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Meet Alysia & Shawn

Alysia & Shawn

Fun Facts

Shawn’s Fun Facts:

  • He is Jamaican.
  • He’s a sports enthusiast for the NFL and NBA.
  • He’s a die hard Minnesota Vikings fan.
  • His favorite Viking’s player is Randy Moss.
  • He does not eat pork.
  • You can always find him cooking especially, BBQ or deep fried turkey for the holidays.
  • Hi favorite dessert is French apple pi.
  • He’s a huge fan of the X-Men and the franchise of movies.

Alysia’s Fun Facts:

  • She enjoys traveling and has been to over 20 countries.
  • Watermelon brings her so much joy; the fruit, juice, candy, treats, products, ect.
  • Music speaks to her soul, especially 90s R&B.
  • She loves curating a good experience, especially food. She’s a trusted food picker and harshest critic.
  • She’s allergic to cats.
  • Self-care is crucial to her well-being.
  • She prefers ice cream over cake.
  • She doesn’t do roller coasters unless it’s a water ride.

Hello!

Thank you for taking a moment to get to know us. We’re a loving, thoughtful and outgoing couple who have been together for over 10 years and married for almost three. Family has always been at the heart of our relationship, and the desire to grow our family through adoption is something we hold close.

How We Met

Alysia and Shawn met 19 years ago, when Alysia came home from college and was living across the street from Shawn. Alysia’s family already knew him, and with a little help from Alysia’s sister, we were introduced. Shawn thought Alysia was beautiful, smart and had the kind of smile that lights up a room, so he asked her out. Our first date was a trip to the movies to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith and, from that night on, we have been inseparable. We got married in 2022 and life has gotten even better. Over the years, our relationship has grown through open communication, mutual respect and a strong foundation built on love, laughter and partnership. We balance each other well, knowing and appreciating one another’s strengths. Whether we’re traveling, working together on a project or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, we genuinely love being in each other’s company.

Us

Shawn and Alysia balance each other perfectly, each bringing unique strengths to their family and community.

Shawn

Shawn is the calm in the storm — the steady, go-with-the-flow type who approaches life with patience and a grounded spirit. He’s incredibly handy and helpful, the kind of person who can fix just about anything and is always ready to lend a hand. Whether he’s whipping up a delicious meal — he’s truly an amazing cook — or stepping in to support someone in need, Shawn is a reliable, supportive presence that others naturally trust and lean on.

Shawn, while working in an office setting, has a schedule that supports family time as well. He’s home in the evenings and has weekends off, which gives us the chance to enjoy unhurried dinners, weekend adventures and quality downtime together. His consistent availability during those key moments is something we value and appreciate.

Alysia

Alysia, on the other hand, is the matriarch and heartbeat of the family. She’s the one making sure everything runs smoothly — organizing the family’s social calendar, planning memorable gatherings and ensuring everyone feels included and cared for. A natural experience curator, Alysia has a gift for turning everyday moments into something special. With her confidence, warmth and magnetic personality, she brings people together with ease. She’s resourceful, driven and full of initiative — a true go-getter who inspires those around her and keeps the family moving forward with purpose and joy.

Alysia enjoys a degree of flexibility in her career, working in sales and primarily from home. This allows her to manage her time efficiently, be available for family needs throughout the day and keep the household running smoothly, especially when it comes to planning, organizing and staying engaged in the kids’ lives and activities.

Together, they create a dynamic and loving environment where both structure and spontaneity are welcomed, where meals are savored, laughter is shared and everyone feels at home.

Our Values

We deeply value our faith, family, culture and community above all else. Our roots are at the heart of who we are, and we make it a priority to stay connected to them. Shawn shares a strong bond with his Jamaican heritage. He treasures the time spent with his Jamaican side of the family and we make yearly visits to the island. The island’s laid-back energy and “One Love” capture the warmth and unity of Jamaican culture. For us, these aren’t just words. They’re a way of life — reminding us to embrace positivity, celebrate community and always lead with love.

Family plays a central role in our lives and we love celebrating the holidays. We’re incredibly fortunate to be just a short walk from Alysia’s mother, as well as her sister and family of six. This closeness allows us to share everyday moments and family traditions with ease, whether it’s impromptu dinners, weekend visits or simply spending quality time together.

Adoption

While we’ve always dreamed of having children, both biologically and through adoption, our journey to parenthood hasn’t been easy. After several years of trying, including the emotional ups and downs of IVF, we’ve come to a place of peace, love and readiness to grow our family through adoption. We believe that love creates family, and we’re ready to welcome a child into our lives with open hearts and open arms while honoring where they come from and who they are.

We find joy in the little things: Spending time with our extended family, taking spontaneous vacations or road trips, cheering on our favorite sports teams, going to concerts, and simply enjoying life together. Our life is filled with laughter, music, adventure and most importantly a deep and steady love for one another and those around us.

We know that considering adoption comes from a place of incredible strength, love and courage. As you navigate this journey, we want you to know that we see you, we respect your story and we hold space for whatever emotions you may be feeling. We hope you’ll feel a connection with us and consider the possibility of choosing us to be the loving, supportive parents for your child.

With gratitude and warmth,

Alysia & Shawn

Contact the Cradle

We’re available 24/7. All of your information is confidential.

To speak to someone now, call our 24-hour hotline: (800) 272-3534 or text us at (312) 800-1559 (answered 8:30am-8pm).

If you’d like us to contact you, please fill out the form.