Thomas, who goes by TJ, doesn’t just talk the talk about ensuring each child has a safe, stable, permanent home, he walks the walk. He has an adopted child and three biological children and has been a foster parent himself.

Prior to joining The Village, TJ served as executive director of Y-US, which provided therapeutic recreation for youth who suffered from abuse or trauma. He also held positions at Casey Family Services in the Foster Care and post-adoption services programs, and worked directly with youth and their families to ensure they had the skills to grow into healthy, independent adults.

As associate vice president, permanency at The Village, TJ oversees how we approach permanency across the agency – not just in our foster care and adoption programs, but really going the distance to ensure each child has a stable home.

“My goal is to do whatever it takes to keep kids home, get kids home and/or find kids a home,” he says.

TJ received a bachelor’s in psychology from East Stroudsburg University and a master’s in social work from the University of Connecticut. He is a licensed clinical social worker.

What quote best captures your personal philosophy?
“There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.”
– Mary Rose McGeady

What is something unexpected that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t like sweets.

What would you most want the clients of The Village to know about you?
Regardless of your life circumstances you have value and you can change your life’s path! I hope we can play some small role in helping you achieve that goal!