Request an Appointment

Request an Appointment

ESP foster-to-adopt specialists and advocates are here to answer questions and assist you with next steps at every stage of your foster-to-adopt decision and journey.

Let us provide the information and resources you need to make the best choices for you and your family today and in the future.  Whether you have questions about adopting a foster child or are ready to take the first step, our team is ready to help.

Meet our advocates!

  • Adasha Holdren, Lead Family Advocate, portrait headshot
    Adasha Holdren, Lead Family Advocate

    Adasha brings families over a decade of experience with Virginia’s foster care system, with 8+ of her most recent years dedicated to supporting parents and children along their adoption journey.  She is passionate about helping parents navigate every step of their adoption process, ensuring a seamless and positive experience as families connect and build their new lives together.  Adasha's understanding of the unique joys and challenges of fostering-to-adopt gives her the experienced perspective to guide families with genuine and compassionate care.

  • Ashlin Bayne, Family Advocate, portrait headshot
    Ashlin Bayne, Family Advocate

    Ashlin brings extensive caseworker experience to her families, guiding them through the foster-to-adopt journey with empathy and care.  She walks parents through the detailed process of becoming a new family, recognizing the co-existing excitement and vulnerability inherent in every adoption decision.  Bringing passion and expertise to ensure a seamless experience, Ashlin supports parents in realizing their dreams of creating a loving forever family. 

  • Kareena DaRosa, Family Advocate, portrait headshot
    Kareena DaRosa, Family Advocate

    Kareena is a seasoned expert in foster-to-adoption.  She guides adoptive parents through the approval and licensing process, sharing her deep understanding of the complex considerations that impact each individual family member.  Kareena brings her skilled navigation to unique family circumstances, ensuring a smooth path on this emotional journey to create a loving, permanent home for a child.  Kareena’s expertise and personal passion make her an invaluable resource to our Extra Special Parents and families.

  • Melissa Gish, Family Advocate, portrait headshot
    Melissa Gish, Family Advocate

    Melissa's 10+ years of dedicated experience includes a strong and diverse background in mental health, program development, and management.  Her deep understanding of the complexities involved in foster care fuels her passion for bringing successful families together.  Melissa guides adoptive families through every step of the foster-to-adopt process.  She is committed to empowering foster youth transitioning to independent living and takes a seasoned approach to helping families adopt older children and teens.  She brings compassionate care to her support of new adopters and the foster teens and youth they embrace as family.