Justine
Greetings! My name is Justine. I am so happy that you’re viewing my profile! I’m a high school librarian living in upstate New York. While I am currently single, I fill my life with people and experiences that I am eager to share with a child. I love to adventure internationally as well as locally, but my favorite place in the world is my parents’ log home in the Adirondacks. My six-year-old pup, Andrew, agrees! I’ve always felt adoption would be part of my story. Growing up as the daughter of a social worker, I’ve been exposed to so many iterations of families and always knew I would take on this journey of opening my heart and my home to a child via adoption.
Greetings
- MY NAME IS -
JUSTINE
I am so happy
THAT YOU’RE VIEWING MY PROFILE!
I’m a high school librarian living in upstate New York. While I am currently single, I fill my life with people and experiences that I am eager to share with a child. I love to adventure internationally as well as locally, but my favorite place in the world is my parents’ log home in the Adirondacks. My six-year-old pup, Andrew, agrees! I’ve always felt adoption would be part of my story. Growing up as the daughter of a social worker, I’ve been exposed to so many iterations of families and always knew I would take on this journey of opening my heart and my home to a child via adoption.
I hope you find answers to any questions you may have about me, my family, and my values to help you with the incredibly significant decision you are about to make for your child and yourself.
Thank you so much FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION!
- ABOUT -
ME
MY WHOLE LIFE I’VE FELT I WOULD BE A MOTHER. As I grew and made myself a life that I’m happy in and proud of, that dream has become less about what being a mother would mean for me and more about what it could mean for a child. This perspective shift is what set me down this path, officially. Imagining the relationship I can grow with a child, all those milestones we can reach together, and being that beacon of love for them… it has me absolutely beaming!
I’m an art enthusiast, a swimmer, a voracious reader, and a dog-lover. While my parents worked very hard to provide for me and my sister, we didn’t experience roadblocks or hardships that many other people face. I was raised to acknowledge my privilege, and to use it to help my fellow humans when and where I can. I hope to instill this in a future child. This leads well into my value of open and honest communication, which I also hope to grow between myself and a child.
- Bookworm -
SINCE BIRTH!
High school me had a talk with my mom and came out feeling pretty confident about going to college for teaching. After getting certified as an elementary teacher and literacy specialist, I was hired as a middle school reading teacher, and I loved it for years. After some reflection, I went back to school and got another degree to be a school librarian. I’ve been doing this job for six years now and it’s such a good fit! Nothing beats the feeling of finding the book that turns a self-proclaimed non-reader into a lifelong reader! It’s worth noting that my mom plans to help me with this next chapter, too, as she’s newly retired and has volunteered to provide childcare.
MEET MY PUP
Andrew
I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO GIVE MY PUP, ANDREW, HIS OWN SECTION! After doing a DNA test, I found out that this “Basset Hound” I’d rescued at nine weeks old is actually a mix of Husky, English Shepherd, and a handful of other breeds, none of which are Basset Hound. He was a challenging puppy but, with training, age, and love, he has matured into an amazing companion. My friends and family poke fun at how Andrew dominates my social media accounts, but he’s such a good boy! He definitely kept me sane through the pandemic and I’m so grateful for that.
MY HOME
AND
COMMUNITY
I’VE LIVED IN UPSTATE NEW YORK MY WHOLE LIFE. The seasons are a beautiful backdrop for so many activities and potential memories that I can’t wait to share with a child. I currently live in the suburbs and think it would be a great place to raise a family. I have a two-story home on half an acre with grass, trees, and neighbors all around. In the warmer months, I love hosting family and friends on the patio out back. When the weather starts to cool down, Andrew the pup and I hit the hiking trails. My community has so many festivities, camps, and parks to enjoy, as well as schools that are highly rated within the state.
- A FEW OF MY -
FAVORITES
FAVORITE ANIMAL
Octopus (Don’t tell Andrew!)– They’re so much smarter than I would have imagined!
FAVORITE HOBBY
DIY home improvement projects — I love learning new skills and making my home reflect what makes me happy.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT
Nothing cures the winter blues like toes in the warm sand!
FAVORITE SEASONAL ACTIVITY
Hiking — Autumn in the Northeast is beyond beautiful!
DREAM JOB
I have it! I love being a librarian!
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK
Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown – It’s so validating for both parent and child perspectives.
FAVORITE MUSIC
My tastes are pretty eclectic, but there’s something about an indie singer/song-writer that just taps into something extra for me.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY
Thanksgiving — In my family it’s become a time to gather and share without the stress of tangible gifts.
MEET MY
Village
MY PARENTS LIVE ON LAKE GEORGE IN THE ADIRONDACKS, WHICH JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE MY FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD.
They’re a huge part of my life and visiting year-round is a necessity for me. They host almost every family holiday. They’d be upset if I didn’t convey just how much they can’t wait to be grandparents! I have one sibling, a sister who’s three years younger. She’s not a fan of the snow, so she lives in Sonoma, California. She comes home for the holidays and also hosts me and/or my parents for visits throughout the year. I’m lucky enough to have multiple best friends. One is adopted, married, and a mom of two (my “niece” and “nephew”) and their family plays a big role in my life. Another is a single mom and fellow teacher. Both have been involved in this journey with me since the start and I’m so appreciative of their support.
- my thoughts on -
PARENTING
While I’m realistic in acknowledging that all parents can have the best laid plans and then find themselves having to rewrite those plans once life happens, I do want to share some of my values and ideas regarding raising a child. I intend on working really hard at maintaining open and honest communication. Boundaries are important, but understanding those boundaries and why they exist is important, too. When we understand why rules are in place, it’s much easier to go along with them.
EDUCATION IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO ME. I will strive to provide learning experiences outside of school, too. Best case scenario, a child grows up to be a happy, independent, successful, and a contributing member of society.
In the meantime, I promise to give a child all the love, sunshine, and adventure I can.
Faith
Although I don’t personally align with any specific religion, I want to address this topic. If religion is significant to you or your family, I will include it in your child’s origin story. It’s part of where they came from and that means it’s important to me, too. I hope to present many religions, as well as their cultural significance, as options that I’m more than willing to explore alongside your child. While I don’t intend to raise a child following a specific faith, I do plan to instill good and sound morals and values. It’s important to be open-minded and to practice love and tolerance.
THANK
YOU!
This is a huge decision and I want to acknowledge the weight and significance of it all. I want to assure you that I’m committed to supporting an open adoption. I believe in doing what is best for your child and that includes being open and honest about their origin story as well as updating you regularly with letters and photosthroughout their life, if you should choose so. I’m also committed to doing my best when it comes to raising your child. While I can admit that it will be a learning experience, it’s one I feel prepared and excited to take on. Thank you so much for everything you’ve gone through to ensure a great future for your child!
I WOULD LOVE TO
HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have additional questions for me or would like to speak to me, please contact The Adoption Alliance by calling 1-800-626-4324.
