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Who's Who / McMahon, Adelaide Diana
« Last post by Adelaide Diana McMahon on June 26, 2026, 06:13:55 PM »
Adolescent Application

Hi! My name is Adlaide Diana McMahon, and I am in the 10th grade. I am 15 years old. Please use she/her pronouns when referring to me!

Basic Information

Full Name: Adelaide Diana McMahon
Nickname, if Any: Adele, Dela
Age: 15 years
Birthday: April 12tj
Sex: Female
Pronouns: She/Her
Current Grade/Year in School, if Applicable: 10th
Current Occupation, if Applicable: None, yet
Special Needs: Sleep regulation. She tends to stay up far too late, reading or doing anything she can but sleep.  Food moderation.

Appearance

Height: 5'3
Build: Thin and slightly underweight
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Distinguishing Features: Her eyes appear slightly larger in her face than they should.
Brief Description:
Adele is often described as petite, but she is underweight. She keeps her blond hair either down as straight as she can or tucked into ball caps. She doesn't like her appearance and often tries to hide herself or make herself look as plain as possible. There is an inquisitive glint in her eyes that people don't notice if they aren't careful. While other girls her age are applying makeup like they are MUA's in practice, she shies away from all of that. The most you might find on her is Chapstick. From a clothing perspective, she tries to be comfortable. Jeans and oversized tees. Or her pajamas. She likes fluffy pajamas and no socks. Adele is always having to be reminded that she should put on shoes to go somewhere, as she would honestly prefer to go barefoot.

Personality

What are your greatest strengths? List 5-10: curious, passionate, willing to help, picks up history and languages fairly quickly, likes to read and study, will mostly follow rules, not afraid to ask questions
What are your greatest weaknesses? List 5-10: challenges people a lot, overthink almost every situation, tends to get mouthy, doesn't always think before speaking, tries too hard to be a people pleaser.
What do you struggle with? There are two main areas that Adele struggles with. She doesn't like to sleep as she tends to have nightmares, not of any particular thing, just really weird sounds and emotions. She also doesn't eat much, far less than she should.
What are your hobbies or interests? reading, history class, hockey, baseball, football, drinking coffee, watching game shows, listening to true crime podcasts.
What do you really enjoy? reading fantasy novels, watching hockey, wearing fluffy socks occasionally, and sweaters, being overlooked, chocolate ice cream, and strawberry cheesecake.
What do you really dislike? sleeping, nightmares, people who push her to answer questions or talk more, feeling like she is forced to be included, when people judge her eating habits, wearing shoes and socks most of the time.
What are your favorite things? Harry Potter, any books with elves, dragons, and knights, hot cocoa, chicken-fried steak.
What do you fear? never figuring out the source of her nightmares and always being tired.
Describe your personality in 100-500 words:

Adele is hard to pin down with precise descriptions. See, she's the quiet girl who is often overlooked and rarely called on in class. When she is though, she tends to have the right answer. Smarter than people give her credit for, with a thirst for knowledge, but unwilling to acknowledge it. When things don't make sense, she asks a lot of questions. If you tend to be someone who shares her interests, she can talk your ear off. Most of the time, she is going to ignore you because she doesn't want attention, as attention draws eyes to her own habits. She's a good friend to have, and very much the kind that will not try to outshine anyone. Adelaide can be outspoken when she's trying to get someone out of trouble, often willing to take the punishment for them, rather than letting them learn consequences. It's her way of keeping the peace, or so she believes.

Relationships & Behavior

How do you normally get along with adults? It honestly depends on the situation. Adele respects adults, until they say something rude or disparaging. Then she does not show them any more respect. Oftentimes, her ability to ask questions is seen as talking back when that is not her intention.
How do you normally get along with teenagers? Adele thinks most of them are far too stupid. Too busy, obsessed with social media and fads, she tries to avoid that. She'll talk to them if they talk to her, but she doesn't go out of her way to make friends.
How do you normally get along with other children? She likes spending time with younger children, because often they can play quietly and she doesn't have to do anything but read or color.
How independent are you? Adele is fairly independent but still needs a bit of monitoring. She believes some of her actions are normal, but without improving them, she would just make things worse.
How do you normally react when you get into trouble? Internally freak out, and then try to assess if it was her fault or someone blaming her. She tends to take the discipline without much lip, but if it's something she doesn't like, she might mouth off a bit more.
Link to your discipline sheet: click here ✅

Orphan Village

How long have you lived at the Orphan Village? 3 years
Which House do you belong to? Birch
Are you currently enrolled at the Orphan Village Academy or BWI College? Orphan Village Academy
What jobs or responsibilities do you have at the Orphan Village? She hasn't found anything that she sticks with.

How did you come to live at the Orphan Village? Adele was sent to Orphan Village after five failed foster families. She blames herself, but mostly it was her lack of eating and the fact that she rarely slept. Apparently, reading on the couch in the dark was creepy. She refused to take any meds to calm her anxiety enough at night so that she could rest, always afraid of the nightmares.

How do you generally get along with caregivers and authority figures? She is slow to trust, expecting them to prove rather than say. She doesn't forget when someone makes a promise and breaks it. She also doesn't like adults who hover. She needs her independence, and having someone checking on her every two hours annoys her.

How do you generally get along with younger residents? Adele enjoys spending time with the younger kids. Enjoys playing outside with them or reading to them. She tries to teach them things, but it's not always the right thing. They do not annoy her nearly as much as kids her own age.

How do you generally get along with your peers? In truth, Adele avoids them as much as she can. She never tries to be popular and doesn't understand the ones who want to. She is quick to correct them when they say something that sounds wrong or stupid, and she doesn't understand the fascination that some have with makeup and clothes.

Do you prefer to be adopted or remain in the Orphan Village? Adele would prefer to be adopted.
Describe your ideal adoptive family.
A family with few children. Either a family without children or they only have one or two others. Preferably older or younger than her. She desires parents who will let her explain the strange dreams she will offer possible solutions rather than just try to get her to 'forget it. She needs a family that is encouraging but structured. Allowing her to make her own mistakes but still supporting her through the consequences of doing that.

Is there anything else we should know about how you get along in the Orphan Village? As long as there's a library, she's happy, mostly.

Other

Is there anything else we need to know about you? She doesn't like to be called a nerd or geek. She can be forthcoming if you allow her to come to you but the moment someon tries to push her to answer questions she shuts down.
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Who's Who / Starwalker123
« Last post by Starwalker123 on June 26, 2026, 06:02:53 PM »

Member Application

Hi! My name is Starwalker123 and I am 27. Please use he/him pronouns when referring to me!

What do you hope to get out of being a member of Birchwood Isle? A safe space for all my inner people mostly my teens and kids

Did you come here looking for someone to care for your inner kid(s)? Yes but also to do the same for others

What will you do if you post a thread for your inner kid and nobody replies to it? Breath and move on. Be a little sad for them unless it is Cyan and then they are going to be really upset and i will have to try and work through that with them.

