Michelle

I am open to whatever type of relationship feels most comfortable for you. What matters most to me is that you feel supported, respected, and cared for throughout this experience. I truly want what is best for you and your baby, and I want you to feel safe and at ease each step of the way.

I am new to this journey, and I come to it with humility, honesty, and a deep respect for you. Please know that I want to listen, learn, and support you in the ways that matter most to you.

When I talk about you to your child, I will tell them that you are an incredible person who loved them deeply and made brave, thoughtful choices out of that love. I will care for your baby with tenderness, consistency, and all the love in my heart.

With Love,
Michelle

I’ve known I wanted to adopt long before I chose my career. I first shared that hope with my parents when I was in middle school, and that feeling has stayed with me over time. Adoption feels deeply aligned with who I am and how I want to love and care for a child — it’s something I’ve always known, at my core, was right for me.

Being outdoors is where I feel most like myself. Hiking helps me connect with nature, challenge my body, and clear my mind. Some of my favorite experiences include hiking Mount St. Helens, the Enchantments in Washington, and the Haute Route in Switzerland. Sometimes I hike with friends, and other times I enjoy the quiet and space to slow my thoughts.

In the winter, I cross-country ski and love the stillness of a snowy trail on a peaceful morning.

I can already picture sharing this love of the outdoors with your baby — starting with fresh-air walks and, when the time is right, exploring together at a gentle, joyful pace. I look forward to helping them feel curious, calm, and confident in the world around them.

When I’m not outside, I enjoy spending time at the gym. CrossFit helps me stay strong, take care of myself, and connect with friends.

I’m also lucky to have a close circle of friends across the country — from Maine to Seattle, New Orleans to Chicago — who have become a supportive community that will surround your child with care and encouragement.

“Michelle is an extraordinary person, and I am grateful to be part of her adoption journey. I cannot speak highly enough of her character, integrity, and capacity for love. She is deeply caring and committed to creating a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child. I believe wholeheartedly that she will be an exceptional parent.”–Adrienne (Friend)

“She is motivated to be a parent and has an upbeat view of the world and what she has to offer to a child. That, in and of itself will be a blessing to a child.” –Uncle Harold

I live in Iowa City, where I’m currently renting an apartment next to the river and a bike path that’s perfect for walks and exploring. I love how easy it is to get outside, whether it’s a quiet stroll, a bike ride, or time near the water.

Iowa City has a lively, welcoming feel, with college sports that bring the community together — including fall Saturdays cheering on the Hawkeyes, women’s basketball, and track and field. There are also plenty of nearby outdoor spaces, from rivers and lakes to rolling hills, making it a wonderful place to grow, explore, and feel at home.

My parents and siblings live in Seattle, and although we’re not geographically close, we remain very connected. Growing up, we shared dinner together every evening, and that sense of closeness and support has stayed with us into adulthood.

I’ve also built a strong village of friends and chosen family across the country, including close friends from medical school and residency. Here in Iowa City, I’m continuing to build meaningful relationships with colleagues in the orthopedic department, which is incredibly family-friendly and supportive.

I’m also connected to community through my gym and the local Jewish community. Together, these relationships create a wide, caring network of people who will surround your child with encouragement, stability, and love.

I am fortunate to live in the diverse town of Iowa City, with the University of Iowa nearby. I am committed to learning about cultures beyond my own through community groups, events, and opportunities in both Iowa City and the University.

I look forward to incorporating your child’s cultural traditions into our daily life and family celebrations, so they feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are. I also speak some French and Spanish, which has deepened my appreciation for language and culture.

I have two cats: Mac is 6, and Monty is 4. They bring such joy and love into my life. Things they love: couch snuggles, watching birds out the window, eating any food they can get their paws on. They are both sweet and affectionate. Mac is a mama’s boy and loves to cuddle. He is curious and likes to explore the outdoors. Monty is a bit more shy, but becomes very chatty when she’s hungry.

I grew up culturally Jewish, with traditions like Passover seders, baking challah for Shabbat, and lighting candles on Hanukkah. These traditions taught me the value of reflection, connection, and time together.

I look forward to sharing these traditions with your child while also honoring and celebrating their cultural background. It’s important to me that their identity is fully embraced, and that our family traditions grow to include what is meaningful to them.

• I promise to love your child fully and wholeheartedly, and to show up for them every day with patience, steadiness, and care.
• I promise to support their physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth, helping them feel safe, confident, and deeply valued.
• I promise to honor and celebrate their cultural background, share my own traditions, and create new family traditions together.
• I promise to introduce your child to the outdoors — exploring through hiking, biking, and skiing, while teaching them to appreciate movement, nature, and balance.
• Above all, I promise to love your child unconditionally and to always put their well-being first.