Our Experts

Alan Dettlaff, PhD

Alan Dettlaff is a professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and served as Dean from 2015 to 2022. He began his career as a social worker in the family policing system, working as an investigative caseworker and administrator. Alan's current work focuses on ending the harms caused by this system. In 2020, he co-founded the upEND movement, a collaborative effort aimed at abolishing the family policing system and creating alternatives centered on healing and liberation.

Alan is the author of Confronting the Racist Legacy of the American Child Welfare System: The Case for Abolition, published by Oxford University Press in 2023. He is also a co-founding editor of Abolitionist Perspectives in Social Work, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing abolitionist ideas and practices in social work. Alan's work is grounded in the pursuit of social justice and systemic transformation.

Website: https://www.alandettlaff.com/

Alfonso Holmes, LPC

Alfonso M. Holmes is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and owner
of Awaken Counseling and Wellness, where he specializes in providing mental health
support to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), with a focus on men and the
LGBTQIA+ community. After earning his B.S. in Psychology from Alcorn State
University, he returned to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina to meet the growing
demand for mental health services. While pursuing his graduate studies in Clinical
Mental Health and School Counseling at Xavier University of Louisiana, Alfonso gained
experience working as a Mental Health Technician and completed his practicum in local
high schools.
With post-graduate experience in mental health rehabilitation across diverse settings,
Alfonso uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and integrative techniques, including
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). A member of the Louisiana Counseling
Association, he is passionate about breaking down stigmas around mental health in
marginalized communities, empowering individuals to seek support, and addressing the
unique emotional challenges faced by people of color.

Angela Burton, Esq.

Angela Burton is a renowned community lawyer, scholar, and public servant with over thirty years of experience advocating for the rights of parents and children in the family policing system, commonly known as the child welfare system. Her commitment to social justice is driven by a deep understanding of the systemic inequities faced by vulnerable families. Angela has consistently fought to protect the human, constitutional, and civil rights of marginalized individuals, ensuring their voices are heard.

As a respected scholar, Angela has contributed significantly to the field of family law and child welfare through her publications and lectures, influencing both policy and practice. Her work has focused on dismantling inequalities within the child welfare system, driving reforms for a more just and equitable future.

Angela’s public service includes various leadership roles in governmental and nonprofit organizations, where she has developed policies to support family well-being. Her legacy is one of empowerment, justice, and unwavering dedication to equity.

Arianna Merlo

Arianna Merlo is a bilingual Paralegal, Resource Advocate, and Mitigation Specialist, currently pursuing a degree in social work. With over eight years of experience in criminal defense and three years in child welfare, she brings valuable insight into the criminal justice system and client advocacy. As a native Spanish speaker, Arianna is passionate about connecting her community ties to her work and deepening her commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her skills and education encompass trauma-informed interviewing, behavioral health, child development, and substance use disorders. Driven by a passion for social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities, Arianna is dedicated to advocacy and community resource development.

Astrid Castro

Astrid Castro (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Adoption Mosaic, a BIPOC adoptee and woman-led organization focused on building an inclusive, adoption-conscious community. Through innovative, adoptee-centered programs like We the Experts: Adoptee Speaker Series, Astrid amplifies adoptee voices and lived experiences. With over 20 years of experience, she has led workshops on transracial parenting, talking with children about adoption, and other key adoption-related topics nationwide.

Before starting Adoption Mosaic, Astrid worked with leading adoption organizations, including the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center, Holt International, and Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange. She co-authored Adoption in the Movies and developed the Adoptive Parent Training DVD to help adoptive parents improve communication with their children. As an adoptee from Colombia who reunited with her birth family in 2011, Astrid’s personal journey informs her commitment to post-adoption services and advocacy. Her story has been featured in The Oregonian.

Website: https://adoptionmosaic.com/

Brandy Davis, LMSW

Brandy A. Davis is a seasoned Human Services professional and executive coach with extensive expertise in leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational growth. With a diverse career across multiple sectors, Brandy has a proven track record of leading initiatives that foster collaboration and enhance performance.

As a consultant and coach, Brandy empowers leaders and teams to achieve their full potential, using customized strategies to tackle complex challenges and drive sustainable success. Her skills in training and professional development have helped numerous professionals advance their abilities, improve team dynamics, and meet organizational objectives.

Known for her dynamic approach, Brandy inspires action, fosters innovation, and facilitates impactful conversations that lead to transformative change. She is a sought-after speaker and trainer dedicated to helping organizations thrive. Brandy holds a Master of Social Work, specializing in health equity, and is certified in multiple professional disciplines.

Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, CEDS

Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, CEDS, is an African American author, speaker, and expert in eating disorders, trauma, and addictions. A graduate of The University of Michigan Medical School, she completed a residency in Preventive Medicine and earned a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Loma Linda University, followed by a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Ross is board certified in Preventive Medicine and Addiction Medicine, with additional certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.

An internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Dr. Ross specializes in mental health, trauma, and workplace productivity. She received the 2022 Outstanding Service in Addiction Medicine award and the 2023 Dr. Peter Hayden Diversity, Inclusivity, and Racial Equity Award. As founder of Inclusive Minds Consultants, she provides trauma-sensitive workplace training. Her TEDx talk on "Historical and Intergenerational Trauma" was presented in 2020, and she is co-editing Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Website : https://www.anchorprogram.com/

Katie Correll

Katie Correll is a devoted mother of three boys and owner of two dogs, Chop and Azul. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado. Since 2020, Katie has passionately served as a Parent Advocate on parent defense teams, and she is certified in SAFE Home Study. Deeply committed to Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases, her dedication is personal, rooted in her enrollment in the Oglala Sioux Nation. Known by her Lakota name, Sina Wicachpi Win (Star Quilt Woman), Katie is driven to reform the Child Welfare system. After nearly four years of advocacy, she continues to expand her impact, by continuing her mission in creating meaningful change for families and children. In her free time, Katie enjoys being with her family and dogs while honoring her heritage by actively participating in traditional Lakota ceremonies.

