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Leadership and Board Members
GET TO KNOW US
Choice Staff & 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.
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 LaStrapes, MSW
Director of Adoption
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 with her family. On the weekends Lauren can be found camping, hiking, or enjoying the farmers market with her husband, Michael and their daughters, Clover and Sawyer. With a deep love for social justice and equality, Lauren loves working in the community and impacting change.
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 with her family. On the weekends Lauren can be found camping, hiking, or enjoying the farmers market with her husband, Michael and their daughters, Clover and Sawyer. With a deep love for social justice and equality, Lauren loves working in the community and impacting change.
Michelle Raynor
Adoption Social Worker
Michelle Raynor brings over two decades of experience as an adoption social worker. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of adoption services, from foster care placement to domestic and international adoption processes.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest shaped her early understanding of family and community, but it was her personal journey—becoming a mother to three children, including one adopted internationally—that truly crystallized her commitment to this field. This firsthand experience gives her unique insight into both the joys and challenges that adoptive families navigate.
As a veteran social worker, Michelle guides families through every stage of their adoption journey. From conducting home studies to providing post-adoption support, she ensures each family receives the personalized attention and care they deserve. Her approach combines professional expertise with genuine empathy, creating an environment where families feel supported and understood throughout the process.
When she's not working with families, Michelle can often be found exploring local restaurants with friends, spending quality time with her family, or enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines at her daughter's volleyball games.
Michelle Raynor brings over two decades of experience as an adoption social worker. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of adoption services, from foster care placement to domestic and international adoption processes.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest shaped her early understanding of family and community, but it was her personal journey—becoming a mother to three children, including one adopted internationally—that truly crystallized her commitment to this field. This firsthand experience gives her unique insight into both the joys and challenges that adoptive families navigate.
As a veteran social worker, Michelle guides families through every stage of their adoption journey. From conducting home studies to providing post-adoption support, she ensures each family receives the personalized attention and care they deserve. Her approach combines professional expertise with genuine empathy, creating an environment where families feel supported and understood throughout the process.
When she's not working with families, Michelle can often be found exploring local restaurants with friends, spending quality time with her family, or enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines at her daughter's volleyball games.
Madelynne McCaulley LCSW
Adoption Social Worker
Madelynne McCauley is an adoption social worker and mental health therapist. She is passionate about working with clients and families in the adoption realm and has previously worked in foster care. Her training and experience has instilled in her a strong belief in her clients' ability to change their lives with support, understanding and compassion, and the importance of supporting families through their journey of adoption. Outside of social work you can find Madelynne outdoors hiking, live music, traveling and spending time with loved ones.
Madelynne McCauley is an adoption social worker and mental health therapist. She is passionate about working with clients and families in the adoption realm and has previously worked in foster care. Her training and experience has instilled in her a strong belief in her clients' ability to change their lives with support, understanding and compassion, and the importance of supporting families through their journey of adoption. Outside of social work you can find Madelynne outdoors hiking, live music, traveling and spending time with loved ones.
Rose Letsinger
Development Specialist
Rose has been volunteering for nonprofit organizations since she was in elementary school and developed a love for helping people at a young age. Since then, she knew that it would always need to play a large role in her life. Rose has now worked for nonprofits for 3 years after graduating from Linfield College with a B.A. in Anthropology and Writing. She has also worked abroad in France supporting college students and is passionate about helping people from all different backgrounds and cultural experiences.
As development specialist, she combines her skills in writing, her love of people, and her creativity and design, working behind the scenes to support Choice Adoptions and get the word out about our services.
When Rose is not at work, she is learning new languages, reading fantasy novels, exploring and adventuring the great outdoors in her 90s jeep cherokee, seeing live music, and songwriting.
Rose has been volunteering for nonprofit organizations since she was in elementary school and developed a love for helping people at a young age. Since then, she knew that it would always need to play a large role in her life. Rose has now worked for nonprofits for 3 years after graduating from Linfield College with a B.A. in Anthropology and Writing. She has also worked abroad in France supporting college students and is passionate about helping people from all different backgrounds and cultural experiences.
As development specialist, she combines her skills in writing, her love of people, and her creativity and design, working behind the scenes to support Choice Adoptions and get the word out about our services.
When Rose is not at work, she is learning new languages, reading fantasy novels, exploring and adventuring the great outdoors in her 90s jeep cherokee, seeing live music, and songwriting.
