Lisa

I am a strong, creative, grounded woman. I will give this child a calm, healthy and stable home and lifetime of unconditional love.

As a psychotherapist for many years, I understand well how positive family interactions shape our character and self-esteem.

People who know me will tell you – my energy is nurturing. My friend’s four year old daughter asked, ‘Is Lisa our family?’ She put me on her family board for a school project. Please see my friend's daughter's drawings about our relationship in my Albums. Please read my dear friend's Amelia and Paul's letter in the About Me Section.

I am self-employed and able to stay at home at the beginning of my baby’s life. I can schedule my patients around the changing needs of my child. Work and family balance is appreciated in the field of mental health. There is a solid support network for families.

Co-workers Emily and Anna share. See their Letters of Support in the About Lisa section.

I love what I do. It makes a difference in people’s lives. I work with new moms and infants. As well as children, teens, adults, couples and families. I get to watch people learn, grow and heal!
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I am cisgender. My pronouns are she, her, hers.
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HERE AND NOW
One of the most humbling things I’ve done was a ten day silent meditation retreat. I learned about being present. It is a precious gift to be ‘in the moment’ with a child.

WELL-BEING
Respect for one’s body is important to me. I belong to Babies Project. Their movement education classes teach about the touch, support and movement that babies need to thrive.

FAMILIES COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
My mom was a single mother for half of my childhood. My grandma Sophie raised my father on her own. They were amazing role models. Both supported my education. As independent women, they showed true strength by relying on people when needed.

WHERE I LIVE
Brooklyn is the kind of place a child will flourish growing up in. I am a New Yorker through and through. I know this vibrant place like the back of my hand. I have roots in Brooklyn and Manhattan going back to my great great grandparents. I also have extended family in Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Texas and Nevada.

VALUES
Curiosity and openness to learning are qualities essential for a successful life. Not only in school. There are many ways and places to learn.

I also value kindness, creativity, laughter, play and authenticity -being real.
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MY FAMILY
I have a younger brother. We have always wanted the best for each other. He is a real estate professional and super hands-on dad to my nephews and niece. We get together for holidays, birthdays, graduations, recitals and baseball games. Please read my brother's Letter of Support in the About Lisa section.

COUSIN JILL is the mother of both four biological and adopted children. Her beautiful family is ready to embrace us. Read Cousin Jill's Letter of Support in the About Lisa section

MOM is a born ‘animal whisperer’. She inspired my love of animals. We grew up with Jessie the German Shepherd, Siamese cats Ming and Lucky. And many small animals – bunnies, turtles, hamsters, birds. She was a single mother for half of my childhood after our parents divorced. She raised us to persist in reaching our goals. Mom values education. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college. And pursue an advanced degree. She visits often and lives nearby right outside New York City. Please read Mom's Letter in the About Lisa Section.

DAD was a first generation European immigrant. He passed down a strong work ethic. My first part-time job as a fourteen year old was in the kitchen of a Blimpie’s sub sandwich shop. He was a great athlete, a NYC paddle ball champion. Following in his footsteps, movement has always been a big part of my life. Including dance, cycling, roller blading, trekking. He worked in window display and design, in the shoe industry. He had a great visual sense. My artwork reflects this side of him. He is no longer with us. He was thrilled about my desire to have a family.