Birth Parent Counselor, Joanne Gallagher, LCSW

Personal Vision of Adoption.

The adoption work is the unfolding of a call for Joanne. In her marriage, she experienced the pain of infertility and the unsurpassed joy of becoming an adoptive parent. Joanne is the adoptive mother of two grown children who came to her as infants. This breath taking fascination and falling in love with her children was the experience that lead her to ask about birthparents. Who are you? How is it that the decision to place a child can come about?

Joanne’s experience with Birth Mothers

The journey through infertility with its grief and loss prepared her to meet the sadness and overwhelm experienced by the young men and women with whom Joanne has been privileged to work. Who would know that conception was not possible? Who could believe that a conception could take place when not wanted? Objectively, the world knows. Inside the experience it all seems unbelievable!

Joanne has learned from each young woman who has called her into her life. Each story is unique. Yet there are some things that are the same for birthmothers. Joanne has not yet met a young woman who did not love her baby. Joanne has not yet met a woman whose first choice was adoption. A birthmother’s journey through her decision making process can open new awareness for each young person. She can know herself more deeply. She can take this unplanned pregnancy and adoptive placement as an opportunity for grasping her life and beginning anew.
Joanne is devoted to hearing, assisting and helping young men and women with their unplanned pregnancy. Joanne believes that hearts can heal and that lives can be renewed. Joanne can provide a safe environment for stories to unfold and for young people to find the compassion and support to move through a very difficult life experience. Joanne can support birth parents while they find new goodness in themselves, a good and love filled life for their baby and meaningful and enriching experience with an adoptive family. Adoption really can be the beginning of a love story.