Grace H. Brace, Executive Director, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the International Adoption Services Centre has over 20 years experience in the adoption field. Grace is a biological, adoptive, and foster parent herself. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Maine at Orono and her Master’s of Social Work Degree from the University of Connecticut.

Grace is responsible for the administration and direct clinical supervision of services for the Centre. Her education and experience have prepared her with in-depth knowledge of family dynamics, expertise in conducting needs assessments and analysis, a knowledge base for both children and adults, meticulousness in confidential record keeping and excellent interpersonal and group communication skills. Her leadership style emphasizes empowerment of the individual and a partnership approach to goal achievement.

In her spare time, Grace enjoys traveling, horseback riding, and having fun with her family.

Martha Beckford Naber, Ed.D., Director of Educational Services comes to the International Adoption Services Centre with 17 years of experience providing adoption related training.

Prior to joining the Centre, Martha was a partner in the Adoption Counsel providing adoption related education for individuals and groups nationwide. Martha has written numerous articles about adoption issues and has tailored countless adoption information packets for families and adoptees. Responding to the need for educational materials for prospective parents, Martha produced a video entitled, "Introductory Adoption Education," to help families begin their journey into international adoption.

Martha served as staff member to the Adoption Task Force for the Maine Department of Human Services. For 18 months, this group investigated adoption practices, held hearings, gathered testimony, and constructed guidelines for implementing a series of new initiatives for adoption laws and practices within the state.

Martha received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine and her Doctoral Degree in Child and Youth Studies from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She is the adoptive mother of two children.

Helen Wakefield, Director of Development, has been involved with IASC since the very beginning planning stages. When not involved with her work, Helen likes to garden, ride horses, play with her dog, and last, but not least, enjoy her church, family and grandchildren.

Jill is excited and determined to help families and children find each other through adoption. She has been working in the adoption field for approximately three years in several capacities, including assessing families through home studies, providing post-adoption services to families and recruiting families for children who are older and/or have higher special needs. Her present position, as the Child Specific Recruiter, enables her to work directly with the children and recruit families for them within the community. She enjoys this work because she has the opportunity to meet many individuals and educates them about adoption issues. When she is not working with families, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and watching movies.

Joan, who is an Administrative Assistant with IASC has been with IASC for three and a half years. She has also worked in the non-profit field for over 10 years. Joan is the mother of three children, two daughters and a son, and the grandmother to four. Joan’s interests include dancing, crafts, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer has worked at IASC since March of 2001. Her position with IASC is an Administrative Assistant. Jennifer is a graduate from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree. Jennifer is happily married with two beautiful little girls, two playful Black Labs, and a Maine Coon Cat. Jennifer’s family enjoys camping, fishing, boating, and spending time together.

LuAnn recently joined the staff of IASC, after spending five years with another adoption agency. She believes the educational training that is offered at IASC is an essential part of any adoption. She is married and has a son that joined her family through domestic adoption. She understands first hand the adoption paperwork process, the sometimes difficult waiting times, and ultimately joy of parenting. LuAnn enjoys gardening, swimming, biking, rollerblading and ice skating with her family.