Our
Team
Hailey Andrews, LCSW
Co-Founder/CEO
Hailey Andrews comes from a big family and wants prospective parents to achieve their goals of beginning or adding to their families through open adoption.
A Georgia native, Hailey has lived in metro Atlanta for much of her life, graduating from The University of Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and religion before completing her post-graduate at Florida Atlantic University with a master’s in social work.
It was in Florida that Hailey began working with families, first as a caseworker with the foster care system before becoming supervisor of an adoptions unit for that agency.
Hailey returned to Georgia and in 2008 began working for a private open adoption agency.
In 2018, Hailey partnered with her co-worker, Kristine, and founded Professional Adoption & Family Services, an open adoption agency that offers individualized services for clients.
When she’s not connecting families through open adoption, Hailey and her husband, both UGA grads, enjoy time with their two children, whether it is at the beach or at home with a good cup of coffee.
Kristine French, BSW
Co-Founder
Kristine French has devoted much of her career to helping individuals become families through open adoption, because her life has been touched by adoption.
Kristine’s mother was a birthmother and placed her older sister in a closed adoption. All three sisters were reunited in 1990 and enjoy a close relationship today, having made their adoption journey an open adoption.
Kristine, who received her bachelor’s degree in social work from St. Cloud (Minn.) State University, moved to Atlanta, Ga., in 2002 to be near those two sisters, Lisa and Jill.
In 2007, Kristine began working for a domestic private open adoption agency. She worked there for 10 years in various roles.
In 2018, Kristine co-founded Professional Adoption & Family Services with Hailey Andrews.
“Because my mother was a birthmother, I have a very special place in my heart for all women considering adoption,” Kristine says. “I am very passionate about providing education and training to help alleviate the shame and stigma that can be associated with adoption.”
When she’s not helping families, the Minnesota native is cheering for her beloved Vikings or enjoying time with her family, including her son. Kristine feels honored to be a part of a team to help build families through open adoption.
Board of Directors
Jamin Harkness - Board President
President, The Life Properties
Jamin and his husband Rodrigo are proud adoptive parents to their energetic and precocious son, with whom they enjoy outdoor activities. “Open Adoption created our family and it has changed our lives in such a way that we could never have anticipated the impact. I want to do what I can to help this organization be available for others who want to build a family.” In addition to his work in the workforce and affordable housing industry, Jamin serves as a City Council Member for Duluth, Georgia.
Matt Pinnow, MBA - Board Treasurer
Director, Operations Performance; Atrium Hospitality
Matt is an adoptive parent, and his experience working with PAFS’ staff throughout the adoption process motivated him to join PAFS as a member of the Board. In his free time, Matt enjoys baking, watching movies, and spending time with family.
Stacy Walke - Board Secretary
Practice Manager, Lifeguard Urgent Care;
Adoption Specialist, American Adoptions
Stacy brings almost 20 years of child welfare experience her role on the PAFS Board, including child abuse investigations, foster care, and private adoption. She has supported PAFS since its founding because she believes strongly in the organization’s mission. You can follow the adventures of Lenny, her American Bully, on Instagram @lennythemush.
Alex Almanza, MBA, FACHE, SPHR
VP, Human Resources, Emory Healthcare
Alex and his husband adopted their son, Jaxson, in 2015. “I am passionate about supporting the opportunity to create families via open adoption and furthering the mission of PAFS.” Alex spends a lot of time on the soccer field supporting his son and takes Latin ballroom dance lessons weekly!
Amber Burfiend, LMSW
Service Coordinator, Elevance Health
An adoption professional with 21 years of experience, Amber joined the Board because she wholeheartedly believes in openness in adoption, and that children who are placed for adoption and women who decide to place their children for adoption deserve dignity and respect. “PAFS provides that to all of their clients and does their best to ensure everyone is heard and supported.” Amber lives in Houston, TX with her partner David and golden retriever named Dexter. She loves to read, travel, run, and watch college and pro football (and most sports).
Claire Dozier, M.Ed.
Nonprofit Consultant & Community Volunteer
Claire and her husband Jason brought home their adopted daughter in 2020, and through their journey she discovered a passion for supporting open adoption and the mission of PAFS specifically. Claire has 15 years of experience in the field of education and youth development, and her hobbies include outdoor activities and fitness, travel, and reading really good science-fiction and fantasy.
Sharron Sylvain, LPC, NCC
Behavioral Health Case Manager, Anthem BCBS
An adoptive parent, Sharron has a passion for helping people, especially helping people who want to add to their family via adoption having access to resources. She has been a dancer most of her life and continues enjoying this passion to relieve stress and get exercise.
Savannah Van Laar, MBA
Senior Account Executive
Savannah is a veteran of the United States Army and a Birth Mother to a 7-year old girl. “I am passionate about adoption because my life is forever changed by it. I serve on the board to provide opportunities to birth mothers and adoptive parents for years to come.”