Thank you so much for taking the time to read our portfolio and get to know us. We can only imagine how emotional and overwhelming this process may be, and we’re just so grateful that you’re here, considering us.

There is nothing we would love more than to welcome your baby into our home and our hearts. We’ve been dreaming of becoming parents for a long time, and we’re ready to give a child all the love, laughter, guidance, and support we have to offer. We’ll do everything we can to help them grow into whoever they are meant to be—while also helping them feel confident, kind, and so very loved every single day.

We hope that as you read through our profile, you’ll get a real sense of who we are and how much this means to us. And most of all, we hope you feel just how much love we already have waiting for your baby.

With all our hearts,

Steph & Michael

We first met back in 2003 at a local restaurant. Steph had just graduated from high school, and Mike was in his senior year. Steph quickly became close friends with Mike’s sister—and from the moment Mike saw her, he told his sister he had to meet her. Not long after, Steph ended up being Mike’s prom date. We became fast friends and shared a great connection, even back then.

Life took us in different directions after that. Steph moved away for school, explored the country (and even a bit of the world), and Mike stayed close to home, surrounded by family and the community he’s always loved.

Nearly 20 years later, we ran into each other while Steph was back in town visiting. At the time, Steph was actually engaged to be married—but that unexpected moment changed everything. All the old feelings were still there, and it quickly became clear that we were meant to be something more than friends. After a lot of reflection and some incredibly tough decisions, Steph called off the wedding and moved back home. From there, we picked up right where we left off—and fell in love.

We dated for five wonderful years, building a life together filled with laughter, support, and a deep sense of home. In June of 2023, Mike proposed in our house—just the two of us—and Steph said yes without hesitation. We were married that November, surrounded by our closest friends and family, at one of our favorite local spots. It was a day full of love and joy.

Now, we’re ready to grow our family through adoption. We can’t wait to welcome a child into our home—where they’ll be surrounded by unconditional love, plenty of adventure, books, and support every step of the way… and lots of affection from our three cats and two dogs.

When we got back together in 2018, we were both in our early 30s. Even though we’d been close friends for over 20 years, we wanted to give our relationship the time and space to grow into something strong and lasting before starting a family. When the time came to have children, things didn’t go as we had hoped. We tried naturally, and then with the help of fertility treatments—including IUI and IVF—working with wonderful local clinics. Along the way, we experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage. After over three years of trying, and stepping into our fourth, we made the incredibly emotional decision to close the chapter on having a biological child.

But our dream of becoming parents never changed. We’ve both wanted to build a family with children for as long as we can remember. We believe children are the light of the world—they bring laughter, curiosity, and joy. We were both blessed with loving upbringings andsupportive families, and we know firsthand how special it is to grow up in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. That’s the kind of home we’ve built together—and now, we’re ready to share it.Adoption gives us the path to become parents, to open our hearts fully, and to raise a child in a life full of joy, steadiness, and love (with a few very cuddly fur siblings by their side, too!). That is why we have chosen adoption—and why we’re so grateful to be on this journey.

Hi, I’m Steph! I was adopted as a baby and have always known I was adopted— from the moment I could understand what it meant. My parents, who raised me, are true angels. They gave me a loving, supportive home, and while I didn’t always recognize that when I was younger, I now know just how lucky I’ve been.

I grew up with an older brother who was also adopted. Our childhood was filled with backyard forts, books, and every sport you could think of. I eventually focused on volleyball and played competitively through high school and into college.

At 18, I found my birth father and, over time, met both of my birth parents, their spouses, and my three half-siblings—Matty, Joey, and Megan— who I love dearly and am so grateful to have in my life. 

I also have an amazing group of girlfriends I’ve been close with for over 20 years. We get together every month—sometimes with the kids, sometimes just us—to catch up, celebrate, and support one another. Those friendships have truly become chosen family.

Much of who I am comes from the influence of extended family. Grammy and Poppy, my mom’s parents, and Aunt Barb, my dad’s sister, helped raise us. Aunt Barb was both a nun and an interior designer— wise, faithful, and so much fun. Grammy was smart, warm, and loving, and Poppy was quiet, kind, and deeply thoughtful. Their presence in my life was a gift I carry with me always. 

