Tanika is a 13 year old girl and currently in the 6th grade in Shaker Heights Schools. She was raised by her father and step mom until they died one and a half years apart. First, her step mom died of a heart attack when Tanika was 8 and then her father died of cancer when Tanika was 9.

Tanika is a good student and works hard to achieve good grades in school. She is a very good reader/writer with math being her most difficult subject. She takes clarinet lessons at school and really likes playing an instrument.

Outside of school Tanika enjoys participating in a variety of activities. She attends church regularly with her foster family and especially enjoys the music and singing. She likes to draw, read, play video games and watch movies. She also likes to go skating, bowling, shopping, and mostly anywhere out in the community.

Tanika is able to develop nice relationships with both adults and peers. She can be competitive with other kids near her own age, but usually interacts appropriately and with good skills. She likes to be around other kids and also enjoys positive attention from adults.

When Tanika makes a mistake, she can be defensive or she might roll her eyes if corrected. She typically will get very quiet, but will do what is asked of her. If something is bothering her, she may retreat to her room. She sometimes needs encouragement to express her feelings.

Tanika is in excellent health and physical condition. She hopes to play a sport such as volleyball or track when she goes to junior high next year. Tanika has a brother, Gerald, age 17, who lives in a different foster home. Tanika and Gerald are very close and visit at least twice a month.

Tanika has done very well in her current foster home but they are unable to adopt her. She wants to be adopted so she can get settled, stop moving, and have a forever family.