Linda Elma, LCSW

Linda Elma is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience in mental health care, specializing in supporting individuals with disabilities. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University and is currently pursuing studies in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University. As the owner and lead therapist at Life Skills Management Services LLC, Linda provides comprehensive mental health services, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and emotional challenges with empathy and expertise.

In addition to her private practice, Linda serves as a psychotherapist at Joshua Snyder P.A., delivering personalized care in a supportive environment. Her professional experience spans education and public service roles, including working as a Certified Substitute Teacher and a Certified Corrections Officer, which has given her unique insights into the needs of diverse populations.

Fluent in English, Haitian-Creole, and conversant in Spanish, Linda is committed to helping clients from various backgrounds. She holds multiple clinical licenses and certifications, underscoring her dedication to improving lives through compassionate, individualized care.

Website: https://www.lindaelmalcsw.com/

Martha Wilson, LPC

Martha is a dedicated Black Latina, mother of five, and a doctoral student in Public Administration with over 8.5 years of experience in child welfare. Her career spans from her role as a caseworker to her current position as a clinical consultant and supervisor with the Office of Respondent Parent Counsel. Martha is deeply committed to addressing racial disparities affecting families of color, driving her advocacy in appeals cases, legislative discussions, and the Family Justice Initiative. Leveraging her expertise in child welfare, mental health, and personal experiences, Martha challenges racism and unethical practices among professionals within the child welfare industry in the U.S. She co-founded the Boulder County Equity Council, coordinated Boulder Community Conversations About Race, and currently serves on the Longmont Housing and Human Services Advisory Board. Martha continues to be a powerful advocate for equity and justice for marginalized communities.

MJ (Maleeka Jihad), MSW

Maleeka Jihad (MJ) is the Executive Director of MJ Consulting and the nonprofit MJCF: Coalition, both of which are dedicated to dismantling systemic racism within the family policing (child welfare) system through education, advocacy, and policy reform. As a national expert on system trauma, MJ provides training and consultations to organizations, focusing on program development, case analysis, and expert testimony on race, culture, and family treatment services. She taught at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, specializing in racism, privilege, social justice, and child and family law. MJ is currently pursuing her PhD in Organizational Development with Social Justice Change and Somatic Leadership Coaching. She has written extensively on racism in the child welfare industry and advocates for family-centered therapeutic support planning. MJ is committed to creating systemic change to reduce generational trauma and harm to vulnerable populations.

Website: https://www.mjcfcoalition.com/

Reuben Faloughi, PhD 

Dr. Reuben is a licensed clinical psychologist providing both clinical and forensic psychological services through his boutique private practice and consulting firm. He earned his doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri and offers services across multiple states. Dr. Reuben specializes in working with high achievers, such as athletes, executives, and professionals, as well as individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including people of color and women.

With expertise in culturally responsive assessment and trauma treatment, Dr. Reuben focuses on helping clients who have experienced significant trauma. His approach is grounded in compassion and cultural competence, making him a trusted provider for those seeking specialized care. Dr. Reuben’s commitment to serving diverse communities and addressing the unique challenges they face has made him a highly respected figure in the field of psychology.

Website : https://www.dr-reuben.com/

Samantha Thomas, MSW

Samantha (Sam) Thomas is a dedicated clinical social worker with over a decade of experience in clinical practice, higher education, program management, and nonprofit leadership. Her career is anchored in social justice, with a focus on empowering marginalized communities. Passionate about trauma-informed care, Samantha has devoted her life to supporting individuals and families affected by complex trauma, systemic inequities, and intergenerational challenges.

Currently pursuing her PhD in Social Work at Smith College, Samantha's research and practice focus on addressing the multifaceted needs of vulnerable populations. She brings expertise in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, restorative justice, and victim advocacy, especially for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and differently-abled individuals.

As an Adjunct Professor at Westfield State University, Samantha is committed to preparing future social workers. Her leadership in nonprofit organizations has driven program development, policy changes, and service improvements. As a trauma survivor and differently-abled African American woman, Samantha’s personal experiences deeply inform her professional practice, fostering healing and justice for those she serves.

Shelise Keum Mee Gieseke

Shelise Keum Mee Gieseke (she/her) is the Head of Operations at Adoption Mosaic, a BIPOC, woman, and adoptee-led organization that fosters an adoption-conscious community through innovative, adoptee-centered programs. In addition to her leadership role, Shelise trains adoption-informed professionals and co-facilitates the Transracial Parenting course at Adoption Mosaic.

With nearly 15 years of experience in the adoption community, Shelise has worked as an editor, educator, and administrator, including her roles editing the Land of Gazillion Adoptees blog and Gazillion Voices online magazine. As a transnational South Korean adoptee raised by a white family in rural Minnesota, her personal journey deeply informs her advocacy work. Although she has searched for her Korean family, she has not yet reunited with them. Shelise lives in Portland, OR, where she and her husband are raising two biracial children. Her lived experiences continue to inspire her commitment to supporting adoptees and their families.