The book is heavily researched through the help of two amazing young ladies who share the author’s vision for the storytelling structure within the book. Stories make things real. But behind the topics in the book are real pressures that touch on politics, economics, and the struggles between race, class, gender roles and the conflicts both within the United States and beyond. Their help is and continues to be invaluable. Meet them below:

Alana “Zhen” Bayless graduated from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV) in
the Summer of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Currently, Zhen is a
junior project manager and program coordinator at UNLV’s Forest Inventory and
Analysis program. Zhen’s long-term career aspiration is to pursue a master’s in clinical
Mental Health Counseling and become a Licensed Mental Health Therapist.”

Sadie Hinson is a trained project management professional with a background in technical writing
and community program management. She has worked with children for over seven years in various
contexts, most within the nonprofit and government sectors. She recently earned her bachelor’s
degree in psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Sadie's academic and professional
experiences have drawn her strongly to children’s advocacy, particularly surrounding the foster
system. Sadie has a passion for answering complex questions through thorough research and
analysis. Researching for The Adoption Paradox has been especially rewarding because it allowed
her to utilize her skill sets, knowledge, and passions to help elucidate an incredibly complex topic.