Steffany Aye

Hi, I’m Steffany Aye, founder of Adoption & Beyond—a boutique adoption agency committed to helping families grow with compassion, clarity, and lifelong support.

And funny enough… helping people on their adoption journey was not what I thought I would do when I grew up!

The Moment That Sparked It All

Back in high school, I found myself drawn to the kinds of stories no one really wanted to talk about: teen pregnancy.

Where I grew up, it wasn’t all that common, but it was still there. Girls my age were facing life-changing decisions, often with little to no support. They were scared, unsure, and feeling completely alone, surrounded by a community that looked the other way.

That didn’t sit right with me.

I didn’t want one difficult choice (or even a few—some lessons take a little time to learn!) to define someone’s future. These girls needed support, and I wanted to be the one to give it.

And that calling led me to pursue a career in social work.

Falling into Adoption—And Finding My Purpose

While working toward my master’s in social work, I interned at a maternity home, supporting young women through one of the most vulnerable chapters in their lives.

After graduation, I hoped to continue that work, but the only opening available was in adoption.

I told the agency, “I don’t know anything about adoption!”

“You’ll learn.”
And I did.

Just nine months later (and yes, a lot can happen in nine months!), I was running the child placement program. That’s when I realized something wasn’t right: expecting mothers were choosing adoptive families using a single sheet of paper. No photo. No story. No meetings.

Meanwhile, I had interviewed twelve babysitters before trusting someone with my 3-month-old for just a few hours each day. Something didn’t add up. So I set out to change it.

Humanizing the Adoption Process

I introduced photo books—profiles that told real stories, with family photos and heartfelt messages.

I encouraged birth mothers to meet adoptive families, building real, human connections.

I became a strong advocate for open adoption because it offers something invaluable: transparency, connection, and a foundation of truth for everyone, especially the child.

Because adoption isn’t a transaction, it’s a lifelong commitment.

And it should be filled with empathy, understanding, and love.

When It Became Personal

Years into my work, I saw adoption from a new perspective—as an adoptive parent myself.

My stepmom, a licensed foster carer, called one day about a little girl named Shayla who needed a permanent home.

At the time, my husband, Don, and I already had four incredible kiddos, and he felt we were done building our family (although he knew I had a desire to adopt). So, I promised to talk to Don nonetheless.

And he’s never lost the ability to surprise me.

He jumped at the chance to add Shayla to our family—not because we planned it, but because it was right.

She was meant to be with us.

And that experience confirmed everything I believed about adoption.

Why I Started Adoption & Beyond

Decades of professional experience, as well as my own family’s journey, have taught me what it really takes to navigate the adoption process.

I’ve seen firsthand the nerves, the heartbreak, and the joy.

And I believe that while adoption isn’t easy, it shouldn’t be overwhelming.

As the founder of Adoption & Beyond, I am passionate about creating a process that’s personal, transparent, and full of heart.

We walk with birth parents and adoptive parents from start to finish (and beyond), ensuring every step feels supported and clear.

If You’re Wondering Where to Begin…

You’re not alone. And you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re just starting to explore adoption or you’re ready to begin the process, we’re here to guide you with honesty, compassion, and real-life experience.

Start your adoption journey with us.

Let’s walk it together.

Steffany Aye