MEET THE STAFF  

Kate Kaufman Burns, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Executive Director
Kate has been working in the field of adoption and mental health for more than 15 years.  She specializes in providing domestic and international homestudy services, as well as parenting training for the family of adoption.  She has formed alliances with many children’s advocacy groups and is a featured speaker and consultant for adoption and child-placing agencies across the country.  Kate is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Certified Social Workers.  She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and graduated as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society.  She earned her Master of Social Work from the University at Albany in 1995 with a dual focus in the clinical and administrative components of the degree.

  

Laurie Coreno Reynolds, M.A., L.M.H.C.
Assistant Executive Director
Laurie Coreno Reynolds is a Mental Health Clinician and adoption professional who has been providing mental health and adoption services for over 15 years.  Laurie is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology.  She is recognized as a Nationally Certified Psychologist through the Northamerican Association of Master’s in Psychology.  Laurie received her undergraduate training at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.  She successfully earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Russell Sage College, and she specializes in working with teens and adults in resolving self-esteem, depression, anxiety, personality, and relationship issues.

  
Suzanne d’Aversa, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Clinical Supervisor
Suzanne d'Aversa has over 30 years experience working with families who have adopted internationally, domestically, and privately.  She has been involved in adoptions for infants, toddlers, and older children.  She is experienced in both pre and post adoption issues and is recognized as an expert on attachment and the issues that face families of adoption.  She has been a workshop presenter throughout the United States and is an advocate for the families who are created by adoption.  She is a clinical coordinator for a post adoption program and has a mental health private practice working primarily with families who have adopted.