Introduction
Dear Expectant Parent(s),
Hello, we are Danielle and Kollin. We are honored that you’re taking the time to read our profile and getting to know a little bit about us.
Our Story
After sharing friends for several years, our paths crossed at a birthday party in the spring of 2019. We had our first date the following weekend. There was flow and comfort in our conversation. We quickly realized that we aligned on the important aspects of life – marriage, children, and family.
The early days of our relationship included home cooked meals, conversations rooted in shared values, and family introductions. We continued this routine for about a year, when we decided to move in together. Shortly into joint living, the pandemic hit. Fortunately for us, we found that lockdown brought us closer together and gave us a stronger foundation to build on.
Through the pandemic, we welcomed our beloved black Lab, Millie, took our first trip to Maine, and became engaged. We married in the fall of 2021, surrounded by our closest family and friends.
In the years since, we’ve planted roots and have looked forward to the next big phase of life together – building a family. We tried to have children biologically, but it became clear that path was not destined for us. While difficult, that was a valuable learning experience, as well as an opportunity to strengthen our bond. It taught us that there are many ways to have the family we long for, putting us on the path to adoption.
We are excited to take this next step and cannot wait to meet the child with whom we will share our values, traditions, and lives.
Meet Danielle
I am happiest when I’m surrounded by the people I love – Kollin, our dog, and our dear family and friends. I grew up immersed in sports and activities and yearning for social connection. Working closely with families who are navigating life alongside children with developmental delays and disabilities is not just my career – it’s my passion. I have always felt especially connected to children and am deeply passionate about being a part of their stories.
I’m also an artist, and love moments when I’m able to tap into my creative side. Predominantly, I’m a painter, but also find an outlet in decorating and completing home projects. I’m an avid reader, often found with my nose in a book. I’m very excited to build a library for our child and to spend lots of time reading books together.
Kollin’s Five Favorite Things About Danielle
Empathetic: Family members and or friends find themselves confiding in Danielle. She is conscious of their feelings and ensures they feel heard. As a patient listener, she gives validating, unbiased advice.
Family Values: Family is ingrained into Danielle’s core. whether visiting with her sister across the state, or spending time with local family, Danielle soaks up each moment.
Sense of Humor: She’s not afraid to express her silly side, often laughing over the simple things.
Creativity: Her creativity has shined brightly as an artist, and I am proud to stand by her side in galleries where her pieces are displayed.
Thoughtfulness: Danielle does not rush into anything. She analyzes the impact of her choices, leading her to confident decisions. Moreover, she’s considerate of those around her and aims to benefit everyone.
Meet Kollin
My life is centered around family, community, and meaningful relationships. My work day is spent helping families plan for important life and financial decisions. I enjoy the challenges of my career, but I value the balance it provides and the ability to be present for the people who matter most.
My wife is the foundation of my life. Our marriage is built on trust, respect, open communication, and a genuine enjoyment of one another’s company. Whether we’re trying a new café, watching a movie, or simply spending time together at home, we approach life as a team.
Community involvement is an important part of who I am. I coach basketball and find fulfillment in mentoring young people, along with helping athletes develop confidence on and off the court.
Danielle’s Five Favorite Things About Kollin
Compassion: Kollin is a very compassionate person, showing special care to his family, friends, and the children he coaches. He’s quick to give a helping hand, which is one of the biggest reasons I know he’ll be an amazing dad.
Resilience: Kollin has a resilient personality, and his ability to push through hardship makes him successful at work, as a coach, and as a husband.
Generosity: Quick to “give the shirt off his back” to help others, he shows generosity to everyone, particularly to people who need it most.
Sense of Community: He is passionate about giving back to and being a present member of our community, and is highly revered by resident adults and children alike.
Gentle Nature: Kollin has a very gentle nature which is easy to see when he’s interacting with others, especially with our nieces and other children.
Our Home
We bought our home in 2022, just six months after we were married. We were looking for a bigger space to welcome children and to host family and friends. Danielle’s favorite parts are the big kitchen where she can cook comfort meals on Sundays and the den where she likes to read, cuddled up with Millie. We have a finished basement/game-room where we watch movies and play games. It’s a favorite spot for Kollin where he can catch up with friends on Xbox.
Our home sits on a couple acres of land in a quiet neighborhood on a dead-end street. Although we live in a rural area, there is so much close by and we are only a five-minute drive from the local grocery store and other retail stores. At the bottom of our hill, there is a popular farm market with a large playground, farm animals, flowers, and delicious foods. Just across the street is a bike trail along the lake where we often take walks and explore nature.
We enjoy the small town life we have here with strong, local community ties, including a great school system and youth-through-high school sports.
Our Family
We are so lucky to have both our families living nearby. Every Friday, we have pizza with Danielle’s parents and her sister’s family. Kollin’s dad comes to our house every Saturday morning for coffee, and his mom usually stops by with her dog, multiple times throughout the week, to visit.
We love spending time with our three nieces (twins who are in middle school and one who is in elementary). Whether it’s going to shows, sharing meals, or celebrating holidays, we love spending quality time with our families. They’re all very excited to welcome a child who will be a part of the special times we share.
Our Traditions & Hobbies
Personal traditions and shared passions are deeply rooted in our relationship. No matter the time of year, there is something to look forward to together. Kollin stays closely involved in the local basketball community year-round, whether officiating, coaching, or playing in adult leagues. Danielle has reconnected with her creative side, often spending her free time painting and building her career as an artist. Each evening, she makes time to read a chapter or two of the latest book that has captured her attention, reading approximately 50 books each year.
Our favorite summer traditions include Danielle’s parents’ annual Fourth of July picnic, a week-long trip to the beach with our closest friends and their children, walks along the bike trail, and ice cream outings. As fall approaches, it quickly becomes one of our favorite times of year: NFL Sundays, our wedding anniversary, Danielle’s birthday, and Halloween. In years past, we have celebrated Halloween by hosting costume parties with family and friends.
The holidays are especially meaningful to both of us. These days, we find time to see both sides of our family on Thanksgiving. Christmas is particularly special — our Christmas Eve’s are spent celebrating Wigilia (traditional Polish Christmas) with Danielle’s family. After taking our time exchanging gifts at home, we spend Christmas Day with Kollin’s family. Past celebrations of seeing friends on New Year’s have morphed into quieter celebrations ringing in the New Year at home.
Thank You
Thank you for spending time getting to know us and for considering us as adoptive parents. We cannot wait to welcome your child into our home and to begin this next chapter of our lives.
We will provide a home filled with unconditional love, laughter, security, and encouragement. Your child will always know how deeply loved they are, by you and by us. Regardless of your choice, please know that we respect your process. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our lives with you and honored that you are considering us as a family.
We wish you peace and support as you make the decision that feels right for you and your child.
Sincerely,