What will you do if an adoption falls through for your inner kid?  Start over and  go slower the next time and make sure to do a better job checking to see how the next one would work out,  Cyan would need the extra love and support so i would have to step back from those storylines for a while

If you are playing an adult character, what will you do if you find an unanswered thread in which a child or adolescent is acting out? Check with everyone and see if there was a need/way for me to step in without stepping on toes

If the site needs it, are you willing to play an adult? Of course

Is there anything you want us to know about you? You can just call me Star, I love animals, and this site is hitting home as i work through things that are going on as my spouse and i get ready to start a family

Link to your discipline sheet: click here
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Who's Who / Reinla
« Last post by Reinla on June 26, 2026, 04:32:02 PM »
Member Application

Hi! My name is Reinla, and I am 41+. Please use she/her pronouns when referring to me!

What do you hope to get out of being a member of Birchwood Isle? I am hoping to find a safe space to explore some of the situations my inner child questions. Also, a place to find a new sort of family.

Did you come here looking for someone to care for your inner kid(s)? Yes and no. I say this because I know that I need someone to care for her, but at the same time, I have someone in real life (who is not on the site) who helps with it somewhat.

What will you do if you post a thread for your inner kid and nobody replies to it? This is hard. I have to remind my inner child that it doesn't mean no one likes her. That sometimes the topic or situation is not right for that person.  I would go back and re-read the thread and maybe edit it if need be. If enough time has passed, I would ask for it to be archived and try to pivot and try something else.

What will you do if an adoption falls through for your inner kid? Go back to the drawing board, of a sort. Figure out where the disconnect or problem was and try to find a way to correct it. I would hope that it wouldn't be the inner kid who was the problem, but it very well may be. I know for them, it would be a notice to try to change some of their behaviors that might be the trouble. Mostly, just encourage them that one failure isn't all failure.

If you are playing an adult character, what will you do if you find an unanswered thread in which a child or adolescent is acting out? It depends on the situation. If the thread is tagged for someone, I would reach out to both parties and see if they need to pivot, if they are ok with someone else jumping in. I never want to step on anyone's toes, and just appearing could be a shock or make the situation worse.

If the site needs it, are you willing to play an adult? Yes. I would probably start with a child first, though.

Is there anything you want us to know about you? So this site is hitting a little closer to home for me as I am in the process of becoming an adoptive parent. I do expect to learn some things and share my unique perspective as well.

Link to your discipline sheet: click here ✅
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Who's Who / Boone, Claire L.
« Last post by Claire Lenore Boone on June 26, 2026, 02:07:03 PM »
Adult Application

Hi! My name is Claire Lenore Boone, and I am a homemaker. I am 40 years old. Please use she/her when referring to me!

Basic Information

Where do you live? Northern Isle
Are you married? If yes, to whom? Yes. To Nathaniel Boone.
Do you have any children? If yes, list them. Yes. Ethan (18), Gemma (16), Luke (11), and one more on the way.
Is your family open to adopting children or adolescents? Yes. Nathaniel and I have talked about adoption for years. We believe every child deserves a family, and if we truly believed we were the right fit for a particular child or adolescent, we'd gladly welcome them into ours.

Appearance
Height: 5'7"
Build: Curvy, healthy, and active
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Distinguishing Features: Expressive eyes, an easy smile, and a wedding ring that she never takes off.
Brief Description: Claire has the warm sort of appearance that naturally puts people at ease, right up until she's disappointed with someone. She carries herself with a quiet elegance, favoring dresses or outfits that look well put together the majority of the time. She's the type of woman who vacuums in pearls, wears a dress cover-up at the beach, and prefers an apron in the kitchen to dressing down, though she'll happily trade it for old clothes when she's working in the garden.

While she has a naturally kind face, she also possesses a remarkably effective "mother's look" that has ended many arguments before they ever truly began.

Personality
Strengths: Loyal; organized; decisive; protective; hospitable; hardworking; honest; perceptive; confident; nurturing
Flaws: Impatient; stubborn; quick-tempered; opinionated; demanding; controlling; blunt; struggles to relax; takes on too much responsibility
Likes: Baking; gardening; family dinners; holidays; fresh flowers; reading; hosting guests; coffee; church; babies; beach days
Dislikes: Lying; excuses; backtalk; disrespect; wasted food; dirty kitchens; unfinished chores; manipulation; laziness; unnecessary drama
Vices: Coffee
Fears: Losing a child. She watched how it destroyed her own mother.
Personality: Claire has always believed that families are built intentionally -- one conversation, one meal, one correction, and one act of love at a time. She says all the time that "love grows," and she means it. It takes more than one mistake or misstep to ruin something that has grown steadily over time and been properly nourished. 

Running the Boone household has never been a matter of settling -- it was what she wanted, and she never sacrificed any big dreams or plans for it. Her family was her big dream. She takes pride in what she does. She knows where everyone's supposed to be, what everyone's got going on, and usually notices when something is wrong well before anyone says a word.

While naturally warm, Claire also has a fiery streak. She's quicker to anger than her husband. She doesn't enjoy disciplining children, but she does believe that delaying necessary consequences usually makes things worse. Once she's decided that punishment is deserved, she carries it out confidently, fairly, and without apology.

Despite her stricter nature, Claire forgives easily once a matter has been resolved.

Relationships & Discipline

How do you normally get along with other adults? Very well. Claire has a close group of friends she sees regularly, along with many other neighbors whose homes she's comfortable dropping by and who are always welcome in hers.
How do you normally get along with teenagers? Claire appreciates teenagers for the stage of life that they're in, and does her best to respect it as much as possible. She's been known to have her moments with her own, especially when they've gotten themselves into some hot water, but ultimately, she can understand that they're in a tricky part of development while still holding them to the same standard she always has.
How do you normally get along with children? Claire enjoys children and has a gift for making them feel safe, loved, and included. But she also believes that children thrive when they know exactly where the boundaries are. She's affectionate, playful, and encouraging, but she also expects good manners, obedience, and respect. Children that spend time with Claire know they're deeply loved, but they also know she means what she says.
Link to your discipline sheet: click here ✅


Background

Education: High School Diploma
Work History: Claire has spent most of her life as a homemaker, but she's known for volunteering through churches, community events, youth programs, and neighborhood organizations.
Current Goals or Challenges: Claire is preparing to welcome another child into the family while continuing to support her older children as they become increasingly independent
Reason for Living on Birchwood Isle:Nate discovered Birchwood Isle and was willing to cash everything in to move their family. Upon discovering everything the island believed in, including more traditional discipline that they'd always upheld with their children themselves, Claire had agreed that it was worth looking into.
Brief History: Claire grew up in a loving, close-knit family where the expectation was simple: if you were old enough to contribute, you did. Family dinners happened around the table, chores were completed before anyone disappeared to do something more enjoyable, and children were corrected when they stepped out of line because her parents believed discipline was part of raising responsible adults. She grew up knowing she was deeply loved, but she also knew that love came with expectations.

