Ashton Payne earned her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Governors State University, and went on to complete her respective Master’s degree at Indiana Technical Institute. As an adoptee of transracial adoption, Ashton has a unique perspective that enriches her approach to working in this field. With a background working with children in behavioral health and foster care settings, Ashton brings a deep understanding of the complexities involved in these areas.

Along with her wife Lori, Ashton is passionate about expanding their family through adoption in the coming years. Ashton is dedicated to supporting and preparing parents for the adoption process, as well as ensuring a smooth and successful adoption journey for the children served. With a commitment to advocacy and empowerment, Ashton looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the adoption community.

Beth earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana University and her Bachelor's of Science in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University. Beth has worked in the adoption field since 2021. Prior to that, Beth worked as a social worker in the health field for over ten years. Beth has always felt a calling to personally and professionally be involved in the adoption field.

Beth and her husband adopted their son domestically in 2019. She has developed a deep respect for the adoptive process and both the tough and wonderful journey it allows. She feels fortunate to have personal understanding of what adoptive parents experience. This has also helped her know how important it is to educate oneself on adoption and the possible needs of the adopted child. Beth is excited to walk alongside families in their adoption journey.

Tiffany Brandon Stoner is excited for the opportunity to join the Adoption Assistance team. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Indiana University/Bloomington and her Master’s degree in School Guidance Counseling from Spalding University. Tiffany has over 27 years of social work and counseling experience with children, families, and the community. She is the founder of three youth summer camps and a local non-profit organization.

Tiffany has three children Isiah (25), Nyla (20) and Brandon (15) and a dog Shadow. Her family keeps her busy and provides much joy, fun, and laughter. She loves to travel, read, roller skate, research, and develop programs. She is a firm believer of, “TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED” and believes in giving back to the community and making an impact in individuals’ lives.

Jameka received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tennessee State University in 2006. Shortly thereafter, she received her Master of Science from Tennessee State University in 2008. Jameka joined the Adoption Assistance team in 2022 and serves the west Tennessee area. Jameka has spent her career serving and empowering children and families. She has worked in the adoption field for the last 12 years preparing children and families for adoption. Jameka and her husband, Quantel, Sr. have a total of 3 beautiful children including Jameka bonus son Darius, along with Quantel, Jr. and baby Mya.

Kim has been married to Jason for almost 20 years. They met in college at the Baptist Student Union at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where Kim earned her Bachelors in Science Degree. Jason and Kim have 4 children, 3 biological and 1 internationally adopted. They both knew early on in their marriage that they wanted to adopt a child and have since been passionate about helping and supporting families walk through this journey. Together, Jason and Kim have led foster care and adoption support ministries at their church as well as served in orphanages overseas. We are thrilled to have Kim on our Adoption Assistance Team!

Elizabeth Newsom joined Adoption Assistance in 2015. Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She previously worked in adoptions through the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. Elizabeth and her husband have three beautiful children. She and her family live in Smyrna, Tennessee.

carole@adoptionassistance.com

Carole Ozment has worked with adoptive families since 2001 and joined the Adoption Assistance Tennessee staff in November 2011. She has a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Carole also has personal experience with adoption; she and her husband have two daughters who were adopted internationally. Carole feels honored to be a part of each family’s adoption journey.

Tennessee Office Director
tn@adoptionassistance.com

Karen Nixon has worked in the field of adoption since 2010. Prior to that, she worked with children as a counselor and behavior specialist. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Karen has three children, two biological sons and one daughter, adopted from China. In 2015, she attended the Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner training. She received the “Angels in Adoption” award in 2016. Karen considers it an honor and joy to walk alongside families during their adoption journey.

melisabell.joy@gmail.com

Melisa Bell joined the Adoption Assistance team in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy in 1996 from Eastern Kentucky University and she has provided occupational therapy services across the lifespan for 24 years in the Eastern Kentucky region. She is proud of her Appalachian heritage and has a strong passion for assisting children and families in Eastern Kentucky as they travel the journey of adoption, a road she herself has travelled. Melisa resides in Prestonsburg, Kentucky with her husband, Mike and their four children, Isaac adopted from Cambodia, Jonah adopted from Guatemala, Abby, also adopted from Guatemala, and Jacob, adopted domestically in 2020.

michelle@adoptionassistance.com

Michelle Jones joined Adoption Assistance in 2017. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Western Kentucky University and came to Adoption Assistance with over 22 years of professional experience in her work with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Michelle has a strong passion for adoption and is excited to help families through their adoption journey. Michelle resides in Louisville with her husband, Danny, and their son, Patrick.

