Staci Thomas is dedicated to strengthening attachments between hurting children and the people caring for them. As Chief Operating Officer, she oversees the services Chosen provides so that children with hard histories can heal.

Staci has been a member of Chosen’s staff since 2013 and has over 22 years of child welfare experience. As a licensed civil engineer, her career began with treatment plant design. However, her passion for bringing healing to fostered and adopted children led to a career change after “accidentally” reading an academic journal article on how the brain is impacted by trauma. Her subsequent research, combined with lived experience as an adoptive parent, grew her desire to help design family environments that promote restoration. Her critical thinking and project management skills have enabled her to grow Chosen’s programs with innovation and evidence-informed modalities. Staci is committed to integrating best-in-class therapies and resources that impact the well-being of children.

As a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® Practitioner and Trauma Competent Affiliate Trainer, she is a sought-after speaker on attachment-focused topics, including how to help adults attach to their children and how adoptive parents can strengthen their marriage. Staci has her certificate in Nonprofit Management, as well as training in both Level One Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Motivational Interviewing.  

With Staci’s oversight and leadership, Chosen’s programs have continued to develop and expand to meet the needs of the families served. She is passionate about mentoring the organization’s direct care staff to ensure fidelity to Chosen’s proven model of care.

Staci has been married to her husband since 1994 and together they have raised four daughters adopted from four different countries. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and serving at her church.