Renee Kragerud
Adoption Specialist
Renée received her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Education from Portland State University. Since childhood she’s had a passion for adoption and a fierce love for the orphan. During college she traveled abroad to volunteer at an orphanage in Ecuador, and after having their own daughter in 2013, Renée and her husband decided to begin Foster Care. Throughout the years of navigating the Oregon Foster Care System, including the adoption process of their son, Renée also worked as a Health Coach for women. Advocacy is at the core of who she is and loves supporting families as they walk through their own adoption journey. Outside of the office, Renée enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring nature with her husband and two kiddos.
Renée received her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Education from Portland State University. Since childhood she’s had a passion for adoption and a fierce love for the orphan. During college she traveled abroad to volunteer at an orphanage in Ecuador, and after having their own daughter in 2013, Renée and her husband decided to begin Foster Care. Throughout the years of navigating the Oregon Foster Care System, including the adoption process of their son, Renée also worked as a Health Coach for women. Advocacy is at the core of who she is and loves supporting families as they walk through their own adoption journey. Outside of the office, Renée enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring nature with her husband and two kiddos.
Ashley Morrow
Social Worker
Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Western Oregon University. After working her way through college working as an office manager for a small business, Ashley began her social services career working at Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program, taking reports of abuse and neglect for Douglas County. After four years, Ashley transitioned to the role of a Foster/Resource Parent Certifier. Ashley was a SAFE Home Study Practitioner, and worked with general foster parents, relatives, and adoptive foster parents. Ashley also specialized in ICPC home studies and placements. Ashley spent extensive time studying policy and procedure, and improving internal processes. In addition to supporting and advocating for her foster homes, Ashley worked as the placement desk coordinator, placing foster children in foster homes. After over eight years, Ashley left state service, and dedicated her time to her family. Ashley has a strong understanding of addiction, trauma, and mental health, and is committed to extending grace and non-judgement onto the adoptive parents she works with. Ashley feels that working with Choice Adoptions will allow her to use her home study writing and advocacy skills, while also being available to her family.
Ashley was born and raised in Southern Oregon, and is strongly enmeshed in the local community. Ashley describes her husband as being her best friend, and is a mother of two wild, creative, silly children. Ashley is heavily involved with her church. Ashley lives on a mini farm with two cats, seven goats, and the world’s greatest companion dog. In the little free time that Ashley does have, she enjoys doing puzzles, playing games, watching game shows with her family, going on mountain drives, and eating delicious food, especially sushi.
Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Western Oregon University. After working her way through college working as an office manager for a small business, Ashley began her social services career working at Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program, taking reports of abuse and neglect for Douglas County. After four years, Ashley transitioned to the role of a Foster/Resource Parent Certifier. Ashley was a SAFE Home Study Practitioner, and worked with general foster parents, relatives, and adoptive foster parents. Ashley also specialized in ICPC home studies and placements. Ashley spent extensive time studying policy and procedure, and improving internal processes. In addition to supporting and advocating for her foster homes, Ashley worked as the placement desk coordinator, placing foster children in foster homes. After over eight years, Ashley left state service, and dedicated her time to her family. Ashley has a strong understanding of addiction, trauma, and mental health, and is committed to extending grace and non-judgement onto the adoptive parents she works with. Ashley feels that working with Choice Adoptions will allow her to use her home study writing and advocacy skills, while also being available to her family.
Ashley was born and raised in Southern Oregon, and is strongly enmeshed in the local community. Ashley describes her husband as being her best friend, and is a mother of two wild, creative, silly children. Ashley is heavily involved with her church. Ashley lives on a mini farm with two cats, seven goats, and the world’s greatest companion dog. In the little free time that Ashley does have, she enjoys doing puzzles, playing games, watching game shows with her family, going on mountain drives, and eating delicious food, especially sushi.
Kelly Walsh, MA
Adoption Worker
I was born and raised in Oregon and couldn’t imagine residing anywhere else! In 2016 I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and Psychology and in 2020 I obtained my Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. I spent 11 years working for ODHS in Child Protective Services in Clackamas and Multnomah County specializing in CSEC youth and in substance use and addiction. I have always had a passion to serve our community in a positive and meaningful way and am excited to be apart of the Choice team! In early 2025 I transitioned out of Child Welfare to be home more with my family. My husband and I are foster parents and are excited to open our home to children in need whether that’s for a night or longer.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my kids (Breelyn and Brighton), my husband (Matt), and our two dogs (Mocha and Chai). We enjoy going to the beach, movie nights, hanging out in our backyard, and whatever else life throws at us!
