Pamela Gray has served as a magistrate judge in DC Family Court since 2002, and in that time she’s dealt with some of the toughest cases a judge can face: the abuse and neglect of children. She’s seen children enter the foster care system, and she’s helped them find ways out of it.

For her, November is usually a time for celebration: It’s National Adoption Month, and this Saturday DC Superior Court will play host to the 29th Annual DC Adoption Day, where 25 kids are set to have their adoptions finalized.