ABOUT AMERICANKIDZ ADOPTION SERVICES, INC.

     
AmericanKidz Adoption Services, Inc. is staffed by experienced professionals who are equipped to handle all your adoption questions and concerns. We at AmericanKidz understand the adoption process can be scary, emotional and intimidating. We are here to provide our expertise and support in every way we can.


     

Kathleen M. Calcutt, Esq. is General Counsel and Owner of AmericanKidz Adoption Services, Inc. and AmericanKidz of Georgia, Inc. Kathleen has been practicing law since 1991. She is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Georgia and is a member of the Florida Adoption Council (FAC) and the Georgia Association of Licensed Adoption Agencies (GALAA). She began her legal career as an Assistant Public Defender and then transitioned into private practice once she married her husband, Patrick, and they began having children. She has practiced in the areas of criminal defense law, family law, juvenile law and adoptions. She has focused on the practice area of adoptions for the past 18 years. Kathleen and Patrick have three biological children and three adopted children. The youngest is a sophomore in college and the oldest has served his country for the past eight years in the Navy. In between are a teacher, firefighter, law student, and college senior.

Kathleen remembers how difficult it was in the early years to balance the demands of a busy career and learn how to be a good wife and mother. She also remembers how incredible and sometimes challenging it was to adopt each of their three sons. Kathleen is the first to admit that she could not have done any of this if it were not for the support of her loving husband and law partner (Calcutt & Calcutt, P.A.), Patrick. Both Kathleen and Patrick are graduates of Florida State University and Florida State University College of Law. Kathleen enjoys refinishing antiques, painting, and also plays guitar and violin and sings in their church choir. She is one of five children and enjoys a great deal of support from her family and friends. She looks forward to watching her children, both biological and adopted, continue to grow and develop as secure, happy individuals and hopes one day to learn to cook as well as her Italian mother, Rose.

Anya Byron, MSW, has been the Director of AmericanKidz Adoption Services Inc. (Florida Office) since 2014. Anya, who is originally from Cordele, Georgia, is a graduate of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in May, 2004 and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She then attended the Advanced Standing Program at Barry University in Miami, Florida, where she obtained her Masters in Social Work. Anya was the lead social worker for AmericanKidz’ sister agency AmericanKidz of Georgia, Inc. from 2008 to 2014. In addition to her supervisory role, Anya also completes home studies, post-placement visits, adoption training programs, and birth parent and adoptive parent counseling for the Agency. Anya enjoys R & B and working in the world of adoptions, helping babies and children find their forever families. Anya is a major sports fan. She played point and forward on her varsity high school basketball team, the Crisp County Cougars. She roots for the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes. Anya has two gifted daughters and enjoys supporting her girls in their many interests – especially basketball. .

Janee' Daye, BSW, is AmericanKidz Adoptive Family Coordinator. Janeé has been employed by AmericanKidz Adoption Services, Inc. since 2008 and works with both the Florida and Georgia offices. Janeé Coordinates the matching process and assists adoptive families in their adoption journey. She received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University in 1996, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Since graduating, Janeé has worked in foster care and adoption, both in the private and public sectors. Janeé first met Kathleen in 2003 when, as an Adoption Specialist for the Department of Children and Families, she assisted Kathleen and her husband in adopting their two of her sons from the foster care system. Janeé enjoys spending time at the beach and spending quality time with her husband, children and their dog Adam.

Marina George, BSW
, is the Birth Mother Coordinator for AmericanKidz Florida office. Marina started with AmericanKidz Adoption Services, Inc. In October 2018. She received her undergraduate degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in May, 2010. Marina’s employment history has an emphasis on addiction and recovery. Marina was born in Yekaterinburg, Russia and was adopted at the age of eight with her twin sister and brother and moved to America. From her personal experience of being adopted, she knew at an early age that she wanted to work as a social worker to help other children find their forever families. Marina enjoys spending quality time with her husband, three children - all boys, their dog Taz and cat Spaz. Marina is a water baby and enjoys the beautiful Florida beaches and tropical weather.

Joan Sherwin, CPA, affectionally know as “Joanie”, is AmericanKidz Account/Office Manager. Joanie came on board the Agency full time in 2018 after 14 years of off-site CPA accounting work for AmericanKidz Adoption Services, Inc. and AmericanKidz of Georgia, Inc. Joanie monitors monthly budgeting for our expectant mothers and adoptive families and insures file compliance for state and independent annual audits. Joanie grew up in northeast Pennsylvania and moved to Florida after attending Wilkes University. Joanie loves her Calico cat named Honey, enjoys the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront and city events. She cheers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – win or lose... now that’s loyalty!

Rona Akerman is Kathleen Calcutt’s Legal Assistant and has worked out of the Georgia Office for Calcutt & Calcutt, P.A. since 2008. Rona provides legal support services for AmericanKidz families from both the Florida and Georgia Agencies. As a legal assistant for the law firm, she coordinates the electronic filing of adoption cases with various court systems as well as the scheduling of hearings. Rona received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Montavallo. She worked approximately 15 years in the mortgage banking industry. In addition to her work on behalf of adoptive families, she also works with the attorneys at Calcutt & calcutt on other types of cases including criminal defense, civil litigation and juvenile dependency cases. Rona enjoys reading, particularly history and biographies, and spending time with her husband, daughter and family dog Blitz.

Richard F. Garrett , MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is currently Executive Director of AmericanKidz of Georgia, Inc. Mr. Garrett, graduated of Florida Atlantic University and Berry University. He has been practicing at the Masters Level since 1982. He previously practiced in Florida before moving to Georgia in June of 1988. He is a member of the Georgia Association of Licensed Adoption Agencies.(GAALA) and the American Adoption Congress. He has worked extensively in the field of child welfare, substance abuse and children's mental health. He is certified by the Center for Adoption Support and Education C.A.S.E. in the field of Therapeutic Training for Adoption Competency T.A.C. He is certified EMDR therapist through EMDRIA, (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Association). He has also worked for over 26 years as a social worker with military families and sits on the Multi disciplinary Team at the Lily Pad child Advocacy Center in Albany, Georgia.. His professional interests include providing post adoption services to special needs populations. He currently has three children, and three grand children (and counting). He enjoys spending his free time spoiling his grandchildren, cooking outdoors and camping with his family. Mr. Garrett is the founder of Trauma Solutions, Inc., 1511 W. 3rd Ave., Albany, GA 31707. Mr. Garrett may be reached at 229-483-5050 or Richardfgarretttraumasolutions@outlook.com.

Monica White, MSW, is a licensed clinical social worker since 2016. Monica has been an adoption social worker with AmericanKidz of Georgia, Inc. For over 5 years. Monica has over 19 years of experience in social work and counseling. She holds a Masters in Social Work from Valdosta State University and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. In addition to providing counseling services for expectant mothers, Monica also prepares Home Study and post placement services for our adoptive families.

   
 
Kathleen M. Calcutt, Esq.
 
   
  Anya Byron, MSW  
   
  Janee' Daye, BSW  
   
  Marina George, BSW  
   
  Joan Sherwin, CPA  
   
  Rona Akerman  
   
  Richard F. Garrett , MSW, LCSW