We first connected in 2018. After meeting in our small town, we quickly realized how natural and comfortable our relationship felt. Over the years, our bond has grown stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for the life we are building together. Our bond was put to the test in 2022, when we decided to become foster parents. Over the course of six months, we cared for 2 separate sibling groups. Going from zero children to three at a time—all under the age of 3—was quite the change! But we had a strong foundation as a couple and a desire to create a safe and loving home. We emerged from our experience with the foster care system stronger and wiser—knowing now that while caring for foster children is immensely rewarding, we would like to have a family of our own.
As a couple, we value honesty, treating others the way they prefer to be treated, and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion—believing that every person has the ability to make a positive impact in the world. Together, we’ve created a warm, stable, and supportive partnership grounded in kindness, understanding, and the joy of everyday life.
From the moment I met Chad, I knew there was something special about him. While I’m the outgoing, boisterous one—the person who fills any room with energy—Chad has a quieter, steady presence that grounds me. He may be reserved at first, but he has one of the sharpest senses of humor I’ve ever known, and he constantly makes me laugh in ways only he can. I admire the dedication he put into his education, and as two nurses, I often find myself asking him questions about disease processes or medical decisions I see my providers in the Emergency Room making. He explains things with patience, clarity, and genuine curiosity.
Chad is a sci-fi fan through and through, especially when it comes to anything Star Trek. I appreciate the genre too—Dune is my personal favorite—and I love that we can share that excitement together. When we had the privilege of fostering six young children total, I got to see Chad as a parent, and it deepened my love and respect for him. He brought structure, stability, and dependable routines, while also singing songs, reading stories, and creating moments of connection the kids adored. I tend to be more spontaneous, but the beauty of our relationship is the way we balance each other. If I’m the one who brings the fun, Chad is the one who keeps the trains running on time—and together, that makes our home full of both joy and stability.
Zach has lived an incredibly interesting and full life. He graduated with a degree in archaeology and worked in that field for several years before taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work in Antarctica. In his mid-30s, he made a big career shift and went back to nursing school, showing just how adaptable, brave, and motivated he is. He’s well-traveled and has spent time in several foreign countries, always absorbing the world around him with enthusiasm and curiosity. Zach is energetic, personable, and has the natural ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He catches onto new concepts quickly, and he’s definitely the tech guru of our home—something I’m very grateful for, since I mostly merely tolerate new technology.
One of the things I love most about Zach is how vibrant and expressive he is. He’s outgoing, fun, and brings an energy into our life that makes even the most ordinary moments exciting. His eclectic taste in music keeps me on my toes—when I get into the car, I never know if I’ll hear reggae, 80s pop, 90s R&B, or something completely new. Zach approaches life with openness and joy, and it’s one of the many reasons I admire him. He makes every space brighter, and I feel incredibly lucky to share this life with him.
We learned a lot about each other when we fostered children. One of the things that I learned about Zach is that he is a whiz at making a big breakfast on the weekend. I think he enjoys the activity of cooking a big meal, but deep down, I really think he enjoys weekend family time. I also learned that he is a dynamo at putting a sleeping baby in a crib. He nails it every time—something I am still mastering, and I admire his skill greatly!
Family and support are at the center of our lives, and in our home, a child would grow up surrounded by people who truly show up. Zach’s mom will be a constant, loving presence. She’s a retired schoolteacher who has a natural connection with children—patient, playful, and deeply caring. She lives close by, and also has her own bedroom in our home for when she stays with us, which means built-in support, extra hugs, and another trusted adult who will always be there.
Long before we met each other, both of us independently chose to move back to Indiana because we knew being near family mattered if we ever hoped to raise a child. Our families are both centered here in Indiana, making visits, holidays, and family gatherings a regular and joyful part of life. A child would grow up knowing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—not just as names, but as real relationships.
In addition to family, we are surrounded by close friends who feel more like extended family. These are people who celebrate milestones, show up during hard times, and are excited to love and support a child as they grow. Our hope is for a child to always feel rooted, known, and supported by a wide circle of caring people who want the very best for them.
We live in a welcoming, close-knit community that values openness, inclusion, and connection. People here tend to look out for one another, and it’s a place where families of all kinds are respected and supported. It’s the kind of town where neighbors say “hello,” kids are encouraged to be themselves, and differences are seen as something to celebrate rather than fear.
