Our board of directors passionately guide the organization forward.
Sadie Agurkis
Member
Sadie (she/her) is the adoptive mother of two boys and a leadership professional with over 20 years of experience in organizational development and education. In her professional life, she oversees operations, strategy, and staff development, bringing a calm, positive presence to every challenge. Known for building strong, collaborative teams, Sadie focuses on bridging gaps, strengthening community networks, and ensuring adoptees and families have the resources they need to thrive.
Alisha Goel
Programs Committee Lead
Alisha (she/her), is an attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she represents plaintiffs in catastrophic personal injury matters and businesses in complex commercial litigation disputes. Outside of her legal practice, Alisha enjoys engaging with professional and community organizations, mentoring young attorneys, and exploring new ways to contribute to causes close to her heart.
Alisha earned her Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School and her undergraduate degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Before law school, Alisha worked as an Events and Partnerships Associate at a foster care agency in Seattle, Washington. In that role, she organized workshops and trainings to support foster families, participated in child welfare coalitions, and managed the organization’s partnerships. While in law school, Alisha interned at Children’s Rights, a nonprofit that supports foster care and child welfare systems across the country. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about mentorship, community engagement, and fostering connections that uplift and empower others.
Dr. Patrice Martin
Secretary
Dr. Patrice Martin (she/her) is a nonprofit leader, adoptee advocate, and scholar-practitioner with 25+ years in grants and program management. Her adoptee advocacy spans media, faith, and legislation—including testifying before state legislatures to protect adoptee rights. She founded the Adoptee Prayer Collective and appeared on TLC’s Long Lost Family to share her reunion story. Patrice holds a D.B.A. from Wilmington University and degrees in sociology, nonprofit management, and public administration. She teaches at Wilmington University and consults for various nonprofits. Patrice lives in Nashville, TN, where she continues to use her voice to elevate adoptee stories and drive systemic change.
Alissa Newton
Board Chair
Alissa (she/her), is an adoptive mother living in New York City, NY. Alissa is an Episcopal priest who serves the Diocese of New York as Canon to the Ordinary, and has extensive experience as a development consultant for churches and nonprofits. She is also an author, teacher, and lover of all things fiction and pop culture. When she is not working or volunteering Alissa loves to travel with her family, hike in beautiful places and read all sorts of genres of fiction and non-fiction. Alissa is a strong believer in networks of support for adoptees, and is proud to be a part of building the Adoptee Mentoring Society as a resource for adoptees now and into the future.
Tony Parsons
Vice Treasurer
Robert “Tony” Parsons (he/him) is a transracial adoptee, former foster youth, and a dedicated advocate with a background in public policy, education, and child welfare. He is committed to empowering individuals, fostering collaboration, and advancing equity. With degrees from Michigan State University and Georgetown University, he has held roles at Youth Villages, the Capacity Building Center for States, and the Michigan College Access Network. Currently serving as the Director of Public Policy and Finance at Oakland Thrives, Tony works to align government institutions, elected officials, and community leaders to transform the City of Oakland to better support children, youth, and families. His involvement in various community initiatives and his leadership in organizations such as the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council, currently their chairman, and the National Foster Youth Institute demonstrate his commitment to social justice and his ability to drive positive change.
Kevin Payne
Treasurer
Kevin (he/him) is an adoptive father and seasoned financial professional based in Seattle, WA. With over 15 years in the financial industry, he is a strong advocate for financial literacy and community-based empowerment. Kevin’s approach to work and life centers on building trust and meaningful relationships. Outside of work, Kevin is all about family adventures, coaching youth sports, and soaking up the joys of parenthood. He stays energized through a wide array of hobbies, including running, baking sourdough, playing golf, and home improvement projects. Whether mentoring his kids or volunteering his time, Kevin brings dedication and warmth to everything he does.
Jennifer Wright Cook
Member
Jennifer (she/her) is an adoptive mom and a nonprofit strategist excelling in organizational resilience. Her extensive career at the award-winning nonprofit arts organization, The Field, resulted in significant growth, and newly activated equity and inclusion practices. Deeply committed to reproductive justice and indigenous sovereignty, Jennifer volunteers and advocates for American Indian Law Alliance and All-Options among others. Jennifer is Board Chair for performance artist Miguel Gutierrez, a Board Member of the Elting Memorial Library and active in her local School Audit and Equity Committees. She is an active tennis player, choir and song circle singer and meditator.