Who We Are

 Meet Our Staff:

Rory Hall Adoption Advocates Director of Placements in Austin  

Rory Hall, Executive Director

Rory received a Master's in Counseling from St. Edward's University in 2009. She has worked in adoption since 1995. Rory works with adoptive parents to guide them through the adoption process. She is an approved trainer for the Infant Adoption Training Initiative and has educated many nurses and social workers in presenting adoption as an option. She believes that in adoption the focus should be primarily on the long term best interest of the child. 
Janie Cravens Director of Training and Education at Adoption Advocates Austin  

Janie Cravens, LMSW-ACP Director of Training and Education

Janie Cravens has a master's degree in social work (1979) and has worked in adoption for 18 years. While working at Lutheran Social Services, Janie was one of the pioneers of open adoption practices in this country. Janie is an experienced consultant, and has been a vocal advocate for growth and understanding among triad members through her professional career.
 
Erin Smith Adoption Advocates Support Speciailist in Austin  

Erin Smith, Adoption Services Coordinator

Erin earned her bachelor's degree from Trinity University in Anthropology, International Studies, and Spanish. Much of her undergraduate research was done in the field of adoption. She knows first hand what a blessing adoption can be as she was internationally adopted, her sister was domestically adopted, and her parents were directors of an orphanage in Mexico facilitating the adoption process there for 6 years. Working in this field is something about which she is truly passionate.
Jane Hall Adoption Advocates Executive Director in Austin  

Jane Hall, Founder

Jane Hall has a personal interest in adoption since she herself was adopted at an early age. She founded Adoption Advocates in 1991 to provide caring, compassionate adoption services where the rights and feelings of all members of the triad are respected. Jane has assembled a wonderful staff who not only bring years of adoption experience and expertise to the agency but are also sensitive to clients' individual needs and wishes. She obtained her law degree from St. Mary's University in 1982. Jane is a licensed attorney and has a practice that includes private adoption.