I was born and raised in Oregon and couldn’t imagine residing anywhere else! In 2016 I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and Psychology and in 2020 I obtained my Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. I spent 11 years working for ODHS in Child Protective Services in Clackamas and Multnomah County specializing in CSEC youth and in substance use and addiction. I have always had a passion to serve our community in a positive and meaningful way and am excited to be apart of the Choice team! In early 2025 I transitioned out of Child Welfare to be home more with my family. My husband and I are foster parents and are excited to open our home to children in need whether that’s for a night or longer.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my kids (Breelyn and Brighton), my husband (Matt), and our two dogs (Mocha and Chai). We enjoy going to the beach, movie nights, hanging out in our backyard, and whatever else life throws at us!
Paula Meyer
Birth Parent Advocate
As a birth mother and married mother of two, I come to Choice with over 20 years of experience in social work. I began my career with CPS as a child abuse investigator and moved into foster care licensing and then into adoption work. I was fascinated with the job of reconnecting adoptees with their first parents and decided that is what I wanted to do, which I did. I have always worked for at-risk individuals with DHS, CASA, adult foster care licensing, and Meals on Wheels. Creating healthy families through adoption has been my greatest joy.
I am an avid tennis player who has recently found Pickleball. I love the trees and mountains of the North West but also crave sunshine, so I enjoy visiting sunny locations as often as possible. This is usually spending time with extended family in California or Florida. My favorite moments are spent with my children who are now adults and making their own way in the world. My husband and I also have a young black lab who keeps us busier than we want to be.
In working for Choice, I want to ensure that women and their partners experiencing an unplanned pregnancy receive the support, information and resources they need to make difficult decisions so that they can move forward successfully in their lives. My birth parent experience occurred before open adoption options were available, and I never received the support or counseling that could have made my journey a positive story. In fact, there was so much negativity surrounding my pregnancy that I continue to feel shame and anxiety at moments today. Birth mothers don’t need to feel this way, and children of adoption do not need to have a story that includes shame or unanswered questions about their first mother. My daughter sought me out when she was 19 years old. We do not maintain a close relationship but my children have met her and and we are all Facebook friends. She has a family of her own and I am thrilled that I can watch them all grow and know that they are happy and healthy.
I have several favorite experiences in my adoption work. I was working with a birth mother as she spoke with several families she was considering for her baby and I saw the moment she connected with a specific couple. Her eyes lit up and they all began excitedly discussing an ethnic recipe they all grew up with, which led into discussions of happy family memories that they could share. Another experience that I will always love, is the moment an adoptive family meets their new child. I have been privileged to watch the excitement of the moment turn to fear of suddenly caring for an infant and then turn to true joy of a new family forming.
As a birth mother and married mother of two, I come to Choice with over 20 years of experience in social work. I began my career with CPS as a child abuse investigator and moved into foster care licensing and then into adoption work. I was fascinated with the job of reconnecting adoptees with their first parents and decided that is what I wanted to do, which I did. I have always worked for at-risk individuals with DHS, CASA, adult foster care licensing, and Meals on Wheels. Creating healthy families through adoption has been my greatest joy.
I am an avid tennis player who has recently found Pickleball. I love the trees and mountains of the North West but also crave sunshine, so I enjoy visiting sunny locations as often as possible. This is usually spending time with extended family in California or Florida. My favorite moments are spent with my children who are now adults and making their own way in the world. My husband and I also have a young black lab who keeps us busier than we want to be.
In working for Choice, I want to ensure that women and their partners experiencing an unplanned pregnancy receive the support, information and resources they need to make difficult decisions so that they can move forward successfully in their lives. My birth parent experience occurred before open adoption options were available, and I never received the support or counseling that could have made my journey a positive story. In fact, there was so much negativity surrounding my pregnancy that I continue to feel shame and anxiety at moments today. Birth mothers don’t need to feel this way, and children of adoption do not need to have a story that includes shame or unanswered questions about their first mother. My daughter sought me out when she was 19 years old. We do not maintain a close relationship but my children have met her and and we are all Facebook friends. She has a family of her own and I am thrilled that I can watch them all grow and know that they are happy and healthy.
I have several favorite experiences in my adoption work. I was working with a birth mother as she spoke with several families she was considering for her baby and I saw the moment she connected with a specific couple. Her eyes lit up and they all began excitedly discussing an ethnic recipe they all grew up with, which led into discussions of happy family memories that they could share. Another experience that I will always love, is the moment an adoptive family meets their new child. I have been privileged to watch the excitement of the moment turn to fear of suddenly caring for an infant and then turn to true joy of a new family forming.
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