Michele L. Gorman, PH.D
Founder Executive Director
My name is Michele Gorman, and Refuge House is a creation of my heart.  I co-founded Refuge House in 2002 and have continuously served as Executive Director. However, I've worn many hats associated with the operation from its inception, including that of Case Manager and Program Director.  I am committed to Refuge House, its families and the children it exists to protect and nurture. I enjoy making myself available any time, to any family or child in need and feel the agency continues to thrive and grow because I love it just as a parent should love a child.

I know that love first hand, after being a foster parent for over five years. In 2004 I was blessed to adopt a little boy from the foster care system. This truly lends greatly to my understanding and appreciation for the challenges foster families face, as well as a keen understanding of the dynamics of foster parenting. Additionally, I have a special compassion for the children who have entered the foster care and adoption system.

I'm a native of Seattle, Washington, and came to Texas in 1992. I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, I'm certified in non-profit management by Center for Non-Profit Management and Brookhaven College.

I have many years experience in the State of Texas in developing and operating Child Placing Agencies, in addition to advising representatives from other states in the area of foster care and adoption program development. I have been actively involved as a panel member for various State of Texas legislative boards in addition to serving on the board for other foster and adoptive care organizations.

I enjoy speaking on the importance of fostering and adoption, and educating everyone from potential foster families to lawmakers on the critical needs of these children, and the very important role volunteers, donors, foster families, adoptive parents, lawmakers, caseworkers and other supporters play in giving children a second chance at stability, security and love.

Kelsey Batista
Adoption Program Director
My name is Kelsey Batista and I started with Refuge House in February of 2008, after relocating to Dallas from Ohio. I am newly married and have a BS in Social Work from Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH. I grew up in Springfield, Ohio where I spent the entirety of my life until moving to Dallas. I became interested in Social Work during High School and knew automatically that God called me to work within this field. I enjoy spending my free time reading books, being outdoors, and spending time with my husband, family and friends.

 Sara Campbell

Adoption

My name is Sara Campbell and I’ve been with Refuge House since September 2008.  I’ve lived in Texas my whole life and currently reside in The Colony, TX.  I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Victim Studies.  When not at work, I enjoy reading, traveling, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my family.   

Tiffany Raymond

Public Relations Coordinator

My name is Tiffany Raymond.  I graduated from The University of North Texas in December 2008 with a BS in Development and Family Studies.  I started off as a Case Manager with Refuge House but recently moved into the role of Public Relations Coordinator.  I have been with Refuge House for about a year and a half and continue to enjoy working for the agency.  I look forward to planning events to raise money for our agency and the children we serve.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and could not have accomplished what I have without them.   I also enjoy going to local country concerts, shopping, and reading.

Jeannie Duarte
Family Developer
My name is Jeannie Duarte, and I co-founded Refuge House with Michele Gorman in 2002. Since that time I have served in a variety of roles with both the Board and as a part-time and full-time employee of the Agency. I see my role as primarily an operations resource, which is supported with my career experience and education, a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration. 

Lauren S. Hatcher
Intake Director
My name is Lauren S. Hatcher. I am a 29-year-old Native Detroiter. I graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I have worked as a Social Worker in adoption and foster care for the past 7 years. I am married with two children, Drew Marie who is 7-years-old, and Donald, III who is 5 and a half years old.

Gail Martin
LCSW, LCPA
My name is Gail Martin, and I serve Refuge House as the Treatment Director and Administrator. l have been with Refuge House since the beginning as a contract treatment director and then became full time in August, 2006. I began my work with foster children as a therapist at a residential treatment center in 1997. Prior to working full time with Refuge House, I also worked with multiple child placing agencies in the area through my private practice as an in home individual and play therapist for children placed in foster and foster group homes over seven years.  Besides working for Refuge House, my passions include attending my grandchildren’s football, basketball, soccer, baseball, ice hockey games, and my oldest grandson’s high school band events.