When Claire was a teenager, her family experienced the devastating loss of one of her siblings. Watching her parents navigate that grief, especially her mother, changed the way she looked at family forever. It taught her that tomorrow is never guaranteed and that the people you love deserve your time, attention, and your whole heart today.

She met Nathaniel not long after he returned home from the Army. He was beginning his apprenticeship as a carpenter, while Claire was just beginning to imagine the kind of family she hoped to have someday. They shared a lot of the same values from the beginning -- faith, responsibility, honesty, and the belief that children needed both affection and accountability. They married when she was twenty one, welcomed Ethan soon afterward, and never looked back. Gemma and Luke followed over the years, and Claire happily devoted herself to raising them, volunteering throughout the community, and creating the kind of home where neighbors always felt welcome.

When Nathaniel first learned about Birchwood Isle, the move sounded almost too good to be true. The more the two of them learned, however, the more convinced they became that it reflected the kind of life they had already been trying to build. A community where children were surrounded by caring adults, families knew one another, accountability was taken seriously, and traditional values were embraced felt like somewhere they belonged. Nathaniel accepted a position at Cedar House, Claire packed up the family, and together they began the next chapter of their lives. Today, with another baby on the way, Claire continues to believe what she always has: that strong families aren't built by accident -- they're built one ordinary day at a time.
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Who's Who / Galloway, Cassandra F.
« Last post by Cassandra Frances Galloway on June 26, 2026, 01:50:38 PM »
Adult Application

Hi! My name is Cassandra Frances Galloway and I am a night shift worker at Maple House. I am 42 years old. Please use she/her pronouns when referring to me!

Basic Information

Where do you live? Northern Isle
Are you married? If yes, to whom? Yes, to [TBD]
Do you have any children? If yes, list them. Yes, Anthony (18), Scarlett (14), and Joey (11)
Is your family open to adopting children or adolescents? Definitely. The more the merrier!

Appearance
Height: 5'8"
Build: slender but athletic
Hair Color: red
Eye Color: blue
Distinguishing Features: rare combination of hair and eye color; upturned nose
Brief Description: Cass is the type of youthful beauty that somehow manages to both look her age (due to smile lines, mostly). She bears an exuberant appearance, ready smile, clear skin, and thick hair that belongs to women younger than her while also bearing the signs of aging that come with laughing a lot. She looks friendly and open, which is attractive to most people. It gives her an approachable air that draws people in with a smile that lights up her blue eyes and lines her face with the reminder of past smiles, too.

Personality
Strengths: upfront; personable; hospitable; outgoing; energetic; enthusiastic; supportive; athletic; generous; kind; gentle; accepting; spontaneous; adventurous
Flaws: critical; forgetful; tardy; demanding; demonstrative; poor respect for boundaries; easily confused; changeable; gullible; easy to manipulate; doesn't always stand on her principles; often needs extra support
Likes: running; hiking; camping; camp fires; fresh fish for dinner; cooking; family traditions; sharing with others; baking; Halloween; horror novels; giving out treats; gardening
Dislikes: tight blue jeans; low-rise blue jeans; styles from the 2000s; short hair on women; dirty bathrooms; public restrooms; long shopping trips; disrupted sleep; night shifts; being treated as a non-parent
Vices: oversleeping
Fears: being late for work; getting fired
Personality: Cass is an extraordinarily effervescent person. Her energy seems to bubble up and out of her, where it infects other people with her enthusiasm for all sorts of tasks, which can range from cleaning the kitchen stove to going on an adventure. In fact, she can make just about anything sound fun. Some people think of her as something of a Mary Poppins. It's unfortunate that this skill is only so useful for someone who works overnight! She'd be able to do a lot more with it if she were working during the day! On the other hand, it means that she gets a lot done during the nighttime hours while the residents and the house parents are sleeping -- like cleaning the kitchens, or deep-cleaning the hobby room. She only really seems to have two settings: high speed, or dead to the world. And if she's not moving at night, she's too likely to fall asleep, so she is always moving throughout the night. This does mean that she is very available for young people who need her at night -- such as if they have a nightmare or are determined to sneak out of the house against their better judgement.

Relationships & Discipline

How do you normally get along with other adults? It honestly depends on the adult. Cass is so full of youthful energy that she can be pretty annoying for adults who don't find her charming, and she doesn't have the good sense to avoid these people, so instead she winds up becoming more annoying instead of less. Some people, however, will find this behavior charming because she generally elevates the mood in any room she enters.

How do you normally get along with teenagers? Again, some teenagers will find her annoying. Others will find her energy infectious. It goes one way or the other. She can also be quite strict with adolescents and for that reason she's not always the most popular adult when there are less strict (or harsh) adults around to help them avoid trouble they've brought on themselves.

How do you normally get along with children? Children are generally the easiest age group for Cass to get along with. She gets on well with children of all ages because, generally, her energy matches theirs.

Link to your discipline sheet: click here

Orphan Village

What is your role at the Orphan Village? Night shift worker at Maple House
Which house or building do you work for? Maple House
Do you live in the Village or commute? Commute
Do you have any special training, certification, or skills relevant to your role? No
Do you prefer to work with a particular age group? Which one? Ages 5-11 or thereabouts
Do you struggle with a particular age group? Which one? No, not particularly

Briefly describe your caregiving or mentoring style. Cass is the type of caregiver who proves that it's possible to be both loving and strict at the same time. By the time she got to Maple House, the day shifts had all been filled, and so she had to take on an overnight shift until a day shift opened up (if it opened up). Some residents won't see her much at all because they're in bed before she arrives, while others will see a lot of her if they have high needs. The good news for the kids is that they aren't as likely to wind up being punished by her when she's working -- but that doesn't mean that they won't see her during the day on special occasions or elsewhere in the village on her days off. As far as she's concerned, they're all "her kids," whether she's on shift or not, and the Maple House kids should expect that she will hold them accountable for their behavior if she happens to be the one notified of their poor behavior.

Anything else they want to know about who she is as a caregiver, they can find out from her biological children.

Describe how you see your role in the village. In spite of working the night shift at a specific house, Cass views herself as a parent to the kids of Maple House. She's not one of the house parents, but the Orphan Village really espouses the idea that it takes a village to raise a child, and she considers herself part of that village. Cass is, therefore, very active within the community, involved in all aspects of raising the children in the Village, and not at all afraid to step in or step up for children or adolescents of other houses, too.

