we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, licensed adoption agency serving all of california
Our Staff
main office in fair oaks, ca
team in main office
Staff Bios
AUDREY DEGRAAF, LCSW
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Audrey is responsible for all aspects of the business operations, including crisis management, financial oversight & strategic direction with the Board of Directors. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Audrey earned her master’s degree in social work from Sacramento State University & her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from UC Santa Cruz. For 10 years, Audrey worked as a Maternal Child Social Worker in a hospital setting, offering support & resources to women in crisis. Prior to taking over this adoption agency from her parents in 2016, Audrey served on the front lines as an Adoption Social Worker for more than a decade. Even now as Executive Director, Audrey’s love for expectant parents has kept her working in the field as a social worker from time to time. Growing up with 4 adopted siblings & now an adoptive mom herself, adoption has always been in Audrey’s blood! From a young age, she travelled with her parents to Guatemala to serve in an orphanage, helped build a school in Madagascar & even ran a summer camp in South Africa. This global exposure gave her a holistic, community-connected approach where she has a beautiful way of bringing people together with respect & openness. Audrey is a newly divorced single parent & member of the LGBTQ community. In addition to having an adopted child, Audrey is a mom of multiples. In her free time, she loves traveling with her kids, is an avid walker & attends comedy shows whenever she can because she believes that laughter is the best medicine.
dr tiffany welter, MSW
director of adoptions
As Director of Adoptions, Dr. Tiffany Welter oversees our social workers all across the state of California. She directs our home study & interstate compact programs as well as the advisement & relinquishment services we provide. With a doctorate degree, a master's degree in social work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Human Development, Dr. Tiffany has spent the past two decades being a dedicated advocate for children. Her work as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer earned her the distinguished title of Volunteer of the Year, highlighting her invaluable contributions to the community. Dr. Tiffany is also a faculty member at a community college, inspiring students to become change-makers in the world. Dr. Tiffany is a living testament to the power of a healthy & active lifestyle. As a long-distance runner, she has embraced physical challenges, pushing her limits & embodying resilience. Her dedication to maintaining a healthy, clean lifestyle serves as an inspiration to others. She & her husband, Alex, live in the country on acreage with horses. Horse rescuing provides Tiffany with the satisfaction of giving these majestic creatures a second chance.
SARAH SACCONE-LANZA, BA
director
As Director, Sarah oversees our matching program, supporting both expectant parents & adoptive parents throughout the adoption journey & after. Utilizing her bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University of San Marcos, Sarah has an extensive background working with non-profits. She started as a trauma-informed counselor for homeless teens at a youth drop-in shelter. Following that, she served on a number of mental health non-profit boards & has been a longtime volunteer with San Diego Hospice & Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Most recently Sarah served as the Director of Lamb of God Maternity Home for 6 years & is the Vice President of San Diego Association for Life. Sarah daily gives witness to her passion for women in crisis pregnancy through the gift of adoption, as well as helping adoptive parents complete their family. Leading with compassion, Sarah created a birth mother support group & also organizes birth parent events throughout the year, offering fellowship & healing.
Crystal Brooks, BSW
Program Manager
Crystal is Program Manager responsible for administrative case management including interstate compact processing, SSI & AAP subsidy programs for adopting parents. She handles all of the complex documents required to complete each adoption. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, Crystal has made significant contributions while serving in child welfare for more than a decade. Her trauma-informed education has allowed her to take an empathetic approach while working in the foster adoption field at Sierra Forever Families, CASA & Sacramento Children’s Home. Baking is one of Crystal’s creative outlets & she even worked as a professional pastry chef in a bakery! In her free time, Crystal loves all things bulldogs, reading & gardening.
ANNA MERINO, Bs
Bi-lingual
adoption Coordinator
Anna handles multiple roles at the agency including managing our medical records department, coordinating numerous aspects of the adoption process & even leading birthparent support programs. Anna has a bachelor of science degree in pre-medical biology & has worked in the medical field, both with patients & in medical administration. For almost a decade, she has volunteered for multiple non-profit organizations that provide shelter, jobs & educational opportunities for at-risk teens & adults. Anna is bilingual in English & Spanish and takes great pride in bridging gaps in communication. In her free time, Anna stays active & loves spending time at the beach.
