Our Staff

Susan Miller, Regional Director. Susan has over 39 years of experience in child welfare system, including fifteen years as a Social Service Worker and Supervisor with the Missouri Children’s Division.  She received her Bachelor’s in Sociology from Central Missouri State University.  Susan received her Master's in Social Work degree from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She holds a LCSW license in Missouri and LSCSW license in Kansas. She is a certified MAPP, STARS and Spaulding trainer. Susan truly enjoys working with adoptive families and supporting them throughout the adoption process.  It is a special joy for her to see a child flourish in their adoptive home. 

Email: smiller@downeyside.org

Cheryl Graves, Area Director. Cheryl has over 7 years of experience in the social service field, including adoption services, mental health and infertility specialization. Cheryl received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Avila University.  She received her Master's in Social Work degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Cheryl holds a LCSW license in Missouri and LMSW license in Kansas. She is a certified STARS and Spaulding trainer. Cheryl is passionate about adoption work which led her to Downey Side.  She loves helping children find their forever home with local Missouri and Kansas Downey Side families. 

Email: cgraves@downeyside.org

2010 Kansas City Advisory Board
Nancy Harper
Melinda E Parks
Michael Schermoly
Robin Thoele
Angie Metzger
Laura Maver Ward
Sara Douthat Wilson
Michael Searcy
Sandy Pratt
Chuck Jasper
Robin McLellan
Merry Mullin
Lynn Barnett