Teresa Bernu has been a dedicated member of the ACI team since 2017. Before stepping into the role of Executive Director in October 2024, she served in various capacities, including Home Study Worker, Domestic Program Supervisor, and most recently, Associate Director. With over 15 years of experience in child welfare, Teresa has worked extensively in areas such as domestic infant adoption, foster care, and guardianship.

https://www.adoptioncenterofillinois.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-bernu-lcsw-50718261/

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionCenterofIllinois

https://www.instagram.com/adoptillinois/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jyotika is the Executive Director of St. Nick's Kids, where she leads the organization’s mission to support children and families through adoption services. Previously, she served as the Director of Adoptions, overseeing all intercountry adoptions. Jyotika earned her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in New York in 2019. Since 2006, she has worked in adoption services, beginning her career at Steffas & Associates, P.C., where she assisted with both domestic and intercountry adoptions. Throughout the past two decades, she completed her master’s degree and played a key role in helping St. Nick's Kids achieve accreditation.

https://snkinc.org/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555386085410

https://www.instagram.com/stnickskids/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about her...

Doris Cardwell leads with a heart for foster families and the children they serve. Adopted herself, she believes every child deserves stability and every foster family deserves support. She works to ensure that SDKB’s resources reach the families who need them most, while building trust with partners across the state who share this mission. When she’s not working with her team or visiting churches throughout South Dakota, you might find Doris writing or speaking about the things she’s learned along the way. 

Find out more here:

https://americaskidsbelong.org/states/SD/

https://www.facebook.com/sdkidsbelong/

https://www.instagram.com/southdakotakidsbelong/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriscardwell/

https://www.instagram.com/justdoriswrites

https://www.justdoris.com/

https://www.facebook.com/whojustdoris/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jenn is Director of Kansas Caregiver Training & Support and brings a unique blend of academic expertise and lived experience to her work at the Children’s Alliance. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, with a focus in her graduate studies on neuroscience and trauma. As a former foster parent and current adoptive parent, Jenn brings a personal and compassionate lens to her professional work. 

As a trainer, Jenn is known for her warmth, empathy, humor, and authenticity—qualities rooted in both her personal journey and her deep understanding of trauma-informed care. She is passionate about the power of connection within families and its role in healing and resilience. In her free time, she loves to be with her husband and three daughters or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. 

More about The Children’s Alliance Of Kansas at

 https://www.childally.org/

https://www.facebook.com/childallyks

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Mercedes is a compassionate leader dedicated to supporting grandfamilies in Texas. As a grandmother of eleven and great-grandmother of four, Mercedes’s journey into grandparent caregiving began in 2011 when she adopted five of her grandchildren. Recognizing the lack of resources for grandparents like herself, she founded Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TXGRG) to fill this gap. Under her guidance, TXGRG has become a vital source of support and advocacy for grandfamilies statewide.

Mercedes is not only a caregiver but also a passionate advocate for grandparent-headed households. She tirelessly works to amplify their voices and advocate for policies that address their unique needs at all levels of government. Mercedes’s dedication has earned her recognition, including the prestigious 2022 Casey Excellence for Children’s Award. Her unwavering commitment ensures that all grandfamilies are resourced, connected, and thriving. Mercedes Bristol is a true champion for grandfamilies, making a positive impact across Texas.

https://www.facebook.com/txgrg2019/

https://www.instagram.com/tx_grg/

https://www.txgrg.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-bristol-78249816/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://mission143.net/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578275794926

https://www.facebook.com/kirti.pickard

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Chris Johnson serves as the Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children’s Services. With over two decades of pastoral experience and a background as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives, Chris is a seasoned leader and advocate for vulnerable children and families.

As a consultant and frequent speaker, Chris has inspired audiences at conferences, churches, and community gatherings across the nation. He passionately shares his family’s journey and challenges others to respond to the gospel call to care for the most vulnerable in society.

A native of metro Atlanta, Georgia, Chris now resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Alicia. Together, they have 10 children, seven of whom were adopted from foster care, and are proud grandparents, including two grandchildren adopted through foster care. Their commitment to serving children extends to fostering over 40 children throughout the years, embodying their dedication to family and community.

Chris holds a B.A. in Church Ministries from Trinity Baptist College and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Regent University. His passion for equipping churches and individuals to make a lasting impact continues to shape his ministry and advocacy efforts.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjohnsondoz/

https://www.facebook.com/lifelinechild

https://lifelinechild.org/

https://www.instagram.com/lifelinechild/

https://twitter.com/lifelinechild

https://vimeo.com/lifelinechild

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Wes has more than 40 years of experience working in social care, primarily in services for children and young people as a qualified social worker. 
He worked for many years in local authorities including Luton, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire as the head of services and was director of services for children and young people at the NSPCC until 2011.  

He has a special interest in the support of vulnerable children and families and in safeguarding which included chairing a local children’s safeguarding board and being a board member of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Service (CEOP).  

Wes chairs the Hertfordshire Adoption Panel and, having been adopted as a child, has a lifelong interest in and commitment to the role of adoption in transforming the lives of children. 

He lives with his wife in Woburn and has two grown up children and grandchildren who live in the USA. Wes is a keen long distance walker, sailor, trombone player and fly fisherman and loves to travel. 

Find out more about Wes and the charity he chairs at:

https://www.pactcharity.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pactcharity

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-cuell-547b623a/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Rhiannon and her organisation at:

https://mofosteradopt.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FosterandAdopt

https://www.instagram.com/cmfcaa

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmfcaa/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-franklin-b498ba239/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Robin Sizemore, Executive Director of Hopscotch Adoptions Inc., was recognized in 2012 by the Winston-Salem Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc as a person who has “Transform Lives and Impacted the Community”. Among five other recipients, Robin Sizemore, was recognized in the area of “International Awareness” for her work and advocacy of children through international adoption and aid.  Robin was also the recipient of the “Angels in Adoption” award in 2008, in recognition of her service to children since 1995.

She is an adoptive mother and has been an adoption professional since 1995. In addition to placing children in forever families, Robin has been involved in both national and international levels regarding policies and regulations impacting child welfare: she has brought educational opportunities to a variety of officials in Georgia and Armenia, spearheaded cooperative humanitarian efforts, and hosted numerous international delegations through the U.S. State Department and Ministries in other countries which are associated with institutionalized children. Robin has a warm rapport with the wide range of individuals involved with children in need, including government officials, orphanage directors and staff, hospital and humanitarian aid administrators, and adoptive families and children alike.

Robin volunteered as a Council on Accreditation Hague Accreditation evaluator and team lead from 2016- 2020 and earned a Certificate of Nonprofit Executive Director Academy Institute/ Nonprofit Executive Director Academy Institute -Center for Creative Leadership – Guilford County Nonprofit Consortium 2014 and a Certificate of Nonprofit Management Nonprofit Management – Guilford Nonprofit Consortium – High Point University 2013.

Robin and her husband James are the adoptive parents of the first internationally adopted child from Georgia and, with their second adoption, of the first direct “birthmother to adoptive mother” international placement in Georgia. In addition to their two beautiful children from Georgia. Robin and James have also been blessed with the surprise birth of their youngest and third child.

Robin’s work is well regarded and highly respected within the country programs and she is considered a valuable resource and thoughtful orphan advocate by U.S. and international officials as the result of her dedication to children and families through humanitarian assistance programs over more than a decade. Robin has developed direct programs for Hopscotch with highly experienced and reliable partners in Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Ghana, Guyana, Morocco, Pakistan, Serbia, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, and appreciates the uniqueness of complex Kinship cases in need of a provider, when called upon.

Robin graduated in 1986 from Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Communication and Media Arts, with a Concentration in Public Relations and Minor in Marketing.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-ellington-sizemore-a4188a7/

https://www.instagram.com/hopscotch_adoptions/

https://www.facebook.com/HopscotchAdoptions/

https://hopscotchadoptions.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about them and the book they've written together at:

www:TwiceBlessed.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniemercadoaltman/

https://www.instagram.com/stefandrepeat/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-altman-145b5512/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Kim Smith is  also the Founder and Executive Director of Cradled In Grace, find out more here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-smith-3912b5164/

https://cradledingrace.com/

https://www.facebook.com/cradledingrace.adoptionconsultants/

https://www.instagram.com/cradledingrace/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jenn works in adoption. Here's a bit about her from her agency's website:

Jenn has been working with children and their families for almost thirty years, with eighteen of those years spent focusing on the needs of children in the foster care system and on providing adoption-related services. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Jenn spent several years as a foster parent and worked in a residential program for adolescent girls. Jenn then returned to school, earned a Master’s degree in Counseling, and spent fourteen years working for Deschutes County Behavioral Health as a therapist on the school-based health clinics team. A few months ago, Jenn transitioned to a school counselor position so she can spend summers working at her favorite camp. As an adult adoptee herself, Jenn believes that every child deserves a loving, stable, forever home and she works diligently to ensure that the families who adopt through Choice Adoptions understand this responsibility. Her superpower is the “ability to micro-edit written work,” and she uses this skill to ensure that the home studies, post-placement reports, and adoption profile books that represent Choice families are of the highest quality possible. She loves meeting new families when she writes their home studies and visiting them once their adopted child arrives home. When she is not working, Jenn enjoys caring for indoor and outdoor plants, hiking, searching for waterfalls, playing tennis, riding her bike, listening to Sea Shanties, browsing antique stores, and spending time with her husband and five (mostly grown) children.

https://www.choiceadoptions.org/

https://www.facebook.com/choiceadoptions/

https://www.instagram.com/choiceadoptions/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Melissa and the agency she works for at:

https://www.forever-families.org/

https://www.instagram.com/foreverfamiliesmi/

https://www.facebook.com/ForeverFamiliesLivonia/

https://www.facebook.com/melissa.butkovich

https://www.instagram.com/melbutkcarr/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Gladys is Senior Director of Foster Care and Adoption at The Children's Shelter, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Find out more about her and the Shelter  here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladys-foster-blackwell-155194b4/

https://www.facebook.com/TheChildrensShelter

https://www.instagram.com/thechildrensshelter

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-children%27s-shelter/

https://childrensshelter.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Anna from her website:

"I’m an adoptee, raised in a loving family, and I grew up knowing there was more beneath the surface of my story than anyone talked about.

