Meet Mark
Sometimes in life you get incredibly lucky. It happened to Mark at the age of 8 months when he was adopted by Bill and Karen, his adoptive parents. Growing up in the suburbs of New York, his 3 siblings and he had a rather idyllic childhood in a diverse neighborhood that was full of kids our age. He is the third in line having two older sisters and a younger brother, his sisters being biological children of his parents and his brother also adopted
Over the years he has become ever more grateful for all that his parents have done for him and, as a result, ever more grateful for the decision that his birth parents made in placing him for adoption. He is sure that it was not an easy decision but he cannot imagine a better outcome.
Today Mark lives in those same New York suburbs with the love of his life, C.C., where he works as an Assistant Director on television commercials. The Assistant Director is like the Foreman on a construction site. He organizes the work so that everyone is working efficiently, manages the film crew, and he even gets to say “Action!” when they roll the cameras. The work is enjoyable, mostly because he gets to work with different people in different locations all of the time.
After high school, he chose to study film at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee because he figured that the film classes would require less reading and writing and more practical, hands on classes. This turned out to be true and after college he started working on films and commercials in New York City. 20 years later he is a member of the Director’s Guild of America working at the highest level of commercial production.
Because being adopted has been such a gift to Mark, he has always known that he would adopt children so that he could pass along that gift to others. He is excited about sharing his hobbies like playing guitar, fixing things, and telling stupid jokes. Most of all, he is looking forward to providing the same stable platform that he had as a child, a platform from which his children can plot their own course and launch towards their dreams successfully.
Mark’s favorite hobbies
I have a passion for cooking, especially Chinese cuisine, and enjoy experimenting with new recipes and ingredients. I also enjoy being outdoors and enjoy fishing by the ocean and everything to do with boating. I like to tinker with learning to play the guitar and building/re-building custom instruments. I am a collector of many fun things, and enjoy learning how to make things or fix things on my own. I love a good pun and a sharp joke, and enjoy getting some laughs from my friends and family.
What I love about Mark (by C.C.)
Mark makes every person he comes in contact with feel safe and welcome. He probably should have gone into comedy or performing of some kind, as he is hilarious, and way too much fun. He makes up songs on a whim, and literally whistles while he works. He’s open-minded, generous, and never jumps to conclusions. He’s whip smart, but very down to earth. He is very loyal, and loves to spend time with his family–dinners, outings and vacations. He loves and supports me, and I have no doubt that he will do the same for our growing family. He’s just the best.
Meet C.C.
C.C. is a writer, filmmaker, and instructor/coach/teacher who helps writers of all ages stay motivated, and helps them craft their creative and personal stories. She is also lucky enough to tutor school-aged children in the foster care system.
Born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, she lived with her mother and Swedish grandmother in a cozy brick house until she left for college in the Boston area. She loved the security and safety of academia, but she discovered her passion for film and story when she was accepted to a prestigious film school in New York.
Since then, she has dedicated herself to her work in film and has been lucky to be involved in multiple projects as a screenwriter and filmmaker, and work with many artists in telling their stories. In addition, she has also been teaching for several years, using her expertise to help others and impart her knowledge to the next generation of filmmakers.
With a strong work ethic and a desire to help others, C.C. has always taken on multiple jobs and thrives on staying busy. She enjoys the satisfaction of making a positive impact on others and is proud of her accomplishments in her career. She loves a to-do list, when plans magically come together, a simple cheese and cracker appetizer, and finding fun in the small things in life, like walking to the mailbox, and going to the grocery store.
C.C.’s favorite hobbies
I am passionate about reading, visiting libraries and stories of all kinds, Of course, I love movies, television, and theater. I get a kick out of food fun (especially pizza making and baking). I prefer playing with the kids at a party, and love all kinds of games. My mother is from Sweden, and I speak Swedish, and thoroughly enjoy Scandinavian books, art, crafts, and activities.
What I love about C.C. (by Mark)
C.C. is a supportive, kind, practical, and loving person. I love that she prioritizes the essential things in life and doesn’t get bogged down in minor details. When you least expect it, she surprises you with the funniest thing you ever heard. She’s one of the most intelligent people I know, and she types so fast, it almost seems like she’s faking it. She’s always ready to help, and is a big support to our families and her friends. I’m so lucky to have her in my life.
