In this week’s episode, we are joined by Michele Katz. Michele is the founder of the Plus One Adoption Foundation and a mother of 4, two adopted, and two biological children. Michele shares her story about the adoption process and how she is blending cultures in their family. She also discusses many aspects of adoption, such as the differences between agencies and orphanages, what to consider when adopting, and how processes differ across companies and countries. Tune in today to hear Michele’s story and her mission with her foundation.   IN THIS EPISODE:    [2:07] What does Michele’s family life currently look like? [2:37] How did Michele’s family come to be? [6:25] Fertility and adoption process at the same time. Which process seemed easier? [9:10] Michele tells us about her journey of adoption.  [13:00] How did Michele incorporate the culture of origin of her adopted children into their lives? [19:56] What are the differences between agencies and orphanages?  [21:28] What was the matching process between the two children Michele adopted, and what was it like meeting the children for the first time? [23:15] Michele tells us about the Plus One Adoption foundation and how it came to be. [25:42] Are there different parenting ways with the kids Michele carried vs. her adopted children? [30:00] What does adoption trauma look like? [32:47] How does one go into the decision to adopt an infant vs. an older child? [35:54] What does the conversation look like for a blended family of adoption vs. biological?  [39:10] What does family mean to Michele?    KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Sometimes it’s just important to have another person to share your journey with, another person to listen to, someone to share the options and allow your family to decide which is right for you. There will be unknowns, but as a parent, you parent the best you can. Whether adopted or biological, there will be unknowns in what you will get with your children.   Weighing out the pros and cons is essential. Do you want to adopt an older child? Do you want to adopt a younger child? What country do you want to adopt from? What age do you want to be when your child graduates? Do you want an open or closed adoption?    RESOURCE LINKS   Plus One Foundation Website   Plus One Foundation Instagram   Michele’s LinkedIn   Email: mkatz@plusoneadoption.org    Stork'd Facebook Page   Stork'd on Instagram   Stork'd YouTube Channel   BIO: Michele Katz is not only the Founder of Plus One Adoption Foundation, Inc. but also the Founder of the intellectual property law firm Advitam IP, LLC. Passionate about giving back, she (in collaboration with her firm and her family) started a scholarship fund in the name of her beloved father, an icon in the IP field, and annually funds a master’s scholarship in the innovative sciences at The Hebrew University (Israel). As a servant leader, Michele served as the President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Chicago Chapter, propelling women business owners into social, economic, and political spheres of influence.