Leadership

Our Board of Directors
& Volunteers

Cynthia Renfroe

Founder/Executive Director - TBRI Practitioner - #1Girls Leader / Teen Mentor/ Family coach

Proud mother of two sons and a daughter, (Joseph, Nicholas, and Allie), Mother-in-Law to two lovely women, (Jordan and Carol) and grandmother to four amazing grandchildren, (JJ, Destiny, Olivia and Alani).  Cynthia founded Blessings through Adoption in.  Her lived experience in every facet of the system from a foster child to a foster mom to an adoptive mom (kinship) is what drives her passion for Blessings through Adoption and most importantly, for her love for Christ.  Cynthia has a vision for Blessings through Adoption’s future by building an organization where no parent will ever feel alone -offering services and community to all who need it, by opening a center.  She will not give up until her vision is realized.

Monika Hupe

Board president

Licensed Professional Counselor

Sonja Cullum

Vice President

LPC, CCTP, TBRI Practitioner

John Pusateri

Treasurer - Volunteer

John Pusateri is a Brighton Township resident, husband of Susan, father of three, grandfather of six and 46-year engineer with a local zinc recycling company. He is a member of First Presbyterian-Beaver since 2013 and has been involved in several outreach ministries, including racial reconciliation and faith & justice. Three of his grandchildren are adopted from difficult circumstances by his daughter and son-in-law. John has studied and received training in TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention). He has also worked with a local inner-city church ministry and retains current Pennsylvania youth-volunteer clearances. John is excited to have the opportunity to interact with and lead the children as part of the Blessings through Adoption organization.

Susan Pusateri

board Secretary

Susan Pusateri is a Brighton Township resident, wife of John, mother of three, grandmother of six and a former teacher with 15 years’ experience. John and Susan worked for a year teaching Bible lessons to inner city kids. Their daughter and son-in-law have adopted three children through Allegheny County CYS. Susan has attended a TBRI workshop and watched videos online to remain refreshed in those life affirming principles. Susan hopes to be a blessing to the children the Lord sends her way. Susan and John's relationship with BTA began in 2016 by attending BTA meetings as grandparents of adopted children from “hard places.” They began volunteering in 2018-19 and became charter Board members in 2023. Susan and John are dedicated supporters of BTA as both volunteers and donors.

Kirsten Porter

board member

BA in Education/MS in School Counseling, 3rd grade Teacher
Kirsten Porter is the parent of 3 adult sons which gives her lived experience with Autism.  She is a teacher and is very dedicated to advocating for children and ensuring their needs, perspectives, and rights are recognized. Kirsten believes every child deserves to be heard even when they are unable to speak. “By fostering positive, respectful connections, we create environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported, allowing them to thrive as their authentic selves.”
Kirsten loves to travel with family and friends, spend time with animals, and read especially when near water.
Kirsten has already attended one fundraising meeting, helped with the Luau, is a one-on-one for Heavynn Smith (Liza Bauman’s foster daughter) and eventually, when the board thinks the time is right, she’d like to step into a role on the Board that will assist in the growth of blessings through adoption.  For now, she’s willing to sit on the board without a role so she can get to know the intricacies of what we do.

Mirela Huber

board member

I am a dedicated Foster Care Support Consultant with a strong background in behavioral health, youth advocacy, and case management. I specialize in providing trauma-informed support to children and families involved in the foster care and youth justice systems, helping create stable, supportive environments that promote long-term well-being.
In my current role at Pressley Ridge, I provide direct support to foster youth and families through crisis intervention, emotional guidance, and skill-building. I also facilitate trainings for foster parents on child development, attachment, and behavior management, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and improve outcomes.
My experience spans roles in behavioral health and therapeutic support, where I have worked closely with individuals facing complex mental health and behavioral challenges. I have led group interventions, supported daily living activities, and implemented effective de-escalation strategies in high-pressure environments. As a Youth Advocate, I focus on building trust with young people and empowering them through mentorship, relatability, and consistent support.
I am passionate about strengthening systems of care, advocating for vulnerable populations, and contributing to meaningful, lasting change in the lives of children and families.

Danielle Hartman

board member

Education:
She attended Freedom Area Senior High School.
She later studied at the ICM School of Business.
Career: She previously worked at Federated Investors.
Community Involvement: She is active with Blessings Through Adoption of Beaver County, a non-profit support network for foster and adoptive families.

Why BTA?
“I came to help one time and I was captivated by the kids and overwhelmed by the love these foster parents have for the kids. It is special, unlike any other kind of love.

Hobbies -
I like to hike and pick wildflowers. Bible study and women’s fellowship is very dear to my heart. I love a good concert or musical theater show!!!
 
Favorite Bible Verse-
John 10:10

Isaac Cullum

Board Member

Isaac Cullum is a 32 year retired US Army veteran who now works for Frye transportation group driving a special needs school bus for Central Valley School District and the Watson Institute. He has a master’s degree in theological studies from Liberty Baptist Seminary and University. He and his wife, Sonja started Fostering in 2016 and adopted their four foster children. He has been on the BTA board since its inception as a nonprofit and was involved in the program prior to its 501c3 formation.

