Name: Madeline (Eunmi 은미) Elliott (she/they)

First KAtCH event: 

I first learned of KAtCH at the 2019 KAAN Conference in Minneapolis, but my first official event was Yaejin’s Summer Korea and Me Event in August 2023. I brought my daughter and we had an amazing time playing sogo drums and learning to write our names in Korean calligraphy. 

Where did you grow up/Where do you live now?

I grew up in Evanston, IL, and currently live in Wilmette. I’ve lived in or around Chicago pretty much all of my life. 

Tell us about yourself: 

I’ve worn many hats in education (elementary and early childhood) and the culinary industry. I’m passionate about early literacy, community outreach, food justice, and finding ways to tie all of those things together. 

You’ll likely KAtCH me:

Taking on overambitious craft projects with my daughter, foisting late night culinary adventures from my kitchen onto family and friends (food is my love language!), traveling with my partner, dressed up at the Ren Faire in the summer, knitting and crocheting, or being suffocated— and loving it— by my 18 year old cat.

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KAtCH community?

It’s wonderful to meet other adoptees and find community that was missing when I was growing up. I love hearing other people’s stories and perspectives. So much of my own journey has been centered on the feelings of grief and loss that can come with being a KAD, and it’s refreshing to flip that to something more joyful as I build relationships within the community. 

Favorite restaurant(s) in Chicagoland:

Amitabul and Tortello in Chicago, SGD Dubu in Glenview, Hewn and Zentli in Evanston

Find me/Social Media/Podcast title: 

IGs: madelinecamille_ and intermittentkitchen