Meet the Team

Welcome to the AdoptOntario team! We are a dedicated group of compassionate social workers and child advocates, united by a shared mission to create loving families through adoption. Each team member brings a wealth of experience and expertise, allowing us to support children and families with empathy and understanding. Our collaborative approach fosters a nurturing environment where every child’s story is honored, and every family’s journey is embraced. We invite you to get to know us as we work together to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families in our community.

Karisa Farinha, RSW- AdoptOntario Program Manager

With over ten years of experience at the ACO, Karisa is passionate about the impact of the AdoptOntario program. As a registered social worker and Program Manager, she leads with compassion, integrity, and authenticity. Karisa values the opportunity to guide her team in creating meaningful connections between prospective adoptive parents and children/youth.

What Karisa loves most about AdoptOntario is its ability to connect families with children who are waiting for permanency, offering opportunities for permanency across the province. She believes that every child deserves the chance to grow in a loving, permanent home and is dedicated to leading efforts that make this a reality.

Elaine Quinn AdoptOntario Senior Clinical Coordinator MSW RSW

As a social worker in child welfare and adoption for over thirty years, Elaine has been inspired by the children, youth, families and professionals she has met and learned from along the way. She is a lifelong learner and works from a trauma informed perspective.  Elaine joined the ACO in 2009 and has been committed to the work of the agency both as a volunteer and staff member working across programs and inspired by the belief that “kids need families and families need support”. What Elaine loves most about AdoptOntario is developing relationships with families and professionals to change the trajectory of children and youth in care across the province, identifying relationships to support and nurture them throughout their lives.

Erin Barlow AdoptOntario Clinical Coordinator BSW, RSW

As a Clinical Coordinator, Erin Barlow brings her experience in Child Protection and Foster Family support work, to AdoptOntario. In her current position, Erin supports Adoption Workers with the recruitment and registration of children and families, using the AdoptOntario platform. Erin facilitates contact with prospective parents, in order to provide informative guidance regarding the adoption process. Erin is passionate about the importance of consistent support in a child’s life. This belief motivates her to explore suitable connections among prospective parents and children and youth seeking adoptive homes

Virginia Chambers AdoptOntario Clinical Coordinator BSW, RSW

As a Clinical Coordinator, Virginia aims to support waiting children across Ontario by engaging with different members of the adoption community through AdoptOntario’s unique recruitment opportunities and events. With a passion for child welfare and a personal connection to the adoption galaxy, Virginia’s work is shaped by her understanding of trauma and development, and the importance of attachment in permanency. While not her first language, Virginia has a good understanding of French and is happy to assist where she can. In her free time, Virginia enjoys being active and volunteering in her community.

Keisha Smith- ARE Coordinator

As the ARE Coordinator, Keisha oversees and plans adoption-related events, including the Regional and Provincial Adoption Resource Events (ARE). With a background in Disability Studies, she brings a deep understanding of diverse needs and experiences to the role, ensuring that the events are supportive. By collaborating closely with the AdoptOntario team, Keisha strives to create meaningful, well-organized events.

Francesco Manduca- Administrative Coordinator

As Administrative Coordinator, Francesco is the person you reach at [email protected].  He works with both professionals and prospective adoptive families to help clarify AdoptOntario processes and account details.