Lori Knisely’s life is a profound journey of resilience, discovery, and advocacy rooted in her experience as an adoptee. Born in Kansas City in 1967 at St. Anthony’s Home for Infants, she was adopted through Catholic Charities during the "baby scoop" era. Brought home at 14 days old, she grew up "sandwiched" between her adoptive parents' biological son and daughter.
At age 16, Lori found herself pregnant and facing the same choice as her birth mother. Choosing a different path, she married her baby's father—a marriage that lasted nearly 40 years.
In 2017, an Ancestry DNA match identified her birth father, who unfortunately had passed away in 1986. While she wasn’t able to meet him, she has connected with a paternal half-sister.
In 2018, she received her original birth certificate, revealing her original birth name and her birth mother's name. Although she has located her birth mother, she has learned through another family member that her birth mother does not wish to have contact.
Lori holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Dedicated to the adoption community, she is a member of CUB and helps facilitate their online support group, “Traveling Together Thru Trauma.” A passionate advocate, she has presented at NAAP Happy Hour and serves as NAAP board Secretary.
Turning her story into strength, Lori shares her ongoing journey on her blog, “Peace by Piece,” where she shares the peace she has found by piecing together her origin story.
Lori on YouTube
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RESOURCES for Adoptees:
Adoptees who identify as queer gathering in community on Zoom: For details, email
adopteequeer@gmail.com and on
Instagram.
Adoptees Connect
Adoptee Mentoring Society
Celia Center Inc., a non-profit organization in Los Angeles
supporting all members of the foster care and the adoption constellation.
Gregory Luce and Adoptee Rights Law
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement
Moses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocate
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988.
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