Is there anything else we should know about your role in the Village? Although her children are all still minors by the island's laws, Cass considers herself an "experienced parent" and she trusts herself to know what she's doing with and for the children who live in the village. She's incredibly warm, even if she is quite strict, and most children and adolescents find it easy to approach her.

Background

Education: High School Diploma
Work History: Homemaker for the past 18 years
Current Goals or Challenges: Getting the children and adolescents of Maple House to trust her when they don't spend as much time with her as other staff members.
Reason for Living on Birchwood Isle: The educational system in the US has been struggling since Covid, and Cass and her husband wanted to get their kids away from the technology being used in the classrooms.
Brief History: Cass and her husband came to Birchwood Isle two years ago, when the situation with the American Education system really started to feel like the country was crumbling. They'd never been big believers in classroom technology or allowing children to have too much access to screens, but when the schools began to hand Chromebooks out to every student, they made the collective decision that it was time to head for greener pastures. It was hard to give up their life in America, but when they arrived on Birchwood Isle they discovered that there was a whole community and culture here that better reflected their parenting philosophies.
16
Who's Who / Boone, Nathaniel G.
« Last post by Nathaniel Gregory Boone on June 26, 2026, 07:28:38 AM »
Adult Application

Hi! My name is Nate Boone and I am a day worker at Cedar House. I am 50 years old. Please use he/him when referring to me!

Basic Information

Where do you live? Northern Isle
Are you married? If yes, to whom? Yes. To Claire Boone.
Do you have any children? If yes, list them. Ethan (18), Gemma (16), and Luke (11)
Is your family open to adopting children or adolescents? Yes. We've talked about it for years. Right now we're focused on raising our own children well, but our home has always been open to the idea if we felt we were the right family for a particular child.

Appearance
Height: 6'1"
Build: Broad shouldered, muscular
Hair Color: Dark brown with plenty of gray beginning at the temples
Eye Color: Brown
Distinguishing Features: Rough, calloused hands. Weathered complexion. Short beard. A faded scar across one forearm from an old car accident.
Brief Description: Nathaniel is a broad-shouldered man with the solid build of someone who has spent decades working with his hands. Years as a carpenter have left him with calloused palms, strong forearms, and an easy confidence. His dark hair has begun to gray at the temples, complementing a neatly trimmed beard that frames a weathered but approachable face. Warm brown eyes are often accompanied by an easy smile, even if they can sharpen noticeably when a situation warrants it.

He dresses for practicality, favoring worn jeans, sturdy work boots, and flannel or work shirts with the sleeves rolled to his forearms. Whether he's carrying lumber, helping a child learn to use a hand plane, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon on his porch, Nate carries himself with the calm assurance of a man who rarely rushes and believes that taking the time to do something properly is almost always worth it.

Personality
Strengths: Dependable; patient; practical; hands on; honest; calm; hardworking; protective; fair; encouraging; observant
Flaws: Stubborn; opinionated; assertive; meddlesome; blunt; demanding; restless; fixer
Likes: woodworking; coffee before sunrise; grilling; fishing; family dinners; backyard barbecues; country music; well-made tools; home improvement projects; watching people learn new skills; quiet evenings on the porch
Dislikes: carelessness; excuses; wasting materials; broken promises; quitting halfway through a job; needless drama; laziness; dishonesty; refusal to own mistakes; wastefulness
Vices: cigarettes
Fears: helplessness
Personality: Nate is steady and more approachable than his size and rough edges might suggest at first. He has a natural presence that makes people pay attention when he speaks, which serves him well. Ultimately, he's the sort of man who believes in saying what he means, doing what he says, and leaving things better than he found them when he can. His sense of humor is dry, and his patience is strongest when someone is genuinely trying, but his tolerance is shortest when they know better and choose wrong anyway.

He isn't particularly sentimental in public, but he is deeply devoted to his family and quietly affectionate with the people he cares about. Nate shows love through action. He fixes the porch step before anyone trips over it, warms up the car before his wife has to leave, checks the pantry without being asked, and notices when a child has been unusually quiet all morning. He's more likely to hand someone a plate, tool, or task than launch into a speech, but he also isn't emotionally absent. He just believes most problems are easier to deal with when your hands are busy.

He has high expectations that he genuinely believes children and adolescents are capable of meeting them. He's not looking for perfection, but he expects effort, honesty, and accountability. He's warm enough that residents tend to like him, but firm enough that they usually know better than to push too far. When he says a matter is settled, he means it.


Relationships & Discipline

How do you normally get along with other adults?Nate generally gets along well with other adults, especially those who are direct, dependable, and willing to do their share of the work. He isn't difficult to work with, but he doesn't have much patience for adults who complain more than they contribute. He respects competence, honesty, and follow-through.

He is comfortable taking direction from house leadership and doesn't need to be the loudest voice in the room.
How do you normally get along with teenagers? Nate does well with teenagers, especially those who are defensive, restless, or convinced they already know everything. He doesn't take attitude personally unless it becomes disrespectful enough to require correction. He tends to give teenagers practical responsibilities and expects them to rise to the occasion.

He isn't easily impressed by excuses or dramatic explanations. A teenager who tries to talk circles around him will usually find that Nate is perfectly willing to wait them out. However, he is also good at recognizing effort. A teenager who works hard, tells the truth, or tries again after messing up will usually earn his respect quickly
How do you normally get along with children? Nate is patient with children, especially when they are curious or eager to help. He likes teaching them small, useful things: how to sweep properly, how to carry something safely, how to hold a hammer, how to put tools back where they belong, how to clean up after a project, or how to apologize without being prompted three times.

He can be firm with children when needed, but he isn't harsh for the sake of being harsh. Younger children usually find him reassuring because he is consistent and predictable. He doesn't panic easily, doesn't make empty threats, and doesn't change the rules depending on his mood.
Link to your discipline sheet: click here ✅

Orphan Village

What is your role at the Orphan Village? Day Worker
Which house or building do you work for? Cedar House
Do you live in the Village or commute? Commute
Do you have any special training, certification, or skills relevant to your role? I served one enlistment in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. Afterward, I completed vocational training and a carpentry apprenticeship, then worked as a carpenter for most of my adult life. I owned and operated my own carpentry business before coming to Birchwood Isle.
Do you prefer to work with a particular age group? Which one? I work especially well with older children and teenagers. I like the age where they are old enough to take on real responsibility and young enough that learning to do something properly can still change how they see themselves.
Do you struggle with a particular age group? Which one? I sometimes have to be more intentional with very young children. I am comfortable with them, but my instincts lean practical, and little ones don't always need a solution as much as they need reassurance.

Briefly describe your caregiving or mentoring style. My style is steady, hands-on, and direct. I believe children build confidence by becoming capable. That means learning how to work, how to listen, how to finish what they start, how to admit when they are wrong, and how to try again without falling apart.

