Meet Our Team

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Carlee Dawodu serves as the Executive Director for Gifts of Grace. Carlee earned her B.S. in Child Development & Family Studies from Purdue University in 2001 and has worked in the foster care and adoption field since that time.  Carlee and her husband are the proud parents of seven daughters, three through the gift of adoption. 

Email Contact: Carlee@giftsofgraceadoption.com


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​Rachael Rush: Rachael joined the Gifts of Grace team in 2018 and serves as the Adoptive Family Coordinator. Rachael graduated from Ball State University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on Family Studies. Since graduating, Rachael has worked in the social work field providing support to children and their families. Rachael's passion for supporting children and families led her to Gifts of Grace. Rachael enjoys educating, counseling, encouraging and guiding families on their journey through adoption. Rachael and her husband, Jake, have twin daughters.
​Email Contact: Rachael@giftsofgraceadoption.com
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Rachel Elkins joined Gifts of Grace May 2019, as the Birth Family Coordinator. Rachel earned her B.A. in Psychology from Lee University in 2014 and is currently completing her M.A. in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Rachel has worked in the social services field supporting children, adults and families for five years. In addition to her work with Gifts of Grace, Rachel and her husband pastor a church in the Lafayette area. Rachel and her husband and are blessed with one son.  

​Email Contact: Rachel@giftsofgraceadoption.com





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​Heather Halsema joined Gifts of Grace in 2019 as the Office Manager/Bookkeeper. Heather graduated 1999 from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO with a Bachelor's degree in Children's Ministry. After graduating, she moved to Memphis, TN to work with inner-city missions.  It was there that she started learning office skills which paired well with ministry.  She moved back to Lafayette in 2004. With the office skills she has maintained and her love for children, Heather is excited for the opportunity to work with an adoption agency. Heather and her husband, Ken, have three boys.
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Email Contact: info@giftsofgraceadoption.com



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Courtney Winzeler  began working with Gifts of Grace from the day we opened our doors in 2013. She serves as an Independent Contractor for Gifts of Grace. Courtney earned her B.S. in Human Services from Purdue University in 2012 and her Masters in Social Work in 2015. Courtney has worked in the social work field since 2010 and at Gifts of Grace since it opened in 2013.  Courtney is married to her husband, Christian, and is based in Fort Wayne where she serves our Northeast Indiana clients.

Email Contact: Courtney@giftsofgraceadoption.com


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Denise Grimes began working with Gifts of Grace in 2018 and serves as an Independent Contractor.  Denise does outreach and supports our adoptive families in Central Indiana. Denise attained her Master’s degree in Social Work in 1999 and worked with children and families as a home-based therapist for several years before leaving full time work to raise her children and manage her family’s music ministry. Denise and her husband have four children ranging in age from 20 to 4.  She desires to share her knowledge and experience as an adoptive mom as she supports adoptive families through their own adoption journey.




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