tiffanisaltsman@yahoo.com

Tiffani Saltsman joined the Adoption Assistance team is 2016. She has an Early Childhood/Elementary Education degree from the University of Louisville. She taught Kindergarten for a couple of years before becoming a Stay at Home mom through adoption. She and her family of 5 (Jase- adopted from Utah, Lily-adopted from Mississippi and Tessa- adopted from Arkansas) reside in the Northern Kentucky area. Her family became an open foster home in January 2020, so now most of the time there are more than just the 5 of them! She has a passion for adoption and enjoys walking alongside families on their journey.

lesleyscottky@gmail.com

Lesley Scott joined the Adoption Assistance team in 2016. She comes with many years of both personal and professional adoption experience. Lesley has served adoptive families in many different capacities since 2010 and she and her husband, Thom, have adopted two boys from Ethiopia (2008 & 2010).  Lesley obtained her Masters of Education degree from Liberty University and has a passion for serving children and families.  Lesley and her family reside in Shelbyville and they love traveling and experiencing life together.

jamie@adoptionassistance.com

Jaime Kendrick has been with Adoption Assistance since 2006. She works in the Danville, Kentucky office. Jaime and her husband, Larry, have three children, Raechel, Jacob, and Mackenzie. Jacob and Mackenzie were both adopted from Taiwan. Jaime and her family live in Danville.

tasha@adoptionassistance.com

Tasha Uland joined the Adoption Assistance family in 2014. This is her eighth year in providing adoption services to families in Western and Southern Kentucky. She graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood. In addition, she earned an Interdisciplinary to Early Childhood Certificate. Tasha taught preschool in the public school system for 8 years and was a therapist for First Steps, Kentucky’s Early Intervention Program serving children with special needs. In 2001, Tasha opened The Children’s Academy, a Child Development Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. After moving to Bowling Green in 2016, she sold the business to focus more on her growing family and providing adoption services. The Ulands have six children, two of which were adopted internationally. Tasha is passionate about adoption and excited to share in the amazing journey of adoption with other families.

suzanne@adoptionassistance.com

Suzanne Sims has been with our Adoption Assistance team since 2012. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Suzanne has a passion for serving children and families. Before joining Adoption Assistance, she worked for Maryhurst Campus Residential Treatment Program, serving adolescent girls with cognitive, intellectual and social delays. She also taught preschool and second grade students. Suzanne and her husband, Tom, have two adult daughters, Sydney and Payton. Suzanne works in the Louisville office and loves the opportunity to talk with families who are calling about adoption for the first time.

mattie.wells@yahoo.com

Mattie Wells joined the Adoption Assistance team in 2012. Mattie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Eastern Kentucky University. She and her husband have two children through birth and adoption and live in Somerset, Kentucky. Mattie serves on the Board of Directors for Be the Village, a local non-profit supporting foster, adoptive, kinship families, and family preservation efforts. She enjoys working with children and families and connecting them with resources and education to thrive.

amykinnell@yahoo.com

Amy Kinnell graduated from Asbury University in 2001. She and her husband, Matt, spent many years doing missionary work around the world before beginning their family through adoption. They adopted twin 3 year old girls in March 2009 and an 8 year old son in August 2010, all from Ethiopia. Amy has worked with orphans in China, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Ethiopia. Amy has worked with Adoption Assistance since 2008.

lisa.adoptionassistance@gmail.com

Lisa Mosley has been an adoption specialist with Adoption Assistance since 2002. She has her Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Kentucky University, her Master of Science Degree in Social Work from The University of Tennessee, and is a Licensed Master Social Worker License in Tennessee. She absolutely loves her career in adoption and is thankful for the opportunity to meet and work with such amazing adoptive children and families.

Lisa and her husband, Eddie, reside in Smyrna, Tennessee, and have 2 adult sons, Graham and Gresham.

Executive Director
adoption@adoptionassistance.com

Julie Erwin founded Adoption Assistance in 1999 and has been the Executive Director since its inception. She is also the parent of five internationally adopted children; Will, born in Korea, Kate, born in Guatemala, twins Nick and Clay, also born in Guatemala, and Lauren, born in Taiwan.

Before founding Adoption Assistance, Inc., Julie was a classroom teacher, school counselor, and elementary school principal. She left the educational field in order to pursue her passion of helping families adopt. Her background in education, and her professional and personal adoption experiences, enables her to relate well to prospective adoptive parents and their many different needs.

The Erwin family resides in Louisville, Kentucky. Adoption Assistance, Inc., while based in Louisville, also has an office in Danville and has adoption workers available throughout the entire state of Kentucky and middle Tennessee, East Tennessee, and West Tennessee.