About Us
Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington (AAAW) is a resource that provides mentoring, fellowship and educational opportunities for Asian American and Pacific Islander adoptees and their community. Based in Seattle, AAAW is a federal 501(c)(3) status nonprofit organization led by an all-volunteer board of directors.
| 2012-2013 AAAW Board of Directors | |
| Jenny Kelly | President |
| Michael Hougham | Vice President |
| Deborah Collins | Secretary |
| Sonya Oh | Treasurer |
| Adam Sung Waldron | Board Member/Youth Committee |
| Dainen Penta | Board Member |
| Youth Committee | |
| Patty Sang | Youth Committee |
| Beth Van Fossan | Youth Committee |
| Emily Wesley | Youth Committee |
Jenny Kelly
President
President
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name: Park Jee Hae (Eun Gyoung)
Adopted at: 10 years
Raised in: Iowa
Educational Background: Iowa Central AA, Ryde College Sydney Australia-Adv. Dip. - Hospitality Management
Career: Food and Beverage Manager, Hospitality Sales Manager/Trainer
Volunteer work: Camp Counselor Korean Culture camp- Iowa, KIDS TeenCamp – Washington, Planning Committee -MAVIN Foundation National Conference, at Seattle University in 2003, CAC (Community AdvisoryCommittee) Wing Luke Asian Art Museum’s exhibit, “Asian and PacificIslander Adoptees: A Journey Through Identity”, 2004, CAC Wing LukeAsian Art Museum -adoptee exhibit, “BORN INTO IDENTITY: The AsianPacific Adoptees Experience” again in 2011, PEPS (Program for EarlyParent Support) Newborn Group Leader 2011-2012
Reason for joining board: Growing up in Iowa, Jenny was involved in International Culture Camps every summer with her family. These formative camps instilled a strong sense of community with her fellow adoptees and one that she continues to cultivate through her work with AAAW. She has been an active board member of AAAW since 1999. She was elected Secretary at the end of 2000 and then VP of Communications in 2003. Jenny currently serves as AAAW’s President after serving as Vice President for several years. In 2011, Jenny was elected to be the 2nd representative for AAAW for the IKAA network.Recently, Jenny served as a Co-Chair on the Planning Committee for the AAAW 15th Anniversary Mini-Gathering held in Seattle in 2011.Jenny has attended numerous national Mini-Gatherings held across the United States including Denver, New York, Portland and Hawaii. Jenny has traveled to Seoul Korea for The International Gathering in 2004 and 2010 as well as attending The European Gathering in Paris in 2012
Enjoys: Traveling with her husband and children, culinary adventures,documentary films and non-fiction books.
Korean Name: Park Jee Hae (Eun Gyoung)
Adopted at: 10 years
Raised in: Iowa
Educational Background: Iowa Central AA, Ryde College Sydney Australia-Adv. Dip. - Hospitality Management
Career: Food and Beverage Manager, Hospitality Sales Manager/Trainer
Volunteer work: Camp Counselor Korean Culture camp- Iowa, KIDS TeenCamp – Washington, Planning Committee -MAVIN Foundation National Conference, at Seattle University in 2003, CAC (Community AdvisoryCommittee) Wing Luke Asian Art Museum’s exhibit, “Asian and PacificIslander Adoptees: A Journey Through Identity”, 2004, CAC Wing LukeAsian Art Museum -adoptee exhibit, “BORN INTO IDENTITY: The AsianPacific Adoptees Experience” again in 2011, PEPS (Program for EarlyParent Support) Newborn Group Leader 2011-2012
Reason for joining board: Growing up in Iowa, Jenny was involved in International Culture Camps every summer with her family. These formative camps instilled a strong sense of community with her fellow adoptees and one that she continues to cultivate through her work with AAAW. She has been an active board member of AAAW since 1999. She was elected Secretary at the end of 2000 and then VP of Communications in 2003. Jenny currently serves as AAAW’s President after serving as Vice President for several years. In 2011, Jenny was elected to be the 2nd representative for AAAW for the IKAA network.Recently, Jenny served as a Co-Chair on the Planning Committee for the AAAW 15th Anniversary Mini-Gathering held in Seattle in 2011.Jenny has attended numerous national Mini-Gatherings held across the United States including Denver, New York, Portland and Hawaii. Jenny has traveled to Seoul Korea for The International Gathering in 2004 and 2010 as well as attending The European Gathering in Paris in 2012
Enjoys: Traveling with her husband and children, culinary adventures,documentary films and non-fiction books.
