Carrie Murray Nellis Within my first year of practice, I had my first Adoption case and a fire inside me started burning. Shortly afterward The Murray Nellis Law Group was born. I quickly became involved in Juvenile Court cases and saw an opportunity to serve my clients by not only fighting for them inside the courtroom, but by loving them outside the courtroom walls as well. But as many do, I became disillusioned with the Juvenile System that so often fails our children and Birthparents. The Lord showed me that through Open Adoption, children would have an opportunity for a stable, safe upbringing and Birthparents would have the opportunity to reclaim their dignity and know what it means to be truly loved. One thing led to another – years have gone by and the Lord allowed my law practice to become exclusively centered around Adoption Law. In 2016, the Lord called us to start Abiding Love Adoption Agency. It is our passion to serve Birthparents and to serve them well by loving them FIRST! I consider it an honor that God chose me to love on such special women and men during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Leah Outten Maintains an open adoption relationship with her birth daughter and the adoptive parents she chose when she was 16 years old. Using her experience, she now works in the adoption community through her writing, education, and mentoring. In her role, she aims to help adoptive families and birth parents navigate their own lifelong adoption story with the loving support she had during her experience. Jill Thomley Jill Thomley has worked in the field of adoption for nearly 18 years. Having the privilege of working with Expectant Mothers, Birth Mothers, Adoptive Families and even some Adoptees, she finds great joy in seeing all those involved in an adoption placement thrive. As a Post Placement Educator for Abiding Love Charities, Jill mentors Birthmothers to identify their future aspirations, assists them in removing barriers and celebrates their accomplishments. As the adoptive mother of two, Jill brings a unique perspective as she advises families navigating the complexities of open adoption relationships. Lesson 3: A Birth Mother’s Bill of Rights When choosing adoption, YOU are in the driver’s seat. You have rights! In this video, we discuss what you need to know as you consider adoption and what you can ask for. Don’t settle for anything less than good care for yourself through this difficult time. You matter. Lesson 4: How do I Live with this Decision Perhaps adoption sounds like an option you want to explore, but you still wonder about the heartache that may follow? That is a very valid concern, and one that Leah struggled with as well. In this video, Leah and Carrie discuss the grief that birth mothers feel as they make this life changing decision as well as tips on how to cope in healthy ways. Lesson 5: Advice from Birth Moms It can be very helpful to hear from other birth moms who have walked this path. Listen to the advice from others who have been in your shoes, who have weighed their options and have lived out adoption for many years. In this video, they share encouragement and empowerment in where you are right now and what may help you to take your next steps. 29 PART OF THE AWARD BADGE
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