Kathleen Strottman, Executive Director
Kathleen Strottman comes to her role as the Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) after serving for nearly eight years as a trusted advisor to Senator Mary L. Landrieu (D-LA). As the Senator’s Legislative Director, Kathleen worked to pass legislation such as the No Child Left Behind Act, The Medicare Modernization Act, The Inter-Country Adoption Act, The Child Citizenship Act of 2000, The Adoption Tax Credit and the Family Court Act. Together with the Senator, Kathleen worked to increase the opportunity for positive dialogue and the exchange of best practices between the United States and sending countries such as China, Romania, Russia, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and India. Prior to joining the Senator's staff, Kathleen attended Whittier Law School's Center for Children's Rights were she graduated with honors and received a state certified specialty in juvenile advocacy. A member of the Whittier Law Review, Ms. Strottman published an article entitled "Creating a Downward Spiral: Transfer Statutes as Answers to Juvenile Delinquency.” Kathleen received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross and went on to serve as a Jesuit Volunteer. She and her husband, Matt, are the proud parents of two children, Grace and Noah.
Mark Moore, Associate Director of Policy
Mark Moore is the Associate Director of Policy for CCAI. Mark is a graduate of Harding University and lived and worked in Uganda, East Africa for 9 years from 1994-2003 where he worked in rural communities. Mark began his work with CCAI in 2004 as a translator and coordinator for their congressional trip to Uganda. He left CCAI, but continued to work in international adoption helping establish an international adoption program in Ethiopia for an American agency. Mark served from 2006-2008 as a legislative fellow for Senator Landrieu of Louisiana working on Africa related issues, including children's issues. He returned to CCAI in 2008 after his fellowship with Senator Landrieu ended. Mark has a masters degree from Georgetown University. He is married with four children.
Chelsea Buffington, Associate Director of Programs
As the Associate Director of Programs at CCAI, Chelsea serves as the primary contact for the Congressional Foster Youth Internship program, the Angels in Adoption™ program, National Adoption Day, and the Santa’s Wish List program. Her main responsibilities include managing the Angels in Adoption™ gala in mid-October, which is the largest Congressional event pertaining to child welfare in the nation; the FYI program, and various other direct service activities such as Congressional Santa Wish List program with CASA of DC, and annual fundraising events. After studying Economics at Elon University in Burlington, NC, she came to CCAI in June of 2005 and has since made D.C. her home away from home. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Chelsea enjoys running, spending time with friends, traveling, and volunteering for any issue related to children.
Yvonne Hyma, Office Manager
Yvonne is the Office Manager at CCAI, and assists the Executive Director and office staff with organizational needs. Since joining us, she single-handedly orchestrated moving the office from McLean, VA to Capitol Hill. Before joining CCAI in October 2006, she spent thirteen years working for Campus Crusade for Christ in Austin, Texas as their graphic designer, Human Resources Coordinator, and conference planner. Additionally, Yvonne spent a year abroad and working with local educators and immersed herself in Russian culture. Yvonne holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy and a Master of Music in Piano Performance. She loves her Starbucks in the morning, exploring the restaurants of D.C., dancing, music, and ballet.
Emily Collins, Program Assistant
Emily Collins joined CCAI in June of 2006 as the Program Intern. She assisted in organizing the largest event pertaining to child welfare in the nation, the Angels in Adoption™ gala. After the gala, she began assisting with development and fundraising. Emily began serving CCAI as the Program Assistant in May 2007 as the lead contact person for the Angels in Adoption™ gala. Currently, Emily is directly responsible for implementing the Member Outreach Project for National Adoption Day. Emily graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work degree from James Madison University. She will be attending the University of Maryland, Baltimore in the fall of 2008 to pursue her Master of Social Work degree. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching dance to children and playing tennis.
