In 1992, Erin co-founded Common Sense on a path of purpose and compassion. Initially assisting her mother, Dr. Martha Jones, with the Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) program, Erin discovered a deep love for connecting children in need with loving, stable families. Together with a dedicated team, Erin worked to develop a high performing organization that can serve clients effectively while navigating the complexities of the adoption and foster care systems. Today, she leads Common Sense in providing vital adoption and foster care services, shaping brighter tomorrows for children and families. Erin has a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and her master’s in organizational development from Fielding Graduate University. She is also an active member of the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services.

On a Personal Note:
Erin humbly shares, “Throughout my career, I’ve immersed myself in every aspect of this deeply impactful work. From being a Case Manager, working closely with families and children, to training professionals across the state on providing adoption services for children in foster care—I’ve experienced all aspects of this work. This hands-on experience has granted me valuable insight into the complex and often challenging system we navigate and drives me to develop a highly skilled organization that can effectively respond to the needs of our clients.”

When not at work, you are likely to find Erin tending to her extensive gardens or cooking a delicious meal for her family. A self-described foodie, she loves exploring globally inspired dishes from local eateries both at home and during her travels.

Lori joined Common Sense in 1993 as one of the founding members. Shortly after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, she moved to this area and has enjoyed different professional roles. As the Program Supervisor, she plays a vital role in recruiting, welcoming, and guiding, all our prospective and incoming clients. She understands that each family embarking on the adoption or foster care journey requires personalized attention, and she seamlessly provides training to equip families with the knowledge and skills they need. Lori actively assists and supports our case work team in meeting the unique needs of families and children, and serves on our Board of Directors, guiding our organization with her wealth of experience and insights.

On a Personal Note:
Lori’s enthusiastic and caring presence encompasses the essence of our agency, as she becomes the welcoming face that new families rely on to learn the ropes of adoption and foster care. “I especially appreciate an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to coach and guide families, to assist and support them in their goals, whether that includes adoption, foster care, or another path altogether,” shares Lori.

In her free time, Lori enjoys baking and cooking family meals and entertaining friends, walking her two dogs, and reading historical fiction novels. She and her husband also enjoy traveling and taking road trips to explore new areas.

An active Social Worker since 1984, Lisa joined our team in 2009 bringing with her exceptional skills and a passion for improving the lives of children who have been removed from their birth family and have experienced hardship and trauma. Lisa’s expertise lies in assessing a willing family’s ability to meet the complex needs of a child with a history of special needs and trauma, ensuring that each child finds the nurturing home they deserve. Lisa plays a vital role in conducting family assessments and providing crucial support and education to parents and families. Lisa obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work from Shippensburg University and has served on various advisory boards and councils including National Association of Social Workers, Cumberland County Children & Youth Services, Cumberland County Human Services, Carlisle Hospital/Sadler Health Clinic, Maternal Assistance Program, and ParentWorks Program.

On a Personal Note:
Lisa’s personal experience with childhood challenges and trauma has instilled in her a deep sense of empathy for the children she serves. “Having personally experienced childhood trauma, I can relate to the children and feel drawn to help them. My ability to remember the same feelings and fears of these children helps me to better educate and prepare the families willing to care for them.” Lisa enjoys staying in contact with and being a support to some of the children in their adulthood.

Lisa’s most cherished roles are that of mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and great aunt to the children and young adults in her life.

Addie’s journey with Common Sense began in 2012, where she dedicated her expertise and passion to helping families navigate the complex world of adoption and foster care. After starting a family and moving across the country, Addie returned to our team in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to creating brighter futures for children and families. Specializing in matching and placing children with families, Addie serves as a guiding light throughout the entire foster care and adoption journey. She believes in a holistic approach, supporting families from the initial assessment and development phase all the way through the matching, placement, and even the reunification or adoption process.

On a Personal Note:
Addie always puts families first. “I enjoy helping families to develop into their best selves and journey with them throughout their foster care or adoption experience,” she shares. Her love of life connects well with the families she works with and further proves her commitment to bringing joy and happiness to all those around her.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from Bloomsburg University and a Master of Social Work from Marywood University, Sue brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She has over 15 years of experience in clinical care management, specializing in behavioral health and substance use disorders. She has facilitated trainings on LGBTQIA+ issues, focusing on creating welcoming and affirming environments for individuals within the community. Her unique perspective stems from her own personal experiences as a former foster youth and a former Resource Parent. Sue’s passion for helping children on their path to permanency is fueled by her empathetic nature and understanding of the challenges and joys of caring for children in the child welfare system.

On a Personal Note:
Sue is an active volunteer at the YWCA of Carlisle and Cumberland County and is proud to be a member of Kidney Donor Athletes. She shares, “I am a living kidney donor—I donated my left kidney to my brother-in-law in 2022. By sharing this tidbit about myself, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and encourage others to consider becoming living donors.”