NicoleMy Story
I consider myself smart, loyal, respectful, fun-loving, independent, and compassionate. I’ve been around children my entire life — I’m the oldest of 19 grandchildren, and my mom ran a home daycare for 20 years. In college, I was also a nanny for twins who were adopted, which deepened my appreciation for adoption and the many ways a family can be formed. I’ve always been someone who enjoys being around children, whether I’m cooking with them, helping them learn something new, or simply getting down on the floor to play.
From a young age, I was involved in choir, ceramics, bowling, and Girl Scouts. My parents always made sure my brother and I stayed active in our community. On weekends, we took day trips and Sunday drives exploring different parts of Connecticut. About eight years ago, I moved back home to help care for my grandparents. Today, our home includes my parents, my brother, my Nonnie, and me. While I hope to have a home of my own one day, I’m grateful that a child growing up in our family would be surrounded by the same love, connection, and strong sense of family that shaped me.
In my free time, I enjoy gardening, going to the beach, reading, and thrifting. My brother and I garden together, and we use what we grow to make things like homemade tomato sauce, salsa, and candied jalapeños. This past year, I also taught myself how to sew, and I’ve loved creating tote bags, quilts, and other handmade gifts.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, and although I’m not currently working in that field, I cook six out of seven days a week. Cooking is therapeutic for me — it’s my love language. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing a meal with the people I care about. I also enjoy exploring and preparing dishes from different cultures.
In addition, I’ve earned two master’s degrees and strongly believe that education is a lifelong journey. “Never stop learning” has been my motto!
For the past 16 years, I’ve worked in higher education, helping students navigate the financial side of college and achieve their educational goals. Financial aid can feel overwhelming, so I try to make my students feel comfortable and supported, whether that means taking the time to talk something through or simply offering a snack from the jar I keep in my office. Supporting others as they build their futures is incredibly meaningful to me.
Helping others has always been important to me outside of work as well. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with food pantries, helped prepare meals for people experiencing homelessness, and supported organizations that help children and animals. I believe even small acts of kindness can make a difference.
When I have time, I enjoy traveling with friends and family. One of my favorite trips was for my 40th birthday, when my best friend Noelle and I went on a Food Network cruise and I got to meet celebrity chefs! Another favorite was last summer, when my mom, Nonnie, and I traveled to Oklahoma to visit my aunt, cousin, and her children. It was the first time we met my second cousins, which made the trip especially meaningful. I also love simple day trips around New England — visiting museums, aquariums, orchards, farms, and beaches — and I look forward to sharing those kinds of adventures with a child one day.
The values that matter most to me are honesty, compassion, empathy, and helping others. I hope to teach a child not only through what I say, but through how I live — by treating people with kindness, giving back to the community, and showing respect and love for others.
I’ve known from a young age that adoption would be part of my journey to motherhood. Over the past year, I made the decision to move forward with that dream. I feel ready in every way — to nurture, love, guide, and support a child, and to share in all the meaningful everyday moments that make a life together.
A Few Things to Know:
- I do not like spiders or snakes.
- My favorite movies are Dirty Dancing and Grease.
- I love taking day trips to New York City, especially near the holidays.
- I collect cookbooks, and friends and family often bring one back for me from different states and countries.
