Meet Joel and Courtney

Hello from Sitka! We’re Joel, Courtney, Harbor, Fiona, and our dog Griz—a warm, loving family with hearts wide open for adoption. In our spacious home, everyone who steps inside is embraced as part of our extended family. Our guiding belief is that every person deserves to be valued and loved, and we celebrate the unique light that each child brings.

Our Journey and Beliefs: Adoption has always been an ambition woven into the fabric of our lives; it is a core part of our journey and our values. Although we’ve known each other for 15 years, we fell in love in 2016 and got married at Juneau Lake Cabin on the Resurrection Trail in December 2018. Welcoming our twins, Harbor and Fiona, in 2020 was only the beginning of our family's growth in love and experience. Over the years, we have also opened our home to foster children, each of whom has enriched our lives in unforgettable ways. We understand that every child has a unique story, and we are committed to nurturing their strengths, cultural connections, interests, and the special relationships that are important to them.

Life in Sitka:

  1. Joel – The “Merman”: With the sea in his blood, Joel is our enthusiastic educator who teaches SCUBA diving and fishing. Whether embarking on kayaking trips along our rugged coastline or fixing up our home projects, he brings energy, creativity, and a playful spirit that lights up our days.  Originally from Anchorage, he has spent most of his adult life exploring the ocean in Homer and Sitka.

  2. Courtney – The "Garden Gnome": Nature is at the heart of what Courtney does. From gardening and foraging to preserving food and crafting art, she involves the children in every step of our life’s daily adventures. As a wildlife enthusiast and a caring mom, her nurturing spirit ensures that our home is both resourceful and full of joy. Courtney hails from Minneapolis and lived in Anchorage for 10 years before she and Joel made their home in Sitka shortly after the girls were born.

  3. Harbor and Fiona: Our spirited twins are a bundle of creativity and energy. Fiona’s love for animals and outdoor play beautifully complements Harbor’s affectionate, imaginative nature. Whether they’re dancing, practicing gymnastics, or exploring the outdoors, they delight in every new adventure while eagerly preparing for kindergarten in Fall 2025.

Our Loving Home and Community: Our Sitka home is a lively, open space surrounded by mountains and ocean—a perfect setting for family adventures and creative play. It’s a place where lifelong memories are made and every corner bursts with enthusiasm. With the support of a close-knit network of friends and family, we offer a stable and joyful space where every child is embraced as family.

Why Choose Us?

  1. Unconditional Love: We believe that love has no limits and that family is defined by whom you love. Everyone who enters our home is celebrated, embraced, and given the space to thrive.

  2. Respect and Experience: With years of nurturing children of all ages, we provide a secure and loving environment that supports growth, self-expression, and joyful exploration.

  3. Fun-Filled Living: Our lives are enriched by outdoor adventures, creative pursuits, and daily laughter—ensuring that every day is a celebration of life alongside a loving community.

We look forward to adding another spark to our family—a child who will be celebrated, supported, and cherished. Our promise is a lifetime of love, care, and fun adventures during the next chapter of our shared journey.

More About Us

More About Us

Residence: A spacious, kid-friendly haven nestled at the edge of the Tongass National Forest in Sitka, where everyone feels welcome.

Joel’s Occupation: Fisheries/SCUBA professor with a passion for the ocean and teaching through adventure.

Courtney’s Occupation: Data Scientist/Wildlife Biologist who blends science with a deep love for nature.

Lifestyle: Adventurous family! Outdoor fun, travel, and creative play.

Beliefs: A firm commitment to respect and compassion for every person.

Children: Twin girls, Harbor and Fiona (5), who light up our lives every day.

Values: Unconditional love for all who come through our door, deep empathy, kindness, respect for nature, strong family bonds, self-love, forgiveness, and great humor.

Pets: Peanut (Courtney’s sassy office parrot) & Griz (professional snuggler and failed sled dog).