Meet the Team

Zoë Hansen-DiBello, PhD

Founder & CEO, Adoptee

  • As the Founder & CEO of Adoptee Identity, I am living my life’s purpose.

    I was born in Ithaca, NY, adopted at 11-days old, and raised in Providence, RI. My family made history in 1993 as the first same-sex couple in Rhode Island to go before a judge for cross-adoption, legally recognizing what had always been true—my sister and I had two moms.

    When I gave birth to my daughter in 2016, seeing so much of myself in her, from her eyes to her toes, increased my curiosity about my own identity, not just as a mother but as an adoptee. Genetic mirroring is indeed a powerful experience. On the path to self-discovery, I began exploring other adult adoptees' experiences through books, podcasts, and social media and realized that there was a significant need for a framework explicitly centered on the lived experiences of adoptees anchored on everyday moments.

    And that’s how Adoptee Identity came to life.

    Throughout my career, I’ve founded programs and led the growth, strategy, and scaling of nonprofit initiatives. I have spoken on the TEDx stage and am a proud graduate of Leadership Southcoast. Serving on local boards and advocating for health equity is an essential part of my work- in 2021 I was honored to be recognized as a YWCA Woman of Distinction.

    After graduating from the University of Connecticut, I continued my academic journey and earned a PhD from the University of Massachusetts.

    Adoptee Identity is the resource I wish I had all along, and I am eager to share it with the world.

Ellie Robinson, MPA

Co-Founder & COO, Adoptee

  • I was born in Rhode Island, adopted by my parents at 10-days old, and have been a proud Rhode Islander ever since.

    As COO & Co-founder of Adoptee Identity, I am able to weave my personal and professional insights and experiences to drive positive change. 

    Like many adoptees, I’ve spent so much time wondering about things like who I may look like and if there’s any medical history I should be aware of. My wonder ultimately moved me to seek reunion with my biological families. Reunion opened a door to an equally beautiful and painful experience of learning that the adoption narrative I understood turned out to be very different from the reality of my story. This set me on the path of building relationships with my new families and strengthening relationships with my existing families - all of which feel like my own in unique ways.

    Professionally, I have the vantage point of experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. I’ve led statewide children’s behavioral health systems transformation, managed school partnerships for an education nonprofit, consulted for a women’s health venture philanthropy fund, and provided direct behavioral healthcare to children and youth. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island, and MPA from Northeastern University. 

    My journey led me to seek out adoptee support networks, like Adoptees Connect, a nationwide adoptee-led nonprofit. I currently serve on the board of Adoptees Connect, and facilitate the Providence, RI group. 

    It was this role that led me to cross paths with Zoë. We sat together over coffee, and I knew immediately I wanted to partner with her to launch Adoptee Identity. It was a resource I never had, and would have greatly benefitted from.

Kehinde Vaz, LICSW

Clinical Advisor

  • Kehinde Vaz is a seasoned Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over a decade of experience in providing therapeutic services, clinical supervision, and crisis intervention in diverse settings. Specializing in family dynamics, emotional regulation, and behavioral health, Kehinde has worked extensively with individuals, families, and children across a wide spectrum of clinical environments.

    With a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia, Kehinde's career began in the mental health field, working with children, adolescents, and families navigating complex challenges. Her background spans various roles, from direct service provision as a social worker to leadership positions overseeing multidisciplinary teams. As a Clinical Advisor in the adoption identity space, Kehinde brings expertise in trauma-informed care, identity formation, and supporting individuals in navigating adoption-related issues.

    Kehinde has provided individual and group therapy for children and adolescents with an emphasis on emotional and identity development. She has significant experience developing treatment plans, conducting assessments, and offering crisis management for children and families in need of stabilization and support. She has supervised clinical teams, facilitated evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and collaborated with school staff, community providers, and families to ensure optimal outcomes for those under her care.

    Recognized for her excellence, Kehinde was awarded the prestigious Irena B. Smith Award for clinical social work at Bradley Hospital and holds advanced certifications in Family Systems Therapy. As a Clinical Advisor, Kehinde is committed to providing guidance, education, and tailored support to individuals and families in the adoption identity process, ensuring they are equipped to navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges.