Kathleen has lived in Jacksonville for nearly 30 years and brings over three decades of adoption experience. She joined Connecting Hearts Adoption in 2015 and is known for her steady support and calming presence. Her personal connection to adoption helps families feel at ease throughout the process. Kathleen is married and the proud mom of two young adults who keep life full and lively.

Susan brings more than 20 years of experience in the adoption field and has worked alongside Amy for over a decade. She has extensive experience supporting both adoptive families and expectant parents, helping clients feel informed and confident in their decisions. Families appreciate her steady guidance and thoughtful approach throughout the process. Susan lives in Tampa Bay with her husband and two young children who keep her busy and on the go.

Alice has worked with families and children for more than 30 years and has been part of Connecting Hearts Adoption since 2012. Her counseling background helps families feel comfortable and at ease during the home study process. Clients value her compassion, enthusiasm, and steady advocacy every step of the way. Alice lives in Fort Lauderdale, where she enjoys the beach and spending time with her family.

Cayuna brings strong experience working with children and families and joined the Connecting Hearts team in 2023. She previously served as a child welfare case manager, where she was especially passionate about helping children achieve permanency through reunification or adoption. That experience deepened her commitment to adoption and supporting families through the process. Cayuna lives in Palm Beach County with her fiancée and their two young daughters. In her downtime, she enjoys relaxing with an occasional massage or mani-pedi.

Mariced has been a licensed social worker in Florida for more than 10 years and is the newest member of the Connecting Hearts team. She has experience in both the public and private sectors of adoption, as well as work in hospital and geriatric settings, though her true passion has always been adoption. She considers it an honor to help bring families together. Mariced lives in Sunrise with her two dogs and two cats and is proudly bilingual.

Jackie brings extensive experience working with children and families and joined Connecting Hearts Adoption in 2022. She began her social work career in New York before relocating to South Florida in 2013 to start her family. Jackie has supported both birth parents and adoptive families in private and public sectors, developing a natural ability to connect with clients and guide them through the adoption process with clarity and care. She lives in Boca Raton with her husband and two young boys and enjoys tackling DIY projects and creating new adventures with her family.

Lynnette is excited to join the Connecting Hearts team and brings extensive experience working with children and families. Originally from the Midwest, she relocated to South Florida to pursue her career in social work. She has worked in both public and private adoptions and understands the unique nuances of each, always advocating for the children and families involved. Her clinical background allows her to engage openly and comfortably with clients throughout the adoption process. Lynnette lives in Miami with her husband and child and enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, and getting lost in a good book.

Patti was born and raised in Tallahassee and is proud to still call it home. She brings more than 25 years of experience working with children and families and joined the Connecting Hearts team in 2021. With a background in both public and private sectors, Patti understands the sensitivity and range of emotions involved in the adoption process. Families quickly feel at ease with her gentle and steady approach. Patti is married with three daughters and enjoys time with her family, weekends at the beach, and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles.

Taryn discovered her calling while working with children and families and has experience in both the public and private sectors. She joined Connecting Hearts in 2021, and adoption is both deeply personal and meaningful to her. Taryn is passionate about helping create and strengthen families through every step of the process. She lives in West Palm Beach with her husband, daughter, and their Brussels Griffon, and enjoys spending time outdoors exploring all that Florida has to offer.

Melissa calls North Florida home and brings more than 10 years of experience working with adults, children, and families. She joined Connecting Hearts in 2022 and has worked across a variety of social service settings, including mental health, geriatric care, addiction and recovery, at-risk youth, and victim advocacy. Supporting children and families is where her heart is, and she is deeply passionate about helping people grow their families through adoption.

Marzena is excited to join the Connecting Hearts team and brings extensive experience working with children and families. Her interest in adoption began while working in the Child Welfare adoption unit, where she recruited families for children in foster care. She has continued her work in adoption since 2004, supporting families as they pursue their dream of building a forever family. Marzena’s clinical background allows her to engage openly and comfortably with families throughout the process. She lives in Parrish, Florida, and enjoys spending time with her two young adult children, traveling, and getting lost in a good mystery novel.

Tiffany is a compassionate social worker with many years of experience supporting children and families. In addition to her adoption work, she has served in the public sector, as a medical social worker, and within a school setting. Tiffany is known for building strong, trusting relationships and guiding families through the adoption process with warmth and steady support. She believes deeply in the power of hope and empowerment in her work. Originally from New Orleans, Tiffany has called Jacksonville home for the past 20 years. She is the proud mother of one and values the importance of family and connection.

Geralyn joined the Connecting Hearts team in 2025 and brings more than 25 years of adoption experience. Clients quickly feel at ease with her warm, welcoming presence. Adoption is deeply personal to Geralyn, and she is passionate about supporting both expectant parents and adoptive families throughout the process. Recently remarried, she and her husband share five adult children and nine grandchildren who bring constant joy to their lives.

We are thrilled to welcome Tara back to Connecting Hearts. She first joined the team in 2019 and returned in 2026, bringing more than 18 years of both personal and professional adoption experience. Tara has walked her own adoption journey as an adoptee and as a birth parent in an open adoption, offering families a unique and deeply personal perspective. Clients value her insight and understanding as she supports them through each step of the process. Tara lives in Jacksonville with her husband and enjoys spending time with her two daughters and stepdaughter who keep life full and busy.