OUR FOUNDERS STORY:
Little did they know at the time, Annie & Caitlin were both longing for the same thing on their adoption journey: community & connection! They wanted to be able to talk with others who “just got it!”
In 2020, Annie was scrolling Instagram and decided to take action! She messaged Caitlin out of the blue, “Hi Caitlin … looking forward to connecting with other hopeful adoptive mamas if you are open!” and the rest was HISTORY! They had an instant connection and began building a chat with other women who were “in the wait”! Less than 6 months later they both adopted sweet baby boys!
As they reflected on their unique stories they both wished they had met each other at the beginning. They began talking about how to bring INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY into the adoption space. Annie, a long time educational leader and Caitlin, a skilled social worker; it just made sense to start something! And from there, March 2022, is where “The Collective” began. Annie and Caitlin have done exactly what they set out to do. Their combined skills set has ensured members have received CONFIDENCE, CLARITY, and CONNECTION within the space!
Caitlin and Annie have been supporting members on all phases of their journey and realized it was time to take “The Collective” and expand to support others SIDE BY SIDE as they go through the highs and lows with their Consulting package!
They are both so thankful their paths have crossed and are looking forward to LEANING IN and SUPPORTING others as their stories unfold.
MEET ANNIE
Annie always knew she wanted to become a Mama; in 2019, she found herself sitting in her apartment in Oakland, CA wondering if she would match “single”! Adoption was always in her heart and although she didn’t know what the process would look like, she decided it was time to create a new chapter of her story.
Annie started researching and partnered with a local agency! She began her journey focusing on international adoption. She went through her home study process and shared her open preferences with her agency. She was asked if she would consider domestic adoption as well. She said, “Yes” and waited. Then Covid hit and everything took a turn! The doors of international adoption came to a close, domestic adoption was the route she would take and decisions on next steps would need to be made.
After waiting 2 years, feeling depleted, and questioning “when” the journey would come to fruition, Annie continued to believe this was her path. In desperation and needing more options, a change, and HOPE, she added an adoption consultant to her story.
Annie started reaching out to others hopeful Mamas on Instagram, found a group of amazing women, and the rest was history. Her “waiting” chapter came to an end. She matched with her sweet boy's expected mama in August 2021. Khalil was born 8/22/2021. She became a Mama. Her dreams came true.
Annie currently lives with her partner in Massachusetts with Khalil and his brother Jordan.
MEET CAITLIN
Caitlin was living a life she had dreamed of, she was married to her high school sweetheart and mama of two but she knew her family wasn’t complete. Adoption was always in her heart as she grew up with her mother working in the field in the CT area. After long conversations with her husband, it was time! Her journey to meet sweet baby Beckham began January 2020.
She signed on with a consultant, added agencies, and was “doing all the things”. However, she continued to WAIT for her match. As her journey progressed it was surprisingly harder than she anticipated. There were many emotional highs and lows. The timeline felt longer than she originally thought and she knew she needed more support and ended up adding another consultant!
After months and months of waiting and navigating over 50 “not yets” her chapter turned! In April 2021 she matched with an Expected Mom and Dad. Baby Beckham arrived June 21st! Her family felt more whole than ever. His sweet older siblings immediately fell in love with him. They reside in Tennessee as a family of five.
Caitlin is so thankful for the community she has built on her adoption journey and hopes to continue supporting others in this space.