I don't believe in ignoring small problems until they become big ones. If a resident lies, disrespects someone, breaks a known rule, or behaves carelessly, I prefer to address it immediately and clearly. Once the consequence is handled, though, it's handled. I don't believe in dragging yesterday's mistake into every conversation.
Describe how you see your role in the village. I see my role as helping Cedar House residents start the day with structure, accountability, and a sense of purpose. I'm there for the early hours: waking up, breakfast, morning chores, getting ready for school, supervising residents who remain in the house, helping with projects, and stepping in when behavior needs to be corrected.

Cedar House is built around discovery and making, and that suits me. I like helping young people learn that they're capable of more than they thought. Sometimes that means teaching them how to build something. Sometimes it means teaching them how to clean up a mess they made, repair something they damaged, or face a consequence without making it worse.

Is there anything else we should know about your role in the Village? I'm not a therapist, teacher, or house parent, and I don't pretend to be. I'm a caregiver, a mentor, and a steady adult presence during the first half of the day.

Background

Education: High school diploma. One enlistment in the United States Army. Vocational carpentry training and a completed carpentry apprenticeship after leaving the service.
Work History: Army. Carpenter.
Current Goals or Challenges: Nate is adjusting to working in a caregiving role rather than running his own business. He's used to being responsible for the work, the schedule, and the final result, so learning to operate as part of a larger staff has required patience and humility.

At home, he and his wife are preparing for another baby while continuing to raise their three children. Nate is excited, but he's also aware that starting over with an infant at fifty is no small thing.
Reason for Living on Birchwood Isle: My wife and I wanted to raise our family somewhere steady, close-knit, and intentional. Birchwood Isle offered that. We liked the sense of community and slower rhythm.
Brief History: Nate Boone grew up in a working-class family where expectations were clear. He learned early that if something broke, someone had to fix it, and if work needed doing, standing around complaining didn't get it done. He wasn't a perfect boy, but he had parents in his life who believed correction was part of love and responsibility was something children needed to practice before adulthood arrived.

After high school, Nate enlisted in the Army. He didn't make a lifelong career of it, but the service left its mark on him. He learned discipline, punctuality, physical endurance, and how much people depend on one another when things get rough. When his enlistment ended, he returned to civilian life. He used his benefits to pursue carpentry, completed an apprenticeship, and found a trade that suited him. Carpentry gave him structure without making every day the same. It required patience, precision, strength, and pride in work other people might never notice.

Over the years, Nate built a stable life. He married Claire, raised a family, and opened his own carpentry business. He liked the work, but he discovered that one of the most satisfying parts of the job was teaching apprentices. He liked watching someone go from clumsy and uncertain to capable. He liked the moment when a young worker stopped waiting to be told every step and began seeing what needed doing on their own.

Moving to Birchwood Isle gave the Boone family a new chapter. Nate wasn't looking to reinvent himself so much as put his experience to better use. Cedar House needed day workers, and its focus on discovery, making, and supervised hands-on projects felt like a natural fit. These days, Nate spends his mornings at the Orphan Village and his afternoons at home with his family. He's still building things, but it just looks different than it did before.
17
Who's Who / Lynette, Bryna A.
« Last post by Bryna Anne Lynette on June 25, 2026, 10:20:10 PM »
Adolescent Application

Hi! My name is Bryna Anne Lynette and I in the 10th grade. I am 15 years old. Please use she/her pronouns when referring to me!

Basic Information

Full Name: Bryna Anne Lynette
Nickname, if Any: Bryn
Age: 15
Birthday: April 22
Sex: Female
Pronouns: she/her
Current Grade/Year in School, if Applicable: 10th grade
Current Occupation, if Applicable: student
Special Needs: None formally diagnosed. Has experienced significant childhood trauma and occasionally struggles with hypervigilance, nightmares, and trusting adults.

Appearance

Height: 5'2"
Build: Lean, athletic, wiry
Hair Color: dirty blonde
Eye Color: blue
Distinguishing Features: A faint scar along one cheek, numerous old scars across her thighs and legs, calloused hands, and a nose that has clearly been broken at least once.
Brief Description:  Bryn carries herself with quiet confidence, but is constantly paying attention to her surroundings. Her clothes are always practical and suited to her activities, from active wear to heavy jeans and boots, and she has a nearly constant array of scrapes, bruises, or dirt smudges that she's forgotten about. She has an athletic build that she comes by naturally.

Her dirty blonde hair is usually pulled back in a ponytail or braid to keep it out of her face. It's not common for her to spend time worrying about her appearance, even if she can clean up well when its required of her. Old scars cover much of her legs and a thin scar crosses one cheek -- she rarely discusses them and becomes uncomfortable if anyone asks.

Personality

What are your greatest strengths? List 5-10: Resourceful; brave; independent; loyal; courageous; determined; physically capable; protective; quick thinker; hard working; determined
What are your greatest weaknesses? List 5-10:  Distrustful; stubborn; argumentative; takes unnecessary risks; secretive; impulsive; defiant; bottles up emotions; emotionally guarded; sensitive; believes she knows best
What do you struggle with? Trusting adults, accepting help, admitting when she's scared or wrong, asking for emotional support, and believing that people care about her without expecting something in return. She also has a habit of assuming her own judgment is better than everyone else's.
What are your hobbies or interests? Hiking, running, camping, fishing, hunting, tracking wildlife, starting fires safely, boxing/sparring, target shooting, reading, identifying plants and animals, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
What do you really enjoy? Fresh air, rainstorms, campfires, quiet mornings, challenging hikes, accomplishing difficult tasks, physical activity, learning outdoor survival skills, animals, and earning someone's respect rather than simply being given it.
What do you really dislike? Being underestimated, being lied to, feeling trapped, unnecessary rules, being treated like she's fragile, pity, crowded spaces, people making promises they don't intend to keep, and anyone trying to force emotional conversations before she's ready.
What are your favorite things? Forests, mountain trails, dogs, strong coffee, whiskey, well-worn hiking boots, thunderstorms, books about survival or exploration, homemade meals, autumn weather, and sleeping beneath the stars.
What do you fear? rooms that she's locked in. basements.
Describe your personality in 100-500 words:
At first meeting, Bryn often comes across as sarcastic, independent, and more than a little difficult. She asks questions instead of answering them, challenges rules she doesn't understand, and has a habit of making decisions for herself before anyone else has the chance. She doesn't trust easily, and she certainly doesn't hand out respect simply because someone happens to be older or in charge.

Underneath that stubborn exterior is someone who has spent most of her life surviving. Bryn learned early that relying on other people often led to disappointment or pain, so she became fiercely self-sufficient. She notices details many people overlook, adapts quickly to changing situations, and rarely panics under pressure. When something needs to be done, she'll usually figure out a way to do it.

