Staff

Sue Hollar, LCSW-C, LICSW

Executive Director & CEO

BS, Lenoir-Rhyne University; MSW, Syracuse University

shollar [at] barkerfoundation.org

Sue heads The Barker Adoption Foundation, one of the nation’s leading and oldest comprehensive adoption organizations. Her experience includes nearly three decades of social work practice focused exclusively on child welfare and adoption work locally, nationally, and internationally. She previously served in numerous roles at Barker. Sue’s experience includes direct-service and managerial positions in foster care, treatment foster care, and independent living programs. Prior to her work at Barker, she directed programs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau supporting the federally mandated child and family services reviews and title IV-E foster care eligibility reviews of state child welfare agencies. Sue has also developed and conducted training for foster care and adoption staff throughout the country and serves on the National Training and Development Curriculum for Foster and Adoptive Parents Content Committee.

Beverly N. Clarke, LCSW-C, LICSW

Senior Director of Clinical & Support Services

BSW, Andrews University; MSW, Andrews University

bclarke [at] barkerfoundation.org

Beverly is the Senior Director of Clinical & Support Services and responsible for managing, developing, implementing, and providing oversight and quality assurance for the clinical aspects of the work provided by the agency’s adoption and support programs. Beverly has more than 21 years of experience as a social worker and clinician, with many of those years focusing on children and families. Previously, Beverly was the Director of Barker’s Project Wait No Longer. Prior to Barker, Beverly worked in the foster care system, family preservation programs, and domestic and international adoption programs. As an adoptive parent herself, she brings both a personal and professional understanding of the adoption process as well as a passion for supporting families and achieving permanency for children.

Cynthia Cubbage, LCSW-C, LICSW

Director of Family and Post-Adopt Services

BSW, James Madison University; MSW, University of Central Florida

ccubbage [at] barkerfoundation.org

Cynthia heads the Family and Post-Adoption Services Department at The Barker Adoption Foundation. She provides oversight of Search & Reunion Services, Support Groups, the Clinical Counseling Program, and Training & Education Services at The Barker Adoption Foundation. She has 20 years of experience dedicated to serving children and families in leadership and clinical therapy positions through non-profit work and county government agencies.  She has focused on child advocacy efforts, analyzing public local policies, developing innovative programming for youth/children, and provided clinical therapy to children and adolescents. Cynthia’s area of expertise is in providing pre and post-adoption services in a variety of local, national, and international agencies to anyone touched by adoption.  She and her wife are parents by adoption of two wonderful children.

Emily Marshall, LICSW, LCSW-C

International Program Director

BA, Kenyon College, MSW, Catholic University

emarshall [at] barkerfoundation.org

Emily joins the clinical team at Barker in her role as the International Program Director. Previously, Emily has worked as a School Social Worker, providing ongoing clinical counseling and case management, as Child and Family Therapist with YMCA’s Linkages to Learning Program, and as a Social Worker for children in the foster care system in New York. In addition to her clinical experience, Emily brings her Spanish speaking skills to the clinical team. She is very excited to translate her wealth of knowledge and experience working directly with children into working on behalf of children who are in need of forever homes.

Michele Mazzei

Director of Development

mmazzei [at] barkerfoundation.org

Michele is the Director of Development and responsible for crafting, implementing and managing development and fundraising strategies. She is also responsible for expanding and deepening relationships with the Barker Adoption Foundation community.

With ten years’ experience as a manager and individual contributor in a fast-paced, mission and metrics driven environment at the American Heart Association, and account management and business process experience at Siemens, she is a successful architect and implementer of strategic and tactical development plans that aligned with organizational mission.

Michele has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a National Rome Betts Award winner for consistent performance, leadership, professionalism, and dedication; an award granted annually to those who value and exhibit integrity, excellence, vision, dedication, inclusiveness and sensitivity in their work. With a business mind and mission heart, she thrives in meaningful and challenging roles that benefit children and families.    

