If I were to describe myself in a single phrase, I would call myself a nurturing strategist whose heart is focused on the adopted child.
My passion is to help in the growth and nurture of the adopted child, whether that child is still a youngster, a teen, or has already grown to adulthood.
I do this in a variety of ways. As a nurturer, I seek to help adoptive parents navigate the sometimes rough waters of adoption, from the initial process through the adopted child's transition into his new family as a fully functioning and healthy member.
As a strategist, I utilize my training and experience as a licensed professional counselor in private practice in Virginia. I am a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the National Board of Certified Counselors. I also work with a team of doctors in meeting the needs of the whole person.
My background includes more than 20 years as a public school teacher. Having earned the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from SUNY Fredonia, I subsequently earned the Master of Education from the University of Virginia. My experience in working with children has provided me with great insight into their developmental needs.
As the mother of two adopted daughters, I am uniquely aware of the challenges faced by both adoptive parents and their adopted children. The defining mission of my life is to parent my two daughters into a healthful and fulfilling adulthood. I believe that the greatest witness I can have in today's culture is to raise a healthy family.
My desire is to help fellow adoptive parents do the same thing. I provide this help through a variety of resources, including coaching, writing, and speaking. I also host a blog for parents and children in adoptive families and others involved in nurturing adoptive families. I also am a freelance writer having more the 250 articles and stories published in a variety of inspirational sources some of which are Decision, Chicken Soup For The Adopted Soul, Moody Monthly, Single Parent Family, Living With Children and Daily Devotions for Writers.