Despite her rough edges, Bryn has a strong sense of fairness and an incredibly protective nature. She dislikes bullying, has little patience for people who prey on those weaker than themselves, and quietly looks out for younger children even if she'd never admit to it aloud. Once someone earns her trust, she is intensely loyal and willing to work hard for the people she considers family.

Relationships & Behavior

How do you normally get along with adults? Cautiously. Bryn tends to struggle when it comes to adults. She can be defiant, and it has frustrated more than a few people. She tends to test and push them before she can get attached because she has learned that a mistake can lose her, her relationships.
How do you normally get along with teenagers? Generally well. Bryn is easy to get along with when there isn't unnecessary drama. She enjoys friendly competition and appreciates people who are straightforward. She doesn't tolerate bullying or dishonesty very well.
How do you normally get along with other children?Surprisingly well. Younger children often find Bryn approachable because she's patient, willing to teach practical skills, and doesn't talk down to them. She might sometimes pretend to find them annoying, but she's naturally protective of them.
How independent are you? Extremely. Bryn prefers solving problems herself and often forgets that asking for help is an option. She's comfortable taking initiative and usually doesn't like relying on other people.
How do you normally react when you get into trouble? Her first instinct is usually to defend her reasoning rather than deny what happened. If she genuinely believes she was right, she'll argue her case. If she knows she made a mistake, she generally accepts the consequences once she's had her say, although she may not admit she agrees with them.

Link to your discipline sheet: click here ✅

Orphan Village

How long have you lived at the Orphan Village? Since the beginning of June
Which House do you belong to? Birch House
Are you currently enrolled at the Orphan Village Academy or BWI College? Orphan Village Academy
What jobs or responsibilities do you have at the Orphan Village? Helping maintain the jogging trails, walking Scout when needed, assisting with outdoor chores, helping organize recreation equipment, and occasionally helping out with kitchen chores.

How did you come to live at the Orphan Village? Following the death of her biological father, Bryn spent time in several foster placements throughout Birchwood Isle. One lasted much longer than the others, and for a while she believed she'd finally found somewhere permanent. When that placement unexpectedly came to an end, it reinforced the belief that no home ever lasted forever. Several shorter placements followed, each ending with another move and another fresh start. By the time the Orphan Village opened, Bryn had become accustomed to living out of boxes and assuming that every place she stayed was temporary.

How do you generally get along with caregivers and authority figures? It takes time, and there is often some tension. Bryn can be defiant, disrespectful, and rude. Some adults are immediately put off by it, and it's ruined some placements before they could even get started. Other adults see past that layer, but the truth is that it depends. She's guarded and hesitant to trust, but also desperate to have what she's seen so many others gain successfully.

How do you generally get along with younger residents? Quite well. Bryn enjoys teaching practical skills and often finds herself looking out for younger residents, even if she'd insist she's "just making sure they don't do anything stupid."

How do you generally get along with your peers? Pretty well overall. She enjoys joking around, friendly competition, and shared activities, though she keeps most people at arm's length emotionally until she knows them well.

Do you prefer to be adopted or remain in the Orphan Village? Bryn tells people she doesn't care either way. The truth is she's been moved enough times that she's stopped expecting placements to last. She'd still like a family someday, but only if they're prepared to keep her. She's far more afraid of another temporary home than she is of remaining at the Orphan Village.

Describe your ideal adoptive family. Bryn has always connected more easily with men than women, and she generally feels more comfortable around male authority figures. She would likely do best in an active household with at least one dependable father figure. More than anything else, she needs adults who are committed to staying, even when she makes herself difficult to love.

Is there anything else we should know about how you get along in the Orphan Village? Bryn settles in best when she has meaningful responsibilities and opportunities to stay active. She responds well to clear expectations and consistent follow-through.

Background

Describe your history in 150-1000 words: Bryn's childhood was marked by instability, fear, and frequent moves. Her mother died when she was young, leaving her to be raised by her father, a career Marine whose discipline often crossed the line into abuse. Home was unpredictable. Punishments could be severe, tempers could flare without warning, and Bryn learned very quickly that surviving often meant staying alert, adapting quickly, and depending on no one but herself.

As her father's military career moved them from place to place, Bryn spent time with relatives, family friends, and temporary caregivers whenever he deployed. Few of those arrangements lasted long enough to become permanent, and she eventually stopped expecting them to. Instead, she poured her energy into learning practical skills. She became an accomplished hiker, camper, fisher, hunter, and boxer, finding confidence in abilities that nobody could take away from her.

When her father died unexpectedly, Bryn found herself without a permanent home. Several placements failed, not because she was violent or deliberately disruptive, but because she struggled to trust the adults responsible for her care. She questioned authority, preferred solving problems herself, and had difficulty believing that any placement would last.

One placement lasted longer than the others. Bryn spent more than a year living with a psychiatrist named Christian Kearney, and for the first time in a long while she began to believe she might finally have found somewhere permanent. Then, without warning or explanation she could understand, he was simply gone.

After that came another placement, and another, and another. Most lasted only a few months. Some stretched close to a year. The explanation was usually the same in one form or another -- they weren't the right fit. Over time, Bryn stopped hearing those words. What she heard instead was that she was too much trouble to keep around.

By the time she arrived at the Orphan Village, she'd become accustomed to living out of boxes, learning new houses, and assuming that every place she stayed was temporary. It's made trusting caregivers exceptionally difficult. Bryn doesn't just need to believe that someone cares about her; she needs to believe they'll still be there six months from now.

Other

Is there anything else we need to know about you? If Bryn disappears during her free time, she's almost certainly outside. She thinks best while moving and usually returns muddy, tired, and in a much better mood than when she left. Beneath the sarcasm and independence is a teenager who wants what every young person wants: a place where she belongs and people who won't give up on her.
18
Who's Who / Kaufman, Victoria J.
« Last post by Victoria Jeanine Kaufman on June 25, 2026, 01:29:56 PM »
Adult Application

Hi! My name is Victoria Jeanine Kaufman and I am a third shift worker at Willow House. I am 39 years old. Please use she/her pronouns when referring to me!

Basic Information

Where do you live? Northern Isle
Are you married? If yes, to whom? No
Do you have any children? If yes, list them. None
Is your family open to adopting children or adolescents? Potentially in the future

Appearance
Height: 5'5"
Build: willowy
Hair Color: blonde
Eye Color: blue
Distinguishing Features: very high cheekbones, sharp jaw
Brief Description: Tori's sharp-featured look often gives her an intimidating look, especially with middle adolescents. Her high cheekbones, the angle of her jaw, her sharp chin, her long, straight nose, and even the pale blue shade of her eyes give her an cool appearance that lacks natural warmth. Even her blonde hair is on the cool side of the spectrum of blondes, straight and without even the hint of waves as it falls to her shoulders, where she typically wears it loose. These features are somewhat softened by her style, usually wearing long, flowing skirts and t-shirts, sweaters, or tank tops, depending on the weather. In warmer months, she wears sandals on her feet, giving her a much more casual style than her facial expressions would suggest. Although not conventionally beautiful, Tori does manage to be pretty.