Saara McEachnie, LICSW, LCSW-C

Director of Domestic Adoptions

BSW, Oakwood University; MSW, Western Michigan University

smceachnie [at] barkerfoundation.org

Saara is the Director of Domestic Adoptions, the integrated program of Project Wait No Longer (PWNL) and Infant Adoptions. Saara came to The Barker Adoption Foundation in 2018 with over eleven years of experience working with children and families. She spent the first years of her career working with children who were diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and assisting families of soldiers who had served overseas in the military. The majority of Saara's experience has been with the public child welfare system, helping children to achieve permanency either through reunification with their birth parents or through adoption/guardianship with a loving and able caregiver. Saara worked on supervisory teams to implement evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment models to best serve the vulnerable population of children within the foster care system in the District of Columbia. Her passion is mostly found in ensuring happy, healthy, and loving families for children.

Libby Powell

Director Marketing and Communications

BA Trinity College, Hartford CT, MBA Georgetown University

lpowell [at] barkerfoundatio.org

Libby is the Director of Marketing and Communications, and is responsible for strengthening the Barker brand and supporting and growing all program work to expand engagement and services with the adoption community. Libby has over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, including work for Fortune 100 companies earlier in her career, and more recently, 7 years with non-profit, mission organizations. Libby has a wide range of skills, including digital, research, innovation, and analytics.

Libby is inspired and thrilled to work for Barker to assist in any way she can to expand Barker’s stellar reputation and deliver Barker’s services to help make and support happy families with adoptive children.

Nancy E. Wilkinson, CPA

Director of Finance and Administration

B.A., University of Maryland M.S., Accounting, Georgetown University

nwilkinson [at] barkerfoundation.org

Nancy joined The Barker Adoption Foundation as Director of Finance and Administration in March 2020. In this role, she is responsible for Financial and Accounting operations, Human Resources and Benefit Administration, and Operations Administration. As a CPA, she brings a broad range of experience to Barker, in both public accounting and other finance management roles for several large nonprofits. Nancy is thrilled to be able to utilize her accounting skills to support the amazing Barker staff.

Sami Albert, LCSW-C, LICSW

Pregnancy Counselor & Family Support Specialist

BA, The Pennsylvania State University; MSW, University of Maryland, Baltimore

salbert [at] barkerfoundation.org

Sami is the Pregnancy Counselor and Family Support Specialist for the Domestic Infant Adoptions program. Sami had spent much of her social work career working for the public child welfare system in Washington, DC prior to coming to The Barker Adoption Foundation.  In her previous role, Sami worked with children and families to achieve permanency, whether through reunification with birth parents, adoption, or guardianship.  She has worked with children and families that have experienced high levels of trauma and often had multiple mental health diagnoses.  Sami uses her clinical experience working with families to enhance the adoption process for children, birth parents, and adoptive families.  

Caitlin Alfaro

Domestic Adoption Program Support Specialist

George Mason University - B.S, Criminology Law and Society

calfaro [at] barkerfoundation.org

Caitlin serves as the Domestic Adoption Program Support Specialist for families in both the Infant and Project Wait No Longer Programs. She works closely with families and outside agencies from home study to finalization. Before coming to Barker, Caitlin served in the U.S Army as an Administrative Support Specialist, serving a tour of duty overseas. As an adoptee and birth mother herself, she brings both a personal and professional understanding of the adoption process and a passion for serving children and families in our domestic program.

Victoria Alves, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C

Adoption-Competent Child, Family, and Adolescent Therapist

BSW, Simmons University, MSW, Rhode Island College

Victoria was transracially adopted from China as an infant and grew up in Massachusetts. Her previous work history includes: supervising visitation between parents and their children, working as a school counselor in a public charter school, providing intensive, home-based therapy to children with intense emotional and behavioral needs, and providing clinical case management to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Victoria believes strongly in client-oriented services and that everyone should have access to the opportunities and support that they need to succeed. Victoria is also passionate about self-improvement and continuing to learn throughout your life. At Barker, Victoria is focused on working with children, young adults, parents, and family units to understand what adoption means to them and to provide a safe, supportive space for everyone to flourish. She currently lives with her partner, their two cats, and their dog. When not at Barker, you can find Victoria reading, rock climbing, or at trivia.

Katie Ambush

Post-Adoption Support Specialist

kambush [at] barkerfoundation.org

As Barker's Post-Adoption Support Specialist, Katie brings her wonderful personality and many great skills to the department.  She is an aspiring social worker currently enrolled in the BSW program at the University of Maryland Shady Grove. Katie has worked in administrative roles and provided direct service in the mental health field as well as with individuals with differing abilities. Katie enjoys utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach to helping individuals achieve their goals and realize their power. Katie is also an adoptee, and she brings with her a personal perspective on the importance of post-adopt services. Katie loves spending time with her two goofy dogs, her spouse, and long-time friends.