After school in Western New York, I moved to Thailand to teach—and that’s where I found my passion for education. I later earned my teaching certification and master’s in education, teaching in Arizona and Tennessee before returning home. While I’d hoped to stay in the classroom, life led me in a new direction. I became an analyst at a large organization, where I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I still volunteer in schools whenever I can— education is forever in my heart.

I love staying active—hiking, kayaking, rollerblading, and weightlifting five days a weekkeeps me grounded. I also cherish walks with our sweet dog, Lane. I find peace in the outdoors and joy in my gardens, decorating our home, and creating cozy spaces that feel like “us.”

One of my greatest joys is live music. I’m a huge Dave Matthews Band fan, and summerconcerts with friends and family are simply the best. There’s nothing like great music andgreat company to fill your soul.

These are the people, passions, and pieces of life that have made me who I am—and Ican’t wait to share all this love with a child.

Teaching has been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Children are the light of the world — everything is new and exciting through their eyes, and there’s nothing better than sparking that curiosity and joy for learning in them.

Fun Facts About Steph

• • Holds a Master’s in Education (Reading), Bachelor’s in English with a minor in Journalism, Teaching Certification in Elementary Education, and an Associate’s in Liberal Arts & Humanities.
• • Taught in three different states (and one different continent!) and still volunteers in schools whenever she can.
• • Godmother to her nephew, Owen.
• • Loves to read—especially curled up with a cozy blanket, a cat, and a cup of something warm to drink.
• • Finds joy in playing in her flowerbeds, hiking, snowboarding, and camping under the stars.
• • Big fan of adventures—whether that’s traveling somewhere new or discovering treasures at antique shops.
• • Always surrounded by animals, music, creativity, and laughter.

Hi, I’m Mike! I had a really great childhood growing up with my mom, dad, and my sister, Dee. We spent a lot of time on the road traveling for my sister’s gymnastic competitions, and I was always outside playing baseball or getting into some kind of mischief with my friends and family—especially on the zip line we had in our yard!

I’ve always loved traveling, especially with friends and family, but I’ve stayed close to home throughout my life because family is so important to me, and I truly love where I live. I actually bought the house right next door to my parents, and I’ve always been very close with them. My dad was my best friend. He passed away in early 2021, and losing him was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. 

We used to catch up every single day —after work, I’d head over just to talk about whatever was on my mind. He was an incredible inspiration and sounding board for me. He also helped me start building the addition on our home, so his passing hit especially hard in that way too. But now, as I’ve continued building our home, I take such pride in doing it with the same care and love we started with together. My dad always said a house is like a jigsaw puzzle— you’re never really done, you’re always working on one piece at a time. He also taught me that anything I build should outlive me, because of the quality and heart I put into it. That’s something I carry with me every day. 

Football, basketball and baseball were the main sports I played growing up, and while I didn’t branch out into many others, I’ve always enjoyed watching sports—and I’ve really come to love playing golf over the years too. These days, I enjoy just about anything outdoors, from snowboarding and camping to working in the yard. Some of my favorite moments are spent around a campfire, listening to live music, or simply enjoying time with my wife.

One of my greatest passions is woodworking. I’ve built most of our home myself, andnow I take even more pride in each project I take on—knowing I’m finishing what my dadand I started together. Whether it’s building furniture, adding finishing touches to thehouse, or just fixing something that needs attention, I put a lot of care into everything Ido. I also love spending time with our pets and taking care of both our yard and mymom’s next door. There’s something really grounding about maintaining a space filled with love—and making sure it’s a home that lasts, just like my dad taught me.