Like many adoptees, I learned how to be grateful, how to be “fine,” and how to keep the harder questions quiet. It took years to understand how much adoption shapes a person’s sense of identity, safety, and belonging. Not just in childhood, but across a lifetime.

Today, my husband and I are parenting four children, all adopted through foster care. Our family story includes joy and deep connection, but it also includes trauma, mental illness, grief, and seasons that look nothing like what we imagined when we said yes to adoption.

Parenting children with complex needs has changed me. It has humbled me, stretched me, and forced me to let go of easy answers in favor of deeper understanding."

https://annabernacki.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557459094817

https://www.instagram.com/anna.bernacki/

https://www.parentingdifferent.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-bernacki-048a50387/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Matt Waller, MS is the Director of Community Impact for One Accord for Kids. Matt and his wife, Jen, founded The Attic Foster Network, a Permian Basin based nonprofit that serves children and families of the local foster system and invites churches to do the same. Matt moved to Midland, with his family, to teach for Midland Classical Academy. Prior to that, Matt worked in Christian Camping. His emerging career in child welfare is a direct result of the West Texas grassroots movement to see the local community care for local foster children. Matt earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor University. He holds a graduate degree in nonprofit management and leadership from Walden University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-waller-aa2b6819/

https://oneaccordtx.org/

https://www.facebook.com/oneaccordtx/

https://www.instagram.com/oneaccordtx/

https://x.com/oneaccordtx/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.oneadoption.co.uk/south-yorkshire

https://www.facebook.com/oneadoption/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here' a bit about Angie and the organisation she leads from their website:

"To serve as the President and CEO of CASA San Antonio is a privilege. It is also an honor to work with the dedicated team and Board to serve children in the San Antonio area.

My history as a foster, then adopted child, is what drives my motivation to let displaced children and youth know they are treasured, worthy and can overcome difficulties to become all they want to be. I believe all children have the absolute right to be loved and raised in a safe home.

Most of my career had been in the corporate world, and as in all roles, relationships and collaboration are essential. I previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Home, and the COO of Chosen. The not-for-profit sector is challenging and worth every minute of the dedication it takes, as you truly know you are making a difference.

Again, I am humbled to serve CASA and look forward to the future as we continue to support children experiencing foster care with amazing volunteer advocates."

Find out more about Angie and CASA

https://www.casa-satx.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drangie/

https://www.facebook.com/ChildAdvocatesSanAntonio

https://www.instagram.com/casa.satx/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Wendi:

"I am a wife. A mom. A mother-in-law. A Jaja (AKA: grandma). A missionary. A teacher. A speaker. And a cheerleader for Jesus. I love God, my husband, my family, and people of all nations. I also love to travel, meet new friends, and have fun wherever I go. I am the director of xHope, Inc., a non-profit that exists to empower at-risk youth by providing hope, love, education, and forever families. I am also the director of Redeemer House Ministries in Uganda where we rescue, rehabilitate, and reunify children into forever families."

https://www.wendicross.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wendi.neelycross

https://www.instagram.com/wcross8/?hl=en

https://www.xhopemissions.org/

https://www.instagram.com/xhopeinternational/

https://www.facebook.com/RedeemerHouseOrphanage

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Ms. Cindy Sarai is the Founder and Executive Director for Adoption Dreams Come True, a non-profit domestic adoption agency based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With 23 years in the field of Social Work and 15 years in the adoption arena, her passion is clear. Her belief that every child deserves a home that is loving, safe and permanent is the foundation for the work her agency does for birth parents, adoptive parents and children. As a result of her focus, Cindy has been a part of over 500 placements of children into permanent happy homes.

Cindy created a diverse agency that was not exclusive in any aspect, but served all birth parents and adoptive families regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. Cindy provides free life-time counseling for all birth parents regardless of their final choice and often meets with birth moms whom she met years ago. Adoptive family fees are based on a sliding scale, using annual income, so that adoptive families are not taken out of the adoption process based solely on income. Adoption Dreams Come True has always mirrored our diversity rich world and values the uniqueness of every client who comes through its doors.

https://www.adoptiondreams.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionDreamsComeTrue

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdlTbJSW7UtYqHBNZWK8X6A

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Dr. Ray Guarendi is a clinical psychologist and adoptive father of ten children who provides guidance on adoption, dispelling myths and offering practical advice from his personal and professional experience, emphasizing that love and commitment create family bonds, even across different ages or races, and encouraging adoption as a rewarding path. He's known for his books, radio shows, and talks, addressing concerns about the adoption process, fostering, and integrating adopted children into the family.

Find out more here:

https://www.drray.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-guarendi-233042291/

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.rayguarendi

https://www.facebook.com/Dr.RayGuarendi

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Penny from her agency's website:

"I have been a qualified social worker since 1991 and have worked with children and families in the safeguarding arena and as a therapeutic social worker. I qualified as a play therapist in 1999 and have worked independently as both a social worker and play therapist over the years. In 2003, I coordinated the development and delivery of mental health services for Looked After Children across social care, health and education for two years.

I love sharing knowledge and deliver training to a wide range of professionals, foster carers and adoptive parents on areas such as attachment, child development, the impact of trauma and abuse and communicating with children. I joined Adopters For Adoption in 2015 and have enjoyed every minute of my time working with our adopters and their children, when they have arrived! I live in Sheffield with my husband and two boys."

https://www.adoptersforadoption.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptersforAdoption

https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-rowntree-26a47382

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Arnie and his wife Donna have been foster parents for over 20 years and are the parents to three daughters and three sons, four of which are adopted into his family from the foster care system.

Arnie currently serves as the Executive Director of the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA). NFPA is a non-profit organization representing thousands of foster, adoptive and kinship parents, established to provide opportunities for advocacy, networking, and education.

Arnie’s role includes developing partnerships and building relationships that benefit foster parents by providing the resources, services and support they need to provide care for children in need.

He serves on multiple national, state, and local government committees, and strives to provide one voice in advocating for core needs for family-based care.

https://www.facebook.com/NFPAonline

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfpaonline/

https://nfpaonline.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Joanna is president of the Maryland Resource Parent Association.

Connect with her or them here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-a-961369176/

https://mrpa.org/

https://www.facebook.com/mdresourceparents/

https://www.instagram.com/mrpa_md_resource_parent_assoc/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Niemah Scherlacher was born to a 15-year-old Palestinian girl in Jerusalem at a time when formal adoption was forbidden. Her birth mother was hidden and protected from honor killing, and Niemah was placed in a Jewish Baby Home to ensure her safety and survival. She was late adopted by American Christians and raised in the United States. Decades later, Niemah discovered the identity of her birth mother and the truth of her origins, a revelation that brought both heartbreak and redemption. Through her journey, she has witnessed God’s providence an faithfulness, especially in the deeply personal work of healing after finding her birth mother only to be rejected.

Find out more about her:

https://www.facebook.com/niemah.scherlacher

https://www.instagram.com/niemahanne_/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Rachel is the Director of the CAFO Institute for Family-Centered Healing & Health.

She has a background in physical therapy and holds a Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London, specializing in early adversity. Rachel has served on multiple boards supporting vulnerable children and helped found Tyndale Christian School in Arlington, Virginia. She advises families facing complex parenting challenges and has invested deeply in education and youth formation. Her recent book, When There Is Crisis: A Handbook for Christian Foster & Adoptive Families Facing Serious Struggle, offers biblically grounded principles and research-based, practical guidance to support families walking through seasons of crisis. Rachel and her husband, Jedd, have welcomed children through birth, adoption and foster care.

https://cafo.org/family-institute/

https://www.instagram.com/cafoalliance/

https://www.facebook.com/CAFOalliance

https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-alliance-for-orphans/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jenny grew up in a small town with her siblings and in foster care. Later, as an adult, she became a kinship home that provided permanency through adoption. These experiences have given Jenny a unique way to see solutions and connect in an understanding and compassionate way. Her role on the AFKA Caregiver Support Team is not just a job to her, it’s her passion to help those going through difficult times and who just need a friendly person with perspective to turn to.

Find out more at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-brewer-3a3778308/

https://afkaonline.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/Albertafosterandkinshipassociation/

https://www.instagram.com/afka_caregiver_support/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@AlbertaFKA

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Carly Souza is an adoptive mother and Fostering Hope Director at The Hub in Las Vegas.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-souza-aa9a382b/

https://thehublv.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thehublv

https://www.instagram.com/thehublv/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

One Hope United (OHU) is a nonprofit organization that has been serving children, youth, and families for 130 years. We provide early childhood education, child and family services, behavioral and mental health resources, and residential programs, reaching more than 10,000 children and families each year across Illinois and Florida. Through our evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, we empower children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.

www.onehopeunited.org
www.facebook.com/1hopeunited
www.instagram.com/onehopeunited
www.linkedin.com/company/one-hope-united
www.linkedin.com/in/damon-cates-53945a2b
www.x.com/1hopeunited
www.youtube.com/@1hopeunited

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Laura Adams is a visionary educator, speaker, and systems-change advocate focused on strengthening how schools and communities support children in adoptive, foster, and kinship families.

As the Founder and President of iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families, Laura leads statewide and national efforts to bring practical, healing-centered tools and training to educators, mental health professionals, and child welfare leaders. Her work helps teams build emotionally safe, regulation-ready environments where all children can grow and thrive..

Laura created the iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™, bilingual, tiered tools now used in more than 1,200 Illinois schools to support identity development, emotional regulation, and school success for students with complex life stories..

Her signature training series, Connected, We Thrive™, delivers engaging, evidence-informed professional development aligned with Illinois Professional Learning Standards, MTSS, and SEL frameworks. These sessions equip school teams, social workers, and caregivers with practical, healing-centered strategies and a shared language to support student well-being..

Laura actively collaborates with leaders across education, mental health, and child welfare to advance responsive, family-centered practices. Her partners include: DCFS, ISBE, IAAC, IPA, IASB, IASSW, SWFCAC, West40, Let It Be Us, School of Hope, Second Nurture, NTI/C.A.S.E., ICOY, FREDLA, NCFA, ROEs, the Beacon Family Communications Workgroup, and the National Center for Post-Adoption Support.

