About Nathanson Adoption's Staff
 Helene M. Nathanson,
MHDL, is the Executive Director and founder of Nathanson Adoption Services. Prior to forming these agencies, Helene provided adoption counseling, home study and
post-placement services as a social worker for several North Carolina adoption agencies. She has taught seminars on
adoptive parent preparation and education on behalf of various adoption agencies and adoptive parent support groups. She
is a frequent presenter throughout North Carolina on adoption topics concerning both international and domestic adoption,
and has appeared many times on television and radio programs.
Helene co-authored "Adoption Q and A" which appeared in the February 2001 issue of Baltimore's Child, "Adopting" which appeard in the Research Triangle's Carolina
Parent magazine, "Local Adoption Options", an article in the November 2000 issue of Charlotte Parent magazine, and "Adoption: What You Should Know" which was published
in Wilmington, NC's Wilmington Parent magazine in November 2003. She teaches "The ABC's of Adoption" for Central Piedmont Community College.
Helene holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Northeastern University and a Master's Degree in Human Development
and Learning from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As the mother of two, she is a deeply committed advocate
for children. In 1995, Helene was appointed by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners to serve on the Mecklenburg
County Youth Services Advisory Board. She has also served as a District Court Custody and Visitation Mediator in Mecklenburg
County. A member of Mensa, Helene brings intelligence, compassion and dedication to her work with adoptive families.
"Helene was there for us literally from day one of our adoption journey. Our home study was a breeze,
she sheparded us through INS smoothly, and she even introduced us to local families who had completed similar adoptions.
We feel very fortunate to have worked with Nathanson Adoption Services."
| - Greg and Ginger, Charlotte |
"Helene, I am not that spiritual of a person, but I really believe that God led me to you. I am sure
that had I not found you, I would not have this child today."
| - Dr. Shelly West, Wilmington |
"During our home study, Helene gave us some advice that has made us forever
grateful to her. She talked to us at length about forming an attachment to our
son, and recommended that for as long as possible, we should be the only ones
to feed him, change his diapers, and rock him to sleep. That advice was
priceless. Not only did it work, but I truly believe that is why our son has bonded
so well with us."
Brad Nathanson
A graduate of the University of Georgia, and a current MSW candidate at UNC Charlotte, Brad brings a great deal of compassion and understanding to his work with our families. He is our international traveler, having conducted home studies in Morocco and Okinawa, and Brad continues to give adoption presentations throughout North Carolina. Brad absolutely loves working with families, and walking them through the homestudy process. He is a friendly, knowledgeable social worker who enjoys adding humor to the homestudy experience!
"Thank you for making us feel comfortable and relaxed."
 Cathy Harris - Charlotte - pictured with her daughters Lily and Anna
Cathy Harris has over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages, as well as experience working with individuals and in marriage and family counseling. She has worked in all facets of social services, in outpatient clinic type settings, and as a therapist in a level III residential treatment facility. She received her Bachelors in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University in 1997 and her Masters in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2002. She earned her LCSW in February of 2005.
Cathy became involved in the adoption field at the encouragement of her sister who works with adoptive couples in South Florida. Cathy truly enjoys working with the adoptive families and having the opportunity to meet such amazing individuals. Cathy has two daughters, Lily and Anna. She and her family reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.
 Paige Matthews - Charlotte - pictured with her daughter Abby
Paige Matthews, one of our Charlotte area social workers, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Roanoke College. She taught in the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools for seven years, and loved working with children and parents.
Having decided to adopt, Paige and her husband Mike selected Nathanson Adoption Services to do their home study. During the process, we came to know Paige
and appreciate her warmth, intelligence, and true dedication to children. When her adoption was complete, we offered her a job as a home study social worker! Paige
knows, first-hand, how scary and nerve wracking the adoption journey can be, and she brings a special empathy and understanding to her client interviews. Having been
touched so profoundly by adoption, Paige loves being a part of our families' adoption experience!
