Dave & Denise

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Education: Denise: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Master of Science in Elementary Education
Dave: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Master of Science in Educational Technology

Professions: Denise: Elementary English Language Learner Teacher
Dave: Middle School Math Teacher

When did you meet and month/year of marriage: We met in 2014 at the school we both worked at. We began dating in the summer of 2015 and married in January of 2019.

Religion: Christian

Information on your home/community: We live in a family-friendly neighborhood with many children. Our house has 3 bedrooms and a finished basement set up for lots of fun. We live near many parks and other fun activities for families.

Number of children: We do not currently have children.

Pets: We have two pets that are both very friendly and playful. Koby, our domestic short-haired cat and Bella, our Golden Retriever.

Desired contact with a birth family: We are open to whatever makes all parties the most comfortable.

In one sentence, why do you want to adopt a child? We have tons of love and support to give a child and would love to grow our family.

Childhood Memory: Denise: First time white water rafting in Montana on a family vacation.
Dave: Dressing up as a California Raisin for an elementary school performance

TV Show/Movie: Our favorite movie is Back to the Future. This is one of the things that we quickly bonded over when we first met.

Book: Denise: The Midnight Library
Dave: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Hobby: Denise: Biking and Arts & Crafts
Dave: Board games, puzzles, and sports

Food: Denise: Pizza, Mexican, and Chinese
Dave: Pizza, Mexican, and Chocolate

Vacation: Our honeymoon to the Dominican Republic.

Family Tradition: Annual Father’s Day trip to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana.

Holiday Memory: Denise: Doing a scavenger hunt for Christmas presents and gathering them under the tree.
Dave: Playing with all of my cousins during our family Christmas each year.

Fun Facts: We grew up only 15 minutes away from each other, but never met until 2014.

“Dave and Denise are so patient and calm which are great qualities in a parent. They are committed and loyal and will do everything they can for a child. Dave and Denise have a fun-loving and adventurous side to them, which could bring more opportunities for their child to experience in the future.”

-Jennifer (Friend of Dave and Denise)

“As Denise’s direct supervisor, I would love to share why I think she will be an amazing mother. As an educator I have seen Denise’s caring, nurturing presence and attention to detail with students. She truly cares about her students well being and she ensures that they feel a connection to what they are learning. She takes time to make learning fun and meaningful for all students. She builds connections and understands the importance of connecting with families as well. She is dedicated, compassionate, and not afraid to think outside of the box. Reflecting on her work as an educator leads me to my point that I truly believe Denise will be an absolutely fantastic mother.”

-Karla (Denise’s Assistant Principal)

“I am writing this recommendation in enthusiastic support of Dave and Denise’s application for adoption. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Dave at school for eight years, and during this time, I have come to know him as an exceptional individual with outstanding qualities. I have never met a more patient and kindhearted person who advocates for his students and coworkers daily. I not only see Dave as a coworker, but as a friend that I truly respect. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to a coworker in need and gives the best advice. I have witnessed Dave handle challenging situations with grace and empathy, demonstrating a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Dave takes the time to really get to know his students’ personalities and needs not only inside, but outside the classroom as well. He sets standards in his classroom and holds the students accountable, but manages to do this through fun and exciting activities through his witty and funny sense of humor. I firmly believe that all the qualities that he shows at work only prove that he will be a great father who will be protective, affectionate, encouraging, and a strong support system. I have absolutely no doubt that Dave and Denise will be wonderful, committed parents creating a loving, stable environment for a child filled with kindness, patience, and empathy.”

-Karmen (Dave’s Colleague and Friend)

“I’ve known Dave for almost 30 years. He is one of the funniest, smartest, and kindest people I have ever been around. Once he found a life-long partner in Denise, I knew that he had found someone just like him. I am certain that they will be wonderful parents because I have watched them laugh and love together through both happy and trying times. Their bond only seems to get stronger as time goes on. As a father of three children myself, I am positive that these two would build a loving and supportive atmosphere for any children lucky enough to call them their parents.”

-Walt L. (Friend of Dave and Denise)

“We met Denise in a young adults sport group in 2008. In the last 16 years, we have gotten to know her through the different chapters of our lives together. Denise is witty, caring and loves adventure. Once she met Dave, we have only seen these strengths grow through their unconditional love and support for each other. We know that Denise and Dave will make wonderful parents because they are both loving, kind and have so much to offer a child. Much of their time is spent nurturing young minds and helping kids grow and I am sure this would only be passed on to any child they are blessed to be parents to.”

-Katy and Jim (Friends of Dave and Denise)