From Our Friends and Family
My name is Jeanette. I have known this family since 2011. I first met Kelley when we worked as an educational team in Piqua, Ohio. We collaborated on teaching and therapy strategies for students with hearing loss. Kelley cares about her students and those she works with and gives her utmost time, energy, and expertise for her student's individual needs. We became not only colleagues but great friends.
As friends, I began to know Kelley, Chris, and Henry outside of the work setting, attending family celebrations and numerous social events. I have seen the love and devotion they have for each other, but also for Henry. I don't think you could meet any parents who love their child more than Kelley and Chris. They are devoted to Henry, guiding him in his strengths, needs, and interests. They are compassionate and open-minded, and are always doing what is best for Henry and their family.
I know that Chris and Kelley are going to be the most compassionate, kind, giving, and loving parents. They have created a very loving, accepting, and inclusive home environment. Any child would be so blessed to call them "Dad and Mom".
Hello! My name is Chantel. I am Kelley’s mother and mother-in-law to Christopher. I have known Kelley since birth and Christopher since 2008.
Kelley is a loving and caring person. She interacts beautifully with other children as she’s a teacher of the deaf and hard-of-hearing. She is a kind, understanding, and is a great listener who offers good advice. I admire her for her unique qualities and strengths. As for her husband, Christopher, I have never seen a man more reasonable and kind. I bonded with Christopher from the moment I met him. He’s more like a son to me. I know that he is one of the best things that happened to my daughter.
My favorite memory of Kelley was when her sister was born. It was promised that if the baby was a girl, that baby was to be named Amanda. When my second daughter was born, my ex-husband called my older children to share the news—a little girl named “Katie”. Upon finding out about “Katie”, my then 5-year-old Kelley was so upset she was a “Katie”. Kelley demanded that her sister be renamed Amanda. All of this was a joke set up by my ex-husband, of course, but Kelley surely thought she had a say in naming her little sister.
I feel that Kelley & Chris would make great parents because they are raising a great little boy, Henry. I will be this child’s GiGi, as my other grandchildren call me. He or she will be my 11th grandchild and will be a part of a great, devoted, and affectionate family with many family gatherings and fun times.