A former educator and adoptive parent, Laura brings lived experience, policy insight, and powerful storytelling to every stage and session. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and thought partner—known for inspiring connection, sparking collaboration, and offering tools that professionals can use right away.

Because When We CONNECT, Children THRIVE.

https://icare4aaff.org/

https://www.instagram.com/iCARE4AAFF

https://www.facebook.com/iCARE4AAFF

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Rashunda Williams joined the CHRIS 180 team in 2023 as the Director of Foster Care and Adoptions, before being promoted to the role of VP, Community Residential Services.

Williams is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of our community and residential programs that serve children, young adults and families, including CHRIS 180’s adoption homes, foster homes, and Summit Trail Apartments.

For more than two decades, Williams has worked in the social service sector and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master of Business Administration. She has extensive knowledge of psychiatric hospitals, community-based services, adolescent group homes, foster care, the juvenile justice system and the mental health spectrum. Additionally, she has experience in client-centered therapeutic services to children, adolescents and couples.

Prior to joining the CHRIS 180 team, Williams served in several leadership roles within the social service sector in Nevada, California, and Georgia.

Her professional interests are resiliency across the life span, challenges of families with limited access to mental health and healthcare services, people centric leadership, diversity and equity in the workplace, prevention services, and continued training and development of mental health professionals.

Williams enjoys traveling, interior designing, reading and is an avid community volunteer.

Find out more about Rashunda and her organisation here:

https://chris180.org/

https://www.facebook.com/CHRIS180Advocate/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chris180/

https://www.instagram.com/CHRIS180_Advocate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashunda-williams-b18437202/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Donna from her agency's website:

Donna is an irreplaceable member of our adoption agency, dedicated to aiding women who are contemplating placing their child for adoption. Helping women through an unexpected pregnancy has become her life’s journey. She is seldom “off duty.” On weekends she communicates with birth mothers to aid them with their financial concerns or traveling to a hospital to ensure they are receiving the best medical possible.

Her resolute dedication and heartfelt compassion make her an essential figure in supporting these women throughout their entire journey.

Donna ensures that every person who works at Heart to Heart Adoptions treats birth mothers and adoptive families with respect and compassion. She insists on a non-judgmental approach to every situation. She creates a safe and nurturing space for them to share their concerns, dreams, and worries. By approaching each individual with empathy and without judgment, Donna ensures that these exceptional women have the necessary guidance and resources to make well-informed decisions.

Donna’s expertise within the Utah Adoption Agency lies in her ability to find the perfect match between birth mothers and adoptive families, making her an invaluable asset to our agency.

Connect with her here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/

Explore her podcast here:

https://www.instagram.com/voicesof_adoption/reel/DLH-sYjJPf4/?__d=1

https://voicesofadoption.podup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/voicesof_adoption/

Find out more about her podcast here:

https://hearttoheartadopt.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HeartToHeartAdoption

https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartadoptions/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's the interview with Jacee's mother.

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/our-spirit-isnt-traumatised-with-dana-hargus

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Sharon here:

https://giftfamilyservices.com/about-gift-family-services/our-coaches/sharon-butler-obazee/

https://www.instagram.com/adoptionclarity/?hl=en-gb

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gift-family-services/

https://www.facebook.com/sobazee03/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about the company Alaina works for here:

https://www.enniscenter.org/

www.enniscenter.org 

https://www.facebook.com/EnnisCenter/#

Find out more about adoption support in Michigan here:

www.mare.org 

Listen to the podcast with Jaycie on secondary trauma herehttps://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/healing-for-them-jaycie-bias

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Keystone Family Alliance is comprised of representatives from different churches around the state of Pennsylvania. We aim to educate, motivate, and equip every Christian in the state of Pennsylvania on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, both locally and globally.  Everybody can do something to positively impact these children, and the Alliance wants to help you find YOUR something. We bridge the gap between the desperate need of the child welfare system and PA churches. Agencies and caseworkers struggle to find new foster and adoptive families to meet the current, overwhelming need. Keystone Family Alliance mobilizes Christians from around Pennsylvania. For some, it is registering to meet tangible needs of foster, adoptive, and biological families through our online portal, Gateway. For others, it is serving on an engineered Care Community to support a local family for a year. For churches, Keystone Family Alliance provides the framework and support to help churches successfully recruit families to care for children in their communities to become these much-needed placement homes. There are so many ways to do something.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-smith-0214808a/

https://www.keyfam.org/

https://www.instagram.com/keystonefamilyalliance/

https://www.facebook.com/keystonefamilyalliance

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Erin Argue is Heart Galleries of Texas Post-Permanency Director

Erin Argue first came to TACFS as an intern in 2022 during an MSW program at Texas State and returned as the Heart Galleries of Texas Associate Director in 2023. Before the Alliance, Erin spent her career supporting youth in foster care at member organizations, Partnerships for Children and Settlement Home for Children. There, she managed major programs, services, and projects.

Originally from the Great Lakes State, Erin graduated from Michigan State University and earned two B.S. degrees in Psychology and Environmental Geosciences.

Now, Erin lives in Austin. As a people person with a love for connection, she spends lots of time outside, with friends, and with her dog, Charlie the Bandit.

Megan Ransom is Chief Executive Officer The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS).

Megan joined TACFS as the Director of Community Engagement in 2019, moved into the role of Chief of Staff in 2021, and became the CEO in 2025. She came to TACFS from Partnerships for Children, an Austin-based nonprofit, where she served as the Director of Foster and Adoption Services. Megan worked closely with DFPS and many Central Texas child placing agencies and nonprofits on community education/outreach initiatives built around children in the foster care system who are waiting for adoption. She also worked at Texas CASA in the Quality Assurance Department.

She has a passion for building strategic collaborations that produce results and continuously work towards improvement of practices and partnerships to lift up the children and families involved in the child welfare system.

An Indiana native, Megan earned a BA in Sociology & Psychology from Indiana University and a Master’s of Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She is also Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner through the Karyn Purvis institute of Child Development.

Megan and her husband are parents to two boys, both adopted through the Texas foster care system.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganshawrhoades/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-argue-2055646/

https://tacfs.org/

https://www.instagram.com/txalliancecfs/

https://www.facebook.com/texasalliance/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayciebias/

https://www.facebook.com/WVFosterParents/

https://wvfosterparents.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Director of Foster Care and Permanency Michelle shares her inside knowledge on systems, change and more.

Here is a bit about Michelle from her website:

"I'm often asked what brought me to this work; child protection, public service, and anti-oppression efforts. The answer is the same for all: my community's needs, desires, and experiences gave my career direction. Describing myself as a mixed kid from the projects doesn't always get a favorable reaction, but it's the truth and holds no shame for me. Neither do any of the other identities that make me the person I am today.

I hold a Master's degree in public administration from Metropolitan State University and an undergraduate in psychology and women studies. My public services career started with my first professional job out of college as an alternative response case manager on the east side of Saint Paul. That position was my introduction to child protection; quickly discovering the disparities, I realized the change needed would have to come from within the system causing these poor outcomes. Finding my way to spaces and fighting for a seat at the table among decision-makers was not the solution I thought it would be.

As a child protection worker, I found that policies, practices, and statutes interfered with my ability to make decisions in the best interest of families. As a supervisor, I found some of the same challenges, and the team I supported described transgressions in moral code during supervision. As a manager, I started to draw the connection between staff retention and outcomes for families. It became clear that staff supported in making decisions that align with their values remain in high-stakes decision-making positions. The unnamed emotions and blame the system placed on professionals led me to the term Moral Injury. Once I found the name of my experience, I felt empowered, becoming driven to inform the workforce and hold systems responsible."

Here are some links for more info

https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/program-overviews/child-protection-foster-care-adoption/african-american-child-well-being/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-seymore-42b0983b/

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/260.692#:~:text=The%20African%20American%20Child%20and,in%20the%20child%20welfare%20system;

https://www.michelledseymore.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Listen to her first interview here https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/helping-kids-feel-loveable-loved

As an adoptive mom, Terri knows how fortunate she is to have her daughter, and also how very rare her story is. Not quite ten years into raising her daughter, she did some research and found that less than one percent of girls facing unplanned pregnancy choose adoption for their babies. Digging into the reasons why that is so, Terri conducted several focus groups in her home and discovered that most women facing unplanned pregnancy simply don’t realize that adoption is an option. They believe they must choose between parenting and terminating their pregnancy.

As a seasoned marketing executive, Terri has deep and broad experience in communicating a precise, value-based message to affect change. For over two decades, she has consulted to Silicon Valley companies and led their strategic marketing and communications efforts. (See MarketSavvy Inc.)

She founded Unplanned Good to promote adoption as a viable option for women facing unplanned pregnancy. This is in response to contemporary beliefs in our society that young women have only two choices; abortion or parenting.

All too often, young women face unplanned pregnancies. When they do, they typically see only two choices: to become parents, often in their teens, or to terminate their pregnancies. It’s rare that they consider the alternative path – seeing the pregnancy through to delivery and placing the baby for adoption.

The mission of our organization is to promote adoption as a viable, reasonable option for those dealing with unplanned pregnancies, such that the result is good for all involved.

https://www.unplannedgood.org/

https://twitter.com/Unplanned_Good

https://www.facebook.com/UnplannedGood/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Shamele:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamele-jenkins-bb9ab712/

https://www.facebook.com/shamele.jenkins/

https://www.mdcfapa.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Steve joins the team at Hand in Hand with a background in non-profit organizations, the healthcare industry and higher education.  He holds a B.A. in Public Relations, a Master of Divinity, and an M.A. in Psychology, all of which have allowed him to do what he is most passionate about: making a positive difference in the lives of others.  Steve heads up operations for Hand In Hand and his outgoing personality makes him a fantastic spokesperson for introducing Hand In Hand to new families and organizations that we partner with. Steve and his spouse have five adopted children. Steve is always excited to share his family’s experience with others to show them the incredible ways that adoption can transform lives.  He is an avid sports fan, enjoys going to games and can normally be found adventuring with his kiddos throughout California. Steve is not afraid to go outside of his comfort zone and has even run a marathon in Italy to raise funds for charity! He loves being a father, first and foremost, and enjoys being able to give that experience to other families through his work with Hand in Hand.

