Ethnicity: Dan: Caucasian
Ray: Filipino
Education: Dan: BSW & MSW in Social Work, current graduate student at Catholic Theological Union.
Ray: Bachelor’s & Master’s in Education, current doctoral student in Education.
Professions: Dan: Mental Health Therapist
Ray: High School Teacher
When did you meet and month/year of marriage: Met in October 2022, Married in July 2024
Religion: Catholic
Information on your home/community: Live in Evanston, Illinois, a diverse northern suburb of Chicago.
Number of children: None
Pets: One dog: Maddy, female Great Pyrenees, eight years old
Two cats: Mint, female Calico and Pepper, male Tabby cat, both two years old.
Desired contact with a birth family:Â We are interested in an open adoption relationship to foster family connections for our adopted child.
In one sentence, why do you want to adopt a child? We believe we will be wonderful parents who can provide a loving, safe, and supportive home.
Childhood Memory:Â Dan: Going on annual baseball trips with my grandfather and father to new stadiums.
Ray: Going on road trips with family and exploring America together.
TV Show/Movie:Â Dan: TV Show: Survivor. Movie: Forrest Gump
Ray: TV Show: Amazing Race. Movie: The Sound of Music
Book: Dan: Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhoades
Ray: Sheet Music for the piano
Hobby: Dan: Reading and volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul to help neighbors in need.
Ray: Playing beach volleyball, baking, and working on cars.
Food: Dan: Italian (Homemade Pasta)
Ray: American (Steak and Burgers)
Vacation:Â Recent road trip on Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Family Tradition:Â Spending time with our blended families during Christmas.
Holiday Memory: Planting flowers with Dan’s grandmother on Mother’s Day and celebrating birthdays with karaoke with Ray’s family.
Fun Facts: Dan: Lived in Scotland as a child for primary school.
Ray: Lived in England during COVID to teach middle school.
What Friends Say: Dan’s friend Christen: “Dan helped care for his nephews as babies into elementary school during our high school years and was always calm and present for what his nephews needed.”
Ray’s friend Tenzin: “Ever since I knew Ray, he always talked about building a family, and he has cared for my own child when we have hung out. I am confident that Dan and Ray will be wonderful parents.”
Dan’s mother Colleen: “Our family is close and lives near Dan and Ray. We are excited to be able to support their future child every step of the way.”
