I grew up on the mission field, which played into me knowing I wanted a career that made a difference and gave me purpose. As I graduated high school and moved back to the States, I started looking for my own mission field in Texas. A family member suggested I look into social work, and as soon as I began taking classes and discovered all the opportunities to serve various populations, I knew social work was the right choice!

I love this field because there are so many different career paths, but my internship in graduate school was with a foster agency and I knew I had found my calling. It took me a few years to get to Arrow after that, but I have now been here 6 years and absolutely love the job I get to do and the people I get to do it with. Although my position is behind the scenes and not directly interacting with our families and children on a regular basis, I know the work we have the privilege of doing is kingdom work and has the ability to provide hope despite devastating situations.

I wanted to become a Social Worker because I was raised on the concept that it takes a village to raise a child, and I have always wanted to be a part of someone’s village to support and help as much as I can. Being a Case Manager has allowed me to accomplish this goal and impact children and families in ways that I never imagined would be possible. I am currently attending UT Arlington for my MSW program, and I am learning many things that I can utilize here at Arrow as a Case Manager. Overall, I am excited to continue my path here at Arrow and continue to advocate for the children and families I encounter daily.

Tesney holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Tarleton State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has over 8 years of experience working with vulnerable youth and families. In her role as a Clinical Development Specialist at Arrow, Tesney focuses on strengthening clinical competency and trauma responsive care throughout programs. Tesney is committed to creating safe, nurturing environments that promote positive outcomes for youth in care.

I have been a proud social worker since 2010 when I obtained my MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington and obtaining my LMSW during my final semester and then obtaining my LCSW two years later. I began my journey at Arrow writing home studies and then officially joining Arrow in 2019 when I started off as Regional Director and then transitioning into my role Director of Kinship in 2022. I believe deeply in the power of kinship care to provide stability, connection, and healing for children and keeping them connecting to their families and communities. I also am provide clinical supervision for LCSW interns through Arrow. My passion for child welfare and serving victims of trauma has been the driving force behind my work.

Before joining Arrow, I spent nine years working with refugees and immigrant youth, helping them navigate the complexities of displacement and resettlement. Additionally, I have worked extensively with survivors of abuse, neglect, exploitation, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence and natural disasters always striving to advocate for and empower those in crisis. In addition I am also an Adjunct Instructor at UTA focusing on social work classes pertaining to child welfare and micro level practice. I love being a social worker and believe in the power of social justice and advocacy.

I have been at Arrow almost 13 years in my role as VP of Programs. I have my Masters in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio any Bachelors of social work from Texas Tech. I have spent the last 25 years in the child welfare field predominately in the nonprofit sector providing foster care oversight and program development. I am incredibly passionate about our ability to make things better for kids while they are with us. I love to find ways that we can ensure that while they are at Arrow they are placed with a family that will provide the best care and help the child go back to their home. I’m very grateful for my work at Arrow as well as the team I work on and lead across our 11 locations.

My social work journey began in 2016 when I began to pursue my BSW. Through this time, I learned what it means to advocate for others, promote social justice, and just be a listening ear to those who are hurting. In 2021 I began working in the social work field with Arrow. Over the past few years, I have continued to learn how to be the best support I can be for vulnerable kiddos and their families. Throughout these years, these families and kiddos have needed an advocate, a supporter, a cheerleader, a listening ear, and so many other things. I am so thankful I have the education, training, and skill set to be whatever our children and families need!

As TFC Social Workers at Arrow, we witness the life-changing impact of foster care every day. Together, we support children through their toughest moments, providing stability, healing, and hope. Seeing our foster families create loving, nurturing homes is what drives us—it’s more than a job, it’s a shared mission to change lives.

As a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Child-Focused Recruiter, I have the privilege of working one-on-one with children in foster care to help them find permanent, loving homes. This role allows me to truly focus on each child’s unique needs, building trust and forming strong connections that lead to successful placements. The Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, funded by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, provides an evidence-based approach that prioritizes older youth, sibling groups, and children with special needs—ensuring they receive the dedicated advocacy they deserve. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child find a forever family, knowing that our focused, child-first recruitment model truly makes a difference.

I am Clinical Supervisor for Behavioral Health Services. I graduated with my Master’s in Social work in 2022., and I currently hold an LMSW. I am truly proud to be a Social Worker and being able to help others in my everyday profession. “We must think critically about complex issues facing communities, the nation, and the world.“ – Jane Addams

I am truly honored to be an Adoption Specialist and a part of the 4Kids family. This work is so much more than just a job—it’s a calling and a passion. Every day, I have the opportunity to advocate for children in need, walk alongside them in their journey, and help them find the loving, permanent homes they deserve. Seeing the joy and security that adoption brings to a child’s life is the greatest reward, and I am grateful to play a role in making that happen.