Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Audrey, a Utah teen, was adopted by Chad and Kiirstin Coronato in New York City.
- The Coronatos advocate adopting older children, emphasizing the need for permanent families.
- Audrey embraces new opportunities in New York City, expressing love for her adoptive family.
NEW YORK CITY — Two years ago, KSL introduced viewers to Audrey, a teenager in Utah foster care with a love for dance and one simple wish: to find a family.
Today, that wish has come true.
Now 17, Audrey has been adopted by Chad and Kiirstin Coronato and is settling into life in New York City, where she's embracing new experiences, pursuing her passion for dance and, like many teenagers, learning to drive.
New milestones
"I think my parents were more nervous than I was," Audrey laughed while talking about her first driving lesson in an empty parking lot in New Jersey.
Those everyday milestones are moments her family doesn't take for granted.
Adoption was always Plan A
When Chad and Kiirstin decided they were ready to become parents, they knew adoption would be their first choice.
"Adoption had always been our Plan A," Chad said.
They also knew they wanted to adopt an older child.
"I think when people think about adoption, usually they think of adopting babies," Kiirstin said. "I know Audrey is a big advocate for adopting older children, but especially teenagers who are going to most likely age out of the system."
The couple was introduced to Audrey through Utah's foster care adoption program. They also watched the Wednesday's Child story KSL produced featuring Audrey's love of dance.
"I remember seeing Audrey and thinking, 'Oh my God, how does this kid not have a home? And how can we make our home hers?'" Chad said.
A journey worth the wait
The journey wasn't immediate.
Months of paperwork, Zoom meetings and cross-country travel followed before Audrey officially moved to New York in December.
Kiirstin still remembers the flight home.
"I just felt so content," she said. "I'm here with my family on this plane, and I'm going to watch this movie, and all is right with the world."
A full-circle celebration
Just a few months later, another unforgettable moment came: Audrey's birthday.
"My dad drove all the way to Pennsylvania to get it for me," Audrey said of her Taylor Swift-themed birthday cake.
For Kiirstin, it wasn't the cake that made the day so meaningful.
"It was pretty emotional to see everyone in the family show up for her," she said.
For a teenager who once hoped for a permanent family, being surrounded by relatives celebrating her birthday was a full-circle moment.
Looking ahead
Today, Audrey says New York has opened doors she never imagined.
"It's a lot. There's a lot more opportunities here in New York," she said. "I got an opportunity to audition for a summer intensive."
She's also beginning to think about college while continuing to dance.
Most importantly, she's found what she had been hoping for.
"I love them so much," Audrey said of her parents. "And I love our home."
Hoping others will say yes
The Coronatos hope their story encourages others to consider adopting older children who are still waiting for permanent families.
"There are a lot of older kids that are waiting for not only homes, but just a support system to help them navigate the next chapters of their life," Kiirstin said.
Chad agrees.
"I can't be happier that we did it and we ended up where we are today," he said.
Learn more
To learn more about foster care adoption and children waiting for permanent families, visit Raise the Future at raisethefuture.org.
