COVID-19 Update (August 2022)
For more than two and a half years, we have monitored the continuing twists and turns of Covid-19 in the U.S. and the countries where Ties families travel. During that time, our in-country partners have provided us with helpful insights as we evaluate re-opening programs. Based on our research and those insights, we have decided to re-open Ties programs to South Korea and Guatemala in the summer of 2023. We are also staying abreast of the geo-political conditions in the countries we visit. Our hope is that by 2024, Ties families will be able to travel to countries other than South Korea and Guatemala.We would love for you to be able to travel to ____ as soon as you are ready.
The Ties Team, which is returning to work on a part-time basis, remains dedicated to serving families like yours. We understand how important it is for adoptees to be able to connect with the people, culture and country that are such an important part of who they are.
The Ties Program Team
The Ties Program
2870 17 3/4 Street
Rice Lake, WI 54868 (USA)
toll free 1 866 359-0995 (phone and fax)
Email The Ties Program
Becca Piper, Founder & Co-Director, Speaker's Bureau, Media Relations, World Ties, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Nepal, India
866 359-0995 x 701 (Mountain Standard Time)
Bea Evans, Co-Director, China, Chile, Colombia, Next Gen: Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Ukraine, Romania
866 359-0995 x 702 (Central Standard Time)
Sarah Goth Kurtzahn, Program Manager, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Russia, Next Gen: Korea
866 359-0995 x 703 (Central Standard Time)
Rebecca (Harris) Blessing, Program Manager, Guatemala, Ethiopia
866 359-0995 x 704 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Jaclyn Skalnik, MSW, social worker
Adjunct Travel Staff Your group will be accompanied by a team of adoption specialists who are well versed in adoption issues. Our adoption specialists may be an adoption agency social worker from one of the many agencies who work cooperatively with The Ties Program, a therapist, or an adult adoptee, adoptive parent or interested individual with a special background and training in adoption. While it is important to note a Ties trip is not therapy, each staff person traveling with your group will have a unique connection to adoption and a passion for serving adoptive families on this important journey.
Adjunct staff who have traveled with us include many wonderful people you may know: Autumn Ackerson, Erin Ahlquist, Scottie Allen, Heather Ames, Betsy August, Emily Bail, Betsey Barrett, Janelle Bentley, Linda Berman, Paula Bickel, Rebecca Harris Blessing, Larilyn Carpenter, Marisa Cleveland, Jenna Cook, Soo Choi, Jessie Crupi, Ana Dodson, Kathleen Donovan, Ian Forber-Pratt, Mary Fournier, Fran Freeman, Analisa Freitas, Jackie Frens, Sophia Gardner, Shari Goldstein, Laurie Glass, Carol Hakala, Pat Hallada, Brian Hallada, Caitlin Hallada, Pat Hoopes, Jessica Houston, Mandy Jones, Tanya Kaanta, Carmen Knight, Dr. Bibiana Koh, Matt Kurtzahn, Laura Marshall, Sandy Maher, Sarah McCarthy, Hollee McGinnis, Amy Mullen, Katie Naftzger, Cindy Neal, Mary Nervig, Dr. Sue Ouellette, Gwen Owen, Young Hae Paeng, Melitta Payne, Erica Pelaccia, Kourtni Radar, Ann Rankowitz, Mara Rothschild, Cara Schoenley, Deb Shrier, Jaclyn Skalnik, Michaelyn Sloan, Kelly Smith, Liz Solomon, Claire Stiglmeier, Laura Summerhill, Tara VanderWoude, Amy Silverbrandt Wilkerson, Dr. Samantha Wilson, Angela Wood-Richter, Gail Woods, and Sun Yun.