Hello from Chicago!
My name is Dana, mom to two boys — Conrad (6) and Finn (4).
I invite you to get to know me and my family better by downloading and exploring my adoption profile book.
Though I’ve only been a parent for six years, it’s the most natural and fulfilling role I’ve ever had.
Our family is excited to grow from three to four through adoption and welcome a child to share in all the love, laughter, and adventure that fills our lives. I look forward to getting to know you, honoring your child’s culture, and raising them with values of compassion, community, growth, and gratitude. Thank you for taking the time to learn about us.
All About Me
I love life and all the experiences it offers.
I’m passionate about travel—especially connecting with local people beyond the typical tourist spots. I’ve built homes in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, cleaned up in Biloxi after Katrina, lived on a boat in the Galapagos, hiked glaciers in Antarctica, stayed in a Fijian village, and visited game camps in Kenya. Now as a mom, I bring my kids along whenever I can—they’ve already been to India and Africa, with Costa Rica next on our list.
At home, I stay active through church and school involvement, art, cooking, fitness, and volunteering. I also serve on the Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board in Illinois, and my boys and I visit the aquarium every few months. Hosting parties, planning playdates, and spending time with loved ones brings me the most joy. For work I manage a vacation rental in Lake Geneva, WI.
My Home
Although I've lived in Australia, Boston, and Switzerland, Chicago has always been home.
Despite living in a big city, the neighborhood we are in feels like its own small community. I love school drop-off because we see so many people we know. There is a large park just one block from us. We go to the playground almost nightly before dinner and sometimes even stay for a movie in the park. The zoo and Lake Michigan are less than one mile away. Throughout the year, there are farmer's markets and street festivals almost every week. We can hop in the car and be at the aquarium or the science museum in under 20 minutes. When the weather turns gray, we go to Florida to visit family or out west to ski and snowboard.
Future Big Brothers
Meet Conrad
Conrad is 6, he is quiet, but caring. When his brother falls asleep on the couch, he will put a blanket over him. Conrad loves numbers and playing with the calculator on my phone. He likes to help cleanup in the kitchen after dinner and just learned to ride a bicycle. Right now he is obsessed with Minecraft and Star Wars. He loves being a big brother and is already decorating his new bedroom that he will share with Finn.
Meet Finn
Finn is 4, and definitely has that second-child mentality. He is loud and wild, he will pretend to slip and fall just to make you laugh. He sucks his thumb and brings his lovie, Woof-Woof, wherever he goes. He is adventurous and loves to copy his big brother. When Conrad is sad, Finn will do something funny to cheer him up. Finn is looking forward to becoming a big brother.
My Village
My parents (Gammie and Poppy) live about 25 miles away in the suburbs.
We love visiting them to play in their yard or to spend time at their lake house in Northern Wisconsin. I have a younger brother and sister, both of whom are married with children. Our whole family gathers at least twice a year. During Christmas time, we visit the Chicago Botanic Garden for its holiday light show, and my dad dresses up as Santa Claus. Each year, my mom needlepoints a Christmas ornament for every grandchild, and she’s also made each of us a handmade stocking.
From a young age, our parents encouraged us to be kind and charitable. They continue to volunteer and serve on boards. Many of my favorite memories are from service trips focused on helping others. My parents are kind, generous, funny, caring, and resilient—they’ve set a powerful example for the kind of parent I strive to be. I aim to teach my children gratitude and generosity not by telling them, but by showing them. Every night before bed, I sit with each of them to reflect on our day and give thanks for the people and moments that made it meaningful.
Fun Facts About Me
Seasonal activity: Ski/snowboard trips
Animal: Whale shark
Place to take a child: Disney World
Source of Inspiration: Richard Branson
What you like to collect: Art from my travels
Language you speak: French
Hobby: NYT Crossword puzzles
Dream job: miniature set designer in Hollywood
In Closing
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my family.
While I promise to love and care for your child and teach them about the world, I also look forward to the things they can teach me. I am eager to learn about their background and understand where they came from. I hope that you will continue to be a part of their life and I look forward to watching your child grow - together.