About Family To Family
Family To Family Adoptions is a close-knit group of professionals who believes that adoption is an intimate, joyous experience that brings caring families together to give life and opportunities to a child. As you take the steps toward your individual adoption process, we hope you will choose Family To Family Adoptions. We are unique in purpose and dedicated to our mission.
Our MISSION is to broaden access to adoption for those who wish to expand their family through adoption without regard to religion, income, or lifestyle. Eligibility requirements for adoption, as practiced by many agencies, have become prohibitively restrictive for families who should be able to adopt. However, Family To Family offers flexible adoption and fostering criteria to meet the needs of qualified prospective parents.
Our GOAL is to initiate a personalized adoption plan that is right for you and your family. You have the right to turn down a ‘match’ because we believe that only you know when it is right for your family.
Our AIM is to guide you in adopting the child of your choice within a framework of convenience and cost management. We guarantee you that you will never lose your agency fee until you have successfully adopted a child.
Our PLEDGE to you is that we will do everything we can to make your adoption a fulfilling and joyful experience. We may not be able to guarantee you an easy and uneventful process, but we can assure you that you will be working with an agency that values both you and your birth family.
Our DESIRE is to make your adoption experience a positive and exciting one. We deeply know how this moment is a precious time in your life as you are about to become parents. That is why we strive to meet your preferences with the utmost respect and professionalism.
Our Staff
Mary Scalise, Executive Director
As the Executive Director of Family to Family, I proudly lead a devoted child placing agency committed to transforming lives, with over two decades of experience in child advocacy and support. Beginning my journey in 1999, I cultivated my passion at Casa de Esperanza, where I assumed various roles and cared for 54 children, shaping my approach to child welfare. In my personal life, I am a parent to six children, four adopted and two biological, ranging from 14 to 31, actively involved in raising three grandsons.
Guided by mentors like Kathleen Foster, Bill Jones, and Shelley Starr during my tenure at Casa de Esperanza, their influence profoundly shaped the values that now form the foundation of Family to Family. Since the establishment of Family to Family in 2001, I have been intricately involved, aligning with the core values set by founders Maxine and Debbie Seiler. My vision for the organization is to extend support beyond immediate needs, fostering a lifelong sense of community and belonging for children and families. With a commitment to propelling Family to Family to greater heights, I eagerly look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen our community, believing that together, #wearethevillage – a collective force dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families.
Jenifer McLaughlin: Adoptions, Program Director
Jenifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she specialized in child welfare and family dynamics. Her educational foundation has been the cornerstone of a distinguished career in adoption services, where she has dedicated many years to advocating for children and supporting families through the adoption process.
Before joining Family to Family Adoptions, Jenifer garnered invaluable experience working with Child Protective Services adoptions unit and various private adoption agencies. Her role involved managing complex cases and working directly with families and children to ensure their needs were met with sensitivity and care. Additionally, Jenifer has extensive experience working with pregnant teens, providing crucial support and resources to young mothers facing challenging circumstances.
As our Director of Adoptions, Jenifer brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership. Her role encompasses overseeing the entire adoption process—from initial consultations, matching birth parents with adoptive parents in private adoptions to post-placement support. Her comprehensive understanding of adoption procedures, coupled with her compassionate approach, ensures that every family receives the personalized care they need.
Raquel Olguin, LCSW, LCPAA, Director of Adoptive Family Services
Raquel completed her final semester of undergraduate college as an intern at Fam2Fam. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin, and was hired as an Adoption Social Worker at Family to Family in January 2014. She then went on to earn her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston in 2016. Shortly after that, she began working towards earning her clinical license and was able to add a “C” to her credentials in April 2021, followed by becoming an LCPAA in June 2021. When asked what made her pursue a career in social work she states, “I have always wanted to work in adoptions. My brother was adopted when I was 8 years old. Helping children and bringing families together is my passion. Becoming a social worker allowed me to achieve my dream job.”
Eloisa Molina, Director of Maternity Services
Eloisa has been a vital part of Family to Family Adoptions for 22 years. She has guided countless Birth Parents through the difficult process of placing a child for adoption. Here what we have to say about her: As our dedicated Director of Maternity Services, Eloisa works tirelessly to support our birth mothers through the adoption process. Serving as their advocate, voice, and guide, she ensures that every step is a compassionate and well-guided journey. Eloisa’s genuine care extends to accompanying birth mothers to doctor appointments, meeting their needs, and providing a comforting presence. Her wonderful listening ear and special ability to make everyone instantly feel at ease contribute immensely to the supportive atmosphere at Family to Family. We are truly grateful to have Eloisa on our team, making a lasting impact with her compassion and dedication.
Joshua Scalise – Office Manager
Meet Joshua Scalise, our dedicated office manager at Family to Family Adoptions. Adopted at the age of three after spending his early years in foster care, Joshua grew up in a home filled with love and compassion, where his mother fostered 54 children and adopted four, including him. This unique upbringing has instilled in him a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and dedication—qualities that shine through in his work every day. In addition to his role at Family to Family, Joshua is a caregiver to his 20-year-old brother with cerebral palsy and plays an important role in helping his mother raise three of his nephews. His life experiences have shaped his commitment to supporting families, and we’re proud to have him on our team. When he’s not in the office, Joshua is an avid fan of Houston sports, cheering on the Texans and Astros with passion and pride.
If you would like us to help you on this journey, please read through our website or contact us so we can begin the process of creating or expanding a loving family together through adoption or foster care in the Greater Houston Texas area!