When FamiliesFirst Network’s Hannah Cole began her career in child welfare, she didn’t realize how this field of work would shape her life. Starting with case management, Hannah spent more than 5 years working alongside families during some of their most difficult moments. Last year, an opportunity arose, transitioning Hannah to the position of adoption coordinator.

“I’ve always had a heart for adoptions,” Hannah shares. “Even when I moved to Florida in 2019, I originally accepted an adoption coordinator position. But plans changed, and I was shifted into case management. Looking back, I know that was where I was meant to be then.”

While in college, Hannah’s aunt, with whom she was living, became a foster parent. Hannah was inspired to pursue a career in child welfare, living through the experience and seeing firsthand how foster youth could feel unseen and unheard by the system. “These kids deserve to be heard,” she explains. “They matter. They didn’t ask for this, and if not me, then who?”

Hannah’s move to Florida and FamiliesFirst Network was a leap of faith. Originally from Tennessee, she worked in therapeutic foster care. Considering her next steps, she felt pulled to the Sunshine State after a conversation with her sister and a connection at church led her to FamiliesFirst Network. “It happened faster than I expected,” Hannah laughs, “but it’s been a whirlwind in the best possible way.”

Hannah attributes her time as a case manager to helping her in her current position as adoption coordinator. While working in case management, she became skilled in offering nonjudgmental support and assisting parents after the difficulty of child removal. This experience paved the way for her to move into adoption, allowing her to experience some of the most challenging and joyous moments with families.

Hannah stepped into her role as adoption coordinator in February 2025. While she’s still relatively new to the world of adoption, her background in case management has prepared her for her new journey. “Having that case management background helps me so much,” she says. “I have an understanding of what occurred during the life of the case prior to adoptions being involved.”

Her passion comes with a deep understanding of the toll the work can take. Hannah emphasizes the need for open-mindedness, having a strong supportive team, and self-care for anyone considering a career in child welfare. Be willing to learn. Ask questions – people’s lives are literally in your hands,” she says. Hannah also states, “Having a strong supportive team is also very important. I feel like having a supportive team is a make-or-break in this line of work. I love my team, and I am so grateful for each and every one of them.

Hannah’s compassion for families is evident in the most challenging moments. She recently recalled a deeply emotional case where, despite her best efforts, the parents made the difficult decision to surrender their parental rights. During a chance meeting with the mother after a court hearing, Hannah took the time to remind her that this wasn’t the end of her family’s story. “I told her, use this time to heal and grow. One day, your children may come looking for you, and you want them to find someone strong and thriving.”

As she continues her journey in the adoption world, Hannah is excited about the future with FamilesFirst Network. “I’m loyal to this organization,” she says. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know where I am supposed to be right now.”

Hannah embodies our values every single day: treating people right, taking care of each other, and never settling. Her relentless dedication to improving the lives of those around her extends far beyond office hours. Hannah lives our values around the clock, leaving a lasting impact on both our organization and the people we serve.

To work with compassionate team members like Hannah, visit our Careers site.