Hi There
We want to start by saying how deeply we respect the love and courage it takes to make decisions for your child’s future. Our names are Alicia and Sean. We’ve had long discussions about being parents and being able to share our love with a child and decided that adoption was right for us. We are a laid-back pair who enjoy new experiences and can’t wait to be joined by a little one who we help grow into a person who knows their Black heritage and where they came from.
Our Story
Alicia and Sean met in 2016 through online dating. Alicia thought Sean was so cute and messaged him to start the conversation. We had a fun, local-but-long-distance relationship because Alicia took a bus to visit, not yet having a car. We really enjoyed our time on dates most weekends going around town, in nature, at museums and especially at breakfast. We got engaged in 2021 and have been married since 2022.
Sean, according to Alicia
Sean is quiet but opens up with time, and can have a silly streak like sneaking out the Nerfs when I least expect it. Sean cares for his loved ones. He was so happy to tell me about his brother and sister when we first met, and family is important to him.
Sean enjoys telling me about what he’s learned and read. He and I have had a lot of conversations around race. I would give him “Black girlfriend homework,” where he could read about the culture of and issues facing Black folks in the U.S., and he is more aware and understanding.
Sean is supportive; he dropped everything to go to visit my dad in the emergency room with me. He loves kids and it’s endearing to see him interact with children in our family, getting on their level and playing with them. He’s so affectionate and loving. I love getting a big hug from him after a long day.
Alicia, according to Sean
Alicia is an incredibly caring and loving person. She is deeply protective of her family and always makes sure that they have the things that they need. Every day since her father got out of the hospital after having a heart attack, she has called him multiple times a day to make sure that he takes his medicine. When her father needed a car after his broke down, she gave her car so that he could continue getting around. She is always willing to help family members out, driving them to places if they were unable to themselves, doing research to find out what services are available or how to get them the right help if she can’t herself.
Alicia is a super creative person and enjoys fashion. Ever since I’ve known her, she has been decorating and creating all manner of items. She decorates all kinds of paper crafts, lamp shades and even artificial flower arrangements. I’m always amazed at the creations she makes after she’s been at her crafting table.
Alicia is the smartest person I know and one of the hardest working. She’s out here doing SCIENCE, publishing peer reviewed papers, teaching research ethics and collaborating with other scientists from all over the country and world. She also takes the time to make sure that the next generation of scientists is getting off on the right start, mentoring high school students, college students and early career scientists doing everything she can to make sure that they have the support and tools they need to succeed — not only in research and academia — but to feel supported as people.
Nessie
We adopted Nessie in August of 2025. She’s a 3.5 year old Cavapoo rescue. She’s a sweet little pumpkin who loves being with the family. She is very calm and patient and loves watching TV with us on the couch.
Why we are adopting
Adoption was our first choice for growing our family because we believe it is an act of love, service and community. We want to create a home where a child feels deeply valued and supported, and where they have opportunities and experiences that go beyond what we had growing up.
On Open Adoption
Open adoption is very important to us, and we hope to work together to find the best way to maintain a meaningful connection. We’re open to communication by phone, text and email, and occasional in-person visits. We are committed to raising a Black child who knows their heritage and feels proud of their roots and community. We feel fortunate to have a diverse circle of friends and family, and we know that any child we welcome will be surrounded by love, support and a sense of belonging in many ways.
Sincerely,
