Patty Orona - po5@uw.edu

Patty began her experience providing direct services to families through the Division of Developmental 
Disabilities and then licensing as a foster parent in the early 1980s. In the 20 years she was licensed 
as a foster parent, Patty sat on the Executive Board for FPAWS (Foster Parent Association of Washington 
State) and the Advisory Board for the Children and Family Ombudsman from the inception of the office 
until 2015.

Patty began co-training as a foster parent co-trainer in the early 90’s and became certified as a Grief 
Recovery Specialist in May of 2000. Prior to joining the Alliance, Patty worked in Special Education 
Services for the Yakima School District beginning in fall of 2000 and was the Right Response Trainer 
from March of 2003 until she left the district in 2015.

Shelby Russell-Hays - shha@uw.edu

Shelby Russell-Hays’s personal history with adoption sparked an interest in a career in Social Services 
from an early age. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Pepperdine University in 
2010, she immediately began working for a private child placing agency in Pierce County as a Foster Care 
Case Manager. In this position, Shelby provided direct support to Children’s Administration (now DCYF), 
children in out-of-home care, and their Caregivers.

A few years later, Shelby became employed with Children’s Administration in Pierce County as a Placement 
Coordinator; eventually transferring to the Vancouver office in Clark County in the same position. In Fall 
2018, Shelby accepted her current position at the Alliance with a focus on serving the Caregiving Community 
through educational support.

Shelby’s passion for this work is rooted in ensuring safe spaces for children in out-of-home care; although, 
she believes that a true sense of safety includes cultivating an inner feeling of safety within each child. 
Because this process can be long and complex, Shelby and her team strive to empower those who care for these 
remarkable children by equipping them with the knowledge and tools that create connection and promote healing. 
She is grateful to work alongside others at the Alliance who share in her passion and inspire her, every day, 
to stay curious!