All About
Robin and Neil
Testimonials from
our Friends
Deborah & Steven
This letter is to recommend wholeheartedly my dear friends Robin and Neil as adoptive parents.
I have known Robin since we met as pledges in a business fraternity in college. We shortly became fraternity brothers, but more than that, we became best friends. After college, we were roommates for 5 years and spent many more years traveling together both far and near, to Europe, Central America, and Australia.
Robin even helped orchestrate my engagement to Steven (unbeknownst to me at the time). She then went on to help me plan my wedding, giving so much of her time and thought. She is literally like a sister to me. And I often wished I were a sister in her family, as she grew up in the most well adjusted family environment of anyone I have known. Her mother, father, and brother have always been equally loving and caring.
I know that Robin has dreamed of having children since she was a little girl, and was always nurturing and protective of her younger brother. As a teenager, Robin babysat her younger cousins and many of the neighborhood children. When we lived together, Robin, through her involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, became a Big Sister to a young girl affected by 9/11. As Robin herself was unfortunately in the Towers that day, she felt strongly about helping others make sense of what had happened and what they were feeling.
I remember her little sister, Brittney, coming to visit and Robin always planning the perfect days ballgames, ice skating, bowling, museums, swimming in our buildings pool. She even kept up with her little sister, far after her responsibility to the organization had ended. She later became involved in teaching high school seniors about technology and even created a mentoring program for girls who were interested in pursuing technology. Even after so many years as an IT professional, it came as no surprise to anyone who knew her that because of her love for children she wanted to pursue teaching.
Another example of Robin's true love for children was how she always offered to baby-sit for the young son and baby of a lovely couple who lived next to us on 93rd street. To be honest, I went along for the ride. Robin changed all the diapers, wiped all the noses, and got the kids ready for bed. I just sat and watched in amazement at how natural she was with both of them. While I was afraid to hold the baby, she was so excited to be taking care of her. Its been ten years and were still in touch with the family. We marvel at how big the kids have grown and how special it was to spend time with them when they were so young.
Steven and I were absolutely thrilled for Robin when she met Neil. We knew how much she had longed to find that special someone in her life and Neil was a perfect match. Neil shares Robin's passion for family, travel and love of life. Neil also loves children and is like the pied piper to all of Robin's young cousins. Both Neil & Robin considered becoming single parents before they even met one another, but fortunately they did meet and now can pursue their dream together.
My children love seeing Robin and Neil. They have babysat for Sari (age 3) on several occasions. When we did leave her with them, we knew that she was in the best of hands. To this day, Sari gets excited whenever they come to visit and loves playing games with them, jumping all over Neil and playing with Robin's hair. Robin and Neil also played an important role at the bris (circumcision) ceremony for our son, Seth (now 11 months). He loves the attention that Robin and Neil give him when we all get together.
Robin and Neil are both upbeat, optimistic people who are passionate about education, maintaining strong family bonds and lasting friendships. Knowing them for as many years as we have, we highly recommend them as adoptive parents. There is no couple we know in this world more deserving to nurture and raise a child. They are both loving, caring and capable people. Any child would be lucky to have them in their life.
Marilyn
It is my pleasure to write to you about my friends Neil and Robin. I've known Neil for over 20 years and Robin for 5 years. I truly believe that they would be ideal parents.
I met Neil doing community theatre and had the opportunity to see him interact with children as a director and performer in childrens theatre. The kids loved being around Neil and I could see that the feeling was mutual. In particular, during a production of The Music Man, Neil instinctively took the lead in ensuring that the kids in the musical were both safe and well-behaved. He made them laugh but also spoke to them with respect and the children responded very favorably.
When Neil married Robin, I gained a new friend and I couldn't ask for better. They're a perfect team. Sadly, I've been through many tragic events in my life including the loss of both of my parents. Neil and Robin have always been there for me, offering support and a sympathetic ear. They are people who can be counted on.
Over the years, Neil has worked for Disney in different capacities because of his strong belief in the values, lessons and fun that Disney entertainment offers to children. Neil and Robin's combined passion for Disney products is evident in both their home and their frequent travel to Orlando and the Disney theme parks.
I feel that Neil and Robin would be compassionate, loving and responsible parents. Any child would be blessed to be able to call them mom and dad.
Christine
My name is Christine Theisen and I have known Robin since we were best friends at elementary school and ballet class. When my family moved out of the country and then relocated to the West Coast, Robin and I lost touch. When we were reunited in 2002, it was Robin's doing, and the part of her personality that brought us back together -- just as close, over 20 years later -- is one that will benefit her children.
In 2001, Robin's employer had offices in the World Trade Center. On September 11, Robin's company ordered its offices vacated fairly early and Robin and her coworkers managed to exit the building before it collapsed. In the months after, Robin shared the confusion, fear, and trauma of everyone else directly in the line of attack. Her response to that day, a reaching out to firmly connect herself with life and people, brought us back together. She found me on Classmates.com and we picked up as if no time has passed.
Robin and I have travelled together, stayed at each other's homes, and I was proud to be her matron of honor when she and Neil wed in 2006.
I have known Neil since 2005, when he and Robin began dating. He's a mensch. Neil is more than a great guy. He and Robin are a team, supportive of each other, and as likely to be found cooking dinner each night together as they are to be out sharing a meal with family or close friends.
A few years ago, Neil chose to change careers and his success at, and enjoyment of, becoming an elementary school teacher is evident when he talks about being in the classroom. Also evident is the kids' comfort with him. One set of 4th graders he student taught decided one day to call him -- instead of the regular Mr. W -- Mr. Wonderful. Of course, Neil humbly told the kids to go right back to Mr. W, but you get the point.
Which is, both Neil and Robin (who's completing a program now that will certify her to teach and integrate technology in NY public schools) have chosen to work with kids and the kids love them back. You should hear Robin's small cousins squealing when they arrive for a visit!
I trust Robin and Neil completely, and wholeheartedly support them in being excellent parents to any child lucky enough to join this family, by adoption, by birth, or both. We should all be so lucky. Their children will live in a stable, loving home; will benefit from each of their parents' true desire to parent; and the strength of a supportive and welcoming extended family. That extended family -- parents, siblings, uncountable aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends -- can't wait to meet their new baby.
Kim & Jeremy
The purpose of this letter is to enthusiastically recommend our friends Robin and Neil to become adoptive parents.
We have been neighbors of Robin and Neil for almost three years. In that time, we, as well as other families in our neighborhood, have all become very close friends. We spend a great deal of time together as a group and all worked together to create a wonderful sense of community.
Robin and Neil are a big part of that community and have demonstrated to us, as parents of two small children, that they possess all the requisite qualities to become dedicated, loving parents
themselves. Specifically, Robin and Neil are naturally self-less, often putting others before themselves. They have an infectious enthusiasm for children, as evidenced by their interaction not only with our kids but also the other children in our neighborhood.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they possess the maturity to fully understand the responsibilities of becoming parents.
It is our great hope that Robin and Neil become parents. Not only will it fulfill their long-held desire but will also greatly benefit the child lucky enough to grow up in their home.
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