Jamie Maurer
Adoptive Parent Coordinator
Jamie came to us after working in pediatrics and customer service for many years. When she found LifeLong, she knew it was where she needed to be. Jamie and her husband have four boys and a very spoiled pittie. They are very active and love spending time together, whether they are playing or watching sports or going on road trips. Jamie has experienced the beauty of adoption firsthand, not only among her friends, but in her own family. Though her oldest is hers biologically, he is not biologically her husband's, so her husband adopted him. Going through that time was not easy, and now being able to be that support for others that are growing their families has truly been a joy.
Q&A with Jamie
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What do you do at Lifelong?
Adoptive Parent Coordinator
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When did you join the Lifelong team?
I joined the team in March of 2020, just as the Coronavirus pandemic was beginning.
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What motivates you to get up and go to work?
I enjoy working! In general I enjoy the structure, helping accomplish tasks, and learning new things. My specific role I really do love, helping families grow and being a part of their journey makes it so easy for me to get up and go.
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What is your favorite inspirational, motivational, or positive-thinking quote?
"Everything happens for a reason."
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What's your personal connection to adoption?
I have extended family members that were adopted as well as very close friends that adopted their children. My oldest is biologically mine, but not biologically my husband's, though he did adopt him at a very young age. It was a struggle, there were many downs and it was a stressful process, but of course the final outcome was a huge up.
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What advice do you have for our waiting families?
Have an open mind and be open to every opportunity, and be patient! I know that is easy for me to say, but it really will happen. Trust the process, your baby is out there, he or she just hasn't found you yet.
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What is your favorite family tradition?
We are always busy going in so many directions and always spending time with so many friends and family. So my favorite is when we spend Thanksgiving at home, just the six of us in our pajamas, cooking, putting up Christmas decorations, and eating our fancy Thanksgiving dinner, still in our pajamas.
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What do you like to do on your days off?
I enjoy being outside, even if it is just in my backyard. I really enjoy watching my kids at their sporting events. I have four boys and there is no shortage of sporting events all year. If it is cold out, then I'd rather stay in and watch movies by the fireplace.
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Where is your favorite place to be?
With my family! If I had to choose a location, it would be near water. I love the ocean, it's so peaceful. I'm not sure why I live in Illinois!
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What is one thing you cannot resist?
Cheese Fries
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What are you proudest of?
My children
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What music is on your most-played list?
There isn't much I don't like when it comes to music. My playlist goes from Dolly Parton to Snoop Dogg.
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What's your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
True Crime shows and documentaries are my go-to. I also have a serious issue with reality TV: Jersey Shore, the Kardashians, Total Bellas...I don't know why, I just can't resist pretty much any of those reality shows on E!, VH1, and MTV. I know, it's weird.