Our Staff
Anna Bearden
Executive Director
Anna earned her Bachelors in Public Relations from the University of Georgia and Masters in Disasters, Adaptations and Development at Kings College London. For over a decade, she has worked within organizations around the world addressing issues of human trafficking, homelessness, and poverty. She initially became passionate about orphan care as a foster aunt and then through her work with Wiphan, a widow and orphan care ministry in Zambia. Most recently, she worked with foster families through Miracle Hill Ministries in Greenville, SC. After many years away, Anna returned to the Athens-area and began the position as CFLM’s Executive Director in April 2018. She attends Calvary Bible Church.
Erika Bates
Foster Care Program Coordinator
Erika earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Art in Criminal Justice at the University of Georgia. She became involved with Chosen for Life Ministries in 2019 as a foster parent, and she was able to see the support CFLM can provide through their Care Team. Erika and her husband Matthew have two daughters and worship at Athens Vineyard Church.
Angela Valenzuela
Foster Care Program Coordinator
Angela is currently pursuing a MA in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. Over the last seven years, Angela has been involved in foster care in several different capacities, including as a volunteer and as a foster parent. Angela has two sons and one daughter. Their family attends Journey Church.
Allison Haas
Foster Care Program Coordinator
Allison earned a BBA in Finance and Management from the University of Georgia. She first became involved with Chosen for Life when she attended the Choosing to Care Conference in 2017 and soon after became a member of a foster family care team. She and her husband Blake became foster parents in 2019 and since then, Chosen for Life has been a great source of encouragement and support to her family. Allison is passionate about encouraging families and churches to participate in the ministry of foster care. Allison and Blake have three children, one of whom is adopted. Their family attends Prince Avenue Baptist Church.
Amanda Greavu
Director of Communications
Amanda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia. She became involved with CFLM after attending our Choosing to Care Conference in 2015. After volunteering with CFLM, she began working for the ministry in 2019. Amanda is passionate about orphan prevention, supporting first families, and adoption. She and her husband, Sam, have two sons, both of which were adopted. Their family attends Athens Church.
Linsey Lee
executive administrator
Linsey earned a BBA in Marketing and a BSEd in Sport Management from the University of Georgia. Linsey and her husband Justin have two children, Cora and Ella. They attend Prince Avenue Baptist Church.