"Having gone through a home study herself, Paige understands that this is one of the scariest things we
face in adoption. She has a wonderful way of making people feel so comfortable."
| - Keli and Tim, Lexington, NC |
"We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Paige Matthews. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but we were pleasantly surprised by how accessible and friendly she was! Bob and I felt comfortable talking to her about everything, and she always responded with a perfect combination of professionalism and understanding. Thank you for sending her our way!"
| - Elizabeth and Bob, Charlotte |
Pat Gibson, LCSW - Southern Shores and Outer Banks
Pat received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University, and Masters in Social Work from Catholic University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked with children and their families for more than 20 years, both as an adoption worker and as a family therapist in several settings. She has learned so much from working with families about resilience and the healing power of love. Pat and her husband moved to the Outer Banks three years ago and are now living out their dream. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren, two of whom were adopted from China.
 Stephanie Carter Seagraves, MA - Charlotte
Stephanie graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with majors in Psychology and Speech Communications. She completed one year of graduate study in clinical and school psychology before embarking on a corporate career. Returning to her passion in the helping professions, Stephanie earned her Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1995. She has counseled and educated individuals and groups in the areas of illness, grief, and trauma through her work with Hospice, the Chaplaincy office at Presbyterian Hospital, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Stephanie became an adoptive mother in 2000 when Bianca joined the family from Romania. This experience was life altering in many positive ways and led Stephanie to her current position assisting others who venture this path. She is honored to share the adoption journey and her parenting experiences and resources.
 Ann Dodd, MSW - Charlotte
Ann has lived and worked
in the Charlotte region since 1983. She has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, is a licensed clinical social worker and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers through the National
Association of Social Workers. She has over twenty years experience in child welfare and child and family therapy. When
she is not doing home studies for Nathanson Adoption Services, she provides child and family therapy services to adoptive
families. She has been an active participant in the Mecklenburg County Post Adoption Consortium and the Mecklenburg
County Post Adoption Alliance, co-authored a survey of adoptive families in Mecklenburg County and has written "Respite
and the Adoptive Family." Ann's passion is working with adoptive families whom she finds to be a healing resource for many
children.
Jennifer Overton, MSW - Huntersville & North Carolina
Jennifer is a longtime child advocate, with a special interest in foster care and adoption policy and practice. Jennifer possesses an undergraduate degree in pre-law and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Jennifer has been employed in the child welfare field for eight years, both in the private and public sectors. She is currently employed as a Permanency Planning social worker. Through her volunteer and employment experience, Jennifer has extensive experience in working with children and families who have experienced separation and loss, and with children who are suffering from attachment problems.
Jennifer now enjoys working with our adoptive families and witnessing the growing love and bond between children and their new parents as a family is created. Jennifer is a top-notch social worker who has been described by her families as “warm and professional”.
Melissa Davis, BSW - Charlotte
 Melissa received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. She spent ten years in the public child welfare system in Cincinnati, Ohio before moving to Charlotte. During that time, Melissa developed a professional passion for foster care and adoption issues. In December 2006, Melissa and her husband became adoptive parents themselves. Melissa was very appreciative of the opportunity extended by Nathanson Adoption Services to return to the field of adoption, and spend more time with Matthew. Melissa feels that her personal experience has made her an even stronger advocate for the adoptive families she has the pleasure of working with.
Michele Norman – Four Oaks, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Wilson areas
 Michele is a licensed clinical social worker, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Gardner-Webb College in Boiling Springs, NC. She went on to earn the Master of Social Work Degree, in 1994, from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Michele has many years of experience working with children and families in both the private not-for-profit and public sectors of social work, including child welfare, domestic violence, and mental health therapy.
Michele and her husband, John, have experienced first hand the joy of forming a family through adoption. They are the parents of two sweet, loving, beautiful, and silly girls, who were born in the People’s Republic of China. It was with the second adoption that the Normans were given the opportunity to partner with Nathanson Adoption Services. She is thrilled to have been recommended to the agency by her child-placing agency. Michele has both a personal and professional passion for adoption and considers it a gift to be able to share the journey with others.
Lisa Duncan, MA – Rutherfordton
Lisa and her husband Dwayne used Nathanson Adoption Services for the adoption of both of their children. Over the years, while completing a homestudy, post placement reports, a homestudy update, and more post placement reports, we came to know Lisa pretty well! When she told us that she was quitting her full-time job, we immediately offered her a position on our social work staff. Lisa was delighted to accept our offer, eager to share in the adoption joy of others. Her homestudy families appreciate her sensitivity and compassion.
Lisa has a Master's Degree in Counseling and has worked with families in the Rutherfordton area for the past 12 years. She is also the adoptive mom of two beautiful children, both born in Russia. Lisa understands the roller coaster of emotions that goes along with adopting and looks forward to working with others who are also on the beautiful journey of adoption.
