Kaitlyn Shaw, Karisa Farinha, & Teresa Jarosz

Adoption Council of Ontario

Topic: Adopting in Ontario - What You Need to Know

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Kaitlyn is a Central Adoption Coordinator with the Adoption Council of Ontario and brings with her over 15 years of experience in the child welfare field. Throughout her professional journey, she has had the pleasure of working with many individuals and families across the adoption galaxy. She has previously worked as an Indigenous Child & Youth Worker, Family Service Worker in the Ongoing stream and in Adoption Disclosure. Kaitlyn is passionate about Search & Reunion and recognizes the importance and value of one’s connection to their first family wherever and whenever possible.

Karisa is the Program Manager at the ACO for the Centralized Adoption Intake Service (CAIS) program. As the Program Manager of CAIS and as a registered social worker, Karisa brings over ten years of experience working with the ACO. Karisa is passionate about working with the team in creating new and innovative ways to support Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) across Ontario in the beginning stages of their adoption journey. She believes that every child and youth deserves permanency and that it is just about connecting with the right family.

Teresa became an approved adoption practitioner in 2007 and has been a social worker for over 30 years. Teresa has worked with all members of the adoption galaxy, conducting home studies with potential adoptive parent(s), birth parent counselling and supervision of children within their home. Teresa is an experienced P.R.I.D.E co-trainer, and trainer for the Pathways to Permanency 2 curriculum for adoptive families. Teresa is also a parent through adoption to her two daughters.

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