Ten years ago, I walked into Yorkshire Adoption Agency for my very first day in my very first actual office job. I still remember how excited I was to see my own desk — a proper grown‑up desk, with a phone, a chair that swivelled, and everything! It felt huge. It felt like a new beginning. And I had absolutely no idea just how much that small moment would shape the next decade of my life.
I also had no idea what adoption really involved..
Back then, “adoption” was something I thought I understood in the vague way most people do — warm feelings, new families, complicated paperwork. I didn’t know about the intense, thoughtful assessment process, or the emotional work families undertake with their social workers.
I didn’t know how deeply rooted, careful, and life-changing the preparation is. I certainly didn’t understand the courage, honesty, and openness required at every step. Learning all of that was fascinating — and humbling. It still is.
Finding My Feet (and a Friend)
On that first day, I also met Jan — YAA’s wonderful Senior Administrator. She didn’t just show me the ropes; she supported me, encouraged me, corrected me gently, and became one of my closest friends. She set the tone for what YAA has always been for me: a place where people genuinely look out for each other.
When I joined in 2016, we were a team of nine. A tiny but mighty group. Today, we’re a team of twenty. I’ve had the privilege of watching the agency grow — not just in size, but in confidence, ambition, and impact. And through every bit of that growth, I’ve been given something invaluable: a voice.
From Administrator to Marketer
One of the things I’m proudest of is that I was never “just” an administrator. Even in those early years, I was always encouraged to share ideas, speak up, and think creatively. And, wonderfully, those ideas were actually listened to — and sometimes brought to life.
Somewhere along that journey, a spark grew into something bigger. I realised how much I loved telling the stories of our agency. I loved shaping how we spoke to families, how we represented modern adoption, how we helped more people understand what adoption is — and isn’t.
That spark eventually became my job.
Creating the Marketing role I now hold is probably my biggest achievement. Not just because the agency wanted it, but because I carved out a space that lets me do what I love while doing something meaningful. I’m incredibly proud of the role I’ve played in helping the agency thrive and stay true to its values.
Changing Lives Beyond the First Hello
One part of my work that means the most to me is helping strengthen our Lifelong Support. The creation of the Adoption Support Hub isn’t just a project — it’s a commitment to our families, to adopted people, and to the idea that adoption doesn’t end on the day a child moves in. It’s ongoing. It evolves. Families need somewhere to turn, not just at the beginning, but for years to come.
Knowing I’ve helped build something that genuinely supports people long-term is one of the things I’m most proud of.
A Decade of Learning, and a Future Full of Hope
After ten years in the world of adoption, I’ve learned that my work isn’t really about followers, likes, or engagement. It’s not even just about awareness.
It’s about impact.
It’s about who feels seen.
Who feels welcome.
Who looks at us and thinks, “This could be for me.”
When I think back to the version of myself who joined the agency at twenty-something, knowing nothing about adoption, I smile. Because I’ve met so many people just like her — people who have never considered adoption, or who simply don’t know how much joy it can bring into their lives, or how deeply it can change the life of a child.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future of adoption and how society continues to understand it. There’s still so much learning, challenging, and reshaping to do — and I’m grateful to be part of that.
If you’re someone who’s thinking about adoption, here’s my best advice after ten years:
- Don’t believe everything you read online.
- Do your research.
- Talk to the experts — the people who work every day with children and families, the adoptive parents who’ve lived the process and the adopted people who generously share their stories.
Ten years ago, I walked into YAA excited about having a desk. I stayed because this work matters — and because this place gave me the chance to grow, to create, and to use my voice to help others.
Here’s to the next chapter — whatever shape it takes.
Have you seen our checklist of things to consider when thinking about adoption?