Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deanna Micoley (née Neuens) |
| Role | Birth mother of Chelsea Belle O’Donnell |
| Adoption Date | November 1997 (Chelsea at 2 months) |
| Residence | Wisconsin, USA |
| Public Emergence | August 2015 |
| Known For | Reuniting with daughter; advocacy and support |
Early Years and Personal Background
Deanna Micoley, born Deanna Neuens, was raised in a Wisconsin small town in the late 1970s and 1980s. Family and community were her early priorities. After graduating high school in 1995, she worked in clerical and administrative jobs, staying out of the spotlight. She had her daughter Chelsea Belle at a local hospital in September 1997 at 19 years old and made the difficult decision to place her for adoption with Rosie O’Donnell and Kelli Carpenter due to her young and poor resources.
Deanna kept in touch with adoption professionals and therapists to assure Chelsea’s well-being, despite the emotional toll of the decision. Over the next 15 years, she established a secure home and worked in administrative capacities for small-town enterprises. In 2002, she married and had two stepchildren, obtaining parenting and supportive experience that would affect her relationship with Chelsea.
Reuniting with Chelsea Belle O’Donnell
Following her escape from her adoptive home in August 2015, 17-year-old Chelsea sought out her birth mother, Deanna. Chelsea travelled from Los Angeles to Wisconsin, where Deanna hosted her that summer. For three weeks, mother and daughter shared a home for the first time since Chelsea’s infancy.
Deanna helped Chelsea through challenging questions about identity, belonging, and early emotional scars during the reunion. Chelsea was safely returned to her adoptive family after the reunion, and both mothers agreed to periodic visits and continuous communication. Deanna made her public debut when Wisconsin regional press covered the story.
Legal and Emotional Support
Chelsea experienced many drug-related legal issues in 2024. Deanna paid Chelsea’s $4,000 bail after her arrest for drug possession and child neglect in November 2024. From December 2024 to January 2025, Chelsea participated in a 28-day residential treatment program with Deanna as her primary support.
Chelsea was sentenced to six years of probation after pleading guilty to felony counts of cocaine possession, bail-jumping, and resisting police in March 2025. Probation rules state:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Sobriety | Complete abstinence from alcohol and drugs |
| Associations | No contact with known users or dealers |
| Education | Attain high school diploma or GED |
| Mental Health | Comprehensive psychiatric assessment |
| Firearms | No possession or access to any firearms |
Deanna has maintained these requirements for Chelsea, working with probation authorities and treatment staff to assess progress and address needs.
Advocacy and Public Perspectives
Deanna is quiet, yet she has advocated unconditional love and maternal support. In 2015, she said:
“I want to be part of her life … I want to be there when she has her first baby.”
Deanna has discussed adoption reunions and the need for young adult mental health assistance beyond personal longing. Since 2024, she unofficially volunteers with local recovery groups, sharing experiences and advocating for family-centered rehabilitation. Her approach supports the idea that biological bonds, when handled with care, can motivate personal change.
Family and Relationships
Deanna’s direct family now includes numerous generations and parents. Changing family structure includes:
Deanna Neuens Micoley (birth mother)
└─ Chelsea Belle Neuens (b. Sept 20, 1997)
├─ Skylar Rose (b. Dec 2018)
├─ Riley (b. Jan 2021)
├─ Avery Lynn (b. Feb 2022)
└─ Atlas (b. Oct 2023)
Rosie O’Donnell (adoptive mother) — adoptive parent, partner Kelli CarpenterIn a loving partnership, Deanna manages Chelsea’s four children, Skylar Rose, Riley, Avery Lynn, and Atlas, with Rosie O’Donnell and Kelli Carpenter. She visits LA often and helps Rosie organise Skylar’s college.
Net Worth and Career
Deanna has kept her wealth private. Her work has focused on administrative and support responsibilities in Wisconsin education and healthcare. She oversees patient intake and community partnerships as office manager for a regional mental health clinic since 2021. She is committed to public service and advocates for mental health resources.
FAQ
Who is Deanna Micoley?
In 1997, Deanna Micoley placed Chelsea Belle O’Donnell for adoption. She reunited with her in 2015.
When did Deanna first reunite with her daughter?
The author accepted Chelsea into her Wisconsin home in August 2015 after she fled her adoptive family.
What role does Deanna play in Chelsea’s recovery?
Deanna has helped Chelsea with bail, treatment programs, and emotional and logistical support during probation and rehabilitation.
Where does Deanna Micoley live?
She resides in Wisconsin, where she works as an office manager at a mental health clinic.
Has Deanna spoken publicly about adoption?
She has spoken about parental ties and adoptee mental health in interviews.
What is Deanna’s professional background?
She managed intake coordination at a regional mental health centre after working in education and healthcare.
