From One Adoption Dream to Thousands: 40 Years of Lifetime Adoption

2026 marks an extraordinary milestone for Lifetime Adoption: 40 years of creating families, supporting birth mothers, and building lifelong connections.
 
Since Mardie Caldwell founded our agency in 1986, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside thousands of families through their adoption journeys.
 
What began as one woman’s personal dream and vision has grown into a nationally recognized leader in modern open adoption, uniting thousands of families with compassion and heartfelt support.
 

Table of Contents

• A Journey That Started with Love
• The Early Days: Changing How Adoption Works
• Modern Open Adoption: A New Understanding
• Stories That Touch Our Hearts
• Behind the Scenes: The Lifetime Adoption Team
• Celebrating 40 Years of Milestones
• Community Impact and Education
• Looking Forward: The Future of Lifetime Adoption
• Join Us in Celebrating

A Journey That Started with Love

Mardie Caldwell’s path to establishing Lifetime Adoption began with her own adoption experience. When she adopted her son, she saw firsthand how overwhelming and confusing the process could be without proper support. She witnessed the gaps in care available to both birth mothers and adoptive families, and she knew something had to change.
 
Determined to make a difference, Mardie became a Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P.) and dedicated her life to creating an organization built on compassion, education, and professional guidance. In 1986, Lifetime Adoption was born.
 
“I wanted to create a safe place where expectant mothers could learn about adoption without pressure; where they could explore what it might look like for them, understand their choices, and decide with confidence if it was the right path,” Mardie reflects. “Adoption is a life-changing journey for everyone involved. Seeing these babies grow to children and now adults is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me every day why this work matters.”
 
From day one, Mardie’s philosophy was clear: every adoption should be approached with compassion, personalized care, and genuine support. That philosophy still guides everything we do at Lifetime Adoption today.
 

The Early Days: Changing How Adoption Works

When Lifetime opened its doors, adoption looked very different from what it does today. Secrecy and stigma surrounded the process. Many expectant mothers felt isolated, without a voice in their child’s future. Hopeful adoptive parents struggled to navigate a fragmented system. Open adoption was still a relatively new concept, and most people didn’t understand how it could work.
 
Mardie knew that education was the key to change. She began hosting support groups, writing guides, and speaking publicly about the benefits of open adoption—where birth parents and adoptive families maintain ongoing communication, creating trust and lasting relationships.
 
In those early years, Lifetime operated primarily in California. But Mardie’s forward-thinking approach quickly attracted national attention. As one of the first adoption agencies to establish an internet presence, Lifetime created a nationwide network, connecting adoptive families and birth mothers across the country in ways that weren’t possible before.
 
“It was revolutionary to connect families across state lines,” Mardie recalls. “Technology gave us the ability to provide support and match families in ways we never could have imagined.”
 

Modern Open Adoption: A New Understanding

For four decades, Lifetime Adoption has been at the forefront of modern open adoption, helping reshape how people understand and experience the adoption process. Today’s open adoption allows families and birth mothers to maintain connections, exchange updates, and create relationships that continue long after placement.
 
We’ve made it our mission to educate the public about what open adoption truly looks like. Through books, articles, podcasts, radio shows, speaking engagements, and media appearances—including Larry King Live, The Today Show, CNN Headline News, and Fox—Mardie and our team have worked to make adoption more approachable, open, and compassionate.
 
“Many women are still unaware of what open adoption can look like today,” says Heather Featherston, Lifetime Adoption’s Vice President. “We make it our priority to provide education, guidance, and support so that birth mothers and adoptive families can make informed, confident decisions.”
 
This commitment to education extends beyond families. Our adoption coordinators and staff undergo extensive training to ensure they’re prepared to provide professional, empathetic guidance at every step. This dedication to expertise and compassion has helped Lifetime become a trusted name in adoption nationwide.
 

Stories That Touch Our Hearts

At the heart of Lifetime Adoption are the real people whose lives have been transformed by the adoption process. Each story is unique, filled with hope, courage, and connection. Over the past 40 years, we’ve been privileged to be part of thousands of adoptions, creating countless stories of joy and growth.
 

Birth Mothers Share Their Experiences

“I was put in touch with Lifetime Adoption shortly after I found out I was pregnant,” shares Brittany. “I could never thank them enough for guiding me through this journey. They stayed in contact with me through the entire pregnancy with nothing but support and genuine care. My coordinator Brittany helped me to find the absolute perfect parents for my child. Whom I talk to ALL the time. It is an open adoption & the adoptive parents are so supporting and send me pictures and updates frequently.”
 
Brittany continues, “If you’re considering adoption, you are NOT ALONE! There are couples who can’t have children and are honored to to adopt your child. Lifetime adoption still stays in touch with me even after the birth, just to check in. No amount of words could express how grateful I am for them, for this journey, everybody wins. I felt bad about adoption at first, and I realized I was able to bless another family. I am 100% content with the decision I made.”
 