Michael Hougham
Vice President
Vice President
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name: Kim Chong Woon
Adopted at: 5 Years Old
Raised in: Enumclaw WA and Small towns around WA state
Educational Background: Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Technology
Career: IT/Telecom Industry & United States Air Force (Retired)
Volunteer work: KIDS WA State, ORV Trail Cleanup
Reason for joining board: After serving 3 years in Korea for the United States Air Force Michael was fortunate to connect with other adoptees once back in Washington State. After meeting fellow Adoptees Michael decided to join the Board in 2001 to serve the Adoptee community. Since joining the board Michael has been to the 2004, 2007 & 2010 Korean/IKAA Gathering and many memorable Mini Gatherings.
Enjoys: Photography, Driving 4×4 Jeep & Sports car with the clubs, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Working with my hand fixing cars & houses.
Korean Name: Kim Chong Woon
Adopted at: 5 Years Old
Raised in: Enumclaw WA and Small towns around WA state
Educational Background: Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Technology
Career: IT/Telecom Industry & United States Air Force (Retired)
Volunteer work: KIDS WA State, ORV Trail Cleanup
Reason for joining board: After serving 3 years in Korea for the United States Air Force Michael was fortunate to connect with other adoptees once back in Washington State. After meeting fellow Adoptees Michael decided to join the Board in 2001 to serve the Adoptee community. Since joining the board Michael has been to the 2004, 2007 & 2010 Korean/IKAA Gathering and many memorable Mini Gatherings.
Enjoys: Photography, Driving 4×4 Jeep & Sports car with the clubs, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Working with my hand fixing cars & houses.
Deborah Collins
Secretary
Secretary
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name: Ko Yoo Mee
Adopted at: 6 years old
Raised in: Seattle, WA
Educational Background: Master’s in Social Work, University of Washington
Career: Social Worker
Volunteer work: Holt Heritage Camps (New Jersey, Oregon), YMCA Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Reason for joining board: Since 2004, Deborah has been an active member of AAAW and was on the planning committee for the 2011 Seattle Mini Gathering. Deborah traveled to Korea for the first time in 2012 with Holt Family Heritage tours. After finishing graduate school, Deborah started working for DCFS/DSHS with foster children and worked with their foster/adopt program. Deborah currently works for a private non-profit adoption agency. AAAW has been a wonderful community and resource in Deborah’s journey and wants to continue making it a great organization for other adoptees.
Enjoys: Cooking, reading, movies, gardening, game nights and spending time with her hubby and cuddly kitty.
Korean Name: Ko Yoo Mee
Adopted at: 6 years old
Raised in: Seattle, WA
Educational Background: Master’s in Social Work, University of Washington
Career: Social Worker
Volunteer work: Holt Heritage Camps (New Jersey, Oregon), YMCA Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Reason for joining board: Since 2004, Deborah has been an active member of AAAW and was on the planning committee for the 2011 Seattle Mini Gathering. Deborah traveled to Korea for the first time in 2012 with Holt Family Heritage tours. After finishing graduate school, Deborah started working for DCFS/DSHS with foster children and worked with their foster/adopt program. Deborah currently works for a private non-profit adoption agency. AAAW has been a wonderful community and resource in Deborah’s journey and wants to continue making it a great organization for other adoptees.
Enjoys: Cooking, reading, movies, gardening, game nights and spending time with her hubby and cuddly kitty.
Sonya Oh
Treasurer
Treasurer
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name: Oh Yoon Ja
Adopted at: 1 year
Raised in: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Educational Background: Masters of Social Work, University of Minnesota
Career: Social Worker
Volunteer work: Post adoption programming with CHSFS, St. Paul, MN, camp counselor at Korean culture camp; Camp Choson, Minnesota, KAMP, Iowa and KIDS, Washington.
