China
Guatemala
Russia
Vietnam
India
EthiopiaKeith M. Wallace - Executive Director / CEO
I am responsible for overall direction and supervision of FTIA. I spend time presenting informational meetings, traveling overseas to maintain our programs and contacts, developing humanitarian aid projects, maintaining our web site, and contacting the CIS/INS, among other things.
Most importantly, I consider myself an advocate for adopting parents and the children we serve. I am a law school graduate from Valparaiso University School of Law and I taught law as a Foreign Expert in China in 1990 - 1991. I am active in both international and domestic adoptions and I am a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, American Immigration Lawyers Association, and Christian Legal Society.
I volunteer for many children-related activities including
serving on the Board for Impact Ministries which serves inner city youth. I enjoy running, reading, and hanging out with kids.
Salome Lamarche - Director of Programs
It is a pleasure to be a part of an organization that is committed to bringing families and cultures together through adoption. I have the honor providing direction and guidance to our Program Managers and Coordinators as we guide families through the adoption process. I will do all that I can to make this experience a joyful one for your growing family.
My husband, Chris, and I have a daughter, Chloe and son, Noah. We enjoy spending time together as a family and volunteering in our community.
I am a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Social Work. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer, I served as a Community Health Promoter in the Dominican Republic from 1991 to 1993. It was an excellent opportunity to experience another culture and see the challenges facing children around the world. I also understand the thrill of becoming a parent and the joy that parenthood can bring. I look forward to the opportunity to help families achieve their dream of building a family through adoption.
Cindy Scheller, LCSW - Director of Social Work Services
As FTIA’s Director of Social Work Services, my responsibilities include coordination and direction of home studies, post placements, and any other situations that require clinical skills and judgment. I completed my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Purdue University in 1994 (Go Boilers!), and my Masters in Social Work at the University of Southern Indiana in 1999. I hold a License of Clinical Social Work.
I have been involved with international adoption work since January of 2000. I am so happy to be part of the adoption process for FTIA families. As a mother of three sons, I find no greater joy than parenting. Working in the adoption field allows me the opportunity to share this joy. I am always amazed at how each post placement visit is like the first with regards to the excitement of seeing a family unified and watching a child flourish! This is why I am so proud to be part of your adoption experience! I will do all I can to ensure you have a positive home study and post placement experience.
Inessa Shiryaeva - Russia Program Manager
My responsibilities as a Russia Program Manager at FTIA include overseeing all aspects of the Russia adoption processes. In addition, I work with a caseload of families throughout their adoption process. I will be helping them with any questions about the adoption, the gathering of the adoption documents. I will be preparing them for their trips to Russia and will be updating them on their status. I also communicate with representatives in Russia involved in the adoption process.
I was born in Russia and have a degree in languages/translation and teaching/education from the Voronezh State University in Russia and a degree in economics from the Moscow Finance and Economics Institute. I speak English, Russian, and French, and I have started learning Spanish. I have worked internationally for more than 12 years and have been involved with U.S. not-for-profit organizations in Russia for over 7 years. I hope that my extensive travel experience, internationally as well as all over Russia and the former Soviet Union, will be a good resource for our families adopting from Russia.
During my travels I have made a lot of wonderful friends in the U.S. I enjoy traveling, movies, reading, and learning languages.
Kathy Erwin - Coordinator (Russia)
I am an Adoption Coordinator for the Russia program. I am pleased to be a part of such a knowledgeable and professional team here at FTIA. Serving children and parents in their journey toward being a forever family is a privilege. My responsibilities include assisting families in preparing their dossier and guiding them through the process of adopting from other countries. I also serve as a resource and support throughout. I am always available to share in tears as well as laughter!
I graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in music. Before coming to FTIA I was a social services worker in child protection for the Commonwealth of Kentucky for over seven years. I am delighted to continue working with and for children in a new and exciting direction.
My husband, Michael, and I have two daughters, Kennedy and Natalie. We love to spend time with friends, travel to visit family, watch movies, read, and cheer for the Auburn Tigers!
Cynthia Mattox - Guatemala Program Translator
I am very happy to be working for the Guatemala Program. I previously worked as a Guatemala Program Coordinator for more than two years. Now I am working on a part time basis to assist with translating various adoption documents and maintaining contact with our representatives in Guatemala regarding referrals.
I was born and grew up in Peru, South America. I attended high school in Colorado Springs, Colorado as an exchange student for one year and I received a Bachelor of Business from Universidad San Martin de Porres in Lima. For 8 years, I worked in a project sponsored by the United States Government that provided technical assistance to micro-enterprises in Peru.
