As a respite provider, teacher and foster parent I am no stranger to sharing “my” kids. I enjoy an open and ongoing relationship with my first foster baby and her forever family. One of the most rewarding parts of being a foster parent for me is being able to partner with the birth parents. As my brother is adopted from India with no information about his birth family, I treasure the idea of expanding my family not only with the adoption of a child, but also through the addition of his or her birth family.
The special place in my heart for individuals with Down syndrome began when I was in high school through an internship in my school’s Kindergarten classroom. There was a young lady who stole my heart in the class the first year of my internship. It was then that I began my journey towards becoming a teacher for young children with specialized needs. While I was in college, I worked as a waiver care specialist with children with special needs. My favorite kiddos often had the common tie of having Ds and ten years later I still work with a girl who stole my heart and is yet to give it back! Though if it is anything like her glasses, it is probably under her pillow!
In 2013, I was blessed to have the opportunity to begin my family with the adoption of my son CJ. CJ is a handsome African American boy from Tampa, FL and was adopted thanks to NDSAN. Thanks to the openness of his adoption, he has photos of his birth family that he will cherish as he grows. CJ is positively influencing those around him by simply being himself. Together we have figured out the ropes of tube feeding, oxygen and sleep apnea.I pray for you and want to support you as much as I can in your journey. I want to work with you to have the kind of ongoing relationship you desire and wish to get to know you better so I can share your love.
I am Miranda and my desire to adopt a child with Down syndrome has been laid on my heart through my experiences with bringing my brother home and the special angels I have been blessed to get to know.
