At The Adoption Center, we believe our services are only as good as the people we employ. That's why we choose people who are truly committed to helping families who have been touched by adoption. See the employee bios below for detailed information about work experience and specific interests.

David Jordan, MSSW

Executive Director

David Jordan is the Executive Director of AGAPE Child and Family Services in Memphis & Jackson, TN, a position he has held since August 1995.  He received a Master of Science degree in Social Work Administration and Planning from the University of Tennessee.  Over the course of his career, David, has worked as a counselor, family therapist, supervisor, program administrator, and agency director in the human services field.  Specializing in services to children and families, he has worked extensively in the public and private sectors and in both government and faith-based agencies.      Michael McDonald, LCSW Director of the Adoption Support Center Michael McDonald is the Director of The Adoption Support Center. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He went on later to obtain a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. Michael has years of clinical and adoption social work experience, allowing him to better understand adoption and the special needs that adoptive families may have. He served as an intern at Pinnacle Point Hospital, Little Rock, AR and was an Alcohol and Drug Treatment technician at Southeast Community Treatment Center, Salem, MO. He also worked in the Domestic Violence program and parenting program at Exchange Club/AmeriCorps Program in Memphis, Tennessee. He facilitated group, individual, and family therapy at Compass Intervention in Memphis. In addition, he worked as a medical social worker for LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center, dealing with abuse and bereavement issues. Michael also provided special needs adoption case management, counseling and support as the Coordinator for the adoption and maternity services program at AGAPE Child and Family Services, Inc.   Melissa Canterbury, LMFT Coordinator of the Adoption Support Center, Memphis Melissa Canterbury is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in 2005 she joined the staff of the Adoption Support Center as a part of TN Adoption Support and Preservation program (ASAP) . She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University in Searcy, AR. Melissa currently provides counseling and support to adoptive families in West Tennessee who have adopted youth formerly in the state foster care system and is a trainer in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi for the Infant Adoption Training Initiative. Melissa's former experience includes being the Child and Adolescent Counselor for Lookout Mountain Community Services in North Georgia, a family counselor for the TREK program (Therapeutic Resources and Environment for Kids)- a therapeutic foster care program for Lookout Mountain Community Services. She is interested in attachment issues with children and their families; couples therapy, and grief and loss. She is excited to be working with individuals, couples, and families whose lives have been touched by adoption. Kevin Wood, MS Coordinator of the Adoption Support Center, Jackson Kevin Wood obtained his Master's Degree in Counseling and Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. Kevin was employed from 2001 - 2004 at The STAR Center in Jackson, TN as a Vocational Assessment Evaluator. In that position, he helped individuals with disabilities explore vocational options based upon their physical and mental capacities. Kevin has experience working at The Exchange Club’s Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Agape Child and Family Services in Memphis, TN. Kevin works full time in the Jackson, TN office where he is a Family therapist for the Adoption Center of the MidSouth’s ASAP program. He has two additional roles at Agape as a Clinical Therapist and as a Continuum Case Manager. Kevin specializes in working with families (including adoptive/foster families), couples, individuals in therapy, and children. Kevin will begin working towards attaining his Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider designation in 2006. Alisha Worthey, MS Family Therapist Alisha Worthey joined Agape Child and Family Services, Inc. in January 2008. She is employed full-time in the Jackson, TN office in the ASAP program as a Family Therapist. Alisha earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Freed-Hardeman University in 1994. She later returned to FHU to complete a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling, graduating in 2005. Alisha was employed as a Vocational Assessment Evaluator for five years at Madison-Haywood Developmental Services and for nine years at The STAR Center in Jackson, Tennessee. As a vocational evaluator, Alisha assisted individuals with emotional, physical, and mental disabilities to explore work and/or training options that would lead them to successful vocational placements. Alisha has completed a practicum at The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and at The STAR Center in the Art Therapy Program. Amber Davis, LMSW Family Therapist Amber West was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in December 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She will begin her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Tennessee in Memphis in June of 2006. Then she plans on working toward her licensure. Amber enjoys working with children and is very excited about working for The Adoption Support Center as a Family Therapist. Carolyn McKinney, MS Family Therapist Carolyn McKinney, M.S. joyfully works as a Family Therapist for Agape Child & Family Services with the Adoption Support and Preservation Program (ASAP), in the West region of Tennessee. She attended and received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of Memphis. Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Counseling (Community/Agency concentration). She currently provides therapy and support to families whose lives have been touched by adoption, with a goal of building and maintaining a healthy and happy family life. Carolyn’s previous professional counseling experiences include working as a Teacher Counselor and Family Counselor for Youth Villages; Child & Youth Case Manager for Frayser Family Counseling; and as a Masters level counseling intern for The Exchange Club Family Center. She has great interest in working with children and their families who are struggling with issues of emotional/behavioral problems, attachment/bonding, grief and loss, depression, and abuse. Carolyn is currently pursing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She believes that she is truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful Christian organization. George Kolhbacher, MA Family Therapist Bio coming soon Hannah Coffman, M.S. Family Therapist Hannah Coffman, M.S. joined AGAPE Child and Family Services in November 2008 with the Adoption Support and Preservation program (ASAP). She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Counseling. Hannah currently provides therapy and support to adoptive families in West Tennessee who have adopted youth formerly in the state foster care system. Hannah's former experience includes interning with Youth Villages as a family therapist, the STAR Center as a vocational evaluator and at West TN Children’s Home as a group and individual therapist for teenagers placed in state’s custody. Prior to joining Agape she was a counselor for the students of the Tennessee Technology Center in Jackson advising students along their educational and vocational path. Hannah resides in Henderson along with her husband and two Pomeranians. She thanks God for the opportunity to work for a Christian organization and for her co-workers that exemplify His vision. Heather MacLeod, MMFT Family Therapist   Bio coming soon. Rebecca Ellis, MMFT Family Therapist Rebecca Ellis is one of the family therapists for the Adoption Support Center where her role is to provide assistance for individuals, couples, and families affected by adoption. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University in Family Studies and then received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University. During her time in Abilene, she had the opportunity to counsel individuals, couples, and families in different areas such as anxiety and depression, marital counseling, play therapy, parenting, and more. Rebecca also has interests and experience in working with siblings of children with autism, grief counseling for children and families, and counseling children from inner cities. Rebecca comes to us from Fort Worth, Texas, along with her husband Marcus Ellis. She grew up in a family with biracial adopted twin brothers, one adopted sister, and two biological brothers. Because of her experience and family background, Rebecca is looking forward to working with those who are touched by adoption. Willie Holcomb, LCSW Family Therapist/HART/HMHF Bio coming soon. Adoption Staff Claire DePriest, LMSW Birth Family Social Worker Claire DePriest grew up in north Mississippi and moved to Memphis in 2005 after receiving a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Freed-Hardeman University. In 2007, she received a Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee. Prior to moving to Memphis, Claire served as a mentor for the West TN Children’s Home and gained volunteer experience teaching children. In Memphis, she initially worked with the Exchange Club Family Center as a co-facilitator of groups for children of divorcing parents, child witnesses of domestic violence, and teenage girls needing assistance with anger management. As the Adoption/Maternity Social Worker at AGAPE, Claire works with birthparents to help educate them on their rights and their options in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. For birthparents who choose adoption, she assists them with the process and provides support. She also works with approved adoptive families to help them find and adopt waiting children. Claire serves the Adoption Center of the Mid-South as a social worker, and she enjoys working with birth families and adoptive families to help create healthy homes for as many families as possible.   Shanda Noe, BSW Adoptive Family Social Worker Bio coming soon.