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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
Hadley Turner
Birth Parent Advocate
Hadley received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. She has spent the last 6 years working with youth in different capacities. Hadley loves getting to know people and supporting them on their life journey. During her free time, she enjoys reading, going for walks, dancing with her little cousins, and going to the movie theater with a large slushie in hand. Hadley is looking forward to meeting with birth parents and getting to support them during this time.
Hadley received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. She has spent the last 6 years working with youth in different capacities. Hadley loves getting to know people and supporting them on their life journey. During her free time, she enjoys reading, going for walks, dancing with her little cousins, and going to the movie theater with a large slushie in hand. Hadley is looking forward to meeting with birth parents and getting to support them during this time.
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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