Eiyack Cacho Ayala

International Program Support Specialist

American University, B.A, International Relations (May 2020), Currently Enrolled at the George Washington Law School

eayala [at] barkerfoundation.org

Eiyack is the International Program Support Specialist. After earning his bachelor's degree, Eiyack served as a Volunteer Missionary in Oregon, working with at-risk populations such as people experiencing homelessness, undocumented persons, and at-risk Youth. As his one-year commitment culminated, Eiyack returned to the DMV area and worked at a law firm advocating for U.S. Veterans. He’s currently attending law school part-time through the Evening Program at GW Law. His educational background, language skills, and deep desire to help and serve those around him allow Eiyack to better empathize and assist the families throughout the adoption process.

Virginia Downes

Adoption Home Study Case Manager

B.A., The University of the South

vdownes [at] barkerfoundation.org

Virginia serves as the case manager for families completing their home studies as well as the super user for our online platform, MyAdoptionPortal. Virginia joined our team after completing a year of service with AmeriCorps, where she worked in the DC public school system. She has a passion for women's and children’s issues and enjoys putting her skills to work on behalf of the children and families we serve across our programs.

Kaitlin Fischer, LICSW, LMSW

International Case Manager & Family Support Specialist

BSW, James Madison University; MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University

kfischer [at] barkerfoundation.org

As our International Case Manager & Family Support Specialist, Kaitlin provides support to families in Barker’s international adoption programs and is responsible for the review of child referrals and matching with prospective adoptive families. Prior to coming to Barker in 2019, Kaitlin worked for a non-profit serving families experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Washington, DC area. Kaitlin is passionate about serving children and families and is excited to continue this work in the adoption field.

Missy Herendeen, LCSW-C, LGSW

Adoption-Competent Child, Family, and Adolescent Therapist

MSW, Catholic University of America’s National School of Social Services

mherendeen [at] barkerfoundation.org

“Missy” (Melissa Herendeen), is Barker's Adoption-Competent Child, Family, and Adolescent Therapist. She is passionate about walking with individuals as they work to gain insights and find their voice in their personal narrative, using storytelling, meditation, and the mind-body connection.  Missy’s focus at Barker is working with children, adolescents, and families. Her previous work has equipped her with skills to work with clients and their families as they process and heal from trauma, work through grief and shame, and gain tools they can utilize in their ongoing journey to create a safe environment to explore complex emotions and thoughts.

Mary Oberheim

Development Associate

moberheim [at] barkerfoundation.org

Mary comes to Barker with considerable experience and ability across all areas of office administration and a long-time passion for children. Prior to joining Barker in March of 2022, Mary served as the development associate at a social policy non-profit in Washington, D.C., where she successfully applied her administrative and people skills to individual giving campaigns, 50th-anniversary events and activities, donor relations, outreach, and acknowledgment. She also administratively supported the foundation side of fundraising with grant tracking, record-keeping, and grant report preparation.

Mary’s role at Barker is to provide administrative and technical support to development activities associated with contributions, grants, events, donor and volunteer engagement, and stewardship. She brings a valued knowledge to the team, a willingness to go beyond expectations, and a commitment to engage and support all in the adoption and foster care community.

Halle Stanley

Digital Marketing and Outreach Manager

Howard University

Hstanley [at] barkerfoundation.org

Halle graduated from Howard University with a B.A. in Strategic, Legal and Management Communications. Since college, Halle has built extensive marketing skills especially in social media strategy and management, and we are thrilled that she is joining our team. Halle has worked for 2 marketing agencies, Congressman Elijah Cummings from Maryland’s 7th District, a leading civil rights advocate before his death in 2019, and AME Metropolitan Church.

Elena Taylor, LMSW

Clinical Intake and Family Support Specialist

BSW, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; MSW, Salisbury University

etaylor [at] barkerfoundation.org

Elena is the Clinical Intake and Family Support Specialist. She is responsible for completing intakes, providing clinical support, and oversight of the home study process for all of Barker's adoption programs. Before Barker, Elena worked with the geriatric population, gaining clinical, assessment, and intake skills. As an international adoptee herself, Elena brings a unique perspective and personal passion for adoption. Elena is excited to expand her clinical knowledge and experience through her work at Barker, with a population that is near and dear to her.

