Meet Katie!
1. What is your job title and description here at GWCA/CAN?
I am an International Adoption Counselor here at Children of All Nations! I work with families during the inquiry phase, referral phase, and send them through the travel phase. I manage our Latvia and Burundi programs – additionally, I will also help manage Latvia Hosting for this coming winter program. Prior to working as an International Adoption Counselor with CAN, I worked with the GWCA Post-Adoption Team.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
It’s hard to choose just one aspect of my job that I enjoy the most, so I’ll tell you my top favorites. I love talking with inquiring families about the international adoption journey and helping educate them more on what all it entails. Adoption is a topic everyone is aware of, but few begin the process knowing the ins and outs of how it all works. As one can imagine, some of the best days are when I’m able to match kiddos with their forever families! There’s no greater joy than being able to match a kiddo or sibling group with a loving family with just a little bit of advocacy. I have the opportunity to share incredibly courageous kiddos’ stories and make sure their voices are heard and they aren’t forgotten.
3. What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Although the ups far outweigh the downs, it doesn’t make the hard days any less difficult. I get to work so closely with our wonderful families, which also entails being with them through all of their struggles. Having to make sure families have realistic expectations, give families not so good news or sometimes not being able to give any news is the hardest. Although this might be the most difficult aspect of my job, it’s one of the most rewarding in the sense that I get the opportunity to be side-by-side my families during the highs and lows of their adoption journey.
4. Why do you love adoption?
I love adoption not only because it’s been a part of my life for so long, but the idea in its self is beautiful and inspiring. It’s one of the most incredible things to see daily how a family bond and love can surpass race, culture, religion or background. Although there are many kids orphaned across the world, there are also multitudes of families waiting with open arms to embrace the child they have never met who lives thousands of miles away.
5. Fun facts about Katie:
- I’ve traveled to more countries than I have US states
- I speak German
- I’ve been playing the piano since I was 7 years old