Chrys Bitting, LMSW, serves as the agency Director of Adoption Associates of Iowa and is a Certified Adoption Investigator with more than 41 years of experience in the Human Services field. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Drake University and has dedicated her career to supporting children and families throughout every stage of the adoption journey.
As an adoptive parent of four adult children and grandmother to eight, Chrys brings a deeply personal understanding of adoption. “My husband and I have experienced both the joys and challenges of adoptive parenthood,” she shares. “That first hand perspective guides my work every day.” Her lived experience enriches her professional practice, allowing her to approach each family with empathy, insight, and authenticity.
Before joining Adoption Associates of Iowa in 2012, Chrys held several leadership roles within child and family services. Her 15 years with the Department of Human Services included extensive work in Child and Dependent Adult Abuse investigations, Foster Care, and Adoptions. She also served as Treatment Director for a nonprofit agency supporting adolescents in residential and independent living programs, and later as Program Director for an agency assisting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
At Adoption Associates of Iowa, Chrys is passionate about helping families grow — from conducting home studies to thoughtfully matching children with their forever families. She remains devoted to ensuring that every child is supported with care, respect, and the opportunity for a permanent, loving home.

Susan Kirstein, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Certified Adoption Investigator since 2021. 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 since 1987. Susan was named as one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses in 2006. Susan and her husband, Scott, are blessed with two wonderful children and three grandchildren, and enjoy camping, music, and church activities with their family.

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.