Sandy Batton, LICSW, LCSW-C

Home Study Social Worker

BS, University of Pittsburgh; MSW, University of Cincinnati

Sandy has worked in the field of adoption since 1995.  Throughout that time, she has worked with adoptive families, expectant parents considering adoption, and birth parents and adult adopted persons interested in search and reunion.  Since 2007, she has served as a Home Study Social Worker at Barker, where she supports adoptive parents and children throughout the adoption process.

Lisa Bridges

Home Study Social Worker

Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Social who has been working in Child Welfare in Maryland and Washington, DC since 1999.  What started out as a case management position with a foster care agency in Prince George’s County has turned into a career devoted to helping to build and strengthen families touched by all aspects of foster care and adoption.  Lisa has been with the Barker Adoption Foundation since 2006 working as a home study social worker, preadoption group facilitator, and birth parent counselor.  In addition to her work with Barker, Lisa sees clients at her private practice in Anne Arundel County and at a substance abuse recovery facility for women.  

Molly McKenna, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW

Home Study Social Worker

BA, Boston College, MSW, Catholic University

Molly is a home study social worker with Barker.  Prior to joining Barker, Molly worked as a behavioral health and oncology social worker at the National Institutes of Health.  She also has vast experience working with immigrant and refugee families and advocating for the fair treatment of immigrants. She is passionate about working with vulnerable populations and adoptive families. 

Eliza Niemann

Home Study Social Worker

B.A., The University of Virginia MSW, The Catholic University of America - School of Social Service

Eliza is a clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the adoption field and has had the pleasure of working with adoptive families, birth parents and adoptees.  She has been part of the Barker staff since 2003.  Currently, the focus of her work involves preparing families to adopt a child through Barker's domestic and international adoption programs and supporting them during the post-placement period.  Since 2007, Eliza has facilitated the Pre-Adoption Group Training that is required for all families adopting through Barker.  Eliza also has the great joy of being an adoptive parent.  Eliza and her husband adopted their daughter from Guatemala in 2006.  She believes that being an adoptive parent herself has enriched her work in the adoption field. 

Theodore C. Reynolds, LCSW-C, LICSW

Home Study Social Worker

BSW, Stony Brook University; MSW, Columbia University

Ted is a home study social worker who joined Barker in 2018. Prior to coming to Barker, Ted worked in the public child welfare system. He initially  trained and assessed foster parents to work with children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Ted has also worked with children and families to achieve permanency through reunification, guardianship or adoption with a loving permanent family. Ted also has a background in mental health as a result of his experience working with mental health patients at a hospital in Baltimore city. 

Victoria Alves, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C

Adoption-Competent Child, Family, and Adolescent Therapist

BSW, Simmons University, MSW, Rhode Island College

Victoria was transracially adopted from China as an infant and grew up in Massachusetts. Her previous work history includes: supervising visitation between parents and their children, working as a school counselor in a public charter school, providing intensive, home-based therapy to children with intense emotional and behavioral needs, and providing clinical case management to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Victoria believes strongly in client-oriented services and that everyone should have access to the opportunities and support that they need to succeed. Victoria is also passionate about self-improvement and continuing to learn throughout your life. At Barker, Victoria is focused on working with children, young adults, parents, and family units to understand what adoption means to them and to provide a safe, supportive space for everyone to flourish. She currently lives with her partner, their two cats, and their dog. When not at Barker, you can find Victoria reading, rock climbing, or at trivia.

Katie Ambush

Post-Adoption Support Specialist

kambush [at] barkerfoundation.org

As Barker's Post-Adoption Support Specialist, Katie brings her wonderful personality and many great skills to the department.  She is an aspiring social worker currently enrolled in the BSW program at the University of Maryland Shady Grove. Katie has worked in administrative roles and provided direct service in the mental health field as well as with individuals with differing abilities. Katie enjoys utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach to helping individuals achieve their goals and realize their power. Katie is also an adoptee, and she brings with her a personal perspective on the importance of post-adopt services. Katie loves spending time with her two goofy dogs, her spouse, and long-time friends.