Find out more at:

https://www.hihiadopt.org/

https://www.instagram.com/hand_in_hand_intl_adoptions/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/HandInHandInternationalAdoptions/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Ryan Hanlon became President and CEO of NCFA in May 2022 after serving as the Vice President of Education, Research, and Constituent Services since August 2017. Prior to joining NCFA, he served as the Executive Director of an accredited adoption agency that provided domestic and international adoption services.

Ryan is a frequent conference speaker, podcast guest, and go-to source for national and regional media on a range of adoption issues. He has expertise in accreditation and regulatory issues, state licensing matters, and adoption-related policy topics. Passionate about research and education, Ryan seeks to ensure that all those impacted by adoption have the resources and support they need to thrive in their families and communities.

See Ryan’s April 2023 appearance on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal.

Ryan holds four advanced degrees including an M.A. in Liberal Arts, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management, and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Social Work. He has served as a social work field instructor and an adjunct professor of social work to both undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

In 2022, Ryan received the Angel in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Ryan lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and their four children including a son adopted internationally.

Here's the article we mention.

https://ifstudies.org/blog/beyond-hashtags-what-the-anti-adoption-movement-gets-wrong

Find out more about Ryan here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hanlon-/

https://adoptioncouncil.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionCouncil/

https://www.instagram.com/adoptioncouncil/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Melody Marshall is the Co-Executive Director of My Village Ministries, a local initiative focused on family preservation, and the Co-Executive Director of Upstream Collaborative, a nationwide network of family preservation ministries. After receiving a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science, Melody has pursued work that aligns with God’s calling to serve vulnerable families.

Melody’s professional journey has spanned various roles, from house parent for at-risk teens to paraprofessional for children with special needs. Her experiences have shaped her unwavering dedication to the marginalized, the orphan, and the widow. Guided by a deep faith, Melody has seen God’s hand at work in her life, leading her to a clear calling to mobilize the Church to preserve socially isolated families in crisis, helping them build sustainable support systems and pathways to healing.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-marshall-1b19712ab/

https://myvillageministries.com/

https://www.facebook.com/myvillageministries

https://www.instagram.com/my.village.ministries/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Heather's mother was in foster care and Heather was adopted by her grandmother. Heather has adopted too. 

Find out more at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-branam-5971351b6/

mystic-moon-healing.com

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Trent entered foster care at the age of four due to domestic violence, extreme neglect, and sexual abuse. After traveling a painful journey through the foster care system, Trent was adopted at the age of nine and came to dramatic levels of healing from his traumatic past. Trent, who is now 24 years old, has devoted his life to helping others find healing. Trent is a mentor and public speaker and has authored and published two books. Trent graduated from Arizona State University with a 4.0 GPA with a B.S. in Family and Human Development. Trent is CEO and Co-Founder of Watch Me Rise in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Trent is a trauma consultant and serves as a TBRI Practitioner, Life Coach, Educational Therapist, mentor, and parent trainer. Trent gives all the glory to God for his healing and strives to be a light in the darkness.

https://www.watchmerise919.org/

https://www.facebook.com/WatchMeRiseLLC

https://www.instagram.com/watchmerise919/

https://x.com/WatchMeRise6

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Cindy and her husband, Michael have three children through birth and adoption. She's also Director for the Beyond post adoption program at Circle Of Care in Oklahoma.

Find out more at

https://circleofcare.org/programs/beyond/

https://www.facebook.com/circleofcareok

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyboecking/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Rebecca Harvin is the founder and Executive Director of Haven. Rebecca, and her husband Brad, began fostering in 2017 and in July of 2022, they adopted a sibling set of four. They also have 2 biological children. Haven Retreats was born from a season of caregiver burnout and the assumption that if she needs a space for rest, therapy and Jesus... other people probably do too.

As an Enneagram 7, Rebecca loves adventure, traveling, spontaneity and engaging the world around her with humor and a positive outlook.

 www.havenretreatsinc.org

https://www.facebook.com/havenretreatsinc/

https://www.instagram.com/haven.retreats/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaharvin/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-harvin/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Rob has been in the adoption field since 1996. He has worked in both the public and private sectors in child welfare and has experience in both intercountry and domestic adoption. Rob earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Wheaton College, MA (1994). He has a Master’s Degree in Social work from Salem State College (1999) and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2012 after graduating from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law School in 2011.

Rob is the Executive Director/Attorney for ACF Adoptions, a private non–profit adoption agency that has been providing services since 1992. Rob is a former foster parent and the proud adoptive parent of two sons and a daughter. He resides in South Florida with his husband, children, 3 dogs and 9 chickens. Rob is an active volunteer in his community and an advocate for ethical adoption reform. He is a member of the Florida Adoption Council, the National Council for Adoption and a Fellow in the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys where he serves on the Agency and Ethics Committees.

He is responsible for all phases of legal work on behalf of agency including pleadings, hearings and taking consents. He oversees the agency's financial management, budget, audit, supervises the agency's administrative staff, annual state licensure as well as cooperation with Board of Directors. He ensures that the agency services reflect mission.

https://www.adoptionflorida.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lamarche-lcsw-jd-00a6346/

https://www.facebook.com/robert.c.lamarche/

https://www.instagram.com/adoptionflorida/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more at

 https://www.facebook.com/karyn.kunst.9

https://www.instagram.com/karynellenk/

Check out her book on Amazon

https://a.co/d/1LN1a4l

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Marcia:

Marcia has been married to her best friend, Scott, for 35 years, and together they raised five incredible children—four sons and one daughter. Their family is a beautiful reflection of love and diversity, having adopted three biracial children: a baby and a sibling group, while also welcoming two biological “bookends.” Marcia considers her daughter and youngest son among her closest friends, cherishing the unique bond they share. She treasures the privilege of investing her time and love into her family, friends, and the lives of others

A lifelong admirer of God’s artistry, Marcia finds joy in capturing His beauty through photography, from breathtaking sunsets to the intricate details of His creation. The beach holds a sacred place in her heart—a magical space where healing flows and her connection to the Trinity deepens. In those moments by the ocean, she experiences an intimacy with the Father that uplifts her spirit and renews her strength. The rhythmic waves, the vastness of the sea, and the gentle whispers of the wind create a sacred sanctuary where she is filled with the Lord’s peace, love, and purpose.

Professionally, Marcia is a trained educator and is a certified Life, Grief, Trauma, Brain, and Mental Health counselor/coach. She is also a Mediator and a HeartSync Minister. With these tools, she walks alongside individuals facing life’s most painful and complex moments. Whether speaking or writing, she creates compassionate spaces where those who are grieving can find hope and healing. Her own life has been shaped by profound loss, yet she continues to testify to God’s faithfulness and redeeming love.

Marcia is the founder of The Sterling Rose Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping others find freedom from grief and trauma. Through her ministry, she equips people to breathe again, move again, and live again—empowering them to embrace the life God has designed for them with purpose, healing, and hope.

Check her out here:

https://www.facebook.com/TSRS21/

https://www.instagram.com/thesterlingrosesanctuary/?hl=en

https://www.thesterlingrosesanctuary.us/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's Alice's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/leaning-on-30-years-learning-with-alice-murray-adoption-attorney-writer-tezpvkd

And her new book https://www.amazon.com/God-Adopted-First-Attorneys-Adventures/dp/1563097818

To find out more at her work check out:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-h-murray-174521157/

https://aliceinwonderingland.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alicemurraywriter

https://www.instagram.com/alice.h.murray/

https://www.facebook.com/alice.h.murray

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

In September 2006, Matthew co-founded the Heart Gallery of Broward in response to the need he observed in his community for this service. During its short tenure, Heart Gallery of Broward has achieved an above-average success rate of 40 percent, having already helped place 70 children in loving, permanent homes. Recognizing the benefits a national network of Heart Galleries could have, he co-founded and organized the Heart Gallery of America in August 2008. As co-founder of the national organization, Matt leads this group to share resources and broaden the pool of families seeking to adopt. 

The Heart Gallery of America, comprised of 100 individual heart galleries, also launched ww.heartgalleryofamerica.org, a comprehensive reference tool and informational index for prospective families. Recently, he founded the Florida Association of Heart Galleries to organize the 15 Florida Heart Galleries and advocate for adoption in the Florida State Capiton Region. In 2009, he received the Florida Governor’s Points of Light Award.

Matthew is married and has two daughters.

https://heartgalleryofamerica.org/about-heart-gallery/directors/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Heart-Gallery-of-America-100054215212909/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-straeb-8a12934/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jodi loves being a wife to Jerry and mom to her large family of world-changers, including eight children, five adopted.  In 2009, as she faced the orphan crisis worldwide, God gave her the dream to unite the women everywhere who love and serve the orphan.  She served twelve years as Global Director of Orphan Sunday for the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), is a seminary graduate and Certified Chaplain.  She is the author of three books, including Healing for Every Heart in Adoption, Second Mother: A Bible Study Experience for Foster and Adoptive Moms and Fasten Your Sweet Belt: 10 Things You Need to Know About Older Child Adoption.

https://jodijacksontucker.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jodijacksontucker/

https://secondmothers.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Anita here:

https://www.brookhills.org/staff-elders/anita-bucher/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-bucher-a8233725/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.allforkids.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AllForKids.CA/

https://www.facebook.com/AllForKids.CA/

https://x.com/AllForKidsCa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-stogel-2a1093171/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect with Krystal here https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-trocki-1372321a3/

Find out about her employer here https://26health.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Adoptive mother Dana Hargus, M.Ed., LPC, is a seasoned health professional with over 25 years of experience in trauma-informed care. Before becoming a counselor, she spent nine years as an educator, building a foundation of compassion and connection that continues to guide her work today. Dana is the owner of a thriving private counseling practice and the visionary behind Restore of Ada, a new healing center devoted to wholeperson wellness and rapid nervous system resetting.

https://restoreofada.com/

https://www.facebook.com/restoreofada

https://www.instagram.com/restoreofada/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-hargus-681519340/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Lisa here:

https://www.instagram.com/drmommypoppins/?hl=en-gb

https://www.theadoptednurse.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lisa.astalos.chism/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Tami from her website:

I grew up disconnected from my Dominican and Jamaican roots, always feeling like I wasn't “enough” of anything—not Latina enough, Caribbean enough, not even Black enough. I carried shame, confusion, and uncertainty about whether I even had the right to claim a heritage I barely knew. 

