Meet the DSS: Bethany Martin, Tennessee

Bethany Martin, MSW, is America World's Director of Social Services in Tennessee. She received her Masters in Social Work from the The Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Bethany had the privilege of traveling to the Czech Republic, Poland, and Zambia to help develop programs for vulnerable populations of children and youth, and it was through those travels that God led her to pursue her Masters in Social Work and confirmed his calling on her life to work with orphans. She worked with the Crisis Nursery and Children’s Hope International in St. Louis while pursuing her degree. 

In Bethany's spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, exercising, cooking, and reading. They are very involved in their church’s kids ministry program and love ministering to children and their families!

Bethany decided to become an adoption social worker after she saw an orphan choir perform at her church when she was just twelve years old. After the international travels, the calling and passion was reignited. Bethany says, “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the miracle of God’s sovereignty in placing the fatherless in forever homes!”

Our Tennessee office is located in the Nashville area, and there are three home study coordinators to serve other regions: Brentwood, Jackson, and Knoxville. 

Bethany's advice to adoptive parents is, “Be prepared that adoption is a life-long process! It is a journey that your whole family will be a part of. The addition of an adopted child in your family will also bring new friends, new culture and traditions, new perspectives and techniques on parenting. It will require you to be more educated, more compassionate, and more supported! I encourage you to fully embrace the process and all that the Lord will teach you.”