MM
Our Team
Mallory Joest
Founder & Executive Director
Mallory is an intercountry transracial adoptee and a former foster, now adoptive, mom. She has a profound awareness of the challenges faced by foster and adoptive families and is passionate about providing parents with the education they need to understand trauma and its impact on children. She's a University of Southern Indiana graduate with a BS in Accounting and Professional Services. She has over a decade's worth of experience in various accounting settings, including the nonprofit industry.
Fai Knudson
Board Member
Fai (/fay/) is an adoptee and a licensed associate counselor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They work with LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, adopted, and neurodivergent folks, and this work is informed by their lived experience as a member of these groups. They have a master of science in counseling psychology from Chatham University, during which they completed fieldwork at the largest LGBTQIA+ health center in PA. As a transracial adoptee, they are passionate about educating members of the adoption constellation through research and firsthand knowledge, as well as strengthening adoptees’ sense of community and visibility. They bring valuable insights and a deep commitment to inclusivity and advocacy to our team.
Simon Benn
Board Member
Simon was adopted at 5 weeks old and told so young that he doesn’t ever remember not knowing. The adoption went well, he had a happy childhood apart from some bullying. He joined the family business after university and took over when his parents retired. Success proved elusive and when it finally came, a hollow victory. Around that time he found out that his childhood teddy bear was a gift from my birth mother. This led to an eruption of anger and feeling unloved, kickstarting a search for answers and solutions and eventually a desire to help others with what he’s learned. He does this through the Thriving Adoptees podcast, training and speaking. He brings a unique perspective and a passion for empowering others to our Board of Directors.
Brooke Randolph
Workshop Partner & Board Member
Brooke, LMHC, LPC, LPCC-S, is a seasoned therapist who specializes in working with the adoption constellation and those impacted by foster care. Educating therapists and supporting parents is something she is passionate about, so serving Mallory's Mission was an easy "yes".
Thom Cook
Board Member
Thom Cook, MBA, CPA, CVA, FACHE, FHFMA, is an innovative, results-oriented senior executive with more than 41 years of progressive expertise in finance and operations in the for-profit and not-for-profit healthcare sector. He is skilled at interacting with all levels of management and Board of Directors, accomplished in building physician relationships and partnerships, and has a demonstrated ability in strategic development. He retired as CFO of Good Samaritan Hospital in 2021. His extensive background uniquely positions him to contribute strategic financial insights and leadership, making him an ideal candidate to guide our nonprofit's mission.
Zach Raderstorf
Board Member
Zach Raderstorf is a 2013 graduate of Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He holds a BS in Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Mathematics, as well as a minor is Physics. He is a CPA (inactive) and has 5 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in nonprofit audits and financial statement preparation. Additionally, he possesses 4 years of experience in private practice, specifically manufacturing. He recently acquired a company and is now the President of Perry Foam, Inc. He brings invaluable business expertise to our mission and is dedicated to using his skills to drive our organization's success.