When I began exploring my roots, there were no guides, no roadmaps, or no one to show me where to start. I had to find my own way—slowly, and in a way that felt authentic to me.

When I adopted my Ethiopian-born daughter, I promised she wouldn’t grow up with that same disconnection. That promise became my purpose.

I’m living this work every day—raising an Ethiopian daughter, caring for my aging mother, and navigating my own Dominican/Jamaican identity, all under one roof in Mexico. I know what this journey really looks like—and I’m here to walk it with you.

Now, as a Cultural Heritage Reconnection Coach, I offer the support I once needed. I guide people to rediscover their roots, reclaim pride in who they are, and create a legacy so future generations never have to wonder where they belong.
You don’t need permission to reconnect.

You just need a place to begin—and you don’t have to do it alone.

https://www.instagram.com/tamideegarcia/

https://www.tiktok.com/@tamideegarcia

https://www.tamigarcia.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TamiDeeGarcia

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Wilson..

"Hi! I’m Wilson. I’m a transracial international adoptee with a deep appreciation for history, tradition, and the values that shape us. Growing up, I was always told I was an “old soul,” and honestly, they weren’t wrong. My love for classic country and rock ‘n’ roll records, as well as old Western films, has always made me feel connected to a time before my own.

Being adopted from China and raised in America has given me a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and the legacy we leave behind. I believe in honoring the past while building a better future, and for me, that means leading with hard work, respect, and kindness. I want to be a positive example—not just for adoptees, but for anyone trying to navigate who they are in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.

I have faith that we are more than just where we come from—we are also what we choose to do with the life we’ve been given. I find so much inspiration in the people who came before me, and even more in those who are writing their own stories now."

https://www.facebook.com/wilson.munsterman.3/

https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilson-munsterman-09782732a/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2ZW5CVK

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Andrew is a passionate supporter of foster care and adoption. Andrew launched the KPMG National Foster Care and Adoption Network in 2021, which has now grown to more than 45 of KPMG’s US offices. Focused initially on mentoring and coaching opportunities for new and prospective foster and adoptive parents, the network has grown to serve as a platform for connecting foster and adoptive parents, adult adoptees, birth parents, and adoption advocates. The network also connects with key community organizations that focus on foster and adoption and are actively supported by KPMG’s partners and employees.

Andrew has received numerous awards and recognition, including Seramount’s National Working Dad of the Year, and the Association of Government Accountants’ Andy Barr Award, National President’s Award, National Treasurer’s Award, and National Author’s Award.

Andrew and his wife are adoptive parents and former foster parents. They have three children, and live in Maryland.

If you'd like to connect with Andrew you can email him at aclewis@kpmg.com or connect here https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-c-lewis/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Tanya is a Korean adoptee and former academic. She has a Ph.D. in Sociology and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education with a focus on intercountry adoption, identity formation, emotion work, advocacy, and agency. Prior to Ties, she worked 20 years in higher education supporting students, teaching sociology, and conducting evaluation research. She has spoken at multiple Heritage Camps and first started working with Ties as an adjunct team member for Kazakhstan in 2019, where she loved connecting with both adoptees and parents. Along with her husband and teenage daughter, she currently splits her time between Colorado and living abroad, while their son attends college in Colorado.  In her free time you can find her walking along the ocean or reading romance novels.

https://www.instagram.com/tanyakaanta/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyakaanta/?originalSubdomain=pa

https://www.instagram.com/the.ties.program/

https://www.facebook.com/TheTiesProgram

https://www.thetiesprogram.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Meredith Shepard joined Heart of Adoptions in August 2013 as the Adoptive Parent Coordinator. She works closely with waiting adoptive families handling day-to-day needs and assisting with matching adoptive families to birth families. In July of 2020 Meredith became the Director of Programs for the agency.  As of April of 2022 Meredith is the Executive Director for Heart of Adoptions. She is responsible to coordinate and supervise agency staff, volunteers, and handle day-to-day operational duties. Meredith has worked in the area of social work for over 20 years and has experience working within the fields of child development, adoption, foster care, and developmental disabilities.

Meredith graduated with honors from Eckerd College with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Walden University with a Master of Science in Non-Profit Management & Leadership. She was also a Licensed Massage Therapist prior to obtaining her degree. While born in Ohio, which will always be home, she is also a die-hard hot weather fan and loves nothing more than cruising in her Jeep with the top down and the music loud! She has a son in college and has recently added a new fur-baby “Voodoo” to her home. Meredith can typically be found at Disney on the weekend or enjoying a camping trip and a nice kayak trip down a river when the weather is nice.

https://www.facebook.com/HeartOfAdoptionsInc/#

https://heartofadoptions.com/

https://x.com/HeartAdoptions

https://www.instagram.com/heart_of_adoptions/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-shepard-1357a678/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.facebook.com/sharla.kinman

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

www.facebook.com/people/Kaleidoscopes-Consulting/61575749055036/

www.instagram.com/kaleidoscopesconsulting/

www.linkedin.com/in/morgannecrouser

https://jri.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Irene Steffas is the founder of St. Nick’s Kids and served as the agency’s first Executive Director from 2019 to 2024. Currently, she is the Director of Domestic Adoptions and Global Development, where she assumes a variety of services. Irene established St. Nick’s Kids to provide comprehensive adoption services for children, birth parents, and adoptive families. Licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida, Irene has dedicated over 40 years of her legal career to complex intercountry and domestic adoptions. Her professional expertise is deeply personal, as she and her husband are proud parents of two sons, one of which is adopted. Fluent in both Greek and English, Irene brings a global perspective to her work. She believes her efforts are guided by a higher purpose, describing herself as a tool witnessing God’s hand at work. Through her leadership and dedication, Irene continues to make a profound impact on children and families worldwide.

Find out more at:

https://snkinc.org/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555386085410

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-steffas-b4a22317/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Adoptive mother Linda R. Sexton is an open adoption pioneer who seeks to educate on today’s practice of open adoption where the biological parents and adoptive families know each other and remain in contact after the adoption is finalized.

https://www.lindarsexton.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lindarsextonauthor#

https://www.instagram.com/lindarsextonauthor/

https://x.com/lindarsexton

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Anna Schocket, a single adoptive mother, embarked on a heartfelt journey to pen this book as a way to open a dialogue about adoption with her young daughter.

With a career as a senior executive in Talent Development, Anna leveraged her learning background and her belief in the power of teachable moments to create a meaningful resource for other adoptive and nontraditional families.

Anna and her daughter thrive together in Oakland, California.

Here's the link to her kickstarter 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1640715224/the-heart-that-found-you-childrens-picture-book?ref=diwwpj

Find out more about Anna and her book here:

 https://www.netgalley.com/widget/915622/redeem/a676056001beb20d9eaa66425ec10ca911497ff86a19cee3c4282df828a32249

https://annaschocket.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaschocket/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575153751146#

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Francine from her website:

Adoption is a way some of us are called to grow our families, and I’m here to support that journey however I can.

I’m Francine Apy, an adoptive mom of three, a writer, speaker, and coach who believes in the power of encouragement, clarity, and faith to move us forward. SoulFilling reflects not just my story, but a calling: to help others walk their own adoption path with perspective, purpose, and an open heart.

Here's a link to her website https://www.soulfillingadoption.com/

Connect with on social media at:

https://www.instagram.com/soulfilling_by_francine_apy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/francine-apy-4310b7221/

https://www.youtube.com/@SoulFillingAdoption

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jackson is an entrepreneur and leader who continues to defy the odds as a first-generation immigrant from West Africa who owns and runs a small business. The adopted son of bestselling author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst, Jackson is passionate about drawing together people from diverse backgrounds to experience authentic community. He lives with his wife and their two children outside Nashville, Tennessee.

https://www.facebook.com/jackson.terkeurst

https://www.instagram.com/jacksonterkeurst_/?hl=en

https://www.jacksonterkeurst.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Kelly Henderson, Ph.D. is Executive Director of Formed Families Forward.

A special educator by profession, Kelly is a former public school teacher of students with emotional and behavioral disorders, and has worked in national and federal special education policy and research settings. Kelly’s family is formed in part through public foster care and adoption. Her young adult sons have a range of learning, behavioral, medical and cognitive disabilities. Pulling from her personal lived and professional experiences, Kelly consults with and trains adoptive, foster and kinship families and professional partners on special education and related topics. She also serves on numerous advisory boards and committees.

Kelly earned a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Maryland College Park and served as an Executive Branch Policy fellow for the Society for Research in Child Development. In addition to her work at FFF, Kelly serves as part-time instructional faculty at George Mason University, training special education teachers. Kelly believes that when formed families have information and tools to advocate for critical educational services, their children and youth experience improved academic, social emotional, and behavioral outcomes.

We are a family-led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families of children and youth with disabilities and other special needs. We offer critical resource tools to empower families to advocate for better special education, behavioral health and other services for the children in their care. Services to Northern Virginia parents, caregivers and family-serving professionals include training and events, peer supports, resource navigation and parenting and youth classes.

Formed Families Forward’s mission is to improve developmental, educational, social, emotional and post-secondary outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and other special needs through provision of information, training and support to adoptive and foster parents, and kinship caregivers.

https://formedfamiliesforward.org/

https://www.facebook.com/FormedFamiliesForward

https://www.instagram.com/formedfamiliesforward/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAXmFiDD2phNTeRJ9PBqBAg

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jenifer Jarriel is Board President & Chief Executive Officer of Depelchin. Jesse Booher is Chief Operations Officer and Senior VP. 

