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.
Debbie Seiler
Welcome to Family to Family! I have been here from the very beginning and love this job so much. I’ll never go anywhere else! There is no greater joy than placing a child with an adoptive family. Though I’ve never given birth to a child, I’ve had the privilege of being a step-parent since 1982. I too have experienced the joy of adoption with a beautiful granddaughter and an adorable grandson. Adoption is very near and dear to my heart and making sure your adoption journey is joyous and fulfilling is my personal goal. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!
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.”
Mikaela Fox, Foster Home Development Coordinator
Mikaela graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Human & Molecular Biology from College of the Ozarks in 2018. After college, Mikaela participated in an internship program in Houston, TX working with young children in foster care. As a result of her service in this program, Mikaela has continued to work with children and families in the child welfare system and has decided to pursue a graduate degree in social work. She will be graduating in May 2024 with a Masters in Social Work from Simmons University.
Raheem Brown, MSW, Foster Care Case Manager
Raheem graduated with his Bachelor Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University in 2015. He initially started out as a business major but soon switched to human services after joining a human services club where he helped others in the community; realizing that his passion truly lay in helping those in need. Raheem graduated with his Masters in Social Work from Widener University in 2020. He began his career working with young adults in crisis. He states he enjoyed his time there and appreciated the experience and skills that he was able to carry with him into graduate school. Raheem also worked in foster care for three years where he worked with specialized children. He then went on to work with older adults as an Adult Protective Services Investigator. Raheem states he is happy to be working with children once again and hopes that his various experiences will provide him with unique insight and tools as he works with our children and families.
Katherine Grysinski (Kat), MSW, Foster Care Case Manager
Before Kat pursued her degree in social work, she found her passion for the field through her volunteer work as a child’s advocate with CASA in 2011. She fell in love with the agency’s mission and found her calling. Kat graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with her bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) in 2021. She completed her undergrad internship at the JB Bobbitt law firm where she gained knowledge and understanding of family law under the guidance of her mentor/boss JB Bobbitt. Together they were able to integrate social work into the legal realm in a unique way. Recognized by her university, she was awarded the trailblazer award and commended for her work at the law firm. Kat realized that she wanted to expand her knowledge of social work and decided to pursue her masters. In 2022, she graduated from Baylor University with her master’s degree in social work (MSW). During her master’s program she interned as a crisis counselor at Katy Christian Ministries. Her education and experiences have equipped her with the proper tools and knowledge to become the competent and dedicated social worker she is today.
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.
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!