MEET OUR BOARD and staff!

Mary (on the right) is the Founder of Moms Adopting Moms working as the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board. Mary is a wife and mother as well as a former Technology and Hospitality professional.  She and her husband lived seven and a half years in Europe when they first married and have now settled back in Mary's hometown of Athens, Georgia. Mary loves spending time with her daughter, husband, godchildren and extended family. She is often found speaking German to anyone that will listen, playing with her dogs, traveling, and listening to audio books. A former foster parent and trained CASA, Mary loves to uplift women and families through continuing education, workforce development, encouragement and tough love. Her passion is creating opportunities that lead to lasting transformation and empowered futures.

Christina (on the left) is the Co-Founder, Vice-Chair and Director of Bio Mom Peer Mentoring. She is also a mom to four wonderful children and a certified addiction recovery empowerment specialist.  Christina recently celebrated her long awaited marriage to Giancarlo and they currently live in Madison County.  Three and a half years sober and having achieved reunification with her children in September of 2022, Christina helps moms in similar circumstances to what she went through find the freedom, joy and success in life she has experienced. Christina is always trying to improve herself and assist others in doing the same. She and her family enjoy fishing and traveling.  

Mary, Christina and their families attend Nations Church in Athens

Board Treasurer

Annette grew up in Miami, Florida, and later moved to Rochester, New York, to be closer to her family. She attended Stony Brook University and earned a bachelor's in marketing. Annette spent 30 years in retail before moving in Georgia in 2009. Her last job was as a Lieutenant with the Elbert County Sheriff’s Department before retiring in 2016.

Annette now volunteers as a CASA (a court appointed special advocate) as well as a board member for their Northern Judicial Circuit. She serves as the Treasurer and Office Manager at Hart Life Pregnancy Center and is an advocate for residents at Hart Interdenominational Ministries (HIM). Helping people, especially children, fills her heart with joy. Annette and her husband enjoy life on a 30-acre farm in Hart County. Coming from bigger cities, she truly values the tranquility and peace it offers. Annette looks forward to the opportunity of working with Moms Adopting Moms.

Sallie Zehna Starrett is the CEO of Brightpaths, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse in Athens and the surrounding area. Sallie is a proud Athens native who holds a BS in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia. With almost 15 years experience in the non-profit sector, her favorite part of her work is serving alongside a team of people who have a shared burden to accomplish a meaningful mission. Sallie’s career focuses on child welfare and family preservation, and she’s had the joy of seeing countless families reach their goals of reunification, improved relationship, parenting breakthrough, and more. She and her husband are foster parents who champion the reunification of families. They have 3 young children who keep them busy and laughing! Together, they love spending time together cheering on the Dawgs, trying new Athens restaurants, and playing outside!