ABOUT US

Shared Beginnings began with a desire to restore voice and choice to expectant women who are considering adoption. We link arms with these brave women, connect them to community resources, and help them make informed decisions along the way.

Our dedicated team at Shared Beginnings adoption agency have a thorough understanding of the adoption process and the implications that accompany it. Which is why we are more than just staff, we’re a family. From the first call with us and long after the adoption process is finalized, we are here for you.

This is our Mission

To serve expectant moms who want to protect their child’s future through adopting by providing support services, counseling, and victim protection to underrepresented and underserved populations of expectant moms and families.

This is our Vision

To be the change for the adoption process by providing representation for expectant parents, transparency for the courts, and facilitating family connections between biological and adoptive families to sustain culture and connections.

MEET THE CHANGEMAKERS

MICHAELA MONTIE

Executive Director of Shared Beginnings.

About Michaela

Michaela is an adoptive mom of 3 beautiful kids-Mya, Asher and Kade. She grew up in the cornfields of Ohio and received her degree from Cedarville University but loves Northwest Arkansas. Michaela and her husband Scott have been married for 11 years. Her passion is helping serve brave moms who want to make the best choice for their children.

JULIA HUDSON

Program Director

About Julia

Julia oversees our expectant mom care coordinators and other programs at Shared Beginnings. Julia is mom to Josie and can’t wait to continue to grow her family. She is an Enneagram 9 who grew up in Georgia and has just relocated to the NWA area. She received her bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from Piedmont College and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Brandon, for 4 years. She has created a career of fighting for people who are often forgotten or ignored and wants to continue that work.

JADIEANN MCAVOY

Expectant Mom Care Manager

About Jadieann

Jadieann is a mom of 4 daughters. She is from Mejit, in the Marshall Islands. She attended the College of the Marshall Islands and studied Nursing and Liberal Arts. Jadieann and her family have lived in Arkansas now for five years. Her motto is “loving God by serving others”.

SARAH JETTON

Finance & Compliance Director

About Sarah

Sarah is a mother to a beautiful baby girl. She graduated from Southwest Baptist University with degrees in International Business and Christian Ministry. Sarah is passionate about family and helping people understand the deep love of Christ. She loves getting to report on the hard work that our team does to go above and beyond what is required to serve our clients well and getting to see the progress clients make toward achieving their goals.

EVELYN JAMES-JARVIS

Care Manager for Central AR

About Evelyn

Evelyn is a mother to her 1 and only daughter Edyn Marie. Evelyn and her husband have been married for 14 years. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s in Child & Family Studies. Evelyn has a passion for helping families to improve mentally, physically and emotionally to obtain a better quality of life.

CAROLINE KERR

Expectant Mom Client Care Manager

About Caroline

Caroline is one of our Expectant Mom Client Care Managers, she has lived in Fayetteville, AR for the past 5 years and loves to spend time with her husband and her 2 fur babies. Caroline graduated from the University of Arkansas with her Bachelor’s in Social Work and a certificate in Child Advocacy. She hopes to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. Caroline is passionate about empowering others and walking alongside peoples journeys. She clings to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

REMMA LANGBATA

TVAP Case Manager for Shared Beginnings

About Remma

Remma is one of the TVAP Case Managers at our NWA office. Remma was born in the Marshall Islands and moved to Texas when she was 6 years old. Remma has been an Arkansan for 4 years. She has two amazing kids, a son and daughter. Remma loves spending her free time with her family, and she handles her job with initiative and enthusiasm. She loves to help her clients and see them succeed. “The reason I took this job is to be the voice of the Marshallese women and helping them in every aspect of life.”

LOMALINDA POLIN

TVAP Case Manager and Translator

About Lomalinda

Lomalinda is such an asset to our team. She loves working with her fellow Marshallese people and learning from them. She combines compassion, precision, and excellence in all of her work with our TVAP clients! Loma is one of our TVAP Case Managers and Translators.

MARTHA HOLLAND

Prospective Adoptive Parent Care Manager

About Martha

Martha is a Prospective Adoptive Parent Care Manager. She works remotely in order to walk waiting adoptive families through the waiting and education process until they choose their legal representation. She and husband Billy are childhood sweethearts. Martha received her degree from Cairn University and is passionate about adoption education. As an adoptee herself, Martha brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to walk prospective adoptive parents through their process and education.

KRISTIN TANKSLEY

Prospective Adoptive Parent Care Manager

About Kristin

Kristin has worked in nonprofits for over 8 years and is passionate about working with women and helping families walk through the adoption process. Kristin has been married to Adam for 9 years and together they are raising 2 boys that came to their family through adoption. Besides being outside with her boys and camping, Kristin loves expanding her collection of indoor and outdoor plants.

HANNAH CHEUNG

Education Facilitator

About Hannah

Hannah is a foster mom and is in the counseling graduate program at JBU to become a marriage and family therapist. She is passionate about education and supporting individuals and families to help them thrive. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, and curling up with her cat and a good book.

LYDIA PARIS

Volunteer and Events Manager

About Lydia

Lydia has a passion for Jesus and for life and loves that she is able to share that with those she encounters at Shared Beginnings. She also loves playing the piano, bad puns, and will never say no if offered chocolate. Lydia has a degree in Business from Ecclesia College.

MARCI DOWNING

Coming Soon!

BRITTANY WHATLEY