Regina Needs a Loving Family

Regina is a resilient and affectionate 15-year-old teen who has taken on far more than a child should. Before entering foster care, she stepped into the role of caregiver for her siblings, often putting their needs before her own. Without supportive adults in her life, she missed out on consistent education and guidance, which led to her falling behind in school.

Originally, Regina was made available for adoption with her siblings. However, she was told that her younger siblings might have a better chance of being adopted separately. In an incredibly selfless act of love, Regina agreed to this plan so they could have the best possible future. This decision reflects her sacrificial heart, because she truly puts others before herself.

Since moving into a nurturing foster home, Regina has made remarkable progress. She now attends school regularly, shows a keen interest in learning, and is particularly drawn to reading and drawing. While she finds math more challenging, she is motivated and cooperative in class. Her teachers report no behavioral concerns, and she follows classroom and home expectations with maturity. Regina is supported by psychotherapeutic care and is not on any medications. She does not experience sleep, eating, or substance-related issues.

At home, Regina is respectful and responsible. She understands and follows the rules, recognizes right from wrong, and identifies her foster mother as a trusted authority figure. She participates actively in daily activities and has formed strong bonds with her foster family and peers. Her gentle and affectionate nature enables her to connect easily with those she trusts. She expresses herself clearly, using age-appropriate language and a soft tone of voice. While she occasionally repeats inappropriate language heard from peers, her foster mother is helping her grow in this area with positive guidance.

Cognitively, Regina is developing steadily. She is beginning to think more abstractly and express complex ideas, though she is still gaining confidence in problem-solving. The care team continues to support her in developing these skills with patience and encouragement.

Regina thrives in age-appropriate activities and enjoys relaxing, playing with friends, and being outdoors. Her favorite pastimes include swimming, dancing, painting, and spending time in nature. She enjoys board games and field trips and especially looks forward to weekends when she can visit the river or go swimming. She enjoys wearing soft, comfortable clothes and takes joy in the freedom to play, explore, and simply be a kid.

She is open and hopeful about the adoption process. Regina dreams of joining a loving family that will care for her, encourage her goals, and provide the affection she missed in her early years. She understands that her age may make adoption harder, but she remains optimistic and ready to give her heart to the right family. She hopes to complete her education and has expressed a strong interest in acting and modeling.

Regina would do best in a stable, patient, and loving family, ideally with both a mother and a father. Her caregivers should provide clear and loving guidance while being committed to supporting her growth and healing. She would thrive in a home that values emotional expression, enjoys the outdoors, and navigates challenges with empathy.

To learn more about adopting Regina, please email Kimberly Elstun at colombia@ccaifamily.org and learn more about our Colombia Adoption program here.

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GiGi Pleet

Adoption Program Specialist & Grant Specialist

GiGi Pleet joined CCAI in 2014 as our China Applications Specialist. She rejoined the team in 2022 after taking a few years off to spend time with her family.  GiGi and her husband have adopted three beautiful daughters from China who are the joy and purpose of their lives.  GiGi is passionate about adoption and furthering CCAI’s mission to find loving parents and permanent homes for as many children as possible and to continue reaching out to children left behind.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her girls in the beautiful mountains of Colorado or on an adventure to a new, faraway place.
 
Joined CCAI:  Originally 2014 – 2020, rejoined 2022
 
Bucket List Item:  To see all Seven Wonders of the World 

Contact Information

gigi@ccaifamily.org

(303) 850-9998 ext. 300

Emily Straut

The Park Administrative Assistant

Emily was adopted through CCAI in 2002!  Having always admired the ways that the organization continued to support families even after adoption, she began working at The Park last year because she wanted to be more involved in the adoption community and according to her, “It’s been a blast so far!”

Emily is majoring in environmental science at MSU Denver and hopes to help mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. In her free time, she like to practice guitar, play video games, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family. 

Bucket List: Visit every province in China!

Contact Information

emily@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 170

CO Team Line 4

Ivy Buchanan

The Park Adoptee Program Coordinator

Ivy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Production Design for Film and Theater with a minor in Studio Art. She had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England and Florence, Italy. After graduating, while visiting an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal she had a moment of realization and knew she wanted to work in the adoption community. After some prior experience in post-adoption and nonprofit management, she came to The Park and is really enjoying focusing on and being involved with offering lifelong support for adoptees and the adoption community.

Ivy was adopted from Kazakhstan at 18-months old and is proud of her adoptee identity and her adoptive family. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing people in the adoption community and helping adoptees celebrate their identities. Her lifelong best friend was adopted from China through CCAI. 

In her free time, she enjoys making art (she is working on a series of sculptural paintings of poached animal species), trying new food, catching up with friends, reading, and being with family. She loves to travel whenever possible.

Joined CCAI: 2023

Top Bucket List Items:

  • A trail ride through “Middle Earth” in New Zealand
  • Volunteering for a few weeks at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Sleeping in a hammock on a beach

Contact Information

ivy@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 205

CO Team Line 1

Colorado Expenses

ExpenseAmountPmt MethodPay ToDue
Application Fee$250Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIApplication submission
Child Abuse Record Search$35/FamilyCheckCO Dept of Human ServiceApplication submission
IAAME Monitoring & Oversight Fee$500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAI (Sent to IAAME)After App Approval
First Program Fee (Includes Home Study)$5,700Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIAfter App Approval
CBI/FBI Fingerprint Search$39.50 per personMoney OrderColorado Bureau of InvestigationAfter App Approval
USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting$775 plus $85/adultCheck/Money OrderUS Dept. of Homeland SecurityUpon I-800A submission
Dossier PreparationApprox. $450-$900Check/Money OrderSecretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s)As preparing Dossier
Second Program Fee$5,050Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIDossier Submission
CCCWA Fee$1,270Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIDossier Submission
Third Program Fee$5,500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee$300Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Court Validation Deposit$200CheckCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Post Adoption Deposit (Refundable)$450Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Visa to enter China$140 (plus courier fee)Check/Credit CardChinese Consulate via a courier/travel agencyApproximately one month before travel to China
US Domestic & International Airfare$1,000 – $2,000 per traveler (adopted child over 2 requires full ticket)Credit CardA travel agency/airline of your choice

Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure

In China Travel & AccommodationsApprox. $4,000-$4,400 for two adultsACH WithdrawalCCAI (wired to China)Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure
Adoption Registration and Notarization$800 – $1,000CashLocal government in ChinaIn China
Orphanage Donation(Voluntary)Cash or WireOrphanageIn China
Child’s Passport$100-$150CashLocal passport agencyIn China
Food$700 – $800 per coupleCash/Credit CardHotel(s), restaurant(s)In China
Child Physical & Photo$130-$150CashClinicIn Guangzhou, China
Child U.S. Entry Visa$325Cash or CheckU.S. ConsulateIn China
Court Validation Fee$167CheckCounty CourtAfter U.S. Return
Child’s Colorado Birth Certificate$37.75CheckColorado Vital Statistics OfficeAfter U.S. Return
Lutheran Family Services$250CheckLutheran Family Services via CCAIWhen Home Study is approved by CCAI