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.
Kelly Brooks
Trauma Educator and parent Coach
After getting her Masters in Clinical Social Work Kelly has worked since 2000 in the field of foster care. Kelly has a strong passion for foster care and for helping foster families get the support they need to be able to foster well. In early 2014 Kelly left her job doing contract therapy for DFCS to begin working as the first staff member for Chosen for Life Ministries. Kelly and her husband, Steven have three biological children: Emily, Micah and Carter. They began as foster parents themselves in March 2015, and they adopted their son Randy in 2018. The family goes to Faith Presbyterian Church where Steven is the associate pastor.
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.