Marcia Barker, Director

"I consider adoption a natural extension of my life"

For more than 18 years Marcia Barker, Executive Director & Founder of Adoption Information Services, Inc. (AIS), has guided over 2000 families successfully through the adoption process.  As a natural extension of Marcia's life, she has always experienced adoption as a positive way to build a family.

In fact, adoption runs through Marcia's family - her brother was adopted and Marcia and her husband adopted two internationally born children. Marcia's professional and personal experience, along with degrees in education, psychology and counseling, make her uniquely qualified to lend strength, compassion and wisdom to your cause.

Jennifer Arnold, Client Relations Manager

Jennifer joined the team after she adopted a newborn daughter, Alexandria, as clients of AIS in June 1999.  In July of 2002 she adopted her second daughter, Bailey. Her caring voice is often the first you will hear when you call AIS.  Jennifer is active throughout the process in advising and nurturing you through. You can meet her when you attend our monthly Adoption Basics seminars.  Her genuine passion for adoption will assist you in your journey through adoption.

Brenda Winkers-Huset, Adoption Assistant

Brenda has been with AIS since July 2002.  She and her husband, Michael, adopted a newborn daughter in April 2001 with the assistance of AIS. Brenda brings many strengths and talents to AIS.  Her previous experience working in the medical field as a Nursing Assistant helps families feel more comfortable discussing background issues of birth families and in working through their tolerance levels.  Her degree in micro computers is invaluable in organizing the office and accomplishing administrative tasks. Most important is her experience in going through the adoption process herself and offering a knowledgeable and empathetic ear to all who seek her advice.

Leigh McMinn - Adoption Assistant

Leigh is the newest AIS team member. She and her husband, Greg, adopted their newborn son, Nathanael, in May 2004 as clients of AIS. Leigh's degree in journalism and family and consumer sciences and her background in editing and photojournalism are invaluable in helping families prepare their lifestyle presentations. As a former member of the Georgia Press Association, she won awards for her newswriting and photography.  Her compassion for others and her positive adoption experience fuel her desire to assist you in discovering the joys of parenthood.

Shari Powell, Consultant

Shari is our administrative guru who has truly helped us become organized electronically by establishing an interactive client and agency database, updating and purging records, setting up mailing lists, and being key to organizing our office and staff. Shari's background is in accounting as she very successfully runs Sharpp Data Management, Inc. Also a recent cancer survivor she is the founder of a nonprofit organization, Conquering Cancer. Shari serves as an AIS Board member and offers her touch of adoption as a birthmother who placed a daughter when she was a teenager.

Bob Lamp'l, Consultant

Where would AIS be without someone to guide them financially?  Bob has helped AIS with their accounting since its inception in May of 1990.  He is the owner of Accounting Business Center, Inc. and offers invaluable assistance to our clients from understanding the adoption tax credit to advising on financial resources for adoption.  You can meet Bob at our monthly seminar as well and he will gladly answer your individual financial concerns. Bob has also been the Chief Financial Officer on the AIS Board since May of 1990.