My Journey Dedicated to Child Welfare and Healing

When I look back on my life’s journey, I see a path shaped by both professional dedication and intensely personal experiences. I’ve spent nearly two decades working within child welfare systems, striving to improve the lives of children and families. Yet nothing prepared me for the challenges I faced when I confronted my own infertility.

Facing Infertility Head-On

My desire to start a family led me down the road of fertility treatments. After an optimistic beginning, I was met with the harsh reality of tubal factor infertility, which made natural conception nearly impossible. Undergoing IVF was emotionally draining—an experience marked by hope, setbacks, and a profound sense of loss. It was during this time I realized I wasn’t just a professional guiding others; I was living the same struggles myself.

Embracing Adoption

Having spent years as the Executive Director of a faith-based adoption agency, I was no stranger to the adoption process. But stepping into the role of a prospective adoptive parent was a whole new world. My decision to adopt wasn’t merely a professional recommendation—I understood, from the inside out, how infertility grief can transform into a beautiful adoption journey.

Writing My Practical Guide

I poured every ounce of my lived experience and professional expertise into my book, Practical Guide: Adoption After Infertility. In its pages, I walk readers through the emotional toll of infertility, offer strategies to process grief, and provide an honest look at what it means to become an adoptive parent. My hope is that it serves as both comfort and road map, helping people navigate an often complex, but ultimately rewarding, journey toward family building.

Advocacy and Leadership

Beyond my personal story, I’ve dedicated my career to improving child welfare services across the country, especially for marginalized communities. My work with numerous agencies has helped implement trauma-informed, culturally competent approaches to child welfare, ensuring children and families receive the care they deserve. Being recognized by the National Adoption Association’s Ujima Think Tank as a Black child welfare leader has only deepened my commitment to uplifting communities often overlooked by traditional systems.

A Lifelong Message of Hope

If you’re in the throes of fertility treatments or struggling with the decision to adopt, know that you are not alone. My personal path—from infertility disappointment to adoptive parenthood—shows that loss can evolve into joy, and professional expertise can be enriched by personal insight. No matter how you arrive at parenting, the love and resilience you foster will shape you, your child, and the family you create together.

• How do I know if adoption is the right path after infertility?

  Only you can decide if adoption feels like a good fit. It often helps to seek counseling, gather information, and have open discussions with your partner, family, or a trusted professional to clarify your goals and emotional readiness.

• What emotional challenges might I face when shifting from fertility treatments to adoption?

  The grieving process for the loss of a biological connection can be intense. Feelings of guilt, sadness, or relief may arise. Recognizing these emotions and seeking support—either through professional counseling or a support group—can help you process them in a healthy way.

• Do I need to fully “move on” from infertility grief before adopting?

  You don’t have to have every emotion resolved, but being aware of your grief and actively working through it can create a healthier environment for you and your future child. Adoption is a lifelong journey, so emotional readiness is key.

• What are the different types of adoption available?

  There are several pathways, including domestic infant adoption, international adoption, and foster-to-adopt programs. Each route has unique legal, financial, and emotional considerations. Research thoroughly to find the best fit for your family’s circumstances.

• How can I best prepare myself for adoptive parenting?

  Educate yourself about trauma-informed care, attend adoption education workshops, join adoptive parent groups, and consider counseling. Being prepared emotionally and practically can help you form a secure attachment with your child.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It is my hope that by sharing both my professional background and personal experiences, you’ll find the strength, knowledge, and reassurance needed as you consider adoption after infertility. Remember: there is a path toward hope, and it might just look different than you ever imagined.