JT earned his English: Creative Writing degree from Augsburg University and has since used experienced pieces of the the journalism, nonprofit, and corporate worlds. He started at Foster Adopt Minnesota in July 2020, having the privilege of working with the HELP and PPN Programs with HELP therapist network coordination, billing/funding support, and many behind-the-scenes things that come with these initiatives.

In 2021 he completed the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative through the Institute for Innovation & Implementation at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. Outside of work (and within!), JT is an advocate for LGBTQ+ and disabled communities and individuals.

“Adoptive, foster, or kinship family’s human experiences and challenges do not necessarily disappear as soon as any official/legal processes are complete. Loss and grief may surface even years down the road. I feel honored to work for an organization that supports families before, during, and after a family transitions. There is a path to healing when and if challenges arise!”

HELP Program:

Andrea is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, LISW (#24922) and holds a B.A. in Psychology from UW – Madison, and a MSW from the University of Minnesota. She was a Fellow in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders Program (LEND) where she focused on developmental disabilities and child welfare services. Her work there earned her a certificate in Disability Policy and Services. Andrea joined the FAM HELP Program in 2015 bringing additional work experience in special education and day treatment therapy. 

Andrea earned her Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) as well as her Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) Certification through the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) at the UMN where she has also developed curriculum and facilitates coursework.  In 2022, she received the Outstanding Service Partner Award from CASCW. Andrea is also trained through the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). 

As the HELP Outreach and Therapist Network Manager, Andrea combines her love of connection, spirit for advocacy, and knowledge of permanency-competent therapeutic service delivery to the adoption, foster, and kinship communities. She brings her passion to everything she does – whether working with families, facilitating community presentations, or building relationships and engagement with new therapists connecting to the HELP network.

“I am truly honored to be a part of the lives of families, and am enlivened by people’s capacity for kindness and compassion during challenging times.”

Danielle is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW #29308). In 2009 she earned two bachelor’s degrees from Eastern Washington University with a BA in Sociology, a BA in Child Studies and is an AmeriCorps alumni. In 2020 she received her Master’s in Social Work from California State University, East Bay where she was a Title IV-E child welfare scholar. She has completed both the mental health and child welfare tracks for the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training (NTI) through the Institute for Innovation & Implementation at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work, the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) through the Center for Adoption Support & Education (CASE), and the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) from the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) at the University of Minnesota.

Since 2010, Danielle has had the opportunity to serve kinship families, domestic violence survivors, foster and adopted youth, pregnant and parenting youth, and those who are unhoused. She has worked in Washington DC, California, Washington state and Minnesota and has experience at private agencies, educational settings and in child welfare. Her work has focused on family preservation, improving family stability, supporting healthy grieving, those who have been affected by child abuse and helping youth reach their goals and full potential.

“I believe that family can be central for healing and every child, no matter what, deserves to understand how that love can feel. I want to help families with providing essential support they need to feel confident in their role and remove as many barriers as I can”.

Amy earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and her Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of North Dakota and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW #24031).   Amy has completed the Child Welfare Certification Program through the University of North Dakota as well as the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training (NTI) through the Institute for Innovation & Implementation at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work.  She also received her Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) from the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the University of Minnesota.

Amy joined the HELP Program in July of 2021 and brings many years of experience working in foster care/adoption agencies and chemical dependency residential settings in North Dakota and Minnesota. Amy brings with her knowledge regarding the child welfare systems, advocacy for foster care/adoption/kinship youth and families, parent education, understanding of trauma histories, and mental health diagnoses. She is passionate about advocacy, family preservation, assisting in finding resources for families and youth, especially in rural areas, as well as macro level issues and barriers in adoption and foster care systems.

“I have had the opportunities and honor to be a part of adoption journeys from the beginning to finalization day and am motivated to help before, during, and after that day. My hope is to be able to provide skilled support and alleviate barriers for families as they continue down the journey of the ever-changing stages.”

Joni earned her Bachelor of Science in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!) and her Master of Social Work from Aurora University, where she also completed an endorsement in School Social Work. She is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW #35039).  Joni joined the HELP Program in July 2025, bringing over a decade of diverse child welfare experience across five Midwest states. Her background includes work in foster care licensing, domestic and foster care adoptions, permanency planning, parent education, family reunification, and crisis intervention.

Throughout her career, Joni has remained deeply committed to family advocacy, permanency-focused care, and collaborative service delivery. She is passionate about helping families navigate services and systems through trauma-informed, strength-based practices and meaningful partnerships with both professionals and caregivers to support the best outcomes for children and families.

“I am honored to walk alongside families as they navigate the ongoing journey of adoption and foster care. Hearing their stories, witnessing their resilience, and offering support through both the joyful and challenging moments is a privilege I don’t take lightly.”

Heather earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Alliant University (formerly California School of Professional Psychology-CSPP) in 2000 and became a Licensed Child Psychologist in Minnesota in 2003 (LP #4477). She was among the first cohort to graduate with the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) from the University of Minnesota and to become TAC certified (Trained in Adoption Competency) by the Center for Adoption Support and Education.

Heather spent 23 years as a licensed psychologist specializing in early childhood trauma, attachment, and loss. Dedicating her clinical practice to supporting children and families in adoptive and kinship placements, she mastered the use of Experiential Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy, and in turn trained other therapists in these modalities. Heather regularly provided IEP and school-based support for the children she served, and has historically offered presentations on developmental trauma, attachment loss, play therapy, as well as the complex challenges associated with an FASD and related conditions.

Now embarking on her “second chapter”, Heather has transitioned from direct clinical care to the HELP Program team. In this role, she empowers individuals and families through psychoeducation and advocacy, connecting them with vetted therapists, trauma-responsive resources, and vital community expertise.

“Every child, and most especially those within our adoptive, foster care and kinship communities, deserves support and care that is compassionate, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, trauma-responsive, and tailored to their unique needs. May we all be safe ground for the children in our world to feel truly seen, heard and loved.” 

Christina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Hamline University. She has received ongoing and extensive training in a variety of issues related to child welfare and adoption, including the National Adoption Competency Child Welfare Training Initiative through the Institute for Innovation and Implementation at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She also received her Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) from the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the University of Minnesota.

Christina’s experience working in child welfare and adoption dates back to 2004, where she served as a Guardian ad Litem for Ramsey County. From 2006 to 2017, she filled a variety of support, advocacy, education, and leadership development-centric roles with the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC). She went on to work as a Permanency Specialist for Ampersand Families, and most recently as the Family and Drop-In Case Manager at Oasis for Youth. She also served as a Sexual Violence Crisis Advocate with Ramsey County for 12 years.

“We understand how difficult it can be at times for families to find and ask for the help they need. It matters deeply when families entrust us to walk alongside them as a supportive presence as they navigate this lifelong journey. It is important that families know they are not alone.”

Mariah is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW # 24401) and earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from Southwest Minnesota State University. She has completed the child welfare track for the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training (NTI) through the Institute for Innovation & Implementation at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. She is also certified in Permanency and Adoption Competency (PACC) through the University of Minnesota.

Mariah began her career in child welfare in 2015 as a Child Protection Social Worker and went on to supervise a Child Protection Unit. She has knowledge about the child welfare system from intake through permanency and is passionate about connecting with families and helping them navigate through life’s many challenges. Mariah joined Foster Adopt Minnesota in July of 2024 as a Post-Permanency Navigator.

“While permanency can often feel like the end of a long journey, in many ways, it is just the beginning. I want families to feel supported and to have someone to turn to as they enter life post-permanency. At a time when other service providers are phasing out, I want families to know there is still someone they can turn to when they have questions or need advice.”