As a two-time adoptive parent, my initial experience with adoption was challenging to say the least. I remember thinking that we should be able to do better…the experience can and should be improved.
After spending more than 20 years driving revenues for corporations, life events changed me. They changed who I was and how I wanted to spend my time. After my personal experiences with adoption it became clear to me that there had to be a better way. Creating that agency, Graceful Adoptions, became my passion.
I established Graceful Adoptions out of the love and respect I feel for my daughter, her birth mother, and everyone else who offered assistance and support during my three year struggle to bring my daughter Grace home.
Years later, we are still creating families. It is not a job or a career, it’s my life…
Farrah is a Licensed Masters Level Independent Social Worker with over fifteen years of professional experience in the Mental Health field. At Graceful Adoptions, Farrah works with every client – adoptive parent and expectant parent – to ensure they are emotionally ready for the life-long commitment of adoption.
Prior to starting her private practice and leading Graceful Adoptions’ Services, Farrah was one of the founding members of a specialized attachment and trauma treatment center. She has completed extensive training on bonding, attachment, and counseling services for adults and children. Her experience also includes work with children in residential treatment and at a substance abuse treatment facility helping patients with addictions. For 2 years Farrah was a Registered Attachment Clinician through ATTACh. Farrah also received an award of excellence in 2007 for her work as a counselor.
In her spare time, Farrah enjoys being with her husband and two children and often volunteers with her family to aide local homeless families. She’s an animal lover and loves horseback riding and spending time with her two Labradors. Farrah also enjoys reading, boating, kayaking, and being on the lake.
Rachel is a Masters level Social Worker with more than twelve years of experience in the field of adoption. At Graceful Adoptions, Rachel provides support to adoptive families as they navigate the journey of adoption.
Prior to joining our team, Rachel served as an Adoption Coordinator at a private, non-profit agency in Virginia where she oversaw adoption and foster-to-adopt services. She has worked closely with birth families and adoptive families, providing supportive counseling, adoption education, and connection to needed resources. Rachel also has experience in public child welfare through previous employment as a foster care and adoption social worker at a Department of Social Services agency. Through each of these positions, Rachel has gained invaluable insight into the importance of communication and teamwork to facilitate successful placements of children into their adoptive homes.
Rachel enjoys spending quality time with her husband, three children, and pug. When she is not chasing around her three kids, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading psychological thriller and suspense books, and spending time outdoors.
Krista Knapp serves as the Adoption Coordinator for Graceful Adoptions, where she plays a vital role in supporting both adoptive families and birth parents throughout the adoption process. With more than five years on our team, Krista guides adoptive parents through onboarding and ensures their documents remain current so they are ready for match and placement at any time. She also works closely with birth parents, offering consistent support and coordination to help ensure their needs and wishes are respected every step of the way.
Before joining Graceful Adoptions, Krista worked alongside our corporate attorney and has been part of the Graceful Adoptions family ever since. Her calm presence, attention to detail, and genuine compassion make her an invaluable part of our team.
Outside of work, Krista enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She’s an avid sports fan—especially when it comes to cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes—and loves gardening and being outdoors.
Angela is a Certified Adoption Investigator (CAI) licensed in the state of Iowa to complete adoption home studies. She’s the only CAIs in Iowa recommended by Graceful Adoptions.
Angela has worked with families and children for over 30 years. She has helped many families achieve their dream of becoming parents through adoption and is committed to helping families get the support they need to be successful. Angela has worked in the child welfare field throughout her career and has developed resources and training for adoptive families. Angela and her husband are parents through birth and adoption. She is happy to share her firsthand adoption experience with families.
Angela is honored to be working with Graceful Adoptions because, “They are a unique adoption agency with a strong commitment and understanding of all aspects of adoption.”