DePelchin Children’s Center supports and sustains children and the families who care for them. Some of our programs, such as parenting classes and counseling, preserve and strengthen families. Other services, such as foster care and adoption, ensure children have the care and support they need to overcome trauma, both now and in the future. Our work is driven by our belief that all children should be part of safe, loving homes.

DePelchin has been serving children and families in the Houston area since our founding in 1892. Our programs and services have evolved throughout our history, but our commitment to helping children has never changed. Today we also provide services in and around Austin, Lubbock and San Antonio, and we gratefully receive support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government grants.

Find out more at:

https://www.depelchin.org

https://www.facebook.com/depelchin

https://www.instagram.com/depelchinchildrenscenter/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Brian Is Director of Education & Well-being for the National Organisation for FASD and has been the lead author and co-ordinator for the Me & My FASD project and leads our training team. Brian has been a Local Authority foster carer for over 30 years. Along with his wife they have provided long term foster care for large sibling groups. They have been the Special Guardians of children that they previously looked after and currently can provide a home for three young people with FASD.

Brian has been Virtual School Head in two English Local Authorities and was one of the Virtual Heads who was on the Department for Children, Schools and Families national pilot. He was also closely involved in national pilots on One to One Tuition, Multi-Therapeutic Treatment Foster Care and the Assisted Boarding School Pathfinder.

He trained and practiced as a teacher for over 25 years His experience covers Humanities Education, Careers Education and Guidance, Young People’s Voice and Leadership and he was England’s only Advanced Skills Teacher for Enterprise Education.

www.nationalfasd.org.uk

www.fasd.me

www.preventfasd.info

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-roberts-b082a361

https://www.facebook.com/NationalFASD

https://x.com/NationalFASD

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!

More at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrickmorton/

https://www.facebook.com/lifelinechild

https://lifelinechild.org/

https://www.instagram.com/lifelinechild/

https://twitter.com/lifelinechild

https://vimeo.com/lifelinechild

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

DIANA KAYLA HOCHBERG is an accomplished photographer with over twenty-five years of experience in retail management and twenty years as an educator. Her life is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance.

Diana was born in Montreal, Canada, and raised in New York. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and an Associate of Arts degree in Art History. Since 2017, she has been a member of the British Columbia Genealogical Society and the National Genealogical Society. Diana is passionate about genealogy and enjoys helping both adoptees and non-adoptees discover their family histories.

She is the proud mother of her son, David, her daughter-in-law, Erica, and her granddaughter, Harper, as well as her stepdaughter, Claire. Diana resides in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, with her brother Jesse and her Siberian cat Gatsby.

CONNECTED: Finding My Truth is Diana's debut book.

 Giving Back

A portion off all proceeds or royalties from the sales of this book will be donated to the following organizations: National Association of Adoptees and Parents, Inc., Society for Adoption Truth, Elevating Connections, and Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation. 

https://www.dianakaylahochberg.com/

https://www.facebook.com/dianakayla.hochberg

https://x.com/dkhparis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-kayla-hochberg-736104218/

https://www.instagram.com/dianakaylahochberg/?hl=en

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Leigh Lincoln is an author whose narratives resonate deeply with the human experience. With a passion for storytelling that touches hearts and provokes thoughtful reflection, she has carved a path that intertwines her love for writing with her dedication to advocating for the homeless and those living in poverty. Her journey as an author is a testament to her commitment to making people ponder the choices they make, how they treat others, and the importance of empathy. Leigh’s journey has led her down a remarkable path of advocacy for the homeless and impoverished communities. For over three decades, she has dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of those in need. Her first novel, “Road Home,” was born from this tireless work. It serves as a thought-provoking mirror to society, challenging readers to consider how they live, treat others, and desire to be treated.

Leigh’s literary exploration continues with the “Broken Roads Series.” Comprising novels like “Road to Freedom,” “Finding the Real Road,” and “The Road West,” these stories delve into the idea that life doesn’t always follow the path we envision. Instead, we encounter unexpected twists and turns, forcing us to gather the fragments of our existence and move forward.

Leigh’s most recent series, “Path to family,” stands as her most personal work to date. “The Path to Family Series” shines a light on the emotional and hopeful tale of adoption.

Having been adopted, Leigh’s life had been shaped by this framework. And she has been blessed by finding a half-sister and her birth father. Her hope in writing these novels is to help others understand the complexities and emotions involved in the adoption process. She invites her readers to connect with the emotional depths of the narrative and the various perspectives. 

Leigh is not just an author; she’s a voice that encourages others to find their own. Through her interviews on various podcasts and radio shows, she strives to inspire individuals to discover their unique voices, explore the world, and never shy away from meaningful conversations. Her passion lies in crafting novels that resonate with readers on a profound emotional level, aiming to uplift, inspire, and provoke introspection.

Find out more at

https://leighlincolnauthor.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-lincoln-24218a133/

https://www.instagram.com/lincolnleigh/

https://www.facebook.com/leigh.lincoln.2025/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

 I'm gathering wisdom from across the adoption constellation for a book on how adoptive parents can help their kids thrive. The ebook will be available widely and free. Any profits from the printed book will go towards supporting a post-adoption charity. 

Contribute here https://forms.gle/93u641bZf2DzXDGs6

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Meghan Anderson has been the director of Connecting Hearts (now Adoption Life), since 2018 and has worked in adoptions in various roles for over 12 years.  She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University and thoroughly enjoyed her experiences at both schools.  Meghan has loved working in social work in different settings, including mental health counseling, school social work and social work teaching over the course of her career but has been particularly drawn to working in adoption.  She loves the connections she is able to make with all the people involved in adoption and appreciates the opportunity and responsibility of being with people in some of their most vulnerable experiences.  She is motivated to take great care with all members of the adoption triad and create a more ethical and compassionate adoption experience for all.  Meghan enjoys spending time with her family, including her three kids and husband and chasing them to every kind of sporting event imaginable.

https://adoptionlifeagency.org/

https://www.instagram.com/adoptionlifeagencies/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanwoolleyanderson/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jenn Hook, MA  is Founder and Executive Director of Replanted Ministry

Jenn received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. She previously worked as a trauma therapist for children and adolescents in foster care. She speaks frequently on topics related to adoption and foster care support, mental health, and trauma. She is the author of Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Foster and Adoptive Families, and Thriving Families: A Trauma-informed Guidebook for the Foster and Adoptive Journey. She lives in Dallas, TX with her husband Josh and 2 children.

https://www.instagram.com/jennranter/

https://www.replantedministry.org/

https://www.facebook.com/replanted/

https://x.com/ReplantedMin

https://www.instagram.com/replantedministry/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Amiee earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She also has a Master’s in Conflict Management from Lipscomb and is a Certified Nonprofit Profesisonal.

https://miriamspromise.org/

https://www.facebook.com/miriamspromise

https://www.instagram.com/miriamspromise/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amieemsadler/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Kelly has extensive experience as a Family Support Coach with Children’s Home Society and has also served as the co-leader of Bellis' innovative Tuesday morning peer-support group for women addressing the grief of no longer parenting their children. She was recently appointed to the inaugural State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training in MN. Kelly has an M.Ed. degree with licensure in Parent and Family Education (U of M Twin Cities) as well as a Graduate Licensure in Secondary Education from the University of St Thomas.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-tronstad-05934b198/

https://www.mybellis.org/

https://www.facebook.com/MyBellisCommunity/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Anna Maria DiDio, MSW is a writer, speaker and educator who has devoted her time and talents to organizations focusing on women, girls and families. She is also the mother of two wonderful women. Her younger daughter joined the family through adoption. Here's more about Anna Maria from her website:

"Twenty years ago, the myth of adoption had me hooked and I was unprepared for the journey ahead. My mission in writing children's books is to encourage open conversation about adoptee love and loss so that all blended families thrive! When reading together, allow your child to express honest emotions and feelings. All of the events in my books have been inspired by our own family experience, chronicled in my memoir – Love at the Border.

Shattered by infertility, Anna Maria knew that adoption was the only way to realize the family of her dreams. That is how she found herself in a Mexican orphanage ready to meet a six-year-old girl. Once in their forever home, her new daughter cried and pleaded to return to the women who had cared for her since birth. Anna Maria was devastated."

https://www.amdidio.com/

https://www.instagram.com/annamariadidiomsw/

https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaDiDioMSW

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Dr. Abigail Hasberry splits residence in Texas and Maryland. Her work focuses on examining and developing a person's identity, experiences, passions, and support networks. Abby prides herself on being able to support people as they plan to meet and exceed their potential. She provides a safe and supportive space where her clients are guided to growth by enhancing their confidence, knowledge base, and network. Dr. Hasberry deeply understands her clients’ passions and listens for the things that are not said. "I am also my clients’ biggest cheerleader and problem solver all at once."  

Here's the link to Abby's book https://adoptingprivilege.com/

Here's the link to the book Abby mentions  https://www.amazon.com/Mis-Education-Negro-Carter-Godwin-Woodson/dp/B09WHKKMNT

https://www.instagram.com/d.e.a.r._abby/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailhasberry/

https://twitter.com/DEARAbbyEdu

https://dearabbyllc.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Annette Williams, PhD, M.Ed., LPC, RPT, CAS is a Professional Member of the Association of Play Therapy and is a National Certified Counselor through the NBCC.

Find out more about her here:

https://www.williamscounselingplaytherapy.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Rev. David Melber is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) effective January 1, 2025. David is responsible for casting the overall vision for the nonprofit as well as overseeing all aspects of its many ministries throughout NC, SC and internationally. His desire is to ensure the needs of those BCH serves are compassionately met and the hope of Jesus Christ is shared.

David Melber is a Kentucky native who has dedicated his career and calling to non-profit ministry within Southern Baptist life. He has served in executive positions with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and Send Relief, a collaboration between NAMB and the International Mission Board (IMB). After surrendering to a call to ministry, he attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY where he received his Master of Divinity.

