Ella Smith is the Bilingual Adoption Specialist for the DFW area.  Originally from Colombia, Ella moved to the USA 23 years ago to the DFW area where she has strong connections and friendships.  Married to a loving husband for 23 years, they have two grown children: Christian who is a soccer coach, and David who is a pilot like his father.

Ella has an extensive background working with children and families since 2008, for the last 8 years her experience has been in the adoption field, Ella is a dedicated professional with a proven track record in facilitating international adoptions and nurturing positive family relationships. Experienced in navigating complex legal and cultural landscapes to ensure successful adoptions and compliance with country accreditations. Skilled in building rapport with diverse stakeholders, including service providers, adoptive parents, single parents of either gender, LGBTQ+ parents, birth parents and government agencies. Strong understanding of the adoption regulations and protocols. Committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in all endeavors. Ella is dedicated to ensuring that all children find loving and caring homes.

Ella holds a degree in social communication and journalism from Colombia and a master’s degree in marketing management. Now residing in the DFW area, she is passionate about advocating for children’s rights to be loved, valued, and respected.

Ella is excited to be part of Adoption Choices of Texas and to meet all the bravest and selfless parents who wants to create a better future for their child.

In her free time Ella enjoys traveling to her beloved Colombia, spend time with her diverse group of friends, and watching tv at home.  Ella also has a service dog named Stella.

I am a native Houstonian, and I have loved working in adoption for 13 years. I’ve dedicated my career to serving children and families in education, counseling, and adoption. I am very passionate about giving expectant parents and families the emotional support and guidance throughout the various stages of adoption.

Montoya Hunter is originally from Irving, TX where she attended Texas A&M-Commerce and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Agriculture Business. She has worked in social services for the last 13 years and enjoys when permanency is achieved.

Her work experience is 3 years with Child Protective Services including Conservatorship, Parent Trainer, and Foster and Adopt Development along with 3 years with DePelchin Children’s Center including Kinship, Foster Adopt, and Adoption. Montoya lives in Irving, TX with her daughter.

Lilly Capetillo is a compassionate and highly organized professional with over a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families through mentorship, education, and structured programming. With a background in Human Development, Family Sciences, and Sociology, she is passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where young people can grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Lilly’s professional background includes leading youth programs, directing early childhood initiatives, mentoring students, coordinating family communication, and developing curriculum that supports developmental milestones. She has worked extensively with children of diverse developmental needs and has facilitated workshops focused on character development, confidence, and communication. Previously, she served as Artistic Director and Choreographer for the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles, where she mentored and guided a large team of young women while overseeing program logistics and outreach.

In addition to her professional work, Lilly serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), advocating for children in foster care and collaborating with case professionals to ensure their best interests are represented. Her work is rooted in empathy, structure, and a deep commitment to empowering children and supporting families. In her free time, Lilly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and continuing to keep dance as a meaningful part of her life.

Hi, I’m Kiyah! I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2024 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Behavioral Sciences. I have experience working in mental health crisis response and foster care case management, where I’ve developed a passion for supporting and advocating for individuals during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. I truly value building strong, genuine connections with the people I work with. In my free time, you can find me hanging out with my dog, getting lost in a good book, or catching up on my favorite TV shows.

Hi, I’m Emma! I currently serve ACTX as the Executive Assistant. Graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2024, I obtained a Bachelors degree in Social Work. Before joining our agency, I gained experience through different social work settings with children, adults, and elderly. Most recently, I worked as a Case Manager at a hospital in Nashville, TN before moving to the Dallas area to obtain my Masters in Social Work! Through social work I have found my passion for serving others and high value for community and inclusion. After work, you can find me at the local thrift store, spending time with friends, or hanging out at home with my new kitten!

Jeri Carraway is originally from Dallas, TX where she earned her associate degree in PC Support from Richland Community College and her bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Political Science with minors in Criminal Justice and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has worked in the social services field for over 12 years and she enjoys advocating for reuniting and building families. Her work experience includes 6 years with Child Protective Services including; supervision, legal, and investigations and 5 1/2 years at Texas Mentor CPA including; intake, case management, and recruitment. Jeri lives in Arlington, TX with her husband and 2 dogs.

Dr. Dominique Simmons-Carvajal is a Professional Certified Life Coach and Counselor, certified through The School of Professional Coaching (SPLC), who has spent over a decade assisting individuals in developing a healthy balanced life using transformational and mindset coaching. She has a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Counseling and Life Coaching from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simpson University. Dominique started her career coaching at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system, school districts and transitional living facilities, and non-profit organizations.

Dr. Simmons-Carvajal’s passion to empower individuals within her own community drove her to become a Life Coach and expand her coaching services to reach a broad range of professionals and community members. She has spoken at various Women’s Conferences, Empowerment events, and Leadership and Development summits, conducted workshops, and has been featured in the Austin Women’s Magazine.

Dr. Simmons-Carvajal specializes in helping people overcome personal hurdles and change their lives for the better by focusing on clients’ existing beliefs and patterns of thinking. Her life mission is to change communities one mindset at a time by continuing to equip people with the tools they need to battle the war within their minds.