Our area is shaped by a large local university, which brings energy, creativity, and opportunity into everyday life. Because of that, there are frequent cultural events, science exhibits, performances, lectures, and festivals that are easy for families to enjoy together. Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom here—it’s part of the environment, and curiosity is encouraged at every age.
Families have access to excellent schools and a wide variety of educational options, allowing children to find the environments where they learn best. Outside the classroom, there are beautiful walking trails, green spaces, and public parks that make it easy to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s a quiet walk, a playground afternoon, or a weekend picnic, nature is always close by.
The community is also ethnically and culturally diverse, with influences from all over the world. That diversity shows up in everyday life—especially through food, festivals, and shared traditions. There’s a wonderful interactive children’s museum nearby that makes learning fun and hands-on, and plenty of family-friendly activities that encourage imagination and exploration. It’s a place where a child can grow up feeling safe, curious, and proud of the world they’re part of.
Our house has plenty of room to grow, including a dedicated playroom already overflowing with toys and books from when we fostered. We already have a nursery set up with a cozy crib, ready to welcome a little one home.
Outside, our large, fenced-in backyard is shaded by tall trees and filled with soft mulch—with a swing-set that is planned for 2026! It’s a space built for adventure and energy. We also have two built-in protectors and playmates in our dogs: Allie, our 13-year-old “soul” dog who is incredibly motherly, and Hedwig, who is pure silliness and always ready to pounce on a squeaky toy. Whether it’s quiet cuddles in the nursery or racing across the grass with the pups, our home is a place where a child will always feel safe, entertained, and deeply loved.
Family, to us, is built on trust and honesty. We want a child to know that telling the truth is always the right choice—even when it’s uncomfortable. If something breaks or a mistake is made, our focus isn’t on blame or punishment. We put emphasis on understanding what happened and figuring out how to do better next time. We believe honesty creates safety, and safety allows kids to grow into confident, secure adults who know they can come to us with anything.
We also believe deeply in kindness and empathy. We talk often about treating others the way they want to be treated, not just how we would want to be treated ourselves. That means pausing before speaking or acting and asking, “Would this hurt me if someone did it to me?” Whether it’s at school, on a team, or at home, we want a child to learn that their words and actions matter—and that compassion is a strength.
Another value we hold close is the importance of trying. Not everything comes easily, and that’s okay. We believe effort matters more than perfection. When something doesn’t work the first time, we encourage perseverance, creativity, and patience. We want a child to feel proud of showing up, learning, and trying again, knowing that growth often comes from challenges.
Finally, we try to live by the idea of leaving things better than we found them. This applies to our work as nurses, our home, relationships, and the communities we’re part of. We hope to raise a child who understands the value of contributing positively—whether that means helping clean up, being a good teammate, or showing up for others. We want our home to be a place where a child feels supported, encouraged, and taught how to make the world just a little bit better by being in it.
While we do not have children living with us full-time yet, our lives are already deeply connected to children we love. We are very close to our family friends, the Lees. They are parents to Ollie (5), Ozlyn (4), and Felix (3). The whole family has been in our lives for years, and our relationship with them continues to be close and supportive. The children spend time with us regularly, including overnight visits, and our home is a place where they feel safe, known, and completely themselves. We even have the esteemed title to the kids as “Bonus Dads!”
Being part of the kids’ lives has shaped the kind of parents we hope to be. We have learned how important consistency, patience, and honest communication are for children to thrive. Our home is already filled with laughter, routines, and space for big feelings, and we are excited to offer that same sense of security and love to a child we are honored to parent forever. We believe family is built through commitment and care, and we look forward to growing ours with intention and openness.
We also have the benefit of racial and ethnic diversity in our own family. Zach is also a godfather, and his goddaughter has two bi-racial children, ages three and one, who are a regular and much-loved part of our lives as well.
Our home is one where children of different ages, backgrounds, and stories are welcomed, known, and celebrated. We believe family is built through love, consistency, and showing up, and that is the kind of family we are committed to being for any child who joins our lives.
We are ready to begin a family of our own, grounded in the love, patience, and perspective we’ve gained through caring for children and building lasting relationships with them. Our home is full of warmth, stability, and laughter, set in a community that truly values families and supports children as they grow into who they are meant to be. We also recognize that this is probably the biggest and hardest decision you have ever made. While we have never been in your position, we want you to know that we are in this with you. We are willing to meet up in-person or talk on the phone as much as you need in order to make this easier for you. If you choose us, your child will be raised in a home where they are deeply wanted, endlessly supported, and surrounded by people who celebrate them for exactly who they are.
