We asked Catherine Robbins, our Family Engagement Specialist, why she chose adoption and if she had any advice for adoptive families or families considering adoption and she told us:

"I’m an adoptive mom to two amazing girls, Hope and Sara. They joined our family from China in 2016 and 2018 when they were 3 and 4 years old. My husband, Chris, and I feel like the luckiest parents in the world! I joke that I’ll never win the lottery because I already used up all my luck when we adopted them.

Honestly, I chose adoption for a simple reason—I wanted to be a mom. The home study process was wonderful and engaging. It helped us feel ready, even if nothing could really prepare you for the emotional ride ahead!

Adoption has taught me more than I ever expected. It showed me what it truly means to be brave, resilient, and flexible. Watching my daughters excel at everything they do fills me with overwhelming pride. They work so hard to overcome adversity and the challenges of their disabilities, and seeing them thrive is incredibly emotional.

Now, as a Family Engagement Coordinator at Gladney, I get to meet families just starting their journey. I answer questions, help them find the program that fits, and get to empathize with the ups, downs, and excitement of those early steps.

My advice to families considering adoption: take it one step at a time, do all the training, be aware of trauma and how it can show up in unexpected ways, and always meet the child’s needs where they are.

For me, adoption is family, and I wouldn’t trade a single moment (or a single ounce of luck!) for the world."