About Me.
Mikaela (they/them) is an Chinese-American-Adoptee who grew up in Missouri (MO), USA. They have used past challenges and individual experiences to explore adoption through conversations, panels, writing, creating programming, and by attending advocacy events to nurture their evolving identities. Currently they serve as co-chair on the “Emerging Leaders Advisory Council” at CASE.
They have been a part of AdopteTeen DC, Adoption Web, AASU, and was a panelist for the 2019 AdoptionTogether Conference. This Summer (2026), Mikaela will be involved with several adoptee organizations such KAAN, CAC, BIPOC Adoptees, NCFA, and Camp China. In their spare time, they have several creative projects focusing on adoptee related topics like a podcast, a children’s book, and an ongoing photography project.
Mikaela graduated with a BA in psychology and an MA in Special Education: Learning Disabilities from The American University in Washington, D.C. where they currently reside with their shiba inu, Karma.
Experience
2026 - Present
Camp China
Co-facilitator
2025 - Present
Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE)
Emerging Leaders Advisory Council, Co-Chair (2026)
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Events & Programming: KAN 2025, 12/6/2025 Teen Group, 12/13/2025 Teen Group, Gala (2024, 2025), 03/07/2026 Teen group, Foster Care Awareness Day with Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth
Panelist: Staff Retreat (2025), BALTIMORE CITY, MD PARENTS & PROFESSIONALS: Voices of Experience (2025), LAB School Parent Panel (2025), Building the Adoptive Identity: Navigating the Journey to Self-Discovery (National Conference for Adoption, 2026)
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All inquires pertaining to CASE, please contact MikaelaSmith@adoptionsupport.org
2023 - Present
Korean American Adoptee Family Network (KAAN)
2024, 2025, 2026, Co-Presenter, "Reimagining Adoptee Centered Relationships"
Relationships play a major role in shaping our realities and sense of self throughout life. This year we invite adoptees, partners of adoptees, and non-adoptees to engage with personal reflections on relationship identity and adoptee-consciousness. For adoptees who were relinquished during childhood, attachment-related trauma can influence many adult relationships. Meet with the creators of “Reimaging Intimacy in Adoptees Centered Relationships” as they share their own relationships, structures, practices, and intimacy through asynchronous conversations with important members of their chosen family, adoptee constellation.
2026, Co-Facilitator, "Sharing Your Own Adoptee Story"
Every adoptee carries a unique story, yet, too often that story is shaped or even told by others from adoptive parents to agencies creating this monolithic adoption narrative. This session will share Taylor and Mikaela’s journeys of navigating how/when to take autonomy over their own adoption stories. Together, they will explore practical ways adoptees can create healthy boundaries, share with intention, and protect themselves from trauma dumping or exploitation. Attendees will leave with insights and strategies to honor their truth while navigating the complexities of sharing in a digital age and cancel culture.
2018 - Present
University Name
Adoption Together - Adoption Race Talks (2021) with Laura X. Williams
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Adoptions Together & Familyworks Together Present “Adoption & The Teen Years” (2019)
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Ongoing Projects
Adoptee focused Podcast, Children's Book, ​Chinese Adoptee Photo book
Education
MA in Special Education: Learning Disabilites
American University
Completed PRAXIS 5354, 5723, 5622 and edTPA.
BA In Psychology
American University
Organisations: Kappa Phi Lambda (KPL) - President, Asian American Student Union, ASCEND, Student Philanthropy, Delta Kappa Alpha (DKA)
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Study Abroad University of Queensland SP 2020.
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Awards: Cum Laude Latin Honors; Recognised by Professor: ARTS 235 (Artist's Perspective-Video Art, COMM 100 (Understanding Media)
​Dean's List: FA 2018, SP 2019, FA 20
2016 - 2018
Goucher College
Organisations: Adoption Web, Asian Student Union, Goucher Bunny Club (founder)​, Varsity Women's Swim Team