Jennifer l. guerra
adoption assistant
Jen’s attention to detail makes her the perfect fit for her role as an Adoption Assistant, organizing the documentation involved in each adoption. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Jen has a passion for helping people from all walks of life achieve their dream of parenthood. Jen wears many hats at the agency as she keeps things running. When she’s not helping create families, Jen loves spending time with her wife Amber & 3 boys - Zachary, Mason & Parker and their two dogs Chloe & Rudy.
Oliver “Ollie”
Office Therapy Dog
One-and-a-half year old Ollie is the office therapy dog and a beloved member of the team. Ollie keeps the workplace positive with his wagging tail, sweet disposition and infectious enthusiasm. He loves cuddles, naps in the sun and keeping watch in the front window of the office. Ollie lifts spirits wherever he goes and has even been known to go on sleepovers with office staff. Ollie’s affection, devotion and love are reminders to find joy amidst the chaos.
our Social Workers
in the Field
tanya cohen, lcsw
Adoption social worker
Tanya Cohen is a highly experienced Adoption Social Worker with a passion for helping families through the adoption process. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development from Cal State Northridge and an MSW from Cal State Long Beach. Tanya began her career in foster care and has dedicated the last 23 years to the adoption field, specializing in home studies, post placements, and more for domestic, intercountry, and foster adoptions. During her extensive career, Tanya also coordinated the Philippines adoption program for five years, further expanding her expertise and impact in the field. Since joining FNAC in 2017, she has focused on home studies and post placements. As of January 2024, Tanya has taken on additional responsibilities, including handling inquiries, processing applications, and managing case assignments. Outside of her professional life, Tanya enjoys reading, practicing Pilates, doing puzzles, and spending time with friends and family, including her husband and two children. Tanya's dedication and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the FNAC team.
nikki eigler, lcsw
Adoption social worker
Nikki serves as one of our dedicated Home Study and Post Placement Social Workers and Expectant Parent Counselors. She earned her BA from Indiana University in 2002 and her MSW from the University of Southern California in 2004. Following her graduation, Nikki began her career at LA County DCFS. After two and a half years, she joined Vista Del Mar, where she worked as an adoption, foster care, and post-adoption social worker, becoming licensed during her tenure.
For the past 12 years, she has continued her commitment to adoption services, working closely with expectant and birth families, adoptive families, and adoptees. Nikki is passionate about educating families on openness and transracial adoption.
Nikki resides in the San Fernando Valley, traveling across Southern California to support FNAC families and expectant parents. She is married and has two wonderful children. Recently, Nikki expanded her professional reach by opening a private practice specializing in adoption and family building.
loren pinn, lcsw
Adoption social worker
With nearly three decades of dedicated adoption experience, Loren Pinn is a compassionate and highly skilled Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has made significant contributions to the field.
Holding a Master’s in Social Work from San Diego State University and an undergraduate degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Loren is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Clinical Social Work Association. Committed to lifelong learning, Loren regularly attends seminars and workshops to stay updated on best practices in adoption, mental health, and family counseling.
As one of our Adoption Social Workers, Loren conducts comprehensive home study evaluations, post-adoption services, and supports birth parents through their adoption journeys and after. Loren is a South African native and now lives in San Diego with her family.
Nancy Perez, MSW
Adoption Social Worker
Nancy Perez is a dedicated adoption social worker with a deep commitment to supporting children and families. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Nancy immigrated to the US when she was 5 years old. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor’s degree in Chicano/Latino Studies and Sociology from Cal State Long Beach. For the past eight years, Nancy has worked as a Home Study Writer in the non-profit sector, focusing on foster care and adoption. In this role, Nancy evaluates and prepares prospective foster and adoptive families, ensuring children are placed in safe, loving homes. As a single mother, she skillfully balances her career with raising her child, embodying resilience and dedication. Nancy's unique experiences and educational background make her a powerful part of the FNAC team.
Jennifer Holmberg, LCSW
Adoption Social Worker
Jennifer came to Family Network Adoption Center in 2012 with extensive experience working with children and families in domestic, international, and foster adoptions. Jennifer's passion for working with children and families began in college when she mentored pregnant and parenting teens and led her to pursue a graduate degree in Social Welfare from UCLA. Jennifer started her professional career working with Los Angeles County's Department of Children and Family Services and then began working for non-profit adoption agencies. She feels honored to support expectant and birth parents as they decide whether adoption is best for them or their babies while giving them the autonomy and control to make the best decision for themselves. Jennifer has a passion for providing support, encouragement, and knowledge to new and future adoptive parents. She enjoys helping them navigate the process and providing education to prepare them for both the challenges and amazing rewards of adoptive parenting. As a mother of three, Jennifer loves cooking, reading, running and traveling.
