Kristen's Open adoption web site Berkeley, California

	My Home and Community I live in Berkeley, California – a very energetic and child friendly town. Within a short walk from my home there are multiple playgrounds (trees to climb, swings, etc), bike paths, a pediatric office (just in case!), and other children’s services. I know many of my neighbors, and many of the neighborhood kids. I own a duplex, which has plenty of room for me and a child. It has two bedrooms and an outdoor play area. I grow veggies, flowers and fruit in the yard. Kieran My neighbor’s son, Kieran, occupies a central role in my life and heart. After his mom died unexpectedly, his dad asked me to help with caring for Kieran. It has been a great delight for me. He is a joyous boy who was adopted internationally when he was 14 months old. Kieran will be like a big brother to my child. My Career As an Organization Development Consultant, I have financial stability and an incredibly flexible schedule. I love my work. One of my current projects is developing a program to provide health insurance for all the children in Mendocino County. My Values and Interests I believe in: • Extended family and community • Living green • Keeping old friends • Kindness and community service • Work and play balance • Learning about the world through travel— • Peru, New Zealand, Jamaica, Mexico, Canada, • Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe are some of the places I've visited. • I am eager to share travels with a child! I look forward to helping a child discover: • who they are • what they feel, • what they like and do not like • who they want to be in this world • that they are loved and supported in that journey. Words from a friend When I told a friend about my plans to adopt, she offered this endorsement: I know of no one who is better suited to be a parent than my friend, Kristen. We have been friends for almost twenty years and I can attest that she is a loving, generous, spirited, and responsible person. When my twins were born ten years ago I was completely overwhelmed. Kristen stayed with me for the first two weeks to help. She changed diapers, cooked, cleaned, and held babies tirelessly. She provided moral and concrete support when I needed it most. She has remained actively involved in my children’s lives and has a meaningful relationship with both of them. She genuinely enjoys playing with children and possesses patience far beyond my own. Since I’ve known her, Kristen has been able to find the balance between her personal and professional life, a balance from which her friends benefit deeply. Any child would be lucky to be raised in the stable and loving environment that Kristen would provide. Sheilah shecummings@yahoo.com

My Home and Community

I live in Berkeley, California – a very energetic and child friendly town. Within a short walk from my home there are multiple playgrounds (trees to climb, swings, etc), bike paths, a pediatric office (just in case!), and other children’s services. I know many of my neighbors, and many of the neighborhood kids.

I own a duplex, which has plenty of room for me and a child. It has two bedrooms and an outdoor play area. I grow veggies, flowers and fruit in the yard.

Kieran

My neighbor’s son, Kieran, occupies a central role in my life and heart. After his mom died unexpectedly, his dad asked me to help with caring for Kieran. It has been a great delight for me. He is a joyous boy who was adopted internationally when he was 14 months old. Kieran will be like a big brother to my child.

My Career

As an Organization Development Consultant, I have financial stability and an incredibly flexible schedule. I love my work. One of my current projects is developing a program to provide health insurance for all the children in Mendocino County.

My Values and Interests

I believe in:

•    Extended family and community
•    Living green
•    Keeping old friends
•    Kindness and community service
•    Work and play balance
•    Learning about the world through travel—
•    Peru, New Zealand, Jamaica, Mexico, Canada,
•    Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe are some of the places I've visited.
•    I am eager to share travels with a child!

I look forward to helping a child discover:

•    who they are
•    what they feel,
•    what they like and do not like
•    who they want to be in this world
•    that they are loved and supported in that journey.

Words from a friend

When I told a friend about my plans to adopt, she offered this endorsement:

I know of no one who is better suited to be a parent than my friend, Kristen. We have been friends for almost twenty years and I can attest that she is a loving, generous, spirited, and responsible person. When my twins were born ten years ago I was completely overwhelmed. Kristen stayed with me for the first two weeks to help. She changed diapers, cooked, cleaned, and held babies tirelessly. She provided moral and concrete support when I needed it most. She has remained actively involved in my children’s lives and has a meaningful relationship with both of them. She genuinely enjoys playing with children and possesses patience far beyond my own. Since I’ve known her, Kristen has been able to find the balance between her personal and professional life, a balance from which her friends benefit deeply. Any child would be lucky to be raised in the stable and loving environment that Kristen would provide.

Sheilah
shecummings@yahoo.com