“I never knew adoption could be like this until it was,” says B*, a birth mother who chose a Lifetime family for her newborn daughter. “Getting to have my daughter at my wedding was a dream come true. Never did I think placing her for adoption meant I could have her a part of my life like this. I love her and her parents so much. Raquel and Ricardo walked me down the aisle at my wedding, and Ricardo did the father-daughter dance with me. They are amazing.”

* Name hidden for privacy

 
“During my pregnancy, I discovered Lifetime Adoption through a Google search,” writes another birth mother, N Y. “Libby and Veronica were incredibly kind and supportive. They sent me profiles of potential adoptive parents and regularly checked in on me throughout my pregnancy. I truly appreciated the opportunity to browse through the profiles of such wonderful, stable families.”
 

From the Adoptees Themselves

“I think my entire life has been a blessing. I don’t regret being adopted,” said Alexa, a Lifetime adoptee, in a candid video interview. “It’s kind of special, too, to be able to say, ‘I’m adopted,’ you know? It’s just that [my birth mother] loved me enough to be able to do that, to place a child she had for nine-plus months. I think that’s definitely the most positive thing is just to know that I was given a second chance at life and to know that it worked out in the best way I could ever imagine.”
 
And Arianna, who was adopted at birth by Lifetime adoptive couple Tim and Tisha, shares a fond memory from her childhood. As a child, she always loved nighttime stories, so Tim turned her adoption story into a bedtime story.
 
Arianna recalled how her father’s animated stories helped her see just how much her parents love her; she shares, saying, “He always used to tell me my adoption story, and it used to be so animated. I could just tell how much they loved me.” Since adoption has been a part of Arianna’s identity since her earliest memory, she sees how being adopted makes her special and unique.
 

Adoptive Families Reflect

The Bacon family, who adopted twice through Lifetime Adoption, describes their experience with Lifetime as a blessing. “Lifetime Adoption Agency helped my husband & I start our family 20 years ago, with the open adoption of our son. We were blessed to adopt a second time 12 years ago, completing our family with the adoption of our daughter. The staff at Lifetime is kind, caring, supportive, understanding, and beyond dedicated. They value and honor both parties of the adoption process wholeheartedly; their heart for adoption is what led us to them in the first place. We recommend Lifetime Adoption Agency without hesitation. You can absolutely trust Lifetime to help you build your family,” they share.
 
“Our experience with Lifetime was amazing! They quickly became our family and were there for us every step of the way,” writes adoptive mother Nicole. “Every member at Lifetime is knowledgeable and truly cares about adoptive parents and birth mothers. The support they provide for adoptive parents and birth mothers is unmatched. Our coordinator was always available for us, even if I just needed to vent about my struggles with the wait. She was always so kind and reassuring. I will recommend Lifetime to everyone I can, over and over. We are forever grateful for all their love and support while we were on our journey to one of our biggest blessings, our son!”
 
“Lifetime exceeded our expectations! From the moment we reached out, we were met with warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care,” shares adoptive mother Lauren. “It was clear that everyone at Lifetime truly loves what they do, and that made all the difference for us. Their professionalism and expertise shone through at every stage of our adoption journey. Lifetime’s coordinators and staff have years of experience, and their knowledge was invaluable when we encountered challenges. We felt confident and prepared thanks to their guidance and support. Choosing Lifetime was one of the best decisions we made. They not only helped us match with our son’s birth parents but also provided us with the tools and knowledge we needed to navigate the adoption process with grace and confidence. We recommend Lifetime Adoption to anyone considering adoption.”
 
These stories—from birth mothers, adoptive families, and adoptees—show the real impact of Lifetime Adoption’s work. Each connection, each family formed, and each life changed is a testament to our commitment to care, compassion, and lasting relationships.
 

Behind the Scenes: The Lifetime Adoption Team

While Mardie Caldwell’s vision laid out the foundation, it’s our team of coordinators and support staff who carry out the daily work of building families with excellence and heart.
 

Heather Featherston, Vice President

Heather has been with Lifetime Adoption for over 20 years. She is passionate about ensuring pregnant women truly understand the choices they have with a modern, open adoption. Heather ensures that Lifetime’s values of compassion and ethical support are upheld in every interaction. Her dedication and warmth help create an encouraging environment for all those involved in the adoption process.
 
Heather’s approach is rooted in empowering birth parents with choices and support throughout the adoption process. As she explains, “We tell them that you can choose the parents and get to know them. You can decide what kind of contact you want in the future, including letters and pictures. It could be in-person visits every year. You can be connected through social media or text messaging — and even make the decisions at the hospital: You can see and hold your baby and decide who cuts the cord.”
 
“Many women are surprised to learn how different adoption is from foster care,” Heather explains. “Often, their only experience is seeing a friend or relative lose parental rights under challenging circumstances, so they don’t realize how empowering and supportive the adoption process can be.”
 

