SUSAN BISHOP, SOCIAL WORKER

Susan has worked in the adoption field for 20+ years. She and Amy have worked together for more than 10 years! Susan has extensive experience working with adoptive families and birth/expectant parents. Susan is able to give her clients the tools they need to make good decisions in the adoption process. She leaves her clients feeling prepared and ready for their adoption journey. Susan is married and has two young children who keep her on the go! Susan and her family make Tampa Bay their home.

ALICE KELLEY, SOCIAL WORKER

Alice has been working with families and children for more than 30 years! She has worked with Connecting Hearts Adoption since 2012. Her counseling background and experience helps her clients feel relaxed when she comes to their home. When Alice leaves your home, you know you have an advocate in your corner. She brings compassion and enthusiasm to her work…which is evident to our clients who have the privilege of working with her. Alice lives in Fort Lauderdale where she loves the beach and enjoys spending time with her family.

KATHLEEN STEVENS, LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Kathleen has lived in Jacksonville for almost 30 years and has 30+ years of adoption experience. Kathleen has been with Connecting Hearts Adoption since 2015. She has a passion for adoption that is present when she visits with her clients. Kathleen’s personal experience makes others feel at ease and comfortable. Her support to those she works with is unwavering. Kathleen is married and the mom of two young adults who make sure life is never dull!

JUDY HATFIELD, SOCIAL WORKER

Judy has been working with families and children for more than a decade and been with Connecting Hearts Adoption since 2019. Her experience in the public and private sector make Judy an asset to all the families she is honored to work with. Judy is passionate about seeing families come together through the adoption process. She and her husband have four adult children and make Lakeland their home. Judy enjoys taking their German Shepherd out for walks as well as bicycling around the lake.

patti horowitz, social worker

Patti was born and raised in Tallahassee and is proud to continue to call Tallahassee “home.” Patti brings 25+ years of experience working with children and families. She was excited to join the Connecting Hearts team in 2021. She has worked in both the public and private sectors. Patti possesses a unique understanding of the sensitive nature and array of emotions that families experience during the adoption process. Those who work with Patti are immediately at ease due to her gentle nature. Patti is married and has three daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, weekends at the beach and rooting on the home team, the Florida State Seminoles!

TARYN MENDENHALL, SOCIAL WORKER

When Taryn began working with children and families many years ago, she found her calling.  She has worked in both the public and private sector. She joined Connecting Hearts in 2021. Adoption is close to her heart and very personal to her.  Taryn is passionate about helping to create and strengthen families. Taryn, her husband and daughter along with their furry Brussels Griffon make West Palm Beach their home. Taryn and her family are Florida transplants who have fallen in love with the sunshine state and enjoy spending time outside exploring nature together.

Cayuna Williams, social worker

Cayuna has extensive experience working with children and families. She was excited to join the Connecting Hearts team in 2023. She worked as a child welfare case manager for several years. Her favorite part of child welfare was solidifying permanency for children, whether it be reunification or adoption. Cayuna grew a love for adoption working in child welfare and seeing children in happy, loving homes. Cayuna calls Palm Beach County home where she and her fiancée raise their two young daughters. In her downtime, Cayuna enjoys going for an occasional massage and mani/pedi. 

Mariced Perez, licensed clinical social worker

Mariced has been a Social Worker in Florida for more than 10 years and is the newest addition to the Connecting Hearts family!  She has worked in both the public and private sector doing adoption work.  Mariced has also worked in the hospital setting and geriatrics but always finds her way back to her true passion, adoption! For her, it is an honor to be a part of bringing people together to create beautiful families. Mariced lives with her two dogs and two cats in Sunrise.  She is also bilingual!  

Lynnette Montañez, Licensed clinical social worker

Lynnette is excited to join the Connecting Hearts team! She has extensive experience working with children and families. Originally from the Midwest, Lynette relocated to South Florida to pursue a career in Social Work. She has worked in both public and private adoptions and understands the nuances to both, always striving to advocate for the children and families involved. Her clinical skills help her to easily and openly engage with clients in each step of the adoption process. Lynnette is married and the mom of one who keep her busy! Lynnette calls Miami home and enjoys spending her days with her family, dancing or getting lost in a new book.