About Us

Sheryl Proulx BSW, RSW

I have been connected to Adoption Options since 1990, as I first came to the agency as a client dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Working with a professional social worker who provided a safe and non-judgmental environment for me to make a plan for my son and myself was incredibly impactful. I became a social worker and initially worked in Child Welfare as a case manager. In 2003, I was thrilled to join the AO team. My husband Steve and I have a beautiful little girl and an amazing relationship with my birth son and his family. I believe adoption is not for everyone, but a positive option to be considered. What I value most about Adoption Options is the incredible team of colleagues that I have the privilege of working with every day. They are dedicated to providing professional and caring services to every person who walks through our doors.

Liz Gifford BSW, RSW

I have been working for Adoption Options for over 30 years and have been Program Director for the International Program since 2008. Adopting internationally has become more complex and challenging over the past few years, and helping applicants manage these complexities is a large component of my work. I find helping couples and single applicants realize their dream of becoming parents, or perhaps parents to another child, to be extremely rewarding and satisfying. I most particularly enjoy working with families in the completion of international post placement reports and learning how the child and the family is transitioning to becoming a family or larger family. I value the gift the children are to their new family, home, community, and country and feel fortunate to be part of this process.

My accent gives away the fact I was born outside of Canada; however, having lived in Calgary and other parts of Canada for many years I have embodied much of the spirit of what it means to be Canadian, and enjoy participating in many Canadian rituals and traditions. My husband and I are parents to three sons, and we have been blessed to welcome new members into our clan as they introduce us to the special women in their lives. We love celebrating as a family and much of our leisure time is spent exploring Canada’s wonderful backyard outdoor playground (the impossibly scenic Rocky Mountains) allowing us to create a deeper connection to the natural world, where we enjoy hiking and cheering and supporting everyone along in their rock and ice climbing and trail and ultra running pursuits. We also love the Okanagan region in British Columbia and have been known to hike there and visit a winery or two.

Erika Moore BSW RSW

Led to the Social Work profession from her own experience of being a Birthmother, Erika always dreamed of a career with Adoption Options. Since acquiring her Social Work education in 2004, Erika’s professional experience has always centered around working with children and families. In 2012, Erika formally joined the Adoption Options team and over the past decade has worked as a social worker in both the Calgary and Edmonton offices. Most recently, Erika took on a leadership role with AO as Domestic Program Supervisor. Erika’s heart and passion is in open adoption practice, and she deeply values the courage, resilience, and love that is lived by every member of the adoption circle.

In her personal life, Erika is a mother to two great kids, a wife, daughter, sister, and friend.

Mackenzie Godlien BSW, RSW

My journey to Adoption Options began when I realized that I wanted to work in a capacity where I could support the children, youth and families in my community. This led me to obtain my BSW at the University of Victoria, and it was through my studies that I was introduced to the world of adoption. What really caught my attention was the concept of open adoption, and as I started to reflect on it more I quickly realized that adoption is something that so many of us have a connection to. I started my work in community organizations working with youth, and then ventured on to explore roles where I engaged in family support. Through my school work and experience I quickly developed a desire and passion to grow within adoption; which makes me so thrilled to be joining the AO team. I strongly believe that all definitions and means of “family” are to be valued and cherished, and truly look forward to learning, growing and connecting with this community.

Heather Johnson SW Dip., BSW, BHSc., RSW

Heather has been a registered social worker for 21 years working across many areas including with youth at risk, in adult addictions and mental health, with people living with HIV/AIDS, and in social work regulation and association. Heather is a mother to three, a partner, a daughter, sister, friend, and colleague. Heather has been with Adoption Options since 2015 as a contract home study writer. In 2019, Heather competed her third year BSW practicum in house at Adoption Options and has since had the opportunity to move into a part-time in-house position. Heather believes that it is a privilege to be a social worker because you on the front lines of someone’s story. It has been a great joy for Heather to be a part of the AO team for these last six years and she looks forward to continued learning and growing with the birthparents and families at AO.

Amanda Hillier RSW, CBIS

I graduated from MacEwan University in 2015, I tried out a few different Social Work roles until I stumbled upon Adoption Options via the ACSW website. I was initially drawn to the ALL options counselling that AO offers to anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy or anyone that is struggling with parenting. Offering women all of their options gives them choice and that is deeply important to me. I was lucky enough to be offered an interview with Sheryl and I began working for Adoption Options in October 2018. I worked primarily in the domestic program out of the Edmonton office until October 2019 when I was given the opportunity to work in the international adoption program as well. I feel lucky to be able to work in both programs and to be part of such a loving, dedicated and passionate team of women.

Billi Thurston, RSW

“Adoption Options has played a significant role in my story, and I am so grateful to be a part of this incredible team. I have been involved in volunteer work with Adoption Options since 2017. My journey ultimately led me to the Social Work Diploma at MacEwan and a practicum at AO. During this time, I was inspired by the team and their dedication to providing non-judgemental services. After graduating from the program, I started working as the in-house part-time social worker at the Edmonton office. Now, I am back at MacEwan to complete my Bachelor of Social Work! I am a proud Birthmother to my son and share a beautiful relationship with him and his parents. When I am not at work or studying for my degree, I enjoy exploring the food scene in Edmonton and spending time with my family and friends. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work alongside our clients and the AO team!”

Cara Hoffman

I am thrilled to work for Adoption Options – I love being a part of building these unique families. I am parenting four children (mostly happily) and playing piano in my small stretches of free time. I also enjoy reading. I have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and prior to becoming a parent worked as a front-line social worker at Adoption Options. I now enjoy working part-time behind the scenes supporting the administrative demands of the agency.

Suman Sondhi

I can’t express my feelings that how thrilled I am to join the AO team. It is such a privilege to be a part of a team who deliver happiness to many families.
Recently, I have moved from New Zealand and hoping to make Calgary my new home. I am very excited to make new connections and start my new life with you all.

Please let me know if you have any questions.