Meet the Families
We met in California in 2009 while Darrell was a graduate student and Ben was working at a civil rights nonprofit. We instantly felt a connection. A year later we were living together. We’ve. Now been together for more than thirteen happy years.
About Darrell
I grew up in the Boston area with one older brother and five younger half-siblings, and a large extended family that almost all live in the Greater Boston area. Growing up with so many siblings made me interested in how kids think and learn (especially about math!).
I got my Ph.D. in Education. I am now a professor where I get to teach future teachers how to teach math to kids in early childhood and elementary grades. I have loved being a dad to Stella
About Ben
I grew up in Atlanta with four siblings and step-siblings. After studying history in college, I taught in Japan for two years and then in Vietnam for a year. When I returned to the U.S., I worked for various non-profits, focusing on civil rights and education.
I am passionate about food, love to cook, and want to help people access healthy, delicious food that nurtures people as well as the planet and society. I received a Master’s degree in Sustainable Food systems.
For the last three years, I have loved being able to stay at home with Stella and look forward to staying at home with another baby!
About Stella
We adopted Stella as a newborn and we love being her parents. Stella is 3 years old and loves to laugh and have fun.
She loves playgrounds and climbing on everything, and is both cautious and daring. She loves gymnastics class, dancing, and loves berries, pasta and chocolate doughtnuts and chocolate ice cream.
Stella is so affectionate with our kitties, and often tries to give them hugs (and sometimes succeeds!). Her favorite color is red, and her favorite book is Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes.
From Darrell about Ben: “When I first met Ben, I was immediately taken by his sense of humor and passion for helping others with good food. Thirteen years with Ben have flown by. I cannot imagine being without him. I have cherished raising Stella with him and seeing how much she loves him. I can’t wait to bring a second child into our lives and family!”
From Ben about Darrell: “When I first met Darrell, we immediately hit it off. He is smart, funny, and charming. I surprised myself early in our relationship when I thought, ‘Darrell will make a great dad.’ Turns out I was right! He is kind, caring, sweet, and patient with Sella. We’ve been so lucky to have so many fun adventures together and we look forward to sharing these with another child!”