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Founded more than 35 years ago by a passionate social worker, Janice Goldwater, Paths for Families is guided by the belief that strong families require expertise, ethics, and lifelong support. Today, we are led by social workers who bring training, lived experience, and compassion to families navigating life’s most complex moments. When you give, you invest in the people who make lasting family connections possible. Donate below. ↓
Thank you for your support! Please note we are not able to accept donations from clients currently in our Adoptions Together Program.
Meet the Faces Behind Our Work:
Our Team of Social Workers
Social work isn’t just a career; it’s a calling. Here’s what members of our team shared when asked why they chose this work and when they knew it was more than a job.
I was at gymnastics with my kids and my mom when a former foster/adoptive parent introduced me to her son. She said to him, “You wouldn’t be our son without her.” My mom doesn’t cry, but she did then. That was the moment I knew social work was my calling, rather than a career.
Melanie Geddings-Hayes, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW Director of Family Well-being and Community Services
I chose social work because I have always felt a strong desire to support people and help them feel truly seen in ways they may not have experienced before. I have always been curious about the “why” behind behaviors, and the opportunity to use a holistic approach, considering a person's environment, experiences, and strengths made social work feel like the right fit for me.
Sarah Haimanchandra, LMSW Mental Health Therapist
I’ve had many people over the years say to me: “I don’t know how you can do what you do!” My answer has always been that the work is hard, but I have the privilege and honor of helping children and families heal. Supporting children and families has always been my passion and knowing the impact of my work and the work of my colleagues lasts well beyond our last session/meeting/phone call continues to drive all that I do.
Lisa Dominguez, LCSW-C, LICSW Executive Director
From the time I was very young, I had a deep empathy for others, especially children and animals. I was the neighborhood babysitter and often the peacemaker among friends, but I didn’t choose social work until my second year of college, when I realized my true calling was to come alongside others in their life journeys.
Amy Simms, LCSW-C, LGSW Adoptive Parent Social Worker
Although Social Work is my second career, in many ways it feels like the path I was always moving toward. I've consistently found myself in helping professions and positions, drawn to the moments when someone feels seen, understood, or empowered. That sense of connection and purpose has been a thread running through every job I’ve held. Social Work simply gives that instinct a clearer direction and a professional framework. It feels less like starting over and more like stepping into the work I was meant to do.
Jennifer McLeod, LCSW Maryland Post Permanency Program Clinical Coordinator
I didn’t know what social work truly involved when I first admired my sister’s job. I just knew that it came with a car phone (!) and purpose. Over 25 years later, I understand this work holds both deep loss and meaningful hope. I’m grateful every day to support people through complex decisions with care, ethics, and dignity.
Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C, LICSW, MSW Director of Adoption and Permanency Services
My 'aha' moment came from the combination of working 1:1 with clients and seeing the direct impact that we have as social workers during the hardest times in people's lives, while also realizing how limited research has been on birth parents. I wanted my career to be in this field so that I could explore the systemic issues expectant parents face and the ethical challenges in domestic infant adoption.
Meshan Lehmann, LCSW-C Pregnancy Social Worker
What Social Workers Make Possible: The Impact of Social Work in Action
In 2025 alone, our social workers:
Provided 2,174 counseling sessions, helping children and families heal, process change, and build resilience
Led 174 home studies, ensuring children are placed in safe, stable, and well‑prepared families
Trained 1,343 professionals, strengthening trauma‑informed care across child‑ and family‑serving systems
Supported 243 expectant parents with counseling and guidance during deeply personal decision‑making moments
Helped 27 older youth from public foster care and 16 infants secure permanent family connections
Connected 172 youth with lifelong resources through family‑finding and permanency efforts
Behind every number is a family, and behind every family is a social worker supporting human connection to help children and families thrive.
I was at gymnastics with my kids and my mom when a former foster/adoptive parent introduced me to her son. She said to him, “You wouldn’t be our son without her.” My mom doesn’t cry, but she did then. That was the moment I knew social work was my calling, rather than a career.Melanie Geddings-Hayes, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
I chose social work because I have always felt a strong desire to support people and help them feel truly seen in ways they may not have experienced before. I have always been curious about the “why” behind behaviors, and the opportunity to use a holistic approach, considering a person's environment, experiences, and strengths made social work feel like the right fit for me.Sarah Haimanchandra, LMSW
I’ve had many people over the years say to me: “I don’t know how you can do what you do!” My answer has always been that the work is hard, but I have the privilege and honor of helping children and families heal. Supporting children and families has always been my passion and knowing the impact of my work and the work of my colleagues lasts well beyond our last session/meeting/phone call continues to drive all that I do.Lisa Dominguez, LCSW-C, LICSW
From the time I was very young, I had a deep empathy for others, especially children and animals. I was the neighborhood babysitter and often the peacemaker among friends, but I didn’t choose social work until my second year of college, when I realized my true calling was to come alongside others in their life journeys.Amy Simms, LCSW-C, LGSW
Although Social Work is my second career, in many ways it feels like the path I was always moving toward. I've consistently found myself in helping professions and positions, drawn to the moments when someone feels seen, understood, or empowered. That sense of connection and purpose has been a thread running through every job I’ve held. Social Work simply gives that instinct a clearer direction and a professional framework. It feels less like starting over and more like stepping into the work I was meant to do.Jennifer McLeod, LCSW
I didn’t know what social work truly involved when I first admired my sister’s job. I just knew that it came with a car phone (!) and purpose. Over 25 years later, I understand this work holds both deep loss and meaningful hope. I’m grateful every day to support people through complex decisions with care, ethics, and dignity.Pam Hoehler, LCSW-C, LICSW, MSW
My 'aha' moment came from the combination of working 1:1 with clients and seeing the direct impact that we have as social workers during the hardest times in people's lives, while also realizing how limited research has been on birth parents. I wanted my career to be in this field so that I could explore the systemic issues expectant parents face and the ethical challenges in domestic infant adoption.Meshan Lehmann, LCSW-C