About Me

   I’ve been learning to embrace adoption since I was 7 years old. It was then that my parents adopted my brother Tom. Inviting Tom into our lives was a great experience that began to open my eyes to a new meaning of family.

   Later in life, I met my husband, Lee. We were married in 1989 and soon after, we welcomed our first daughter, Natalie, into our lives. As we tried to bring more life into our family, we lost two children through miscarriage. For the first time since I was a child, talks of adoption were back on the table. As talks progressed, Lee was apprehensive, whereas I couldn’t stop thinking, praying, and dreaming about adopting a child. For a time, the talks ended and we focused on the blessing God had given us. Fast forward another 3 years and we had another daughter, Mariah.

  As we settled into life as a family of four, Lee decided to reopen adoption talks. This time around, he was all in! In 1999, we brought our four-year-old son, David (Florin) home from Romania.  He was the answer to my prayers and a gift to our family.  Although he is an amazing 24-year-old man today, we have faced several obstacles along the way. We sought help to get us through tough times, finding the support and understanding we needed. We are grateful to have been directed to other adoptive parents who had been down the same roads. I hope to offer a similar hand of encouragement and hope to you and your family.

   Since we adopted David, I have had the privilege of speaking before various audiences across the country.  I am the editor and contributing author for the Forever Families column on the Disciples Today website.  I currently serve at the Indianapolis Church of Christ with Lee, who is an elder.  I find it very rewarding to be an active member of our church’s adoption support group, and look forward to serving you in any way I can.

Why Embracing Adoption?

Are you interested in adopting a child?

Do we adopt internationally or domestically? What age should the child be? Boy or girl? Finding answers to these questions, and more, can seem overwhelming. I would love to help you reach a place of calm and understanding when it comes to the future of your family.

Do you need help navigating the educational system with your adopted child?

Every child is different, and therefore, requires an individual approach to their education. This can be anything from overcoming learning disabilities to understanding English as a Second Language. Together, with the school system, I want to help you insure that your child receives the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) they deserve.

Are you overwhelmed with challenges?

Adoption is one of the most rewarding endeavors I've ever experienced, however, at times the challenges can seem to pile up. If you've experienced attachment issues, deceit, anger outbursts, addictive behavior, and more, you're not alone. Together we can talk about those issues and, once again, help you find solid ground to stand on.

Are you looking for practical parenting tools?

Whether this is your first child or your fourth, each child is unique and requires individual love and attention. Let's talk about your child and how you can best support their needs as a parent.

Are you seeking emotional support?

I've been there. I've had my sleepless nights. I've experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. And I know from experience, that talking to someone who can not only listen, but understand, can change everything. I would love to be that person for you and your family.

Are you considering hosting a guest speaker on the topic of adoption?

If you would like me to speak to your adoption group, church, agency, or conference, I would be honored. Fill out a contact form and we can plan a time to address the specific needs of your group.