Reason for joining board: For seven years, Sonya was involved in the adopted Korean community in Minnesota. She was an active board member of the local Minnesota adoptee organization, AKConnection, and a planning committee member for the 2007 IKAA Gathering. Sonya returned to Korea the first time in 2001 and has returned numerous times for various adoptee-related events, such as the 2004, 2007 and 2010 Gatherings. Upon completion of her Master’s Degree in Social Work Sonya relocated to Seattle in 2007 and joined the board of AAAW. She currently works as a social worker for a local nonprofit agency. She has committed her time and energy to create an adopted Korean community that new generations of adoptees can benefit from.
Enjoys: Snowboarding, spending time with her dog, and community non-profit work.
Adopted at: 1 year
Raised in: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Educational Background: Masters of Social Work, University of Minnesota
Career: Social Worker
Volunteer work: Post adoption programming with CHSFS, St. Paul, MN, camp counselor at Korean culture camp; Camp Choson, Minnesota, KAMP, Iowa and KIDS, Washington.
Reason for joining board: For seven years, Sonya was involved in the adopted Korean community in Minnesota. She was an active board member of the local Minnesota adoptee organization, AKConnection, and a planning committee member for the 2007 IKAA Gathering. Sonya returned to Korea the first time in 2001 and has returned numerous times for various adoptee-related events, such as the 2004, 2007 and 2010 Gatherings. Upon completion of her Master’s Degree in Social Work Sonya relocated to Seattle in 2007 and joined the board of AAAW. She currently works as a social worker for a local nonprofit agency. She has committed her time and energy to create an adopted Korean community that new generations of adoptees can benefit from.
Enjoys: Snowboarding, spending time with her dog, and community non-profit work.
Adam Sung Waldron
Board Member
Board Member
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name: Sung Ji Soo
Adopted at: 4-years-old
Raised in: Cumberland, Maine
Educational Background: Masters Candidate of Psychology, Antioch University Seattle
Career: Marriage & Family Therapist
Volunteer work: KCTS Fund Drive, The Healing Center, Seattle Green Festival
Reason for joining board: AAAW had extended such great support and welcoming toward Adam that joining the board was the most effective way to ensure that others might have similar positive experiences.
Enjoys: Music, jogging, tennis, bad movies, and eating Korean food.
Korean Name: Sung Ji Soo
Adopted at: 4-years-old
Raised in: Cumberland, Maine
Educational Background: Masters Candidate of Psychology, Antioch University Seattle
Career: Marriage & Family Therapist
Volunteer work: KCTS Fund Drive, The Healing Center, Seattle Green Festival
Reason for joining board: AAAW had extended such great support and welcoming toward Adam that joining the board was the most effective way to ensure that others might have similar positive experiences.
Enjoys: Music, jogging, tennis, bad movies, and eating Korean food.
Dainen Penta
Board Member
Board Member
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name: Kang Hwa Soo
Adopted at: 8 months
Raised in: Longview, Washington
Educational Background: Juris Doctor, Lewis and Clark Law School. Master of Laws, University of Washington School of Law
Career: Attorney
Volunteer work: Past President of Washington Young Lawyers Division; Past President of GLBT Bar Association of Washington
Reason for joining board: To forge a stronger adoptee community, and to give back to AAAW.
Enjoys: Travel, hiking, running, karaoke, roadtrips around the Pacific Northwest. Not necessarily in that order.
Korean Name: Kang Hwa Soo
Adopted at: 8 months
Raised in: Longview, Washington
Educational Background: Juris Doctor, Lewis and Clark Law School. Master of Laws, University of Washington School of Law
Career: Attorney
Volunteer work: Past President of Washington Young Lawyers Division; Past President of GLBT Bar Association of Washington
Reason for joining board: To forge a stronger adoptee community, and to give back to AAAW.
Enjoys: Travel, hiking, running, karaoke, roadtrips around the Pacific Northwest. Not necessarily in that order.