Fun Facts About Mike

• • Holds two associate degrees—one in Maintenance Electricity &Construction Technology, and another in Electrical Engineering Technology.
• • Certified Supervisor through theManufacturing Business Association and pursuing continuing education in Business Administration.
• • Can fix literally anything—he’s our in-house handyman, electrician, and builder.
• • Has a huge heart for animals but absolutely won’t watch anything where one gets hurt.
• • Loves being outdoors—camping, hiking, golfing, snowboarding, or just hanging out with family and friends.
• • Has a talent for all things laid-back and fun: darts, ping pong, corn hole—you name it.
• • Enjoys finding hidden treasures while antiquing and listening to great music.
• • Sensitive, smart, endlessly creative,and quietly hilarious.

• We were prom dates…before we were even a couple! 

• We were friends for over 20 years before falling in love.

• Mike built half of our home with his own two hands—Steph painted most of it.

• We’re total opposites in the best ways—Steph’s the planner, Mike’s the calm in the storm.

• We both love live music and go to at least one Dave Matthews Band concert every summer.

• Our Great Dane Lab, Evie, thinks she’s a lap dog—and we let her believe it.

• We share our home with two dogs and three cats—Evie, Lane, Hobie, Simon, and Charlie—and they are all full of personality and love.

• We love landscaping our yard and Mike’s mom’s and have dreams of building a greenhouse one day.

• Mike has a “Gypsy Woodshop” where he builds beautiful things—Steph calls it his happy place.

• We both believe that laughter, love, and music make the world go round.

• “I can’t wait for a baby cousin because then I can show them my Legos and we can play outside and I will teach them how to ride a bike when they get big. Aunt Steph and Uncle Mike are the best because they always make me laugh and give me hugs!” –Nephew, Age 7  

• “We love when Steph comes to our house because she plays with us while Mommy does her hair. She makes us giggle somuch! We hope she gets a baby so her baby can come play with us too!” -Friend’s Kids, Ages 6 & 4

• “We have watched Steph and Mike build such a strong, loving marriage and a home full of laughter and care. They have so much love to give and we cannot wait to see them share it with a child. We are ready to be the most doting Lolli and Pop to their little one!” -Lolli & Pop

• “Watching Steph and Mike withour kids has always warmed myheart. They are so patient, fun,and full of love. I can’t think oftwo more deserving people toshare their big hearts and happyhome with a child. Any baby would be so blessed to have them as parents.” –Aunt Dee

As parents, we will love our child unconditionally, encourage their dreams, and support them every step of the way. We will create a home full of laughter, learning, and adventure. We’ll help them grow into their best, happiest, healthiest selves—surrounded by love, lifted by encouragement, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

Steph Can’t Wait To

• • Cuddle up together and read bedtime stories every night
• • Listen to their stories—big and small—and be their biggest cheerleader
• • Explore the garden and go on nature walks and hikes together
• • Make arts and crafts, paint, draw, or create—whatever brings them joy
• • Share in their interests and help guide them gently through life
• • Watch in awe as they grow into the beautiful person they’re meant to be

Mike Can’t Wait To

• • Be a steady, loving presence as they grow into their unique and wonderful self
• • Help them fix things around the house and explain how things work
• • Throw a ball in the yard and play catch or kick around a soccer ball
• • Explore science experiments, build with LEGOs, dive into tech, or get creative with art—whatever sparks their curiosity
• • Cheer them on as they try new things and develop their own passions
• • Patiently and lovingly teach them woodworking skills in the “Gypsy Woodshop” (if they’re interested!)

At the end of the day, we can’t wait to meet our child—to love them fiercely, lift them up, and walk alongside them as they discover who they are. Whatever path they choose, we’ll be right there, cheering them on with all our hearts.

Thank you!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and for considering us as potential parents for your child. We know this journey isn’t an easy one, and we are in awe of your strength, your love, and your courage in exploring adoption. Just reading these words, we hope you can feel how deeply grateful we are for your openness and trust.

There is truly nothing we would love more than to welcome your child into our lives. We promise to raise them in a home full of love, adventure, laugher and unwavering support. Your child will grow up knowing where they came from, surrounded by people who will always lift them up, cheer them on, and love them beyond words.

We don’t take this lightly. This decision means everything—and if you choose us, please know we’ll spend every day honoring that choice.

With love, hope, and our whole hearts,
Steph & Michael