Hi! We are Tim & Tessa.

We’ve been dreaming of growing our family through adoption and are ready to welcome a child with open hearts and lots of love. We understand that this decision is complex, deeply personal and made with love. We’re so grateful you’re here and honored to share a little about ourselves.

About Us

We met in 2014 while coaching a kids’ swim club in Chicago and quickly bonded over our shared love of the outdoors, teaching and community. We got married in 2018 on a camping trip in Glacier National Park, and since then our life has been full of laughter, long walks with our dog Emmie and many adventures.

Tessa

I grew up in Kansas City with my parents, younger brother and two cats, spending summers camping in national parks — a love for nature that’s stayed with me. I moved to Chicago at 18 and now work as a teacher and public health researcher, helping students find meaningful careers and working to make jobs safer. I’m excited to raise a child in our neighborhood, where there’s a strong sense of community and so many kids to play with, just like I had growing up.

Tim

I grew up in Chicago with my parents, sister and our two dogs, and spent my summers swimming, playing water polo and lifeguarding at the beach — still one of my favorite places. Now I’m an elementary school teacher and love helping kids learn and grow, especially through creativity. Some of my favorite memories are of building Lego creations with my dad, and I can’t wait to share those kinds of playful, meaningful moments with a child of my own.

Why Adoption

Adoption holds a special place in our hearts — not only as the path we’ve chosen to grow our family, but because it’s already part of our lives. Two of Tessa’s cousins, Christina and Malcolm, are adopted, as are Tim’s Aunt Beth and his godsisters. Their stories have shaped how we understand the beauty, responsibility and lifelong impact of adoption.

If our paths continue together, we would be honored to welcome your child into our family with love, openness and a lifelong commitment to helping them thrive. We are dedicated to creating a home where your child feels safe, celebrated and deeply loved for exactly who they are. Their racial, cultural and family identity will be affirmed, and we will surround them with mirrors of themselves — through mentors, books, media and community. We believe in speaking openly and lovingly about adoption, and your child will always know how deeply they are loved — by us and by you. We’re open to ongoing contact in whatever way feels comfortable for you, whether that means updates, phone calls, visits or simply knowing we’ll be here when you’re ready.

Our Community

We live in Albany Park, a diverse, family-friendly neighborhood in Chicago, filled with parks, playgrounds and lots of kids — including several in our building who love playing together. Our home is bright, cozy, and set up with little ones in mind, including a rooftop deck perfect for playtime. We’re lucky to have close relationships with nearby family and longtime friends who feel like family, all ready to welcome a child with love. Our dog Emmie is gentle, snuggly and excited for a new walking buddy.