About Us

Serving Texas families and communities since 1987.

Ms. Phillips received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University. Her fields of study include Education, Business and Human Sciences. Ms. Phillips is currently completing a doctorate in Human Sciences. She is licensed or certified in education, social work and child care administration. Ms. Phillips is also a Certified Family Life Educator.

Ms. Carnes received a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master of Education degree from Texas Tech University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Ms. Carnes is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Texas Council on Family Relations. Ms. Carnes is also a Certified Family Life Educator.

Jeriva D. Traylor, MS, LPC, is the Pregnancy and Domestic Supervisor for Children's Connections, Inc. In this role, Jeriva offers support and assistance to birth and adoptive families who are at various stages of the adoption journey. For pregnant women exploring their options regarding an unplanned pregnancy, Jeriva serves as an unbiased, nonjudgmental guide and source of support. She provides information about the adoption process and offers referrals to licensed child placing agencies if they wish to pursue an adoption plan. For adoptive families hoping to grow through adoption, Jeriva will assist families in identifying their type of adoption, inform families about the domestic adoption process, and provide referrals to licensed child placing agencies and adoption attorneys. Most importantly, Jeriva serves as a source of support to families throughout the adoption process. This support includes adoption education, support group and adoption service referrals, information on financing adoption and connecting adoptive families with similar adoption experiences.Jeriva has worked in the field of adoption for approximately six years. She says, "My career aspirations have always been to promote stability and security in families, and the field of adoption allows me to do that through my work with women, children and families." She began her career as a counselor for a licensed child-placing agency working with both birth and adoptive families. In time, she moved into a managerial position with the organization and was responsible for the coordination of the agency's domestic adoption program for over two years. Jeriva has been with Children's Connections, Inc. since December, 2008. Jeriva is very excited about the opportunity to assist you. She can be contacted via email at Jeriva@childrensconnections.org , through the Children's Connections, Inc. Adoption Support Center at 800-456-4862 or directly on her cell phone at 214-226-8330.

Mary Tyler, LCSW, is the International Adoption Coordinator for the Children's Connections, Inc. Mary is a licensed clinical social worker and has been with Children's Connections since February 2007 conducting and supervising private home studies. Prior to her time at Children's Connections, Mary had nine years experience in private adoption including both domestic and international adoptions. Mary answers questions and provides referrals to families hoping to complete adoptions internationally. She is eager to help families as they work with international adoption agencies to bring their child home from another country. Mary will assist families starting their adoption process by referring them to appropriate agencies and answering questions regarding home studies, financing their adoption, and other issues regarding their adoption. Mary can be reached at Mary@childrensconnections.org , through the Children's Connections, Inc. Adoption Support Center at 800-456-4862 or directly on her cell phone at 713-301-9101.

Julie Hames, BSW, is the Embryo Adoption Coordinator for Children’s Connections Inc. Julie is a licensed social worker and has been with Children’s Connections since November 2009 working in the Strengthening Families program. Prior to her time at Children’s Connections, Inc., Julie had over fifteen years experience working in the adoption realm. She has provided home study services for families pursuing kinship, CPS, domestic, and international adoptions. In her role as an adoption coordinator for a licensed child placing agency in New Mexico, Julie provided counseling, education, and adoption related services for both birth and adopting families. She has four years experience training and educating professionals about adoption. Julie is excited about working with families as they begin their journey of embryo adoption. She is available to provide information, resources, and education to families who are donating embryos as well as to those who are hoping to complete embryo adoptions. Julie can be reached at Julie@childrensconnections.org, through the Children’s Connections, Inc Adoption Support Center at 800-456-4862 or directly on her cell phone at 210-452-9773.