"We really enjoyed getting to know Lisa"
Kim Alexander, MSSW – Apex and Raleigh area - Kim and her daughter Rachel, adopted from Guatemala
Kim is able to draw on both her personal and professional experiences in her work with adoptive families. She has worked extensively with children in the foster care system, and has provided therapy to children and families who are coping with trauma, attachment, and adjustment issues. Kim had taken a break from her career, in order to be home with her two sons, ages 7 and 10.
When she and her husband adopted their daughter (now age 2) from Guatemala, Kim looked at her Nathanson social worker and thought, "That's the perfect job for me!" After allowing time for her daughter's adjustment to the family, Kim was thrilled to begin working for the same agency who did such a wonderful job with her own homestudy.
Remembering her own nervous excitement during the homestudy process, Kim likes to put families at ease by letting them know what to expect. She is delighted to participate in uniting other adoptive families.
Kim received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 1990, from the College of William and Mary. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work Degree at the University of Texas at Austin, in 1995. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1999.
"Kim was wonderful to work with. She proved to be a great resource to us since she has been through the process herself. She gave us great ideas on ways to incorporate our child's heritage and culture into our life. Kim changed our perception of the homestudy process from a nervous, dreaded process to a fun and useful resource!"
Joyce Monney, MSW, LCSW – Greenville area
Joyce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive clinical experience working with children and families for over 17 years. She received her Masters of Social Work Degree from The University of Waterloo, in Ontario Canada, in 1990. Joyce has worked in a number of social service agencies since that time . Joyce and her family have made their home in Greenville, NC since May 1998. She is currently employed as a therapist at the Brody School of Medicine in an outpatient setting. Through her current employment, Joyce continues to work with children and families. Joyce has always been in awe of families who choose to adopt and is even more so when she shares in the adoption process with them.
Amy Kline - Sanford and Durham
Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland in 1993 and a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Southern Christian University in 2003. Amy has provided counseling for adults, children and families in many settings in the Triangle area. She has always loved to write and authors a bi-weekly advice column for her local newspaper, The Sanford Herald.
A mother of four children, Amy understands the joy and fulfillment children bring to our lives. She is thrilled to have the opportunity with Nathanson Adoption Services to share the adoption experience with families. Her goal is to make the home study process a wonderful experience for familes who are beginning the adoption journey.
Susan Farmer – Williamston, Greenville area, Outer Banks
Education: BS in Social Work and MA in Counseling with families and children. I have been a social worker for 30 years. For 12 years, I worked in Child Protective Services, foster care, and adoption. I have experience as a school counselor and have worked as a medical social worker for 10 years.
My husband and I have adopted a daughter in a domestic program and we adopted our youngest child in an international program. The experience that I have had personally with adoption has changed my life. I believe in adoption and the difference it makes in a child’s life, but most of all the difference it makes in the parents life also. Adoption is a beautiful option for families.
"We are so glad we went with your services for our homestudy. We had originally checked with another agency but I emailed you & your response was so enthusiastic that I just felt lead to go with you.
Susan has made our homestudy experience so meaningful. We will be sad/excited when our homestudy is complete but we hope to continue our relationship with her after the adoption. Her experience as an adoptive parent has been very helpful.
My husband is usually shy with strangers but he has been comfortable with Susan since the beginning. I thought the home visit would be the most nerve racking part of the process but we are looking forward to Susan's visit.
Thanks for being a part of our exciting adoption journey!"
June Freeman, MSW, P-LCSW – Fayetteville
June has 10 years of experience providing services to families as a foster care social worker and as a post adoption social worker. In 1993, she received a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from East Carolina University. Wanting to advance her knowledge in the human service field, June received a Bachelor of Social Work in 1997 from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and returned to her alma mater to receive a Masters of Social Work from East Carolina University in 2001. She is a Provisionally Licensed Clinical Worker with the state of North Carolina and she is employed as a Mental Health Counselor with Sandhills Center for MH/DD/SAS. She finds her work with Sandhills Center and Nathanson Adoption Services to be gratifying.
Susan Feinblatt, MS. - Asheville/Western North Carolina
Susan holds a Masters Degree in Counseling from the California State University, Northridge, is a nationally certified counselor, and has years of experience working with students and families in various settings.
