About Us
Who We Are
The primary purpose of Adoption Resources is to serve the best interests of children so each child is raised in a permanent and loving family.
At Adoption Resources we strive to provide services that protect the dignity of children, birth parents, and adoptive families. Our comprehensive services provide all those involved in adoption with support and counseling before, during, and after placement.
Adoption Resources, a private, nonprofit adoption placement program, has been working with children and families for more than 150 years. As a licensed agency, we offer services to adoptive families in Massachusetts. We also work throughout the country to assist birth parents who are considering making an adoption plan.
Meet Our Staff
Betsy Hochberg, MSW, LICSW
Director
Betsy is a licensed clinical social worker who has extensive experience working with birth and adoptive families. She began her work in the adoption field 30 years ago and has been the Director of Adoption Resources for the past 17 years. In addition to meeting with birth and adoptive families, Betsy speaks widely about adoption-related issues and has served on the boards of RESOLVE New England and Adoption Professionals Association of Massachusetts. Betsy’s warmth and sense of humor are appreciated by all who work with her.
Deb Shrier, MSW, LICSW
Associate Director
Deb Shrier is a licensed independent clinical social worker who began her second career after being active in the Adoptive Community of New England (ACONE). She has been involved in domestic and international adoption for nearly 30 years. Deb’s clinical interests center on pre-adoptive assessment, preparation and education, as well as post adoption work for all members of the adoption triad. Deb is also active in search and reunion for adopted persons and birth family members.
Marty Levy, MSW, LCSW
Birth Parent Social Worker
Marty Levy is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She is an experienced social worker and has been working in the field of adoption for more than 20 years. Her expertise lies in the relationship she develops with birth parents, enabling them to process and sort through their options and make an adoption plan that is in the best interest of their child and themselves. Marty also has worked extensively with pre- adoptive families during the matching process through labor and delivery, surrender, and beyond.
Janet Eckler, MSM, MEd, LCSW
Home Study Social Worker
Janet Eckler is a licensed clinical social worker with thirty years of experience in the field of adoption, having worked in both the public and private sectors. Prior to her home study and post-placement work with adoptive families, Janet was employed for a number of years at the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, the licensing agency for adoption programs in Massachusetts. In addition to her work with Adoption Resources, Janet is a special education teacher working with students in elementary school. Janet has a master’s degrees in both human services administration special education.
Ava Sarafan, MSW, LICSW
Home Study Social Worker
Ava Sarafan is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with a masters degree in Social Work. Ava joined Adoption Resources in June 2015. For more than 25 years she has worked with families who are pursuing their dream of adoption. In addition, she volunteers at RESOLVE, speaking about international adoption to prospective adoptive families. She is passionate about her work and feels fortunate to have found such a fulfilling career.
Carol Sheingold, MSW, LICSW
Home Study Social Worker
Carol Sheingold is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with a masters degree in social service. She has been active in adoption practice for over 25 years, she began working for Adoption Resources in 1991. She brings to her practice the experience of parenting as well as her years of getting to know hundreds of adoptive families. She thoroughly enjoys her work and her long history with Adoption Resources. She is a member of NASW and Adoption Professionals Association of Massachusetts.