About Us

Sheryl Proulx BSW, RSW

I have been connected to Adoption Options since 1990, as I first came to the agency as a client dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Working with a professional social worker who provided a safe and non-judgmental environment for me to make a plan for my son and myself was incredibly impactful. I became a social worker and initially worked in Child Welfare as a case manager. In 2003, I was thrilled to join the AO team. My husband Steve and I have a beautiful little girl and an amazing relationship with my birth son and his family. I believe adoption is not for everyone, but a positive option to be considered. What I value most about Adoption Options is the incredible team of colleagues that I have the privilege of working with every day. They are dedicated to providing professional and caring services to every person who walks through our doors.

Tara Zimmerman BSW, RSW

I am thrilled to have recently joined the Adoption Option team, finding a place where I am surrounded by a team of dedicated professional women who strive to build families in such a compassionate, and caring capacity while supporting such life changing decisions.

I graduated from Dalhousie University in 2016 and began my career in Social Work from caseworker to supervisor in a First Nations community with the hopes of learning and fostering positive change, and really discovering the importance of everyone’s story. I have place high value on learning from my own family, their life experiences, and the impact adoption has had in my own family.  I am excited to grow in the International program, be a part of something greater that allows others to expand their families in such a beautiful unique way.  It has been an honour to have this opportunity and I feel so fortunate that others allow me into their lives and bring me along in their journey.

I am a wife, and mother to four wonderful kids in my personal life. I enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling whenever possible.

Erika Moore BSW RSW

Led to the Social Work profession from her own experience of being a Birthmother, Erika always dreamed of a career with Adoption Options. Since acquiring her Social Work education in 2004, Erika’s professional experience has always centered around working with children and families. In 2012, Erika formally joined the Adoption Options team and over the past decade has worked as a social worker in both the Calgary and Edmonton offices. Most recently, Erika took on a leadership role with AO as Domestic Program Supervisor. Erika’s heart and passion is in open adoption practice, and she deeply values the courage, resilience, and love that is lived by every member of the adoption circle.

In her personal life, Erika is a mother to two great kids, a wife, daughter, sister, and friend.

Heather Johnson SW Dip., BSW, BHSc., RSW

Heather has been a registered social worker for 21 years working across many areas including with youth at risk, in adult addictions and mental health, with people living with HIV/AIDS, and in social work regulation and association. Heather is a mother to three, a partner, a daughter, sister, friend, and colleague. Heather has been with Adoption Options since 2015 as a contract home study writer. In 2019, Heather competed her third year BSW practicum in house at Adoption Options and has since had the opportunity to move into a part-time in-house position. Heather believes that it is a privilege to be a social worker because you on the front lines of someone’s story. It has been a great joy for Heather to be a part of the AO team for these last six years and she looks forward to continued learning and growing with the birthparents and families at AO.

Amanda Hillier RSW, CBIS

I graduated from MacEwan University in 2015, I tried out a few different Social Work roles until I stumbled upon Adoption Options via the ACSW website. I was initially drawn to the ALL options counselling that AO offers to anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy or anyone that is struggling with parenting. Offering women all of their options gives them choice and that is deeply important to me. I was lucky enough to be offered an interview with Sheryl and I began working for Adoption Options in October 2018. I worked primarily in the domestic program out of the Edmonton office until October 2019 when I was given the opportunity to work in the international adoption program as well. I feel lucky to be able to work in both programs and to be part of such a loving, dedicated and passionate team of women.

Janniene Jones, BSW, RSW

My name is Janniene Jones, and I earned my social work degree from MacEwan University in 2021. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with children and families to create safe, nurturing environments. My focus has been on supporting parents and caregivers in building essential skills, overcoming personal challenges, and enhancing their well-being and parenting abilities. My work has deepened my understanding of the diverse and dynamic forms that families can take, revealing that at their core, successful homes are built on loving and dedicated individuals.

I am passionate about creating inclusive, judgment-free spaces where individuals can grow and thrive. I was drawn to AO because of its commitment to supporting women and empowering them with meaningful choices. The close-knit community at AO is truly inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to this community and providing compassionate support to everyone who seeks it.

Cara Hoffman, BA, BSW, RSW

I am passionate about family. Parenting has been the most valuable life experience I have had, and I have grown in ways I had never anticipated. I am grateful for the opportunity to parent my four children. The mission of Adoption Options, building families and creating futures, aligns with my personal values. I love my role facilitating connection between birthfamily members and their child and the adoptive family. I have a big heart for community and I believe that children change us in the best ways through opportunities to explore selflessness.

I enjoy learning. I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2007 with a Bachelor of Political Science degree and from the University of Calgary in 2009 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I look forward to auditing courses in retirement, and I enjoy reading for my well-being and growth in the meantime. I began with Adoption Options in 2009 as a practicum student and have worked for the agency in a variety of capacities over the years, happily returning to a full-time in-house social work role in July 2025.

Helena Troschke

Helena joined the Adoption Options team in 2025, but was first introduced to the agency already with her own personal connection to adoption. As an adoptee and birthparent herself, she brings a unique perspective to her professional role that is built on compassion, empathy and understanding. With a background in administrative and people-focused roles, Helena is dedicated to using both her professional skills and lived experience to contribute meaningfully to supporting families throughout their journey.

Outside of her professional duties, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, working on her personal growth and hobbies.