Co-Founder, President

“In 2017, I unexpectedly discovered that I am an NPE (Not Parent Expected) while delving into my family history. Since then, I've devoted much of my time to assisting others in their quests to find family connections, serving as a search angel.

My dedication to service extends beyond my academic pursuits. I've established a supportive online community for NPEs on Facebook and regularly facilitate Zoom meetings, as well as a weekly book club tailored to Adoptees, Donor Conceived Individuals, Late Discovery Adoptees, and fellow NPEs. My commitment to community involvement also shines through my roles as the Board President for the Toms River Education Foundation and as a board member of the Denise Marie Flaherty Foundation. Advocating for social justice is a core value of mine, and I actively engage in nonprofit work within my community.

In addition to my academic and nonprofit endeavors, I am deeply invested in education as a high school special educator. My focus lies in supporting students who navigate emotional regulation challenges, utilizing trauma-informed approaches, and implementing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Schools. I am a certified Reiki practitioner, 500 RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) through Breathe for Change, and currently, I am pursuing MSW at Rutgers School of Social Work.

I make my home at the beautiful Jersey Shore, where I share my life with my wonderful husband, three sons, and our beloved pup, Cooper. When I manage to carve out spare time, I indulge in my passions for reading, yoga, meditation, and binge-watching crime TV. ”

Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer

“I was adopted at 3 months old, and this fact has always been an integral part of my identity. From a young age, I harbored a strong desire to uncover my origins and understand my story. Thankfully, my adoptive parents wholeheartedly supported my quest for self-discovery. However, upon reaching the legal age of 18 and attempting to obtain my adoption records and original birth certificate, I encountered the formidable challenges that many adopted people face in accessing such information. This struggle ignited a passion within me to advocate for the rights and needs of adopted people like myself. My advocacy efforts encompass raising awareness about the trauma of separation, promoting family preservation, and exposing faults within the adoption industry. With the advent of DNA testing, my focus shifted towards assisting others in their quest to reconnect with their biological roots. I became deeply involved as a search angel, particularly dedicated to helping Amerasian individuals identify their American GI birth fathers. On a personal note, I've been blessed with a wonderful husband, with whom I've shared 32 years of marriage. Together, we've raised three remarkable adult children who bring us immense joy. In my leisure time, I indulge in pursuits such as genealogy research, reading, relaxing by beaches and pools, and the occasional shopping spree. However, nothing brings me greater happiness than spending quality time with my three beautiful grandchildren.”

Secretary

“I realized I was NPE in 2015, but originally took an Ancestry DNA test in 2012, when the tests were first offered to the public. I had been doing genealogy as a hobby since 2000 and thought a DNA test would help me identify Italian relatives beyond my immediate family. When it turned out I was not Italian at all, I was determined to find that needle in the haystack. Through a series of incredibly lucky events, and with the help of newfound cousins, I was able to confirm who my biological father was in early 2018. Since then, I’ve become a vocal advocate for our community, telling my story to anyone who will listen. I was lucky enough to go to my first Retreat in 2019 and meet not only Erin and Cindy, but a group of others who would become fast and hopefully lifelong friends. I am married to my wonderful wife of 18 years, we live in the Bronx, New York, and I have been a legal assistant for over 35 years, currently working in a large NYC law firm. My wife and I have no kids, but we’re currently owned by 4 parrots, 2 cockatiels, a lovebird, a dopey dog and a blind feral cat, all rescues. I’m an avid reader and currently my reading focus is NPE/Adoptee/DC related and as a member of our Book Club, I’m very much enjoying reading about other people’s journeys in this realm, but also discussing the books with our Book Club participants.”