Hello from Southern California! My name is Karen. I feel very blessed that you are taking the time to learn a little about me. I think that you are an incredible woman because it takes such courage, strength, selflessness, and love in order to make this decision.
My hope and prayer for you is to have peace and comfort as you walk forward with this decision.

When I think about becoming a parent through adoption, I get so excited because I have dreamed for a long time about being a mother and having a family of my own. Know that your child will have a safe and stable home. Your child will have lots of different experiences and great educational opportunities. But most of all, know that your child will be loved and cared for unconditionally by me and by my family and friends.

Please know that no matter what you decide, I wish you happiness, peace and support in your journey!

Growing up in Michigan on a lake, my family spent a lot of time doing outdoor activities – boating, water skiing, and swimming in the summer, and skating, sledding, and snowmobiling in the winter. It was a lot of fun! Growing up with my brother and sister, along with the fun we had, my parents also taught us the value of hard work, getting a good education, honesty and integrity, and a strong faith. My parents were devout Catholics, and that strong faith has carried through in my life. I too want to instill the same values with my future child and also give them the opportunity to have lots of different experiences like I did.

I used to be a Rocket Scientist! My parents instilled in me the belief that I could do anything! I used my degrees in Aerospace and Mechanical engineering after college to work in the Aerospace industry in Southern California, including helping to design a fighter jet and a rocket! I switched careers after attending business school and I am now the Chief Compliance Officer at an investment management firm. I feel very blessed to have such a great career and to be able to financially support a great lifestyle for my future family!

Ten years ago, I was able to sponsor a young girl named Bako. Bako is now an amazing 20 year old woman and in 2019 I was able to travel to Uganda, Africa to finally meet her in person! While I was there I visited other children around Western Uganda that are part of the same program that I met Bako through. I met another young girl, Doreen, who is now six years old, and I decided to sponsor her as well! I keep in touch with both girls via letters and feel blessed to be able help them have a better future for themselves.

My faith is very important to me, and has helped give me the strength to get through the hard times in life. I attend a non-denominational Christian church, along with volunteering at our Church’s soup kitchen every Saturday (unless I am snowboarding of course!). I love interacting with the people who come to the soup kitchen every week. The other volunteers and attendees have truly become like family!

Southern California is an ideal community because along with the great weather, the beach is only a 15-minute walk from my house, and the mountains are about a two-hour drive away. The best of both worlds! I own a cute beach house in a great neighborhood with a big back yard, where there is a park just a block away. I live near some of the best ranked elementary schools in the district. I love where I live and it’s a great place to raise a child.

Living in California, I have a love for the outdoors and have spent a lot of time over the years playing beach volleyball, biking, hiking, learning outdoor survival, climbing mountains, and I especially love snowboarding!

My friends are like an extended family. They are so excited to welcome a new child into the group! Lots of them have kids and will be a strong support for me. With my friends, your child will have numerous ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ in California and across the country. They are a diverse group of interesting people who will be great role models! There will also be lots of fun trips to visit them!

My best friend, Theresa, and I have been friends since we were 8 years old and we still talk almost every day! She also has been a single Mom for many years and has raised three wonderful children. I have learned a lot from her regarding strength of character and her unconditional love for her children. She has been one of my biggest supporters in this adoption process.

A Note from My Best Friend, Theresa: Karen has always had a natural maternal instinct and is amazing with children. She is the kindest soul you will ever meet. Karen’s home is full of laughter, fun, and positive energy. When Karen told me about her plans to adopt. I could not have been more excited. She will be an amazing mother and provide a life filled with laughter, kindness and most of all unconditional love.

My family and friends are amazing, and they are so supportive of this journey. My Mom, and my brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Kay, live in Michigan. Mike and Kay have three children, and we are all big University of Michigan fans! My sister, Jennifer and her husband, Sergio, and their 2 boys, live in Maryland. Our entire family spends the Christmas holiday together every year. We try to include some of our polish heritage from my Dad’s side every year – such as pierogi’s or stuffed cabbage. One of our polish traditions occurs every Christmas Eve when we break a traditional wafer with each other – called an Oplatek – and exchange good wishes for health and happiness in the New Year. In the summer, my sister and I try to coordinate our vacations to Michigan so that we can all see each other at the same time. Needless to say, my family, especially my Mom, is looking forward to welcoming a new member to the family!

My parents were married for 36 years before my Dad passed and they provided a model for their faith, commitment and love for each other. They taught us the importance of family. My Dad was the one that instilled the love of outdoor activities in myself and my siblings. My Mom is going to be an invaluable source of advice and support with over 20 years working with children as a teacher and raising three of her own!

A Note from My Mom: Karen has always been enthusiastic, curious and eager to pursue many facets in her life. She’s quick to learn, to travel, to participate in many activities from reading, to sports and being involved in various charitable endeavors. Karen will make a warm and loving home for your child.

It truly means a lot to me to be considered. I can only imagine making the decision to find an adoptive family is a difficult one, and I will pray that you make the decision that is best for you. I think you are an incredibly brave and strong woman. I would love to learn more about you and to share more about me, because this is our story. I promise your child will be showered with unconditional love and raised in a happy and healthy home full of adventure, and I will always let them know about you and your hopes and dreams for them.