A New Beginning Adoption Staff Members

Personal Profile

Adoption has been important to me for almost as long as I can remember. I have two wonderful children: one adopted and one biological. Before my husband Kevin and I were married, we decided that we would grow our family through adoption. For some reason we always felt drawn to International adoption but were not sure which country to choose. We looked into several countries and after a lot of research, decided to adopt our daughter from China.

In my spare time I enjoy camping, scrap booking, traveling, playing games, and spending time with friends and family.

Professional Background

In the middle of my college education, I decided to transfer from Northwest Nazarene University to the University of Maryland to complete my music education degree. While in Maryland, I had a summer job working at an inner-city camp for homeless children as well as Chinese children. At the end of that summer I took a two week trip to Zimbabwe and had the opportunity to visit a Mozambique refugee camp. My heart was broken as I watched children stand in line for a piece of bread with peanut butter—waiting for up to 4 hours.

It was that summer that my career path took a turn to social work. I returned to Northwest Nazarene University and completed my social work degree. Since that time, I've had several social work jobs but when I learned that I could actually use my degree to do adoptions (something I've been passionate about since junior high) I was thrilled! I often say that I have the best job in the world because I truly believe that I do. There is nothing quite like seeing a family hold their baby for the first time and knowing the journey that they have had getting to that child. Adoption is truly a miracle and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to help families through their adoption journey.

Personal Profile

I adopted my beautiful daughter, Lily, in 2001. She is a smart, clever, funny, sweet little girl loved immensely (and spoiled slightly) by everyone in our family. Through Lily's adoption I met another little girl in China with a heart defect. It was so difficult to leave her behind. Through much perseverance & assistance, I traveled to China a year later to assist her new family in bringing her home. It has been so amazing to be a part of her life! She has grown into such a happy & sparkling little girl! Because of my wonderful experiences with adoption I realized that my life would never be the same. I had to be directly involved in adoption in some way. The opening of A New Beginning has given me that chance! I feel extremely proud and privileged to help others discover the joys of adoption.

Personal Profile

I have worked in the adoption field for seven years now, and love it. It has been by far the most rewarding job I have ever had. To have a small part in the miracle that is adoption for each family, gives me chills. It never ceases to amaze me how things work out perfectly when everyone involved just lets it unfold as it is supposed to happen for each child. Family after family has told me that no matter if they waited two weeks or two years, the child they ended up adopting is meant for them. As I said, a miracle in which I am proud to have a small part.

Professional Background

I obtained my education in South East Idaho, at Idaho State University. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master's in Health Education.