Meet Cordell

Cordell is excited to share some of his story through our In-Depth Profiles, a NWAE project that empowers teens to speak directly to potential adoptive families. Learn more about In-Depth Profiles™.

Outdoor hobby: Magnet Fishing
Indoor hobby: Strategy games
Passionate about: The environment
Wants to find: An adoptive family

Cordell is drawn to natural environments and the outside world, its beauty, and the creatures that live within it. For Cordell, protecting nature is simply a core part of being a good person.

He’s especially connected to water. He loves to fishand is good at it too! His latest passion connects his love for fishing and his care for the environment. Have you ever heard of magnet fishing? It’s a sport where magnets are cast to the bottom of rivers and lakes and metal scraps are retrieved. Whether you bring home trash or treasure, it’s always a good time! He’d be so excited for his family to enjoy this hobby with him as well.

Even when he isn’t fishing, Cordell loves to explore the outdoors. He seems at his happiest when he is connecting with nature. Cordell loves animals and has stated that he’d love an adoptive family who has pets, or who would be open to getting one. He adores cats, especially cuddly and social ones. Beyond your typical domesticated animals though, Cordell is also fascinated by birds that can be trained. Which species in particular, you might ask? To Cordell, the answer is obvious: a hunting falcon!

Cordell loves his indoor hobbies, too. He’s an avid reader, especially if any dragons play a major role in the book series. His favorite series at the moment is Wings of Fire. Speaking of dragons, have you heard of D&D? Cordell loves the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. For him, it’s all about living out amazing adventures and being the hero to those in need!


Cordell is also known for his kind and gentle side. He’s a great advocate for his peers and has a big heart. He’s a natural sharer and tries hard to make connections with those around him. Cordell gets along well with other youth his age and responds positively to adult supervision. He thrives in a healthy one on one situation.

Currently in the 11th grade, Cordell is best able to focus in a small classroom environment with a teacher or mentor who can spend time with him.

Cordell is an awesome youth who is looking for the right adoptive family. As he continues to learn more about how to take time to himself when he needs it, Cordell will really benefit from the love and support of the right adoptive family. He would prefer to be an only child, though Cordell’s social worker believes he would also do well with older siblings. A patient adoptive family who is supportive, outdoorsy, and loving would be ideal.

If you can see Cordell in your family, please reach out to us! We’re excited to find him the adoptive family he deserves.

Beyond the Profile: Working with Cordell to create this video was a blast! His imaginative spirit and enthusiasm are truly infectious. His passion for Dungeons & Dragons showcased his love for adventure, and he eagerly shared his dreams of embarking on both fantasy and real-life journeys with his future family. Cordell’s wholesome nature made a lasting impression, and it made me not want to end the video shoot! His adventurous spirit and hopeful outlook will make him a fantastic addition to any family, infusing their lives with excitement and joy. I am thrilled to present his profile and help him find the adoptive family he truly deserves.

-Aaron Smithmier, Youth Engagement Specialist

Could you see Cordell as part of your family?