Chrys Bitting, LMSW, Executive Director of Adoption Associates of Iowa and Certified Adoption Investigator, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Drake University.  Says Chrys: “My husband and I are the adoptive parents of four adult children. Who have blessed us with six amazing grandchildren. This has provided for a true first-hand experience of the adoption process including adoptive parent-and-child delights and difficulties. In all facets of my career, I have worked with children and families surrounding the issues of adoption. I have a true passion for the adoption process, from the home study, to assisting in matching a child to his or her forever family…forever.” “I bring a total of 36 years of experience in the Human Services field with a wide range of knowledge specifically with children and families. I have been the Program Director for an agency serving individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities and assisting them to be able to function in a community setting. I was the Treatment Director for 9 years for a non-profit agency serving adolescents in a residential and independent living environment. I have worked with the Department of Human Services for 15 years in various capacities including Child and Dependent Adult Abuse investigations, Foster Care and Adoptions.”  I have been with Adoption Associates of Iowa since 2012.
515.249.3403

Bill Pearce heads William Pearce Adoption Services, Inc., of which Adoption Associates of Iowa is a part. Bill has a Master’s Degree in Sociology. He was with the Polk County Juvenile Court for 25 years, which has left him with a good understanding of what can happen when children’s lives go wrong. On the other hand, helping build families through his adoption agency for over 40 years as a Certified Adoption Investigator has been extremely rewarding. Bill has a wealth of knowledge in the adoption field, as he has been a part of the adoption of hundreds of children from the United States and around the world. Bill’s experience is varied: Bill and his wife, Karen, have raised two wonderful children and have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He and his wife have served as Christian youth leaders, Church board members, and Scout leaders. Bill has researched and written on adoption issues, children of alcoholics, gang members, parenting issues (Tough Minded Parenting), taught in two colleges and the Des Moines Police Academy, and served as a School Board member. Bill previously taught Juvenile Law at DMACC. With his wonderful team members in Adoption Associates of Iowa, it is his pleasure to continue serving children and families. You can reach him at 515-262-9047

Angie Reed graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Social Worker in 2001. Says Angie: “My husband Kyle and I live in Indianola, Iowa. I graduated from Oskaloosa, Iowa, High School in 1996, and met my husband Kyle during my brief time at Cornell College. We have been married for over ten years and have two boys. I enjoy spending time with my family fishing, “treasure” hunting in the timber with my boys, or just playing. My boys keep me busy with all of their sports and other activities. In addition to spending time with my family, my husband and I are currently High School Youth Group leaders at our church. I began my career with the Polk County Department of Human Services in Des Moines, Iowa as a case manager for children and families involved in the Juvenile Court System. After 5 years and the birth of my second son I felt it was my time to leave the Department so that I could be more available to my family. In 2006 I began providing in-home services to families involved with the Department of Human Services. In addition to my adoption work, I continue to provide Behavioral Health Intervention Services for local families, as well as teach Children in the Middle and Anger Management classes for a non-profit agency.

Avery decided to adopt after a 4 year battle with infertility. Instead of pursuing invasive surgeries, she chose to start their adoption journey.
Avery can remember when she felt alone, left out, and unloved through her four year struggle with infertility. While walking through the journey of adoption, she realized that adoption can be just as lonely of a journey as infertility. This is what gave her the calling to help others adopt. She never gave up on her pursuit of becoming a mother. Six months into the adoption process she was blessed with twin girls. She now has her hands full, but more importantly her heart is full. Her passion for adoption is so strong and she has so much desire to support others in making their dreams come true.

Deb Hoodjer, BA in Human Services from Grandview University, and I have known Chrys Bitting for approximately 32 years. We met while working together in various jobs at the Department of Humans Services including the adoption services and are close friends. I worked for the Department of Humans Services in Case Management with Disabled Children and Adults. I have worked at Goodwill Industries in the Day Program for adults and also served as a Job Coach. I am currently a Home Study Consultant for Adoption Associates of Iowa and have been with the team for a little over a year.
My children who are now grown only know Chrys as their Aunt. I could go on as there are so many great stories I could share about working with Chrys. But, for now, I share her passion for children and families and this is what drives me to help her in whatever capacity I can. I am a widow and was married to my first husband for almost 24 years. I have a step-son from that marriage who is 35 and is married with three children who all call me grandma and Live in Waukee. My second oldest child, a daughter just had a birthday and turned 28 and has been married for a little over a year and lives in Chicago. My youngest son is 24 and lives in the Des Moines area. I met my current husband in a grief share program and we will be having our 3rd anniversary on February 10th. Our blended family is now 6 kids deep, three girls and three boys, a true Brady Bunch. I now have a total of 5 step grandchildren. Our family continues to grow and we spend as much time as possible together. Most of our time is spent at the Lake of the Ozarks as we all have a passion for the water.
I look forward to supporting families with Adoption Associates of Iowa and making their dreams come true in a digital capacity.

Susan Kirstein, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Certified Adoption Investigator. Susan is a licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa, with both Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degrees and is Board Certified in Nursing Administration. Adoption has held a special place in Susan’s heart, both personally and professionally. As an Obstetrics nurse, she supported birth parents during prenatal care and delivery as well as adoptive parents during the first hours after the birth of their children. She was privileged to watch from the sidelines as her father, Bill Pearce, helped to form hundreds of new families over his 40-year career as an adoption professional. Susan’s nursing experience includes both staff level nursing with widely diverse populations as well as administrative and regulatory compliance positions over a 35-year career. Susan was named as one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses in 2006. Susan and her husband, Scott, are blessed with two wonderful children and two grandchildren, and enjoy camping, music, and church activities with their family. She is excited to begin a new chapter in her career, helping to build families as a Certified Adoption Investigator.