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Meet Zak & Melissa R-V
Dear Birthparent,
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. If you’re reading this, you’re making an incredibly brave and loving decision — and we are so grateful to even be a part of your process. We hope what you find here feels real, honest, and welcoming.
Who We Are
We’re a couple who believes in showing up for the people we love, living with intention, and always finding reasons to laugh — especially together. Christian faith is the foundation of our marriage, and we strive every day to treat others with kindness, encouragement, and respect.
We live in Mt. Adams, a Cincinnati neighborhood known for its hilly streets, skyline and river views, and sense of community. Our home is always open to friends and family, and we love being part of a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood.
Zak’s family
Our Hobbies
We love spending time together and with our community — whether it’s enjoying live music, exploring Cincinnati’s parks and neighborhoods, traveling, or getting together for game nights. Melissa enjoys reading, fashion, creating a cozy home, and connecting with friends and family. Zak’s hobbies include working out, running, tackling DIY and home projects, riding his motorcycle, and — drawing on his Italian roots — cooking and baking from scratch, especially sourdough bread, pizza, desserts, and crafted cocktails. We both love hosting friends for meals or game night, and our home is often filled with laughter, music, and something delicious from the kitchen.
Our Path To Adoption
We do not have children yet, and adoption has always felt like the right path for us. Even before we met, each of us had a sense that our family would grow in its own unique way. Zak’s brother and his wife have three adopted children, so we’ve seen firsthand how love, patience, and strong support can create lifelong bonds. Their insight and encouragement have been invaluable as we prepare for this next chapter.
Melissa’s family
Our Support System
We are blessed with strong family ties on both sides. Melissa’s parents, her brother and his family, and extended family live in Cincinnati and are an active part of our lives. Zak’s brother (and family, including their three adopted children) is just 10 minutes away, and his sister, parents, and extended family are all within two hours. With so many loved ones nearby, your child would be welcomed into a village excited to cheer them on, offer help, and celebrate every milestone — big or small.
We do not have children yet, and adoption has always felt like the right path for us.
Our Promise
We promise to create a safe, joyful, and faith-filled home. Your child will be raised with love, encouraged to grow into their own unique self, and supported every step of the way. We honor adoption as a story of courage and care, and we promise to speak about you with respect and gratitude.
Thank You
Thank you for considering us for your child’s future. If you want to know more about us or just talk, we’re here and happy to connect.
With great respect,
Zak and Melissa
Our Lives at a Glance
We live in Mt. Adams, a walkable Cincinnati neighborhood with panoramic skyline and river views, and a close-knit, welcoming community.
We’ve been married since March 2020.
Melissa works as a family-business executive and TV host/commercial actor and Zak works as a senior director in market research.
Our hobbies include traveling, reading, working out, enjoying live music, baking and cooking, DIY and design projects, playing games, and spending time with friends and family.
Our Christian faith is central to our life and marriage.
For more information about our family, please contact Adoption Link at 1-800-643-3356.