Since 2001, I have been living in the United States. My husband, Mike, and I were married in Houston, Texas in 2002 and lived in St. Louis, Missouri before moving to the Evansville area. Our daughter, Adrianna Nicole was born on August 1, 2006 and our son was born on September 29, 2008. As a part-time employee who often works from home, I feel fortunate to be able to care for our children, and at the same time, continue to be a part of FTIA. I enjoy being a mom, sharing time with my family, cooking, working in the yard, and traveling to warm places.
Guatemala In-Country Staff
Andrea Chamorro and Rafael Leon are the in-country Coordinators for our Guatemala program. They are responsible for attending to our families while they are in Guatemala, providing translation when families meet with their foster family, and taking families to the US embassy for their visa interviews. Our coordinators also visit the foster mothers who care for the FTIA children and take monthly updated photos for our adoptive families.
Betty Betz - China Program Manager
I am the China Program Manager. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of bringing families together. My first experience with adoption was with my own daughter, Sela, who was adopted in 2003 from China through the Waiting Child Program. I am proud to be a part of such a respected organization and am passionate about its mission. I believe the quality and professionalism of our China team to be unsurpassed.
I have a BS in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration, both from the University of Southern Indiana. I have worked in both Accounting and Marketing for a large pharmaceutical company and also as a residential real estate broker. I am on the steering committee of the local chapter of Families with Children from China and enjoy studying the Chinese culture and language. My spare time is spent reading, biking and enjoying activities with my daughter.
Carol Schaefer - China/Ethiopia Coordinator
I am thrilled to be a part of the Families Thru International Adoption team as the Ethiopia and China Adoption Coordinator. My two daughters Tori Ann and Alex were adopted from China through FTIA, so you will benefit from my experience as a mom in-waiting and from the extensive professional training provided by our organization.
I have a BS in Home Economics from the University of Tennessee. After retiring from Johnson and Johnson, I have been given this awesome opportunity to help families share in the joy that my two girls have given us. Please know that I am here to help you through the entire process. I will be available to help with paper work, to field any questions or to just talk.
My husband, Jim and I are from Evansville. We enjoy traveling, spending time at Barkley Lake in Kentucky, and hanging out with our girls.
Marianne Schweizer - China Program Assistant
My husband, Steve, and I own Schweizer Construction Company. I had worked outside the home as a legal secretary for approximately nine years when in 1991, we knew it was time for me to stay home and raise our family. Our son, Drew, was born in 1990. Natalie followed in 1991, Jon in 1993, Jessica in 1995, and last but not least, Catey in 2001. Also a part of our family are two cats and a dog. I have homeschooled them all and have two heading off to college in the fall. I will miss them, but after joining FTIA in September of 2009, helping with the business and homeschooling, that will keep me busy.
I have two precious nieces that were adopted from China, so I am somewhat familiar with the adoption process. I enjoy reading and shopping, and we all love being together at our favorite Florida vacation spot.
China In-Country Staff
FTIA is very fortunate to have a dedicated staff in China. Vivian, Jasmine, Catherine, Tim, Tracey, Genie, Shirley and Julie make up our wonderful Beijing team. The Beijing Office team communicates regularly with the CCAA and provincial authorities as well as children's welfare institutes. The team also helps with making inside China travel arrangements for families. Families will have an opportunity to meet one or more members of the Beijing team during their trip to China as the Beijing team plays a critical role in being with our families during their travel and assisting families throughout their trip.
Samantha Brown Fentress - Senior India Coordinator
I am the Senior India Coordinator for FTIA. I assist families from start to finish in their international adoption journey through the India program. I am here to answer questions about the entire adoption process, paperwork, and travel. I am available to offer and share insight on my personal experience of being an adult adoptee. I was adopted from India as an infant and grew up in Indiana. I have shared my experience at adoption seminars, adoption conferences throughout the U.S., and at Indian heritage camps.
I graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Advertising. I worked for FTIA several years ago, in their India program, as well. I am excited to be back where I feel I belong and this position is very close to my heart.
I am recently married to Rohi, and we enjoy attending sporting events together and go on out-of-town trips.