Melber has been married to his wife, Tera, since 1991. The couple, who are now empty-nesters, have three biological children and three adopted children.

https://www.bchfamily.org/

https://www.facebook.com/BCHFamily/

https://www.instagram.com/bchfamily

https://x.com/bchfamily

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-melber-78890b10/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Darren and Stacey Gagnon are passionate advocates for children in the areas of special needs, adoption, and foster care. They both have degrees in education and have a combined 25 years in the classroom. Stacey is also a licensed RN and has mostly worked in public health and pediatric mental health. They have committed their lives to bringing an informed voice to raise awareness, training, and support for children in crisis and to those charged with their care.

Stacey Gagnon is the creator and Director of Trauma Lens Care where she provides training on trauma, substance abuse, and ACEs in schools, jails, and public forums. Embodying their beliefs, Darren and Stacey are the parents of 7 children, 5 of which are adopted. They have also fostered for over 12 years. Their critical work has resulted in the co-founding of Lost Sparrows, Inc., a 501(c)(3) with the goal of ending the flow of children into orphanages in Eastern Europe. Lost Sparrows provides education and training to social service officials, government administration, and caregivers working with children in orphanages and foster care.

https://www.facebook.com/staceyjackson.gagnon/

https://www.lostsparrows.org/

https://www.facebook.com/LostSparrows.org

https://www.instagram.com/lostsparrows

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Check out Adrian's film https://seedandspark.com/fund/finding-home-a-journey-to-biological-roots

https://www.adrianburksartist.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianburks1/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's the link to the interview with Jill Bolte Taylor:

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/with-jill-bolte-taylor

And the interview with Kathy Mackechney:

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/deeper-healing-with-kathy-mackechney-leden48a

Niall McKeever is an entrepreneur and psychology student from Northern Ireland, who is passionate about making great ideas more accessible.

He is the Founder of The Weekend University - an alternative education project which aims to make the most important ideas in psychology more accessible.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-weekend-university/id1233173966

https://theweekenduniversity.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theweekenduniversity

https://www.instagram.com/theweekenduniversity/?hl=en

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Listen to Kristin's previous interview here:

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/a-guide-to-family-wellbeing-with-kristin-orphan-foster-adoptive-parent-founder-executive-director

Connect with Kristin here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-orphan-5b2a8113a/

Finally Home is a non-profit whose mission since 2008 is to equip foster, adoptive and kinship families to build healthy homes where kids can heal. Over the years all kinds of families have benefited from Finally Home's programs and products which are designed to give parents the tools they need to help their kids and families thrive. Whether through an encouraging children’s story book, a therapeutic toolkit, or an educational training, Finally Home’s resources reinforce time tested skills and characteristics found in healthy families.

https://www.finallyhome.net/

https://www.facebook.com/FinallyHome.net

https://www.instagram.com/teamfinallyhome/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Jean Kelly Widner is the author of The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption into Perspective, a powerful exploration of the complex realities of adoption. Born in 1965 and adopted from birth in Washington State, Jean lives the paradox she writes about—experiencing both love and loss, belonging and separation. In her book, she shares stories from all sides of the adoption triad: adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families, alongside insights from mental health experts.

Find out more here:

https://adoptionparadox.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Adoption-Paradox-Putting-Perspective-ebook/dp/B0F6X136JN

https://www.facebook.com/people/Jean-Kelly-Widner/100080741770981/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's the link to Marcy's previous interview:

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/reasons-for-hope-with-marcy-bursac

Marcy and her husband adopted a biological sibling pair.

While remote schooling my children during the pandemic, she began to see a gap between adults with a desire to adopt and the 115,000 adoptable children within the United States. 

Marcy is the author: "Are You a Forever Family?" & "The Forgotten Adoption Option"

Host: The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast

Facebook Community / Instagram / LinkedIn

www.forgottenadoptionoption.com

Meet waiting children and get tools to pursue foster care adoption.

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Rabail here:

https://www.adoptionmatters.org/podcasts/exploring-transracial-adoption/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabail-ahmed-0b3038336/?originalSubdomain=uk

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Betsy Armstrong grew up on a farm in Minnesota, but Chicago captured her country-mouse heart thirty-plus years ago, so she stayed. Betsy is a writer, mom, athlete, and philanthropist who wants to change the world. She has had careers in sales, counseling, and the non-profit space. Still, her true passion is running, which led her to become the Executive Director of Girls on the Run - Chicago and the Chicago Area Runners Association. Her writing has been published in the Brevity Blog, The Pinch Journal, and WOW-Women on Writing, and she has been recognized by essay contests in Writer’s Digest and WOW-Women on Writing. Besides writing, she bakes apple pies exactly how her great grandma taught her and listens to NPR while simultaneously recording too many reality TV shows. She and her husband, kids, and pets divide their time between the mountains of Nevada and the lakes of the Midwest.

More at:

https://www.facebook.com/betsy.andersonarmstrong

https://www.instagram.com/wordsbybetsy/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647428939

https://www.betsyarmstrong.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

About Becky's last interview...

Following failed and miscarriages Becky and her husband Kip adopted 2 girls who are now thriving teenagers. Listen in as Becky shares what she's learned - and continues to learn - for insights on how you can navigate your own journey as an adoptive parent. There are tonnes of insights into handling the tests our kids bring us, building relationships with birth parents and much, much more. Practical, relatable and insightful

Here's a link to it https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/handling-tough-stuff-with-adoptive-mom-becky-fawcett

HelpUsAdopt.org, founded in 2007, is a national 501(c)(3) adoption grant program. HelpUsAdopt.org was founded by Becky and Kipp Fawcett as a response to their own personal adoption experience - they have 2 daughters -  in an effort to make adoption more feasible for all families. 

The organization is the only one of its kind in the United States that embodies all of the following criteria:

• awards large, life-changing and problem-solving grants up to $15,000
• supports all types of families (married couples, single parents and LGBT families)
• supports all types of adoptions (domestic, international, foster care)
• supports all types of religions, and does not require a statement of faith
• does not charge applicants to apply

Find out more at:

https://www.instagram.com/becky.fawcett/?hl=en

https://www.helpusadopt.org/

https://www.facebook.com/helpusadopt.org

https://www.instagram.com/helpusadopt/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Check out Doug's book - There Are More Like Me: Search, Reunion, and Synchronicity in Adoption here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/There-Are-More-Like-Synchronicity/dp/B0DYQJN7FK

Check him out on Substack here https://douglasbhenderson.substack.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Hannah Andrews  was born in Chicago and was adopted as an infant during the Baby Scoop Era. She was raised on a Midwestern farm with two older adoptee brothers. In 2018, a chance meeting with author birthmother  Laura Engel sent Hannah in search of her own history. She found more questions than answers, but found guidance and community from fellow triad members. She joined the AKA board to provide that same support to others. Hannah is a writer, pianist & pet enthusiast .  She lives in San Diego, CA with her dog Josie and three Pussycats .

https://www.instagram.com/hannahshannonmashup/

https://medium.com/@writingsbyhannahandrews

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074619925818

https://www.adoptionknowledge.org/our-board-of-directors.html

Here's a bit about Laura and her book from her website:

My book is about Laura, a woman who lived her life with her secrets finds her greatest secret unearthed at age 67. The child she was forced to give up for adoption when she was 17 in an Unwed Mothers Home in New Orleans unexpectedly sends her an email.  Meeting her 49 year-old son rocked her world and cracked her soul wide open. She found the acceptance and love she had always denied herself had been with her all along. My book tells an incredibly sad story but ends with a story of grace, hope, and extraordinary joy.

https://www.facebook.com/lauralengelauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/storytellerlaura/

https://lauralengel.com/

https://lauralengel.com/books/

Listen to Laura's previous interview here https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/goodby-shame-with-birth-mother-laura-engel

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Fraser has been Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland since September 2022. Prior to that, he spent 16 years working for Audit Scotland, including ten years as Controller of Audit and Director of Performance Audit and Best Value.

Before joining Audit Scotland, Fraser was a public services consultant in Edinburgh and London. He specialised in leadership, change management, facilitation and process improvement.

Fraser is committed to systems change, focusing on how public money is spent more effectively to enable better lives for children, young people, care experienced adults, families, and communities.

Here's the link to Adoption UK's Barometer https://www.adoptionuk.org/news/record-crisis-levels-for-adopted-people

More at:

https://thepromise.scot/

https://www.facebook.com/ThePromiseScotland/

https://x.com/thepromisescot

https://www.instagram.com/thepromisescotland/

https://www.youtube.com/@thepromisescotland617

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraser-mckinlay-b2b48122

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Cher became a passionate advocate for children and decided to help children break the cycle of abuse after experiencing a traumatic childhood herself. The neglect and abuse she experienced gave her a compassionate heart towards children in crisis, and ultimately paved the way for the tremendous impact she continues to make within the organisations she runs - Trinity Youth Services and the Children's Foundation of America.

Find out more at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cher-ofstedahl-5b952412/

https://trinityys.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

If we want our kids to grow, we need to grow. So how do we do that? Danny shares a wealth of insights into how we can grow based on a lifetime's experience working with kids and parents. It's wide-ranging, fascinating and empowering. 

Here's a link to Danny's last interview 

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/helping-adopted-kids-grow

Dr. Daniel Huerta oversees Focus’ initiatives that equip mothers and fathers with biblical principles and counsel for raising healthy, resilient children. 

A bilingual, licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Huerta addresses issues related to parenting such as communication, conflict resolution, spiritual growth, discipline, stress, anxiety, depression, media discernment and healthy sexuality.

He has been interviewed by media outlets including Fox News, Fatherly, Christianity Today, WORLD Magazine, The Christian Post and CBN, and he regularly speaks on Christian radio stations across the United States. He’s also written for publications including The Washington Post on topics related to marriage and parenting.

Dr. Huerta earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He’s currently working on his doctorate in psychology at California Southern University.  

He has maintained a private practice in Colorado Springs since 2003 and served as a board member on the El Paso County Mental Health Association for almost four years.  

He and his wife, Heather, have been married since 1997 and have two children, Alex and Lexi.

Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.

We’re here to come alongside families with relevance and grace at each stage of their journey. We support families as they seek to teach their children about God and His beautiful design for the family, protect themselves from the harmful influences of culture and equip themselves to make a greater difference in the lives of those around them.

