Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 18:16 "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
Favorite Adoption Story: My sister and brother both have adopted children. Both are sibling groups. My sister and her husband were able to conceive one child on their own and then tried again for years to no avail. After much prayer they decided to try the adoption path. They had a beautiful baby boy placed with them. When he was 8, they were contacted by their adoption provider that his three younger sisters were in need of a placement. It was a big surprise and they weren't sure if it was something they could handle. If they didn't take all three, they feared the girls would be separated. They decided to take the leap and welcome all three girls into their home. That was more than 20 years ago, and though they have had their struggles, there was a lot of love in their family. My sister told me that it was the best decision they have ever made and are so grateful for the opportunity to grow their family through adoption.
Education: I decided to go back to school much later in life. I had earned my associates degree in my early 20's but then spent the next 25 years raising my family. I was provided with the opportunity to go back to school and earn my bachelor's degree and I felt inspired to do it. It was the best decision I ever made. It took me way longer than the average student, but I finally received my degree in December of 2024. Now I am feeling the urge to go and get my master's degree so I can get my LCSW. It will likely take me a while, but I look forward to the opportunity.
Responsibilities: Writing home studies and coordinating the home study process by scheduling providers' visits with families.
Education: BA, Weber State University, minor in Japanese studies
Responsibilities: Randy Mitchell is the Executive Director of the Utah office. He has been involved in intercountry adoptions since 2006. He spent nearly 20 years at Wasatch International Adoptions, where he was responsible for day-to-day business operations, including state licensing and Hague accreditations. Randy graduated in 2008 from Weber State University with a BA in Business Management and a minor in Japanese.
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Favorite Adoption Story: There was a waiting child in the Philippines, Michael, who was so sweet and kind. He was 15 and loved to play basketball, play piano, and was really smart. We met him in person on a trip to the Philippines and he shared that he just wanted to be part of a family and would love to have siblings. In the US there was an older couple who reached out about Michael and shared their story with us. They had 4 kids already that were grown and out of the house, but always came home each week for family dinners. They were talking one day and the father turned to the mother while looking at their basketball hoop in their yard and said that he wanted to have another child and hopes one day he could play basketball with them. The very next day, they saw Michael's video where he states he was excited to play basketball with his Dad one day. From that moment they knew he was meant to be in their family! They decided to apply for him and were accepted. Since he has been home, they have had many sibling and family dinners and play basketball together often.
Education: Bachelors in Psychology, Social Service license, and licensed TBRI practitioner
Responsibilities: Conducting home visits in order to produce home studies and post-adoption reports
