ADOPTED IS A NONPROFIT PROGRAM WORKING IN HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

About AdoptED

This dynamic program was born through a collaborative effort of both community leaders and Gladney staff who believe that education empowers students to be able to navigate their futures, reach their goals, and realize their dreams.

AdoptED is designed to address the issues of teen pregnancy and school dropout rates, while offering factual information about adoption as one option to an unplanned pregnancy. This ground-breaking program works with educators to provide interactive presentations in the classroom setting. AdoptED gives students parameters for goal-setting, decision-making, and healthy life choices. Gladney’s goal is to introduce solutions to the problems students are facing today and empower them with information for tomorrow that inspires them to make positive life choices.

This innovative curriculum is written for schools to meet state objectives for a variety of classes ranging from Health, Family Economics, and Child Development, to other public service coursework. The AdoptED curriculum includes interactive lessons and hands-on activities that engage the students’ critical thinking abilities and development of life skills.

AdoptEd Team

Amy Smith

Amy received a Bachelor’s of Science in Family and Consumer Science with a Major in Family and Child Development and Minor in Mass Communications from Texas State University – San Marcos in 2015. After an internship with an International Adoption Agency, Amy developed a passion for adoption and non-profit organizations. She joined The Gladney Center for Adoption in 2016 following a position with another local non-profit providing supportive housing and resources to the homeless community of Fort Worth. Amy is overjoyed to educate others about her passion through the mission of Gladney. Amy comes from a family of educators who have supported her through every step of life. She values the power of education and family and believes every student has the ability to become resilient amongst life’s challenges if given the appropriate environment and tools to thrive.

Kerry Tobar

Kerry received a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University in 2000. She spent fourteen years in the classroom as a teacher in FWISD and was chosen Teacher of the Year in 2007. Kerry joined the Gladney Center for Adoption in 2015 and is thrilled to work with such an amazing organization. Kerry’s primary goal for AdoptED is to educate students and the community about the power of adoption by empowering and inspiring them. She has confidence in the AdoptED curriculum and believes it provides important lessons on decision making, goal setting, and positive life choices for students. With the support of her husband and two young sons, Kerry is excited to bring this fun and hands on curriculum to schools.

Elizabeth Saldana

Elizabeth received her Associate of Arts from Tarrant County College and her Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Christian University. She has 20+ years of experience working with children from early childhood to 5th grade in private and public schools. Elizabeth has also worked with the College for Kids program, After School Programs and volunteered for summer camps. She has three grown children, a stepdaughter, and two sons. Elizabeth joined the Gladney Center of Adoption in 2021 and is excited to be on the AdoptEd team. She is passionate about education and values time with family and friends.

About Gladney

The Gladney Center for Adoption is a national adoption agency with offices around the country.

Gladney is dedicated to serving expectant mothers, adoptive parents and children in foster care. We believe Good Things can come from difficult circumstances and we work hard to ensure our clients are provided the finest adoption experience possible and have a bright future ahead.

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