When Stephanie talks about becoming a mom, she speaks with clarity, conviction and love.
A single parent and full-time special education teacher in Holbrook, Stephanie never imagined a traditional path to motherhood. But after years of caring for children with significant disabilities, she knew two things for certain: her heart was ready, and there was a child out there who needed a home.
That child was Olivia.
Stephanie adopted Olivia in December 2025, but their journey together started months earlier. Stephanie had been searching specifically for a child with disabilities, someone who might be overlooked by others because of medical complexity or special needs.
For Stephanie, those needs were not intimidating. Before Stephanie adopted Olivia, her best friend had adopted a daughter with severe disabilities. That experience shaped her deeply and showed her what it means to love and care for a child with complex needs.
Finding Olivia
Stephanie first connected with Catholic Charities through a friend who had previously worked with the organization. Stephanie appreciated having a local agency nearby in Holbrook. She said that support, especially from her licensing specialist, made a difference as she began the process.
“Jody was great and always on the ball responding to my questions and contacting people and initiating that first step of conversation,” Stephanie said.
When Stephanie found Olivia’s profile, she knew she wanted to learn more. At the time, Olivia was living in a medical group home. Stephanie remembers thinking no child should have to grow up in a place where physical needs are met, but emotional connection and family life are missing.
“She would sit in her wheelchair all day and listen to music or lay in her bed all day,” Stephanie said. “The only interaction she had was for her physical needs.” Stephanie was determined to change that.
She traveled back and forth all summer, visiting Olivia for several days at a time and doing everything she could to move the process forward. By early August, Olivia came home. Just four months later, on Dec. 19, the adoption was finalized.
A New Beginning
Olivia is 11 years old and has significant medical needs. She is nonverbal, visually impaired and requires total care. Stephanie does not minimize the challenges, but she also does not define Olivia by them. Instead, she talks about who Olivia is becoming.
Even before Olivia could fully express herself, Stephanie said she could see a change after the adoption was finalized.
“I could tell the difference after I adopted her that she knew she was home,” Stephanie said. “Her personality started coming out more.”
That transformation has manifested in big and small ways. When Olivia first came home, touch was difficult for her. Bathing, changing clothes and even basic closeness were hard. Over time, Stephanie has watched her daughter grow more comfortable, more trusting and more affectionate.
“Now she’ll hold my hand,” Stephanie said. “She’s becoming more affectionate.” For Stephanie, that kind of progress means everything.
Life Together
Stephanie and Olivia’s lives are full of doctors' appointments, therapy, recovery, and routines. They are currently navigating major surgeries, including double hip surgery, with scoliosis surgery still ahead. Yet even amid those challenges, Stephanie speaks with gratitude and hope.
“She is doing amazing,” Stephanie said. “We do our best.” But their life together is also full of joy.
Since coming home, Olivia has experienced adaptive skiing, adaptive hiking, concerts, movies and holiday outings — many for the first time. Stephanie says these moments matter deeply because they give Olivia the chance to experience life as part of a family.
“Life is just better,” Stephanie said. “My life is better because I have her.”
That joy is part of what Stephanie hopes others will understand about adoption, especially when it comes to children with higher needs. Yes, parenting a medically complex child takes commitment. Yes, it requires sacrifice. But Stephanie believes love and willingness matter more than perfect circumstances.
“You can do this as a single parent,” she said. “Location doesn’t matter. Even though I’m in the middle of nowhere, I can still take care of my daughter with medical needs. As long as you have an open heart and love to give, that’s all you need.”
The Heart of Adoption
Stephanie’s story is a powerful reminder that children in foster care need more than placement. They need permanency. They need belonging. They need someone who sees them fully and says: You are wanted. You are loved. You are home. That is exactly what Olivia found.
Through Catholic Charities, families like Stephanie’s receive guidance and support as they move through the adoption journey. And through that journey, lives are changed — not only for children, but for the parents who welcome them home.
Stephanie is already looking ahead to new adventures with Olivia, including their first summer together and family camp. And someday, after Olivia’s major surgeries are behind them, Stephanie says she may even open her heart and home again to another child.
For now, she is focused on building a life with her daughter, one day at a time.
