Ellena, 14, loves Barbie dolls and My Little Ponies. She likes playing with puzzles and sensory balls, and she also enjoys coloring, playing board games and listening to music. Ellena is learning to read and enjoys matching words and pictures. It sometimes takes Ellena a little while to warm up to new people, but once she does, she loves to show off her big smile. She often prefers to play alone and does best in quieter environments with fewer people around because loud places can be overwhelming at times. Ellena needs a family that is willing to learn strategies to help her learn to trust. Ellena does not like dogs, so a family with no dogs that can provide a calm, predictable environment would be the best fit for Ellena. She would do well in a home with other children as long as it is not overly noisy for her.

To learn more about Ellena, contact Minnesota Adoption Resource Network (MARN) at 612-861-7115. If you do not have a home study and are wondering how to start your adoption process, visit the MARN website at www.mnadopt.org/informationpacket.html.