Who We Are
HELPING BUILD “FOREVER FAMILIES”
Bonnie Snow, Program Supervisor: Bonnie Snow graduated from the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Social Work in 1995. Since then she has enjoyed various employment opportunities in both government and not-for-profit agencies. In 2009, Bonnie began working at Adoption Options as the Program Supervisor.
"Working at Adoption Options feels like a perfect match, incorporating my personal and professional passions – as an adoptive parent and a social worker. My husband Wade and I adopted two beautiful children through Adoption Options in 2005 and 2007." BonnieE-mail Bonnie ~ Bonnie@adoptionoptions.mb.ca
SPEAK TO A STAFF MEMBER
Andrea Phillips ~ Agency Administrator andrea@adoptionoptions.mb.ca
Dawn Warkentin ~ Adoption Counsellor dawn@adoptionoptions.mb.ca
OUR HISTORY AND MISSION
Adoption Options Manitoba Inc. (AO) was incorporated by co-founder Sharon Riches in September 1989 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information, education, counseling and related services on all aspects of adoption to birthmothers, adoptive couples and the community at large.
In March 1999 AO became Manitoba's first licensed adoption agency upon proclamation of The Adoption Act. As a licensed agency, AO helps build “forever families” through private domestic and intercountry adoption and leads the way in raising awareness about open adoption and in providing superior adoption services and education in Manitoba.Our Birthmother Services Program has been developed with input from professionals and birthparents and offers confidential education and support so birthmothers and birthfathers can make informed decisions about their options.
For prospective adoptive parents, our Education Seminar offers an in-depth overview of the adoption process and helps couples and singles decide if adoption is right for them. The material created for this seminar, along with the agency’s procedures, is regularly used to educate lawyers, social workers and medical professionals.
In 2002 we expanded our services to offer intercountry adoption. AO has placed children from China, the United States, Belize, Nigeria and Great Britain.
Sharon Riches departed her role as Executive Director in May, 2009. A high school home economics teacher by profession, Sharon co-founded Adoption Options to fill an information void that existed for families wishing to adopt in Manitoba. Sharon and her husband adopted their daughter, Devon, in 1990. Over her 20 years of service, Sharon touched the lives of many. We know with certainty that her legacy and most significant accomplishments will come from the endeavors of the 350 children she placed.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
(2008-2009)
Henry Willms ~ Chairperson
Don Bell~ Vice-Chairperson
Michelle Bacon ~ Secretary
Sharene Cooke ~ Birthparent Services
Tracy Bell LeClair ~ Financial Services
Todd Hyra
Paul Barsy John Leggat Michael Williams
