s still a beginner), and likes to grow dahlias.
Robin Eisenbach is a social worker, educator, and facilitator from Portland, Oregon. She has spent the last 20 years working with Oregon’s youth and families in some of the state’s most marginalized and underserved communities, and along the way she has seen the unique brilliance and resilience that every family has. For choice, Robin is grateful to serve as an adoption worker for waiting families and loves to partner with them on their path to adoption. In addition to social work, robin is a diversity, equity, and inclusion workshop leader and has facilitated these workshops all across the United States.
When not facilitating, Robin volunteers for clackamas county search and rescue, is a blue belt in brazilian jiu jitsu (which means she’s still a beginner), and likes to grow dahlias.
Jenn Noble, MS, LPC
Social Services Supervisor
Jenn has been working with children and their families for almost thirty years, with eighteen of those years spent focusing on the needs of children in the foster care system and on providing adoption-related services. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Jenn spent several years as a foster parent and worked in a residential program for adolescent girls. Jenn then returned to school, earned a Master’s degree in Counseling, and spent fourteen years working for Deschutes County Behavioral Health as a therapist on the school-based health clinics team. A few months ago, Jenn transitioned to a school counselor position so she can spend summers working at her favorite camp.
As an adult adoptee herself, Jenn believes that every child deserves a loving, stable, forever home and
she works diligently to ensure that the families who adopt through Choice Adoptions understand this
responsibility. Her superpower is the “ability to micro-edit written work,” and she uses this skill to ensure that the home studies, post-placement reports, and adoption profile books that represent Choice families are of the highest quality possible. She loves meeting new families when she writes their home studies and visiting them once their adopted child arrives home. When she is not working, Jenn enjoys caring for indoor and outdoor plants, hiking, searching for waterfalls, playing tennis, riding her bike, listening to Sea Shanties, browsing antique stores, and spending time with her husband and five (mostly grown) children.
Jenn has been working with children and their families for almost thirty years, with eighteen of those years spent focusing on the needs of children in the foster care system and on providing adoption-related services. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Jenn spent several years as a foster parent and worked in a residential program for adolescent girls. Jenn then returned to school, earned a Master’s degree in Counseling, and spent fourteen years working for Deschutes County Behavioral Health as a therapist on the school-based health clinics team. A few months ago, Jenn transitioned to a school counselor position so she can spend summers working at her favorite camp.
As an adult adoptee herself, Jenn believes that every child deserves a loving, stable, forever home and
she works diligently to ensure that the families who adopt through Choice Adoptions understand this
responsibility. Her superpower is the “ability to micro-edit written work,” and she uses this skill to ensure that the home studies, post-placement reports, and adoption profile books that represent Choice families are of the highest quality possible. She loves meeting new families when she writes their home studies and visiting them once their adopted child arrives home. When she is not working, Jenn enjoys caring for indoor and outdoor plants, hiking, searching for waterfalls, playing tennis, riding her bike, listening to Sea Shanties, browsing antique stores, and spending time with her husband and five (mostly grown) children.
Lauren Kingston, 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 Groven
Outreach Manager
Hannah is an author, outreach manager, 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, outreach manager, 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
Adoption Specialist
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!
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!
Elizabeth Olson
Birth Parent Advocate
Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University and is currently enrolled in her second year of a Master of Social Work program through the University of Denver. In her free time (when she isn’t busy doing homework), Elizabeth enjoys going on adventures with her sweet pup, reading, and exploring thrift stores for hidden gems.
Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University and is currently enrolled in her second year of a Master of Social Work program through the University of Denver. In her free time (when she isn’t busy doing homework), Elizabeth enjoys going on adventures with her sweet pup, reading, and exploring thrift stores for hidden gems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sally Schindler
Board Member, Emeritus
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