Our Mission
Our MISSION is to provide competent and compassionate adoption services to birth parents, prospective adoptive parent(s), and children needing a forever family.
About Us
Adoption by Shepherd Care (ASC) was founded in 1980 and is currently the oldest Florida-based adoption agency assisting Expectant Parents facing unplanned pregnancies and Prospective Adoptive Families desiring to become parents through adoption.
Faith-Based Agency
ASC is a faith based agency offering adoption support to clients of all faith backgrounds. Our staff over 100 combined years of experience. We have the knowledge and understanding to lead you through every step of the adoption journey.
Our Professional Adoption Team
Nidia Sica, MSW
Executive Director
Nidia serves as Executive Director, with over 35 years of experience in adoption. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University and has experience working with expectant parents, families adopting domestically and internationally, as well as adoptees. Nidia oversees the overall vision and development of Adoption by Shepherd Care and is passionate about leading ASC in providing professional and compassionate services to everyone involved in the adoption process. Nidia and her husband have five grown children, including two sons through adoption.
Angela Knapp, LCSW
Director of International & Domestic Programs
Angela serves as Director of International & Domestic Programs. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida. Angela has worked in adoption and child welfare for over 15 years, including conducting international and domestic home studies, supervising home study and post-placement services, and helping families navigate all steps of a domestic or international adoption process. She is the mom of two boys adopted internationally and is passionate about connecting children and their forever families.
Michael Cardenas, MS
Finance Manager
Michael serves as Finance Manager, ensuring the financial operations of Adoption by Shepherd Care run smoothly. He has a master’s degree in Finance from UAC of Global Management and has worked at ASC since 2018. Michael enjoys being a part of families and expectant parents’ adoption journey. Michael and his wife are the proud parents of one daughter.
Joseph Sica, MS
Adoption Advocate
Joseph serves as an Adoption Advocate, utilizing his passion for children and families and over 20 years of experience in adoption to share with others the mission of Adoption by Shepherd Care. He has a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. Joseph enjoys talking to community partners about adoption and sharing stories of hope with those who support the work of ASC. Joseph and his wife have five grown children, two of whom joined the family through international adoption.
Bayleigh Howe, MSW
Adoption Specialist
Bayleigh serves as an Adoption Specialist. Bayleigh has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida and has been working in the field of adoption since 2021. Bayleigh works with expectant and birth mothers in Central and North Florida, supporting them in all phases of their journey. She also conducts home studies for families seeking to adopt domestically and internationally. Bayleigh’ s extended family has been touched by adoption and she feels blessed to be able to help others in this process.
Nilda Arreaga
Administrative Assistant
Nilda serves as an Administrative Assistant. She has worked at Adoption by Shepherd Care since 2020, serving in our front office. Nilda enjoys the opportunity to interact with expectant mothers and adoptive families via phone and during visits to the Hollywood office. Nilda is married and has three children and eight grandchildren.
Trey Miller, P.A.
Attorney
Trey Miller provides legal services for adoptive families working with ASC, including completion of domestic finalizations, international finalizations, and Florida re-adoptions. Trey has a law degree from Nova Southeastern University and has been working in the field of adoption and family law for over 15 years. He is honored to use his expertise in the field to help hopeful adoptive parents navigate the legal process of becoming a family. Trey and his wife are blessed with four children.
We’re Here for You Any Time
We are here to help you learn more about Florida’s adoption process, and will guide you along the way.
My caseworker was very caring and made me feel comfortable, and shs didn't try to sell me on the idea of adoption. She gave me a lot of information and in time I did decide that it was the best decision for me and my baby. I'm so glad that I called Adoption by Shepherd Care and that they worked with me even though I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.
I had three children who all lived with me. Another baby would have been too much for me, a single mother. I was working but I was already having a hard time providing for the family that I have. It's not only about the finances, but there's also a lot more to it. I chose adoption and even though it was hard I never regretted my decision. Just because a decision is really hard doesn't mean it is the wrong decision. Adoption was the best thing I could do for my baby's future and the future of my other kids.
