Testimonials

ARIS is precisely the type of support that adoptive families need in today's adoptions. It is a superb resource in which parents are listened to and then connected with appropriate resources. ARIS connects a variety of children's needs to resources, be they complex or simple. ARIS also includes educational materials that are foundational to families. This is a model program in the country, conceptualized with care and carried out with excellence. Thank you, Yolanda, for making this program available to families.

Deborah Gray, MSW, MPA
National Expert on Adoption, Renowned Clinician, Author  

As adoptive parents, we regularly struggle with the huge range of potential diagnoses and avenues of therapy and treatment for our forever kids.  The Adoption Referral & Information Service fills in one of those gaps. To have someone to listen to our needs and direct us to appropriate providers is a great help along the adoption journey.

Sharon Kiddle, President, FRUA Inc., WA State

A long over due thank you for all your support and kindness. Our family was in a challenging place when I called you for references! Not only did you provide me with contacts that were expert in their fields, but you were so kind and personally supportive. I was additionally touched when you called a couple of weeks later to follow up and see how things were going. You are a gift...thank you for all that you do in assisting us to be better families and parents.

Adoptive parent

I take hundreds of calls from prospective adoptive and adoptive families each year.  Some of them seek guidance and support while making crucial decisions about how they will build their family.  Others wonder what parenting and adoption resources will best meet the needs of their family.  Every time I have referred a family to ARIS, Yolanda has helped them to make sense of the adoption options and resources available in their area.  I always feel confident that a family will feel supported, educated, and empowered when they speak with Yolanda.  She is a compassionate listener and a dynamic educator.

Kristi Lekson, MSW
Adoption Agency Professional, Clinician

Is magnificent to strong a word? Personally and professionally Yolanda is an invaluable community resource that the adoption world cannot do without. She is the rock that so many of us rely upon for advice, guidance and ideas. But the best thing, she knows how to make you laugh just when you need it most. She is a true friend and an inspiration to adoptive families.  

David Wing-Kovarik , Adoptive Parent
Co-founder and Executive Director Families Like Ours, Inc

Yolanda Comparan provides a valuable service to the community.  Not only has she helped connect many individuals and families with a wide range of adoption services, she was incredibly helpful to our agency during the state licensing procedures.  Her expertise is far reaching and delivered from a strong knowledge base with warmth and compassion.

Cheramy Hassen, BA
Adoptive Parent, Adoption Expert
Program Manager in Non-Profit Agency

Having recently moved to Seattle from Chicago, ready to open my private practice, I was eager to connect with a local adoption professional who could help me get an "inside look" into the Seattle adoption community.  Yolanda has provided that perspective, as well as guidance and good leads that have led to valuable opportunities.  I would easily recommend her services to anyone, and I plan on working with her again in the near future as I continue to develop my own business plan.

Claire Greenhill,  MS
Clinician,  Adoption Professional