Our Team - Open Arms Adoption Agency

SAMUEL BARNES

Open Arms Adoption Agency has been Sam’s vision for many years. Since reuniting with his birth mother 15 years ago, he has been developing a service to support and educate women when they are in a time of need. His birth mother was 15 years old and not prepared to raise a child when he was born, so adoption was the most loving decision for both her and Sam. Their adoption was originally closed, but as an adult Sam was able to locate his birth mom and now he feels fortunate to have a great relationship with both of his birth parents.

Sam has had his own successful financial services firm for 21 years, he is a Washington State native, and has two WSU Cougar alumni children. His entire family feels blessed that 50 years ago one adoption laid the foundation for their strong family today.

ALI DESMOND
Program Director

Ali Desmond is our Program Director at Open Arms Adoption Agency. Ali is a native of Southern California. She enjoys spending her free time going to lakes and the beach, reading, spending time with family, and playing with her dogs. Ali has her master’s degree in social work with an emphasis on Children, Youth and Families and has been in the adoption field for 9 years.

Adoption has a very special place in Ali’s heart. She placed her daughter for adoption in 2012 and maintains an open relationship with her and her parents.

Ali values working closely with the triad throughout their adoption journey. She believes in the importance of unconditional support for expectant mothers and the lifelong support that is needed for women who choose to place their children for adoption. Ali is thrilled to be a part of the Open Arms team and can’t wait to walk alongside you in your journey!

Tricia Cunningham
M.A., LMHC, Home Study Specialist

Tricia Cunningham, M.A., LMHC works as our Home Study Specialist here at Open Arms Adoption Agency. She has a master’s degree in Counseling in Psychology and has had the pleasure of working with families in many different settings. She has experience providing in-home counseling services, completing Court-ordered parenting assessments and parenting programs. She has aPrivate Practice where she serves individuals, couples and families. She is excited to be a part of the team at Open Arms and looks forward to working with families to complete their Home Studies.

Lisette Alicandro
Director of Birth Mothers

Hi! I am Lisette, Seattle native, who enjoys running, hiking and who still thinks the PNW is one of the most beautiful places to live. Having two kids and a new puppy named Pickles, keeps me busy most of the time! Being taken in by distant family at the age of 7, adoption is very close to her heart. My mother and father were not able to continue raising me, so a lovely couple stepped in. This past April, I became a Birthmother, so I know how hard – yet fulfilling – the choice open adoption can be. My baby’s new parents have included me in their family and little Sofia has been incredibly blessed. I realize my calling in life is now to help other young mommas walk this journey of adoption, because it is a beautiful story, from both sides.

CLAUDINE GALAN
Director of Outreach

Claudine is our Director of Outreach at Open Arms Adoption Agency. Claudine is a native to Southern California and has called Los Angeles home for over 30 years. She has raised two beautiful children and enjoys spending time with them. They are the joy in her life. She has a passion for creating beauty and building relationships.

Adoption has had a positive influence on Claudine with many friends and family members that have experienced adoption. She has a heart for young children and has been very blessed to have developed many programs through church and local outreach. She has worked closely with children aged 2-12 for over 10 years. Having had her own private in-home daycare, Claudine has encouraged parents to raise children in an unconditional loving home. She has shown how important a strong family unit is to the development and well-being of every child. She loves being a part of the Open Arms family where she teaches and trains our Birth Mom Mentors how to take the modern adoption movement out into their communities.

SARAH JACOBSEN
Director of Operations

Sarah is our Director of Operations at Open Arms Adoption Agency. Sarah has lived in the Arizona desert for over 30 years but loves the Pacific Northwest weather and lifestyle more. Her life is grounded by her two beautiful active daughters and family. When she is not attending her daughters’ sports events, she enjoys the simple things like hiking, socializing with friends, and relaxing with family. Sarah is passionate about life and those who are living it.

Witnessing her grandmothers’ and best friends’ struggles and triumphs as adoptees of closed adoptions she has an increased understanding. Sarah brings 26 years of successful business ownership to the Open Arms team. With her enthusiasm for team building, programs, research, and education she hopes to serve a purpose for our Open Arms families. Sarah believes in Open Arms Adoption Agency’s mission and wants to be part of the team to elevate it.