Brad Smallwood

Board Member

(Beaver County Native)
Education:
Attended Beaver Area High School
Attended Technicians Training School in McKees Rocks

Career:
Worked in the Cabinet Industry for 41 years in Florida
Community Involvement:
Driver for Faith in Action with my wife Christy
Why BTA? I was raised in a single parent household but was surrounded by family, Church family, and kind neighbors that were instrumental in supporting and loving me and my siblings. Being retired allows my time to give back what was given to me.

Hobbies:
Woodworking and carpentry. Getting reacquainted with Western Pennsylvania.

Favorite Bible Verse:
Romans 8:28
 

Brett Bergerstock

Board Member

(Montour County, PA Native)
 
Education: Danville Area Senior High School. Bachelor of Arts degree in business and communications from Lycoming College Williamsport, PA.

Career: Insurance Industry

Community Involvement: Masonic Lodge Harmony, PA #429, Blessings Through Adoption of Beaver County Board Member.

Why BTA? - "I feel honored to have been asked to the board of BTA. As an adoptee myself, I went thru some struggles in life. I want to be able to help assist the board to make the correct, responsible choices that will benefit the children, so they have a meaningful and fulfilling life.”
Hobbies -Pittsburgh sports fanatic, landscaping, golf, traveling, writing.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Rachelle Snyder (Bergerstock)

Board Member

(Originally from Ypsilanti Michigan)

Education:
Bachelors degree Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University Masters of Occupational Therapy

Career:
Director or Rehab
Community involvement: active with blessings through adoption and volunteering in the church nursery

Why BTA?
I love children and wanted to find an organization that would help me understand and give back to the world of adoption—a journey that gave my husband so much in life.
Hobbies: I like to travel, try new foods of various cultures, take hikes with my yellow lab and spend time with family

Favorite Bible verse:
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

Admin Volunteer

Michelle reitter

Michelle is from South Beaver Twp and is married to John for 23 years. She has 3 adult children who are in the military or in college.  She has worked with kids of all ages for 30+ years as a nanny or caregiver. She has a degree from DCI Career Institute and runs her own Photography business.

Michelle loves to travel with her family, crochet, take pictures of all things beautiful and spend as much time as she can with her family and friends.

Michelle's favorite Bible verse is I Corinthians 13: 4-7

Coach Volunteers

COACH STEVE

COACH JEREMY

BIO Pending
BIO Pending

Lil' Rascals   (ages 4-8)

Epic Teens Leaders  (ages 13-18)

allison palombo

Misty lytle

cynthia Renfroe

Bachelors in nursing and certified school nurse
B.S. Elementary Education K-6
Bio Above

NBtween Leaders   (ages 9-12)

JULIE DENSMORE, MSW

AbbEy LAVALLE

ERIK JOHNSON

AMY PULLEY

Adoption and Permanency Specialist, Gladney Center for Adoption
Adoption and Permanency Specialist, Gladney Center for Adoption
Bio Pending
Bio Pending

Lil Rascals (Ages 4-8)

rev.  jeff Arnold

one-on-one
blessings buddy

Kirsten porter

Board Member

one-on-one
blessings buddy

Bio Above

John Pusateri

Board Member
Bio Above

Fiona O'leary

Student BHS
Student Volunteer
Dedicated Volunteer for Lil’ Rascals 4-8/Floater for Tiny Tots 0-3


Anna Hecidence

 BS Social Work
Gladney Center for Adoption


Heleana Housholder

Student Volunteer
Dedicated Volunteer  
10th grader at Beaver Area High School

Rachelle snyder

Board Member
Bio Above

Sam Good

Token Hipster
Bio Pending

Tiny Tot Leaders   (ages 0-3)

Leslie Strom

Education - AA Applied Science & Architectural Drafting

Susan Pusateri

Board Member
Bio Above

Fiona O'leary
Alternate

Brenda jeffries

ALTERNATE

Heleana Householder
Alternate

Danielle Hartman

Board Member
Bio Above

Set up /Breakdown Crew

Check - in/Registration  Security Team

tim Parker

Bio Pending

Adazia Caldwell

Bio Pending

J.  Caldwell

Bio Pending

tyonna besong

Bio Pending

Kitchen Angels

Lou Ann Robinson

Chef

Education - AA Culinary Arts & Specialized Technology, Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts
Why BTA? - I’ve seen lives changed. Family helping each other. It’s a blessing.
Favorite Bible Verse - 2 chronicles 7:14
Hobbies - I love to bake, create new recipes. Reading and spending time with family and close friends

TYONNA BESONG

Food Prep

KEVIN Caldwell

Closing Clean up
Registration

Susan Pusateri

Food Prep/Clean up

Adasia Caldwell

Closing Clean up
Registration

John Pusateri

Food Prep/Clean up

Brenda Jeffries

Food Prep
 *

#1 Girls Team Leaders

Cynthia Renfroe

Group Leader

Julie Densmore

Co-Leader

Joye Hagan

Bus Driver

Robert Renfroe

Alternate Bus Driver
If you are interested in joining our staff, please contact crenfroe@blessingsthroughadoption.org
for information regarding current volunteer staff needs.

Blessings Volunteers