Cynthia Cubbage, LCSW-C, LICSW

Director of Family & Post-Adopt Services and Adoption Competent Family, Child, and Adolescent Therapist

Cynthia heads the Family and Post-Adoption Services Department at The Barker Adoption Foundation. She provides oversight of Search & Reunion Services, Support Groups, the Clinical Counseling Program, and Training & Education Services at The Barker Adoption Foundation. She has 20 years of experience dedicated to serving children and families in leadership and clinical therapy positions through non-profit work and county government agencies.  Cynthia’s area of expertise is in working with children and teens with ADHD, anxiety, LGBTQ Youth and families, depression, attachment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), adoption related grief and loss, international search and reunion, multi-racial/cultural family counseling, emotional/behavioral disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.  Cynthia has provided numerous trainings and workshops at the national and international level.  She and her wife are parents by adoption of two wonderful children.

Barbara Donesky, LCSWC, LICSW

Barbara Donesky has more than 20 years of experience providing individual counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling and group therapy. Her style is interactional, holistic and strengths-based. Barbara facilitates two support groups at Barker- Parents of Adopted Teens and Older Children Support Group and the Parents of Young Adults Support Group.  Recently voted as one of the top three couples counselors in Washington, D.C.  Much of her work with couples involves healing from infidelity, which can be sexual or emotional. As for individual therapy, Barbara’s areas of expertise are grief/loss, substance abuse, adoption, and infertility.

Missy Herendeen, LCSW-C, LGSW

Adoption-Competent Child, Family, and Adolescent Therapist

MSW, Catholic University of America’s National School of Social Services

She is passionate about walking with individuals as they work to gain insights and find their voice in their personal narrative, using storytelling, meditation, and the mind-body connection.  Missy’s focus at Barker is working with children, adolescents and families. Her previous work has equipped her with skills to work with clients and their families as they process and heal from trauma, work through grief and shame, and gain tools they can utilize in their ongoing journey to create a safe environment to explore complex emotions and thoughts.

Kristen Reighard

Nationally Certified Counselor

Kristen Reighard is a Nationally Certified Counselor who has worked with Barker for over 10 years. She facilitates Barker’s monthly Adult Adoptee Discussion Group.  In addition, she co-facilitates Barker’s Adopted Kids' & Teens' Groups throughout the year. Kristen is also an adoptee herself. She was transracially adopted as a baby from Seoul, South Korea and grew up in New Jersey.  She has been married for 7 years and has a son and daughter.

Ellen Singer, LCSW-C

Adoption-Competent Adult Therapist

Ellen Singer, LCSW-C, (Adoption-Competent Adult Therapist) co-facilitates the Birth Parent Discussion group,  provides parent and professional education and training; search and reunion counseling, and individual, couple and family counseling for adoptive parents and adopted adults at the Barker Adoption Foundation. Ellen has dedicated her 35+ years career to providing pre and post adoption services in non-profit, private adoption and mental health organizations. As an experienced therapist and trainer for both parent and professionals, her areas of expertise include making the decision to adopt, open adoption, search and reunion, transracial/transcultural adoption, relationship issues. She has been a key author/contributor to a number of adoption/foster care publications. Ellen and her husband are parents by adoption and by birth of two wonderful adult children.

Estella Swain

Estella Swain is a peer parent coach with over 20 years of experience in the child welfare field. Estella is a former foster parent and has attained the title of “mom” through several different avenues, including adoption, and really values and acknowledges the different paths to parenthood. Estella has a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of adoptive parenting, and she is passionate about helping adoptive families thrive.

As a peer parent coach, Estella provides individualized support and guidance to adoptive families. She helps families develop positive parenting skills, build strong relationships with their children, and overcome challenges. Estella also provides education and resources to adoptive families, and she has worked to connect families with other adoptive families and resources in their community.

Estella is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of Swain Management Group where she works with agencies across the nation to help move the needle on their child welfare goals and practices and affect change that leads to more positive outcomes for our children, youth, and families. Estella is an excellent thought partner for families, children, older youth, communities, leaders, stakeholders, and private and non-profit agencies throughout the nation.  Her professional and lived experiences coupled with her unrivaled passion make her invaluably vested in affecting positive change in the child welfare arena. Estella has worked diligently in this field and with communities nationwide to recognize the value of thinking outside of the box to find new and innovative ways to work on overcoming barriers that exist for children, youth, and families.