Vietnam In-Country Staff
Ms. Nguyen Phuong Lam is FTIA's in-country Administrator. She is assisted by Ms. Yen, who helps with administrative duties. Our staff in Vietnam communicate regularly with the IAD and provincial authorities as well as childcare centres. The team also helps with making inside Vietnam travel arrangements for families. Families will be assisted by both Ms. Lam & Ms. Yen throughout their time in Vietnam.
Ruth Magary - Intake Specialist
I am please to be a part of the FTIA team and am more than happy to discuss your adoption questions with you. Adoption has become a large part of my life, and I love seeing others use this option to further bless their lives.
I am originally from Indianapolis, but came to Evansville to attend the University of Evansville, where I completed my Bachelors Degree in Music Education. I have since worked in Human Resources and Child Care.
Having four children, three of which have been adopted, gives me some good insight into the issues of adoption. I also have two stepsons and a darling little grandson. When not working at FTIA, I spend my time with my children’s sports and music lessons. I also love antiques and have an old house that we are currently restoring.
I hope you will feel free to come to me with all your questions and adoption concerns.
Debbie Brockman - Intake Specialist
My name is Debbie Brockman. I am a member of Intake Specialist team. I have a bachelor's degree in nursing from Indiana State University. I can answer general questions you may have about any of the adoption programs FTIA offers.
My husband, Matt, and I have 3 children. Rachel and Lena were adopted from China through FTIA in 1998
and 2000. We also have a biological son, Samuel. Adoption is very close to
my heart, and I feel that I can offer a different perspective because of our
"blended" family. I love to talk with prospective adoptive families and share
in their excitement. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you!
Jennifer Travis - Accountant
I am the Accountant for FTIA. I graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting in 2003. I began working at FTIA in 1997 and worked here until 2003. In 2003, I married my husband, and his job required us to be in California. I am very excited to be back at FTIA where I got started several years ago!
I have one son, Caymen, who brings new adventures and excitement into my life everyday. I am excited to be back in Evansville and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Brenda Mickel - Front Office Coordinator
I am FTIA's Front Office Coordinator. My main responsibility is to answer incoming telephone calls and direct families to the appropriate team member. I also receive all incoming express deliveries and get them to the appropriate staff members.
My husband, John, and I have one married son and a dog named Muffin. We enjoy outdoor activities and being with friends and family.
Prior to working at FTIA, I traveled with my husband who is
retired from the U.S. Air Force and I worked in a variety of fields. We have
lived in Florida, Arkansas, New Mexico, and even Turkey. I enjoy working with the FTIA team and meeting and talking to our adopting families.
Lou Ann Green - Admin Assistant/IT Support
I’m excited about joining the FTIA team as an Admin Assistant/IT Support person. My responsibilities include providing IT and clerical support to the organization. In addition to handling routine front office duties, I also work on updating the website, computer troubleshooting, and assisting with a variety of other tasks as the need arises.
My husband, Dan, and I moved to Evansville in fall of 2002 from Green Bay, Wisconsin, after our only daughter re-located to the area. We decided that ten hours was too long to drive to see our two granddaughters as often as we wanted. It’s been a joy to be able to be a part of their lives, and watch them grow.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, movies, and counted cross-stitch. My husband and I also work with and support the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
Kathy Gallup - Social Worker
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, with 13 years experience as an Adoption Specialist. I am excited to provide home study and post adoption services for FTIA families living in Northeastern Indiana. For the last 4 years, I have been a trainer for the Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program, as well as the Director of Lead Agency for IAATP for two years. I am a Charter member, and former president, of Indiana Adoption Agencies United, and a trainer for Parents in Process, a Hague-approved training for prospective adoptive parents. I am also a board member for Children's Sanctuary, Inc., a therapeutic foster care program for Indiana and Ohio. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Phil, my children, and grandchildren. I have a strong commitment to orphaned children and finding forever families for them.
Kristin Riekert - Ohio Administrator
As the Ohio Administrator for FTIA, I have the pleasure of completing home studies and providing post placement services for families living in most of Ohio. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and am now both a Licensed Independent Social Worker and an Ohio Adoption Assessor. I have worked in adoption since 1995 - first with birthmothers, then with families adopting domestically and internationally. Even after almost fifteen years, I still feel privileged to help build families through adoption. It is such a passion that I helped coordinate a host program for 14 Ukraine orphans during the summer of 2008. At last count, this hosting program has led to 10 adoptions!
As a mother to two daughters and a wife, I am blessed with an active, fulfilling life. My free time is spent reading, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and volunteering at church and at my children’s school. I look forward to being part of your adoption experience and will do whatever I can to make it positive.