Our Co-Founders and Directors

“A heart at peace gives life to the body”…Proverbs 14:30

Inspired by the words of this proverb, the cofounders and directors of Serenity Infant Care Homes planted the seeds of hope in the lives of young children who have been abused, abandoned and neglected and placed into foster care.

With the grace of God, these women have created a network of quality and comprehensive services to ensure that the cycle of abuse stops when a child enters the Serenity family. The diverse cultural backgrounds, family lifestyles, a broad range of educational achievements and professional experiences have blended into a cohesive agency in which the best interest of the children is the highest priority. Meet…

Jennifer Jones-Choctaw, Executive Director (Bottom)
Jennifer Jones-Choctaw, Executive Director, received an Associates Degree in Medical Technology, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and a Master of Science Degree in Special Education. Her undergraduate and graduate studies were completed in New Haven, Connecticut after which time she relocated to the west coast with her family.

Jennifer also received a Graduate School of Management Certificate from the University of California, Riverside, which prepared her to successfully administrate Serenity as a non-profit, charitable organization.

Linda Kontis, Director of Child Placement/Adoptions (Top)
Linda Kontis, Director of Child Placement and Adoptions, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. A former Montessori director/teacher, Linda’s professional training as a foster care social worker, and her personal experience as a foster/adoptive parent, developed the first-hand knowledge and compassion necessary to address the needs of the children and families served by Serenity.

Sharon Hobson, Director of Social Work/Mental Health (Middle)
Sharon Hobson, Director of Social Workers and Mental Health, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Vanguard University and a Master of Science Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Currently a licensed therapist, Sharon’s expertise in supervision of the social work staff, coupled with her innate counseling and organizational skills as well as a genuine heart for children, have enabled Serenity’s programs to remain of the highest quality.

Dianne Carroll, Finance Manager
Dianne Carroll, Finance Manager, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Dianne volunteered her talents and skills in accounting and finance prior and during the first years of Serenity’s operation.

Her expertise and dedication, as well as her continued commitment to the solvency of Serenity Infant Care Homes. have greatly contributed to Serenity’s mission of quality foster care.

Summary
Since it's incorporation in 1990, Serenity Infant Care Homes, Inc. has accomplished so much because these women work as a team sharing their strengths, supporting and encouraging each other. They continue as they began, earnest in their beliefs, true to their ideals, tenacious in reaching their goals and loving in their attitudes. Their unselfish bottom line is and always will be the best interest of the children. Their mission of breaking the cycle of abuse has become a reality for the multitude of young children whose lives have been touched and forever improved by Serenity.