New Life Christian Adoptions-Staff

Our Staff

John Wheeler, Director

John was appointed Director of ATAM Inc., which operates New Life Christian Adoptions and the Royal Home in Salemburg, NC, in March of 2011. John received his B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Holmes Bible College and a B.S. in Christian Ministry/Human & Family Services from Southwestern Christian University. John has thirty years of experience working with children in foster care. He and his wife have ten years experience as licensed foster parents. They also have two biological and three adopted children. Before becoming the Director of ATAM Inc. John served Falcon Children's Home as the Director of Campus Life, Director of Social Services, and Programs Manager over the course of several years. John is honored to be serving in this capacity and is excited about the future of New Life Christian Adoptions.

Lori Verderosa, Social Work Supervisor

Lori joined New Life in September 2009. Lori is a Certified Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work. Lori has experience as a contract worker for the Adoption Department at another private adoption agency for many years. Lori also worked in the School of Social Welfare at the SUNY @ Stony Brook facilitating a grant for DSS workers wanting to pursue a Master's in Social Work. Lori and her husband are the parents of both biological and adoptive children. Lori is happy about working at New Life as she strongly believes that all children need to be raised in a loving, Christian home with both a mom and a dad.

Josi Toothman, Assistant Director

Josi joined New Life in May 2010. Josi earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2006 from UNC Wilmington and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University in 2011. Since graduating Josi has worked in various non-profit organizations and has experience working with a diverse group of youth and families in the areas of mentoring, counseling, and case management. She is excited to be a part of the ministry of New Life Christian Adoptions because she has a heart for adoption and a passion for helping women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Debra Austin, Adoption Services Counselor

Debra joined New Life in June of 2011. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Liberty University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Human Services. Prior to joining the staff at New Life, she worked as an administrative assistant with various organizations. Debra and her husband, Tom, have two grown children. Debra is excited to be a part of New Life Christian Adoptions. As an adoptee, she understands the positive effects of adoption and has a passion for ministering to birth parents, adoptive parents, as well as other adoptees.

In addition to our staff, we have contract workers throughout North Carolina.