Personality
Strengths: excellent problem-solver; good teacher; holds boundaries well; rational; loyal; loving; bold; encouraging; straightforward
Flaws: unstable; unforgiving; stubborn; not physically affectionate; contradictory; changing; blunt; hot-tempered; impatient; private
Likes: watching the sunset; picnic lunches; resting in the garden; hanging out with her favorite people; going to the pub with her friends; sail boating; iced lattes; board games; Disney movies; helping with homework
Dislikes: excuses for poor behavior; cooking; elaborate meals;
Vices: romantic relationships
Fears: commitment, particularly marriage
Personality: In a word, Tori is contradictory. The greatest contradiction, in fact, is that she can be both totally straightforward and entirely made up of contradictions. She is remarkably sweet-natured, gentle, and loving while at the same time she is private, prone to fits of temper, and struggles with physical affection and touch. Her love, therefore, has to be expressed in different, often varied, ways. Because of this, if for no other reason, Tori has had a lot of practice in finding ways to demonstrate love without being demonstrative. In addition, she often comes across quite aloof and cold, but in other circumstances Tori is quite warm and affectionate with her words (but not physically affectionate!). What might make her personality the strangest overall is that in spite of this, she's easy to get to know and makes friends easily!

Something that came up later in this application is that Tori is the sort of person who will show up for you even when she's mad at you. She will defend you even if she's angry about something that you've done. This serves her well in almost all of her relationships and despite any negative traits that could otherwise damage those same relationships, this one thing tends to keep people coming back to her.

Relationships & Discipline

How do you normally get along with other adults? Well. Adults always seem to have fewer expectations and preconceived notions than younger people do, resulting in lasting friendships and stronger relationships. Friends favor her loyalty and can put up with some of her contradictory behavior because she is so consistently loyal to them. Even though she gets into arguments with her friends often, she'll be the first to show up for them, even if she's angry. It's probably one of her best personality traits.
How do you normally get along with teenagers? Tori's expectations can make her relationships with teenagers challenging. Ironically, she gives teens what most of them want the most, which starts with the expectation that they behave in a mature, age-appropriate way. When they don't meet her expectations, Tori doesn't become disappointed; she often becomes angry, and this can be hard on her relationships with teens. Most teens will ultimately adapt to her, but it will take repeated interactions to get to that point.
How do you normally get along with children? Because her expectations for them are reasonable, Tori generally gets along pretty well with young children because she understands their basic development and doesn't anticipate them behaving like mini-adults. On the flip side, she talks to them as though they are people and not infants, which helps to improve their development considerably.
Link to your discipline sheet: click here ✅

Orphan Village

What is your role at the Orphan Village? Tori is a 3rd shift staff member of Willow House
Which house or building do you work for? Willow House
Do you live in the Village or commute? Commute
Do you have any special training, certification, or skills relevant to your role? No
Do you prefer to work with a particular age group? Which one? Surprisingly, teenagers, although Tori is also good with older children
Do you struggle with a particular age group? Which one? Very young children

Briefly describe your caregiving or mentoring style. Tori is very... no-nonsense. In spite of her two-sided nature (sweet, but hot tempered), she is quite straightforward and doesn't pull any punches. She's the type of person who tells it like it is, doesn't mince words, and won't try to preserve your feelings. This works surprisingly well for a lot of young people because they always know what to expect from her, even if she is temperamental. From her perspective, the rules are the rules and the kids are supposed to obey them. If they don't, there are consequences, and the consequences are incredibly straightforward. She doesn't punish more for one thing than she does for another, but she "grades" discipline based on the age (and sometimes individual needs) of the person being punished.

Describe how you see your role in the village. For Tori, this is a job rather than a vocation. According to her, that's why she took on the night shift.

Is there anything else we should know about your role in the Village? Tori is very single-minded when it comes to the way that she does her job. She arrives on time every evening, she leaves when her shift is over in the morning, and she doesn't linger or try to form long-term bonds with the children and adolescents she cares for. Likewise, she doesn't attempt to care for children outside of Willow House -- one of the benefits, she says, of working the night shift: She's not expected to venture around the Village and take care of children who aren't under her direct authority.

Background

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Work History: Tori has worked a number of jobs, mostly relating to web design, but also some programming jobs. Very little has stuck.
Current Goals or Challenges: Permanence. Not much in Tori's life has been permanent up to this point and she struggles with trusting the job to stick.
Reason for Living on Birchwood Isle: Tori needed a change and this was it!
Brief History: Tori doesn't talk much about her past, and it's odd that people don't tend to notice. She spent most of her youth drifting through foster homes, and the drifting seemed to continue as she got older. She only finished her bachelor's degree in computer science because that happened to be her major at the time that she finished college, and she drifted through jobs afterward because nothing quite felt satisfying to her and she often struggled to trust her employers not to fire her. It was always better to quit than to be fired.

Now she's determined to make the current job stick. It's nothing like anything she's done before, even if she did briefly study child psychology in college. If things work out, she's willing to switch to a daytime shift, but she doesn't trust the people of the Orphan Village yet. She's a bit like the youngsters she cares for that way.
19
Character Requests / The Fuller Family
« Last post by Audrey Lorraine Fuller on June 24, 2026, 03:32:25 PM »
The first thing you need to know about the Fuller Family is that they are a very traditional household in which Mom takes care of the kids so that Dad is free to take care of other parts of household management. Audrey does work -- at the Orphan Village, but she generally gets home before the kids get home from school. She's often tired because she has to get to work at five a.m. every day, but she is available for the kids. Because Mom works, the kids are often the ones who are responsible for household chores, etc.

I haven't made them a family profile yet, mainly because I need to have her husband in play before I can do it appropriately.

Let's start with the husband, who I intentionally didn't name in her application. Most of my requests for spouses have been wide open, but this one's a lot more rigid than the ones I've made before.

First, he needs to be a High Color, although I'm willing to accept Red as part of the High Color suite -- but only just. My preference would be for Violet, but Indigo is also acceptable. While Audrey is normally in charge of the children from day to day, he must be a very involved father. Discipline is Audrey's domain and, for the most part, she's not going to send the kids to their father for punishment. She is not a "Wait until your father gets home" type of parent. The only times her husband becomes involved in discipline is if she is forced to discuss the matter with him because she has to make a decision that affects the entire household or if he gets involved because he is the witness to the poor behavior.

I'd like it if he worked as a teacher at the Orphan Village Academy. In her history, he's already a fifth-grade teacher, and the admins are trying to get some good things going at the Orphan Village, so this seems like a good fit for him. Everything else, his name, details, etc, are up to you.

