Childhood and Education Journey of Natalia Grace in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Natalia Grace, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Natalia Grace Mans is a Ukrainian-born American with dwarfism whose case gained notoriety after her adoptive parents, the Barnetts, claimed she was an adult posing as a child. Adopted in 2010, the Barnetts successfully petitioned to have her birth year legally changed from 2003 to 1989. They abandoned her in 2011. A 2023 DNA test estimated her age around twenty-two, indicating she was approximately eight years old when abandoned. Her birth year has since been legally restored to 2003.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

April 20, 1979: Birth of Natalia's mother

On April 20, 1979, Anna Volodymyrivna Gava, Natalia's biological mother, was born in Latvia.

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1989: Natalia's Birth year changed

In 2011, Natalia Grace's adoptive parents successfully sought a court order legally changing her birth year from 2003 to 1989.

1989: Birth date changed to 1989

In 2012, Natalia's birth date was legally changed to 1989.

September 4, 2003: Natalia's Original Birth Date

September 4, 2003 is Natalia's original birth date, supported by birth and hospital records from Ukraine.

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2003: Natalia Grace Born

Natalia Grace was born in 2003 in Ukraine. Her birth year was later legally restored to 2003 after being changed to 1989.

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2009: Orphan film Release

In 2009, the film "Orphan" was released, which Cynthia Mans believes inspired Kristine Barnett to legally change Natalia's age.

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2010: Natalia Grace adopted

In 2010, at the age of seven, Natalia Grace was adopted by an American family.

2010: Natalia Adopted By Barnetts

In the spring of 2010, Natalia Grace was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett after having a previous adoptive placement in the United States.

2011: Natalia Grace Abandoned

In 2011, Natalia Grace was abandoned by her adoptive parents one year after being adopted. Her adoptive parents claimed that Natalia was an adult and sought a court order to legally change her birth year from 2003 to 1989.

2012: Birth Records Changed

In 2012, the Barnetts successfully petitioned the Marion County court to change Natalia's Ukrainian birth records to indicate a 1989 birth date, legally changing her age from eight to twenty-two.

July 2013: Barnetts Move Natalia to Apartment

In July 2013, the Barnetts moved Natalia to an apartment in Westfield, Indiana, and later Lafayette, Indiana, before moving to Canada.

August 2023: DNA test estimates Natalia Grace's age

In August 2023, a DNA test conducted by TruDiagnostic estimated Natalia Grace to be around twenty-two years old. This suggests Natalia was approximately eight years old when she was left in her first apartment in 2011.