Linda Rotz, Director of Adoption Services

Linda Rotz serves as the Director of Adoptive Services at Lifetime Adoption, providing guidance to both adoptive families and birth parents as she oversees the coordination of adoption services. Linda brings more than 16 years of hands-on experience from the child welfare and foster care system to her role supporting both birth mothers and adoptive families.
 
Her deep expertise in adoption procedures, coupled with her educational background in Human Development, Mass Communications, and Social Work, empowers her to expertly guide families through every phase of the adoption process with confidence and compassion. Linda is often called the “cheerleader” of the office, known for connecting with people, cheering on their progress, and helping them grow in their passion for family and community.
 

Adoption Coordinators

Coordinators guide families through the emotional, legal, and practical aspects of adoption. For parents considering placement, they provide help navigating hard feelings and share how adoption can be a respectful and empowering option. Lifetime’s coordinators provide education, mediate communication between birth parents and adoptive families, and ensure that each adoption plan is personalized and carefully executed.
 
Since 2002, Veronica Hofheinz has poured her heart into guiding both adoptive families and birth parents on their adoption journeys. She spends countless hours on the phone, offering reassurance, compassion, and practical help whenever it’s needed most. Veronica’s warmth and genuine care shine through in every conversation, making a lasting difference in the lives she touches.
 
As an Adoption Coordinator, Robyn Moore gently guides families through each stage of their adoption journey, offering heartfelt support from the very first conversation to the joyful moment when they welcome a new child into their home. “Witnessing these life-changing experiences is what inspires my dedication to this meaningful work,” she says.
 

Our Experienced Team

Many members of the Lifetime team have been with the agency for years, some even decades. They mentor new staff and share the wisdom that comes from years of experience. Their dedication, professionalism, and compassion are at the heart of Lifetime’s legacy.
 
Libby Denniston has been a dedicated and creative member of the Lifetime Adoption team since 2005. She plays a vital role in helping hopeful adoptive parents tell their stories through compelling adoption websites and profiles, while also coordinating outreach resources and educational webinars. “The adoption journey brings together two sides, who probably never imagined being on the paths they’ve been on, to create a new path through the future of a child,” says Libby. “I’ve seen how open adoption can truly grow a family, beyond the addition of a child. The love between adoptive parents and their child’s birth mother or biological family is so special and unique.”
 
Kim King is a dedicated and compassionate Adoptive Family Coordinator at Lifetime Adoption, where she has served with warmth, encouragement, and deep expertise since 2003. Known for her supportive, approachable style, Kim brings clarity and confidence to hopeful adoptive families navigating what can be a complex, emotional journey. Kim also cohosts the Let’s Talk Adoption podcast, where she shares real stories and thoughtful guidance to inspire and equip adoptive families across the country.
 

Celebrating 40 Years of Milestones

Over four decades, Lifetime Adoption has accomplished so much:

• Thousands of adoptions have been completed nationwide, connecting families and birth mothers across the country.
• Early use of technology, becoming one of the first agencies to use the internet to help families across states
• National media presence, with more than 150 media appearances highlighting adoption education and awareness
• Award-winning publications, including books by Mardie Caldwell that provide guidance for families and professionals alike
• Recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration, honoring Lifetime Adoption as Woman-Owned Business of the Year

These milestones reflect our consistent dedication to quality, compassion, and innovation in adoption services.
 

Community Impact and Education

Lifetime Adoption has never limited its impact to individual families. Education and community engagement are central to our mission.

• Educational Resources: Through articles, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and books, Lifetime provides accessible education to both families and professionals.
• Professional Training: Adoption staff receive extensive training to provide informed, empathetic guidance.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Lifetime works tirelessly to reduce misconceptions about adoption, particularly around open adoption practices.

By educating the public and professionals, we help ensure that adoption is seen as a positive, life-affirming choice for families everywhere.
 

Looking Forward: The Future of Lifetime Adoption

As we celebrate 40 years, we’re also focused on the future. Lifetime Adoption is dedicated to continuing our compassionate support for families and birth mothers at every stage. Our commitment to expanding adoption awareness means more people can discover the loving possibilities adoption provides.
 
Looking ahead, we’re excited to incorporate emerging technologies to reach and assist people wherever they are, broaden our national impact, and strengthen our educational resources and virtual support. Through every new chapter, we remain devoted to offering hope, support, and connection through adoption.
 
“Our work isn’t done,” says Mardie Caldwell. “We look forward to the next 40 years of helping families grow, supporting birth mothers, and sharing the joy of adoption.”
 

Join Us in Celebrating

As Lifetime Adoption celebrates this incredible milestone, we invite you to share in the joy. Whether you’ve been part of the Lifetime family as a birth mother, adoptive parent, adoptee, or staff member, your story matters.
 
Share your memories, experiences, and reflections using #Lifetime40Years, and join a nationwide celebration of the families and lives that Lifetime Adoption has touched over the past four decades.
 
Here’s to 40 years of love, connection, and family—and to many more years of making adoption dreams come true.