Susan and her husband will soon be adoptive parents to a little girl from China, and she
has a personal understanding of, and empathy for those going through the homestudy process!
Susan feels priviliged to work with adoptive families during this exciting and special time in their lives.
Paige Warwick – Asheville
Paige attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Paige spent several years working as a recreation specialist at a children's psychiatric hospital and a community re-entry program for head injured adults. She received her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from UNC Chapel Hill and has worked in a rehabilitation hospital for the past 14 years.
Paige shared, “Having been through unsuccessful attempts to have biological children and then undergoing a heartbreaking situation with a local adoption agency - I feel as though working for Nathanson Adoptions is somewhat of a "passion" for me in that I try to make prospective adoptive parents feel at ease and not judged. I truly enjoy assisting families in reaching their dreams of becoming either first time parents or in extending their current family.”
"Paige was the perfect person for the job. The process went flawlessly under her guidance. She is really an asset to your organization."
 Shirley Gray McNeil, MSW - Linville Falls-Boone area and China Grove area
Shirley serves our families from two locations - the mountain area around Boone and from China Grove, covering the towns between Charlotte and Statesville. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For 25 years in the public sector, Shirley helped children who came to
their families through adoption, the foster system, and biologically. With two children and two grandchildren, Shirley
brings both personal and professional experience to her work with our families.
Shirley wrote, "I have learned a great deal from my adoptive families about strength, resilience, hope, and the power of
love and faith. Also, it is very gratifying to return for post-placement visits to see a child who had no one, who now
has a wealth of love, promise, and security."
A gentle person, Shirley has earned the nickname “Saint Shirley” in our office!
"Being a shy person it was difficult for me to divulge the personal details
of our life to a person we had just met. But Shirley was always sensitive to that,
reassured us and was a pleasure to have visit our home and family."
| - Renee and Greg, Asheville |
 Kimberly Miller, B.A. in Social Work - Clemmons & Greensboro - Pictured here with her children
Kim lives in Clemmons, NC, and is one of our Greensboro area social workers.
She worked in Family Preservation and Foster Care for four years, and then
contacted Nathanson Adoption Services about joining our staff. Married with two
young children, Kim appreciates that she can remain in the field of
child-placement, while still caring for her family. Our clients find Kim to be friendly,
down-to-earth, and warm - and we're thrilled to have her!!
One of Kim’s recent adoptive families wrote: “Kim has done a great job for us.
She is very warm and kind, and has a great sense of humor. We really do appriciate it.”
"I went to my daughter’s pediatrician and told her we’re planning on adopting. As an adoptive mother herself, the pediatrician was very supportive and enthusiastic. She said ‘You’ve GOT to use Nathanson Adoption, and you’ve GOT to request Kim Miller – she’s terrific'."
Cheryl Delagrange, MA - Greensboro
Cheryl’s daughter and son-in-law used Nathanson Adoption Services for the adoption of their daughter. Through them, she became impressed with the high quality of our work and the warm, empathetic social workers on our staff. When we had an opening for a social worker in the Greensboro area, she was eager to join us!!
Cheryl received a Masters Degree in Counseling from East Carolina University and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has worked in the public schools at all levels as a counselor and has loved working with families through Nathanson Adoption for the past three years.
Cheryl says: “Helping others through the adoption process with care and understanding has been the most rewarding work I have done. As the proud grandmother of an adopted grandchild from China, I try to bring my personal perspective of the adoption process to all families with whom I work . I cannot begin to tell others how wonderful it is to see a family I have worked with receive a child to love.”
"Cheryl was great - easy to talk to, accommodating, and considerate."
Francie Portnoy, MA - Greensboro
Francie has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. She is an adoptee who, for the past 15 years, has
been working in all phases of adoption, from post-adoption counseling to
placement work. In addition to her work as a homestudy social worker for
Nathanson Adoption Services, Francie also conducts training sessions and
workshops for adoption professionals and adoptive families. She has a
private counseling practice, and works with people individually and in group
settings.
Francie is the author of One Wonderful You, the highly regarded children's
adoption book. She feels that "there is nothing better than to be able to
work in an area that touches your heart."