Patty Sang
Youth Committee
Youth Committee
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name:
Adopted at: 12 months
Raised in: Wisconsin
Educational Background: BA, School of Journalism, University of Minnesota
Career: Full-Time mom, actor, voiceover artist and teacher
More about Patty: Patty first connected with other adoptees outside of her family when she attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. There, she became a Korean culture camp counselor and program contributor in the Twin Cities and Rochester, MN. In 1996, she was a mentor on a motherland tour to Korea. In 1997, she became co-founder of the mentorship program, M&Ms, which later expanded to include international adoptees and adoptee mentors from all nationalities. She has been a counselor at culture camp in the Seattle area as well as an active member of AAAW for the last decade. She has written, directed and performed in two original theater pieces about or incorporating her experience of being adopted. “Normal Koreans” premiered at the Field Museum in Chicago and “unexpressions”, inspired by the 2004 Seoul International Gathering, received a grant from the City of Seattle Office of Arts. She also worked as an outreach coordinator at an adoption agency in Seattle, specializing in foster care families.
Korean Name:
Adopted at: 12 months
Raised in: Wisconsin
Educational Background: BA, School of Journalism, University of Minnesota
Career: Full-Time mom, actor, voiceover artist and teacher
More about Patty: Patty first connected with other adoptees outside of her family when she attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. There, she became a Korean culture camp counselor and program contributor in the Twin Cities and Rochester, MN. In 1996, she was a mentor on a motherland tour to Korea. In 1997, she became co-founder of the mentorship program, M&Ms, which later expanded to include international adoptees and adoptee mentors from all nationalities. She has been a counselor at culture camp in the Seattle area as well as an active member of AAAW for the last decade. She has written, directed and performed in two original theater pieces about or incorporating her experience of being adopted. “Normal Koreans” premiered at the Field Museum in Chicago and “unexpressions”, inspired by the 2004 Seoul International Gathering, received a grant from the City of Seattle Office of Arts. She also worked as an outreach coordinator at an adoption agency in Seattle, specializing in foster care families.
Beth Van Fossan
Youth Committee
Youth Committee
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name:
Adopted at: 8 months
Raised in: Seattle, WA
Educational Background: Masters in Social Work
Career: Teacher/Educator
More about Beth: Beth has always worked with youth and teens at various non-profits and in 2004 began working with adoptees thru Holt camp, including assistant director in 2008. Since that time she has continued working with adoptees and would say that it is her favorite work. Beth recently went to Korea for a year and a half as an English teacher and had the opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage. She is on the board of directors for KKOOM a non-profit which supports orphanages in Korea.
Korean Name:
Adopted at: 8 months
Raised in: Seattle, WA
Educational Background: Masters in Social Work
Career: Teacher/Educator
More about Beth: Beth has always worked with youth and teens at various non-profits and in 2004 began working with adoptees thru Holt camp, including assistant director in 2008. Since that time she has continued working with adoptees and would say that it is her favorite work. Beth recently went to Korea for a year and a half as an English teacher and had the opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage. She is on the board of directors for KKOOM a non-profit which supports orphanages in Korea.
Emily Wesley
Youth Committee
Youth Committee
Country of Origin: South Korea
Korean Name:KIM Yoo Kyung
Adopted at: 4 months
Raised in:
Educational Background: BA Anthropology UW & AA NSCC
Career: Applying for Masters in Social Work Graduate Program to become a Social Worker to assist families in the adoption process
Volunteer work: WACAP as a Volunteer Adoption Program Assistant, Reach Ministries as a camp counselor for adopted Ethiopian children, Eastern Social Welfare Society in Seoul, Korea taking care of orphaned infants.
More about Emily:Emily taught English in Korea for 2 ½ years and volunteered at the orphanage that she was from. This experience made Emily realize that she wants to assist children in the adoption process and help adopted children. After returning to Seattle, she joined AAAW in hope to meet others with the same goals, which of course she did. She wants to create a safe community for adopted youth and teens.
Korean Name:KIM Yoo Kyung
Adopted at: 4 months
Raised in:
Educational Background: BA Anthropology UW & AA NSCC
Career: Applying for Masters in Social Work Graduate Program to become a Social Worker to assist families in the adoption process
Volunteer work: WACAP as a Volunteer Adoption Program Assistant, Reach Ministries as a camp counselor for adopted Ethiopian children, Eastern Social Welfare Society in Seoul, Korea taking care of orphaned infants.
More about Emily:Emily taught English in Korea for 2 ½ years and volunteered at the orphanage that she was from. This experience made Emily realize that she wants to assist children in the adoption process and help adopted children. After returning to Seattle, she joined AAAW in hope to meet others with the same goals, which of course she did. She wants to create a safe community for adopted youth and teens.