Michele Parmley, LCSW
Adoption Social Worker
Michele is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in adoption, mental health, and social services who has been with Family Network Adoption Center since 2017. Michele’s role involves evaluating prospective adoptive parents for home studies and conducting post-placement visits.
Her career spans several decades, including a significant tenure at Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health Services in Bakersfield, CA from 2001 to 2016, where she managed an Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy Program and provided case management for acute psychiatric patients. Michele also supervised a range of clinical staff and developed specialized programs, such as an Eating-Disorder program.
Michele's previous roles include serving as a Social Service Practitioner II and Adoption Supervisor for the Department of Human Services in Bakersfield, CA, where she conducted adoption home studies and forensic interviews. She also owned a part-time social work practice focusing on adoption services and worked within the juvenile justice system providing therapeutic services to incarcerated youth.
With a Master's in Social Work and a Bachelor's in Sociology from CSU Fresno, Michele is a respected professional in her field, known for her dedication to improving the lives of children and families.
Bobbie Abney, MSW
adoption social worker
Bobbie Abney brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Family Network Adoption Center as an Adoption Social Worker working with both birth and adoptive parents. Bobbie earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in social work from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).
With over 23 years of service in child welfare, Bobbie has developed a deep understanding and compassion for all members of the adoption triad. Her extensive career includes roles as both a social worker and a supervisor, where she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the well-being of children and the support of families throughout the adoption process.
We are fortunate to have Bobbie on our team conducting home studies, post placement visits and walking alongside birth parents during a critical time in their lives.
Kerry Ingalls, MSW
Adoption Social Worker
Kerry Ingalls is a seasoned professional in the field of adoption, with an impressive 18-year career dedicated to supporting children and families. She holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work from San Jose State University, with a minor in psychology.
Throughout her career, Kerry has gained valuable experience working with foster care youth and resource families, as well as pregnant and parenting adolescents. Her true passion lies in open adoption, where she has made significant contributions to creating nurturing and lasting connections between birth and adoptive families.
Outside of her professional life, Kerry is a devoted mother to two children, aged 17 and 14, who are the center of her world. She also has a love for travel, which brings her joy and inspiration.
At the Family Network Adoption Center, Kerry's expertise and heartfelt commitment to open adoption help ensure that each child finds a loving and supportive family, and that all members of the adoption triad feel valued and connected.
David Boschen, MA, LMFT
Adoption social worker
David Boschen is a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly four decades of experience. He earned his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Santa Clara University in 1986. David’s career began in a psychiatric facility for children and adolescents at a Stanford training facility in San Jose, where he worked for ten years. Since 1989, he has maintained a private practice, providing therapeutic guidance to families, individuals, and organizations.
David's commitment to service has a global reach. Since 2000, he has supported orphanages in Romania, Sri Lanka, and Uganda, leading teams to build and support these facilities and demonstrating a deep dedication to the welfare of vulnerable children.
In 1998, David entered the adoption field, where his passion for helping children and families flourished. He served as the director of a small adoption agency in Santa Cruz, California, from 2006 to April 2023 and was President of the California Association of Adoption Agencies (CAAAA) for six years. David currently provides adoption services working with birth parents, completing home studies and post adoptive placement supervision here at Family Network Adoption Center.
David has also taught psychology courses at the university level. Outside of his professional life, David enjoys traveling, woodworking, biking, and spending time with his wife of 43 years, their three adult children, and seven grandchildren. His extensive experience and compassionate approach make him a valuable asset to the adoption community.
Margaret Choulochas, LCSW
Adoption social worker
Margaret Choulochas brings broad experience to the Family Network Adoption Center (FNAC). As a home study social worker, she plays a key role in assessing and preparing prospective adoptive families, ensuring that children are placed in loving, secure homes.
Margaret’s career began with seven years in residential treatment, where she worked with adolescents removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. Initially assigned to the Adoptions Division of the Orange County Social Services Agency, Margaret planned to transfer to group home work but quickly discovered her passion for adoption. She spent 10 years in the Adoptions Division, specializing in finding homes for older children, although her work spanned all ages, from infants to teenagers.
In addition to matching children with adoptive families, Margaret provided post-adoption support and worked as a mediator developing post-adoption contact agreements. She earned her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in 2008, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
Outside of social work, Margaret loves spending time with her family. With her extensive background and commitment to child welfare, she is dedicated to helping children find their forever homes. We are grateful to have Margaret as part of the FNAC team!
