For nearly three decades, Maxine Chalker, MSW, LSW, has been dedicated to helping thousands of women through adoption, whether enabling them to become adoptive parents, or empowering pregnant women to create an open adoption plan that is right for them.

While a single parent on welfare, Maxine earned a degree in social work (and later a Master’s degree) from Temple University. She then became an adoption social worker at a public child welfare agency, where she increasingly believed the adoption system did not always serve the needs of the “adoption triangle”– birth mothers, adoptive parents and children. And, as an adoptee herself, who experienced a difficult search for her birth family, Maxine was uniquely aware of the issues adopted children face growing up. This personal insight fueled her determination to improve the overall adoption process.

In 1985, from the basement of her suburban Philadelphia home, Maxine established Adoptions From The Heart (AFTH) on the premise of open adoption, pioneering the concept in Pa., N.J., and Del. (Open adoption allows birth and adoptive parents to select each other, meet and have on-going relationships.) Then a rare and controversial concept, today it is standard practice. It was the first of numerous efforts that established Maxine as a pioneer in the adoption field, and an advocate for understanding and unity among all members of the adoption community.

Fervently committed to raising awareness of adoption-related issues, Maxine spearheaded the development of an educational program for local elementary and middle school personnel on family diversity and the different ways families form and thrive.

Over the years, Maxine grew AFTH’s services and its footprint, significantly changing the face of adoption with its trendsetting programs. Today, the non-profit is the largest placing agency for domestic adoption on the East Coast. More than a decade ago, the agency was among the first in the area to offer international adoption services, well ahead of the growing trend. Under Maxine’s leadership, AFTH has placed nearly 5,000 infants and toddlers from the U.S. and abroad in loving homes. Her message to all prospective adoptive parents: You will be successful.