The kids are less fleshed out. You have total freedom except that I'd like them to be in the Green-Orange color range (preferably Yellow or Orange). They are Scott (17), Bethany (14), and Carol (14). Everything else about them is up to you!
20
Who's Who / Fuller, Audrey L.
« Last post by Audrey Lorraine Fuller on June 24, 2026, 02:28:02 PM »
Adult Application

Hi! My name is Audrey Lorraine Fuller and I am a staff member of Oak House. I am 48 years old. Please use she/her pronouns when referring to me!

Basic Information

Where do you live? Northern Isle
Are you married? If yes, to whom? Yes, to [tbd]
Do you have any children? If yes, list them. Yes, Scott (17), Bethany (14), and Carol (12)
Is your family open to adopting children or adolescents? possibly in the future (once her husband has been made)

Appearance
Height: 5'4"
Build: slender
Hair Color: medium brown
Eye Color: brown
Distinguishing Features: dimples in both cheeks
Brief Description: Audrey has the kind of smile that lights up the room, and she smiles frequently. Her brown eyes are constantly alight with creativity and mischief. She lights up whenever she sees someone she cares about, and given how caring she is in general, she lights up that way a lot. Her skin is fair but tanned, impeccable for her age, but with laugh lines and smile lines that show the type of life she's had. She has very long medium brown hair that she usually wears down, and prefers to dress casually for the weather. Usually this means jeans or shorts and a t-shirt or sweater with comfortable, well-fitting shoes that allow her to take off on any adventure with the kids.

Personality
Strengths: gentle; compassionate; insightful; warm; loving; affectionate; judicious; careful; excellent planner; open-minded; creative; great cook; steadfast; decisive
Flaws: traditional; stubborn; permissive; flighty; disinterested in adult conversation; disorganized; forgetful; perpetually running late; impatient with adolescents
Likes: drawings children make for her; refrigerators plastered with pride; coloring with kids; talking to kids; being proud of kids; her kids; living on the island; traveling to the beach; long drives from coast to coast; sleeping in with her honey
Dislikes: chasing after the dog; being called too permissive; having to punish; being stuck on the island; the aches and pains of aging; not being the one in control; children who take advantage of her; adults who are too harsh or strict; being told she should toughen up
Vices: coffee
Fears: being in a car accident; snakes; spiders; mice
Personality: Audrey is a soft sweetheart. She loves children, and it shows. In fact, it becomes evident pretty quickly that she prefers children over other age groups, as she chooses to spend most of her time in the village with the school-aged children (even though she is accessible to the other age groups). Her vibe is always warm, she speaks lovingly without raising her voice, and she prefers milder forms of discipline over those that cause painful consequences to those receiving them. Most people instantly think of Audrey as being nice, and that is generally correct, but what they are really noting is that she is gentle and affectionate, a good listener, even if not always the best conversationalist.

Relationships & Discipline

How do you normally get along with other adults? For the most part, Audrey finds other adults pretty boring and she would rather spend time being silly then going to meetings and engaging in conversations with grownups.
How do you normally get along with teenagers? Reasonably well, provided they know how to let their hair down and act silly from time to time.
How do you normally get along with children? Brilliantly. School-aged children are just Audrey's speed. However, breaking the fourth wall here, as the player Storm does not do well with children under age 6.
Link to your discipline sheet: click here ✅

Orphan Village

What is your role at the Orphan Village? Day Staff worker at Oak House
Which house or building do you work for? Oak House
Do you live in the Village or commute? Commute
Do you have any special training, certification, or skills relevant to your role? Audrey is a former elementary school teacher
Do you prefer to work with a particular age group? Which one? school-aged children
Do you struggle with a particular age group? Which one? very young/pre-school aged children

Briefly describe your caregiving or mentoring style. First and foremost, Audrey is great at listening to kids, and she excels at getting really excited about the same things that excite them. If a child draws her a picture, she knows how to make a really big deal out of it, put it up on the refrigerator, and show it off to other adults and adolescents to make a big deal out of it. She can spend hours talking to school-aged children about their interests without making them feel like a burden, and she comes across as genuinely interested in all of the things that genuinely interest them. Furthermore, she asks them to explain things to her as though it's the first time she's hearing it. This works for young adolescents, too, and most of the young people living at Oak House have learned to really trust her because of it.

Describe how you see your role in the village. Audrey sees her role as a job that she excels at. When it's time for her to go home for the day, she leaves, goes home to her own children, and she doesn't look back. This doesn't mean that she isn't attached to the kids at Oak House -- of course she is. They are her kids in a space somewhere between what her students were to her when she was teaching and what her own biological children are to her.

Is there anything else we should know about your role in the Village? She's not always on call, and she won't pick up extra shifts. Audrey tries to have really firm boundaries around her role at the Village.

Background

Education: Master's in Primary Education
Work History: Former 1st Grade Teacher
Current Goals or Challenges: Getting her family settled in on the island when she agrees with the children that this was "not their idea"
Reason for Living on Birchwood Isle: Her husband believed that the island was the right place for them and their kid and she moved at his behest
Brief History: Audrey always knew she wanted to be a mother. From a young age, she played with baby dolls, and her favorite game to play with her sisters or her friends was "house." She had to be the mother, of course! She grew up in a fairly traditional family. Father was in charge of Mother, Mother was in charge of her daughters, and the children were expected to obey both of her parents. Audrey found this arrangement confusing, at times, and she often found that she wound up in trouble for natural curiosity. As she got older, she swore that she wouldn't be like that with her own children, if she was blessed to have them. But one thing her parents did do for her was ensure that she didn't rush off into a bad marriage and have children before she'd had a chance to discover her independence.

She went to college, finished with her master's degree, and then spent two years living on her own before she met her husband through work. She taught first grade and he taught fifth. They had a long courtship, a one-year engagement, and then got married. Both of them wanted children, and Scott came along a year into their marriage, followed three years later by Bethany. Carol came along two years after that.

Motherhood turned out to be a lot more difficult than Audrey had expected. She was hit hard with postpartum depression every time she had a child, and after the third, she and her husband decided that they weren't going to have any more. By the time each of them reached kindergarten age, Audrey always felt better. She's felt for a long time that she has more love to give, but the subject of adoption never came up between her and her husband until they got to Birchwood Isle. Then, it came up because they both saw that there were children -- older children! -- in need of loving families. Now it's a question mark that hangs over them.

In spite of her determination not to become her mother, one thing about Audrey is like her mother: Their family's structure is one of masculine authority over women. Her husband is in charge, she submits to her husband, and she does her best to keep the kids in line. She is, therefore, the first port of call for her children, with her husband available as backup if things become serious. Audrey's hope is always to make sure that things don't become serious.
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