Kathryn Keicher, MSW – Asheville
Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from North Carolina State University in 2001 and went on to receive a Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004, with a concentration in Child and Family practice. A clinical social worker, Kathryn has focused her career on working with children and families. She enjoys working with a diverse range of clients and learning about the unique strengths and life experiences each family brings to their adoption. All of Kathryn’s families adore her – and we can understand why!
"We had our last visit with Kathryn today. She was a joy to work with!"
Liz Railton - Cary
Liz holds an undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University. After years of managing a professional staff at Compaq Computer Corporation, Liz took time off to stay home with her children. She found fulfillment during this time working with children in volunteer roles at her church and local elementary school. Liz also worked as a crisis counselor with Interact, a non-profit organization for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
When re-entering the work force Liz was looking for an opportunity to help people realize their dreams and has found that through Nathanson Adoption Services. Adoption has always been a part of her life, with adopted family members and friends. When a friend who was working with Nathanson Adoption said "this is the perfect job for you", Liz decided to pursue it. Her friend was right. Our families feel immediately comfortable with Liz, and they can tell that she loves her job!
 Kristy Scheele, MSW - Raleigh - Kristy is pictured here with her daughter Peyton
Kristy is one of our social workers in the Raleigh area. She received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Masters Degree in Social Work from East Carolina University . She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of North Carolina , and has experience in counseling patients and their families. She worked for several years in an inpatient psychiatric hospital before joining Nathanson.
Kristy is married with a beautiful baby girl. She is enjoying being able to pursue her long-held passion for working with families, while also staying home with her little one.
"Kristy is so wonderful and easy to talk to"
 Christine Asfoury - Apex & Raleigh
Christine received her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. The majority of her work has been with children and families. Christine became acquainted with Nathanson Adoption Services after using them as her own homestudy agency to adopt her third child, a daughter from China. Christine says, “Since my husband and I went through the homestudy process too, I truly understand how my families feel before they meet me. Hopefully, by the end of our first meeting, they relax, knowing that I am not judging them, but I’m there to help. “ Christine describes the adoption of her daughter from China: “To personally experience adoption is to experience pure joy. It is a privilege to be involved with families as they go through their adoption journey. “
"We want to thank you for having an understanding and caring person such as Christine Asfoury help us with our homestudy. She was so willing to share her personal experiences and work with us on our schedule. She made a very stressful situation very enjoyable."
 Katy Odom, MA - Greenville - "Little" Washington area
With a Masters Degree in Counseling, Katy was recommended to us by her supervisor at work. She is a conscientious, charming woman who makes her families feel comfortable
from the very beginning of the homestudy process.
 Rose Bradshaw Northrop, MSW - Wilmington
Rose has a Master of Social Work Degree from Boston College, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She has extensive experience working with children and families and is currently working in private practice as a child and family therapist. She also has experience in providing therapy services to adoptive families.
Rose is married with two adult children She says: “I find working with adoptive families to be rewarding and fulfilling.”
 Cathy Jackson, MS - Swansboro, Jacksonville & Camp LeJeune area
Cathy is a licensed professional therapist, and lives in Swansboro, NC. She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from East Carolina University. She has extensive experience as a mental health counselor and therapist. Colleagues consider her “serious yet warm”. Cathy discovered that she loves working with adoptive families, and can relate to her own sense of fulfillment as a parent. “What I love most about my job is seeing the families bond and grow through the process of post placement interviews. There is joy in being part of such a positive life-changing experience”.
"I’ve got to tell you how lucky we feel to have Cathy as our social worker. What a kind and thoughtful woman she is. The thought of doing more meetings with her doesn’t bother us a bit. We’ll be glad to see her again. Thanks for having such a great person for us in eastern NC to help us extend our families. WE LOVE HER!"
Parisa Couzzi - Office Administrator
When you call our office, chances are the friendly voice you hear will be that of Parisa Couzzi, our Office Administrator. Parisa has fourteen years’ experience providing administrative support to senior level executives in the construction, service, and retail industries. In June 2006 Parisa felt compelled to change her focus and responded to an advertisement to work for Nathanson Adoption Services. “As the parent of a seven year child adopted domestically at birth I felt that this is where I should be. Every position I have had until now was just a job – now I feel fulfilled at the end of the day knowing that we are enabling others to experience the same joy I feel when I look at my daughter each day.”
Parisa is extremely well organized, warm, and knowledgeable. Feel free to call her with any homestudy questions – she loves helping our adoptive families!
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