Kennita Coleman, M.S.
Adoption social worker
Kennita Coleman, M.S., is a valuable adoption social worker at Family Network Adoption Center, working closely with birth parents and adoptive families to provide guidance and support throughout the adoption process. With a Master’s degree in Human Services and a background in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), she brings over a decade of expertise in family therapy, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. Kennita’s work experience includes roles as a clinical intake counselor, case manager, and therapist, where she supported vulnerable populations such as homeless children and the elderly. She is also the owner of K. Coleman Counseling & Consulting Services, offering individual and family therapy. In addition to her therapeutic skills, Kennita has extensive experience in public speaking, leadership development, and community outreach, which she leverages to raise awareness and connect families to necessary resources. Her commitment to empowering clients, combined with her practical knowledge, makes her an invaluable resource for birth parents and adoptive families alike
Meg Steinitz, LCSW
Adoption social worker
Meg Steinitz, LCSW, is a dedicated adoption social worker at Family Network Adoption Center, bringing over two decades of experience in child welfare and adoption services.
Meg holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California, where she completed a clinical program with a focus on Public Child Welfare. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from San Diego State University, with a minor in Women’s Studies, graduating with honors and a place on the Dean’s List. She later became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Meg began her career with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, where she worked as a permanency worker, providing family maintenance and reunification services. This early experience ignited her passion for adoption, especially the importance of offering children permanent homes and giving birth parents a voice in the adoption process.
In 2005, Meg transitioned to private adoption work with Catholic Charities in Las Vegas, where she deepened her commitment to helping families navigate the adoption journey. It was during this time that she first collaborated with Luke and Georgia Leonard of Family Network Adoption Center, which eventually led to her joining our team. Since then, Meg has played a pivotal role conducting home studies, providing post-placement support, and counseling birth parents through the relinquishment process.
Meg’s extensive background in both public and private adoption, combined with her compassionate approach, makes her an invaluable asset to the team. In her free time, Meg enjoys running, hiking, practicing yoga, reading, and indulging in her love for cheese
Our History
Family Network Adoption Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, licensed adoption agency in the state of California. Our staff of social workers and adoption professionals are committed to helping families through every step of the adoption process.
Family Network Adoption Center is proud to work with individuals from all walks of life who want to build their families through adoption. We have a strong commitment to inclusivity & advocate for equality. Whether traditional or non-conforming, to historically accepted definitions of family, we believe that love makes good families & we will walk alongside you, providing support & guidance on your adoption journey.
Founded by social workers Luke and Georgia Leonard in 1979, the Leonard’s personal experience with adoption provided the challenge that motivated them to form this agency nearly 45 years ago. The Leonard’s have 6 multi-ethnic children: 3 internationally adopted, 1 domestically adopted & 2 biological children.
In 2023, the agency joined forces with Adoption Center of San Diego to combine our multiple decades of experience, expand our services & widen our reach across the entire state of California to create permanent families through adoption.
Our Services
Family Network Adoption Center is currently licensed in the State of California for domestic adoption services.
These services include:
matching expectant & adopting parents
adoption home studies
relinquishment of parental rights
interstate compact agreements (ICPC)
post placement reports
coordination with placing agencies
agency court work
Our social workers specialize in educating & supporting adoptive parents in their parenting for attachment efforts. We believe that acknowledging the adoptee’s birth family can actually bring the child & adoptive parents closer together. Allowing the adoptee to know ALL of themselves can create healthier attachment & emotional regulation, especially during the identity phase of adolescence.
Family Network Adoption Center is committed to creating permanent & loving homes for all children & youth through family support & adoption. Family Network Adoption Center also has a deep commitment to humanitarian aid & placing children with special needs into loving families.
Our Mission
Family Network Adoption Center is dedicated to finding permanent loving families for children, offering holistic support to birth & adoptive families and providing educational therapeutic assistance to those dealing with parenting & adoption challenges. Family Network Adoption Center is committed to serving all races & creeds, including children with special needs.
The challenges that come with adoption can be an invitation to fuel self-growth and improve the health of families. Family Network Adoption Center uses a holistic approach which strives for wholeness for all members of the adoption triad - birth parents, adoptive parents & adoptees.
Since the inception of the agency in 1979, several thousand children, both domestic & international, have been placed with loving families locally & throughout the United States. Through its many programs, Family Network Adoption Center helps hundreds of families every year!
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