No matter who you are, what you’re going through or what challenges your family may be facing, we’re here to help. With practical resources – like our 1-800 Family Help line, counseling and websites – we’re committed to providing trustworthy, biblical guidance and support.

https://www.facebook.com/focusonthefamily

https://twitter.com/FocusFamily

https://www.instagram.com/focusonthefamily/

https://www.youtube.com/user/FocusOnTheFamilyUSA

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Matthew McCall started at The Home in 1998 as a Child Care Worker. Matthew has held virtually every client serving role at The Home, from counselor, to clinician, program and department director, in both congregate care and community settings. 

For much of his career at The Home, Matthew served as an internal consultant to all The Home’s programs, providing support and leadership during times of transition, challenge, growth, or reimplementation. In his current role he brings these skills to bear developing and supporting new programs, business lines, and initiatives for The Home. Matthew also oversees The Home’s Family Support Programs, Foster Care and Adoption, Transition Aged Youth, and Therapeutic After-School Programs. 

Matthew has spent most of his professional career at The Home, working in a variety of their programs. He is a graduate of Curry College and Simmons School of Social Work, and is a professor of Social Work Practice at Simmons University and Bridgewater State University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmccallmsw/

The Home for Little Wanderers helps build stable lives and hopeful futures for children who are abused, neglected or at-risk.

Here's some more from their website:

As the oldest child welfare agency in America, we have maintained our commitment to children since before the Civil War. Because every child deserves happiness, and no child should go through life alone.

Each year, our community-based programs and residences meet the needs of more than 15,000 diverse youngsters and family members. These children are often society’s most vulnerable, victims of trauma, violence or shattered family lives.

We ensure their emotional, social, educational and physical well- being from birth to age 26 through a dedicated team of professionals and a wide range of critical services. As a result, disadvantaged kids have safe surroundings, loving relationships and a secure path toward tomorrow.

Find out more at

https://thehome.org/

https://www.facebook.com/thehomeforlittlewanderers

https://twitter.com/thehomeorg

https://www.instagram.com/thehomeforlittlewanderers/

https://www.youtube.com/user/home271

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect with Chasity at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasity-galyon-2b4994250/

https://alovingoptionadoption.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Linda Michie has a Graduate Degree in Urban Studies with a focus on Social Organization and Governance. She majored in Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice during her undergraduate studies.

Linda has been working with children and families throughout her career; in Private Investigations, Child Protective Services, Therapeutic Foster Care, and in Court Advocacy for abused and neglected children. Although a natural investigator, Linda’s more noteworthy career accomplishments are in child-benefitting curriculum design, and her passion is in training her designs.

Linda’s fierce determination to help children achieve safety and permanence is evident in her work every day.

Find out more about Linda here:

https://www.wishingwellfamilies.com/founder/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Adoptive mom Janelle serves as Program Coordinator at Adoption Network Cleveland and in this position, she is responsible for coordinating programming for Families and Youth.  This includes program improvements, development, planning and implementation.  In this role, Janelle acts as one of the co-facilitators for the Mediation Program, and facilitates service around the Family Resilience Fund. She is also responsible for organizing and planning special events for families and youth.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-poskocil-18400343/

https://x.com/AdoptionNetCLE

https://www.instagram.com/adoptionnetcle/

https://www.adoptionnetwork.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://lifesong.org

https://www.facebook.com/lifesongfororphans

https://twitter.com/lifesongorphans

https://www.instagram.com/lifesongfororphans/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect with Amanda here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-angell/

https://www.facebook.com/FosterandAdopt

https://mofosteradopt.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How many ex foster kids are professors? How many have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of children from hard places. Dr David Cross is uniquely placed to support you the adoptive parent and this episode is a gem. The paradox of helping your kids thrive is that it starts with you thriving. Listen in with big ears as David shares succinct and clear insights into how you can make that happen.

Here's a link to David's previous inerview: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/attaching-securely

Here's some more about David and the Institute he lead from their website:

Dr. David Cross was the Rees-Jones Director of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development and a Professor in the TCU Department of Psychology. He led the KPICD in its triple mission of research, education, and outreach to improve the lives of children from hard places. Together with the late Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. Cross created Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, (TBRI®) a holistic, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and evidence-based intervention for children who have experienced relational trauma. 

The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development strives to help children suffering from the effects of early trauma, abuse and/or neglect. We conduct research to deepen understanding about the complex needs of these children and how to help them overcome social, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Through various outreach initiatives, we train professionals in Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, a research-based, holistic model developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross. Please understand that we are not a service provider, and do not provide clinical services of any kind. 

https://www.facebook.com/child.tcu

https://twitter.com/Child_TCU

https://child.tcu.edu/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect with Chris here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophertonniges/

https://www.onelfs.org/

https://www.facebook.com/OneLFS

https://x.com/OneLFS_

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a link to Brett's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/how-adoptees-change-safety-addiction-more-with-dr-brett-furst

Here's some info on Brett and the Center he works at from their website.

Dr. Brett Furst holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development from The University of California, Davis, an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has his Doctorate in Psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Furst is a fully trained, EMDRIA approved, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Dr. Furst, in addition to his focus on the underlying causes of addiction, specializes in academic and educational difficulties, and provides supportive services to those clients pursuing continuing education at PACE, including managing ADHD symptoms, proper study habits, and processing difficulties, from a therapeutic lens. Therapeutically, Brett comes from a Gestalt perspective, placing emphasis on the exploration of the authentic self and how inauthenticity and the negative personas clients create contribute to their unhealthy habits and the disconnection from themselves through substance. Dr. Furst has worked at several local treatment facilities where he has customized several young adult curriculums. Brett has also developed one of the first experiential poetry groups, and finds group work to be some of the most rewarding he has done. He enjoys spending time with his family and dog, and exploring new parts of his native Orange County.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettfurst/

https://fursttherapy.com/

At PACE Recovery Center, we believe in empowering our clients to fulfill their own particular dreams. We believe that Positive Attitudes Change Everything. Our trained addiction treatment staff will help our clients identify their specific recovery goals, and help them achieve them. From our home base in Orange County, we also provide in-depth mental health services that address the root issues driving addiction and mental illness. Once men leave our program, they have all the tools they need to thrive in recovery.

Giving Men the Skills for Sobriety

Long-term sobriety is more than simply not using alcohol or drugs, it is about living life. Helping our clients develop life skills, educational aims, or vocational goals not only teaches them about responsibility and accountability, but also helps improve their self-esteem.

https://www.instagram.com/pacerecovery/

https://www.facebook.com/PaceRecoveryCenterLLC

https://www.pacerecoverycenter.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Cynthia K. Jensen is a Certified Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin.  Cindy graduated Cum Laude from Milton College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  From 1990 to 2009 she was employed by another Wisconsin child placing agency.  During that time Cindy placed more than 550 children with adoptive families.  Cindy keeps current on adoption practice by obtaining an additional 30 hours (or more) of continuing education every two years as required to maintain state certification.  In addition, over the past 28 years Cindy formed strong professional relationships throughout the adoption community as well as with numerous other referral resources.  She has excellent working relationships with the various professionals involved in the adoption process in Wisconsin as well as several other states. Cindy served on a legislative task force to create legislation for a birth father registry in the State of Wisconsin.  She also spoke at the national convention for the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and has been a presenter regarding the adoption process in many different forums. Cindy is also a past member of the National Association of Social Workers.

https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.jensen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-jensen-a2b55555/

Adoption Avenues, Inc. strives to provide environments of love and stability for children in need. Education and support is offered for everyone in the adoption process, from the person giving up parental rights to the new loving family. We are a Wisconsin licensed child placing agency offering a full range of adoption services. Our social workers have years of experience. Adoption can be difficult and confusing. We are here to help navigate the process for birth parents who are placing a child for adoption and for adoptive parents trying to choose the best avenue for building a family.

The services we offer include birth parent counseling for women experiencing unplanned or crisis pregnancies, home studies for all types of adoption, step-parent screenings, pre-adoptive preparation, foster home licensing and post-placement supervision services. Wisconsin is an "agency" state, thus a private adoption agency must be involved in every adoption.

https://www.adoptionave.com/

https://www.facebook.com/adoptionave/

https://www.instagram.com/adoption_avenues/?hl=en-gb

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Elmarie:

I WRITE TO BREAK THE SILENCE.

I was adopted through the closed adoption system in 1966, just five days after I was born. For decades, my story remained locked away—silent, like so many others. But silence never brings healing. "Un-Adoptically Me — My story. My truth. My voice" is my way of reclaiming my voice, my truth, and my identity.

Through 88 vignettes, I share the raw realities of adoption—the love and loss, the trauma and resilience, the search for belonging. My journey has taken me through deep pain and profound joy, and now, nearing my sixth decade, I embrace both. I live a tranquil life in a valley of vineyards, mountains, and open skies, a world away from the chaos of my past. I am happily married, grateful, and now fiercely passionate about the hearts of adoptees.

This memoir is just the beginning. I’m listening—to fellow adoptees, to readers, to the conversations sparked by this book. Their voices will help shape what I write next.

If you believe in the power of truth, in the courage of speaking out, and in the unbreakable strength of the human spirit, then you’re in the right place. Let’s continue the conversation.

https://foreverfree.co.za/elmarie/un-adoptically-me/

https://www.facebook.com/unadoptically

https://x.com/unadoptically

https://www.instagram.com/unadoptically

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Ryan is adopted. He and his wife are the proud parents of two adopted daughters through kinship care, a son, and two beloved dogs who have yet to realize their own size.

Ryan is deeply passionate about loving and serving others, with a heart for making a lasting impact. He was first introduced to Hope’s Closet through its annual gala and was immediately drawn to its mission. Two years later, he joined the board of directors, and his passion for serving others ultimately led him to transition from his facility management career to become Hope’s Closet’s Executive Director.

Ryan’s greatest hope is that every child who walks through Hope’s Closet feels loved, supported, and truly valued.

Find out more at https://www.hopesclosetohio.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-craig-16a4b8168/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/upping-our-empathy-game

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/seeing-our-untarnished-soul

Danielle Gaudette is an emotional healing coach and author of, Healing Tree: An Adoptee’s Story About Hurting, Healing and Letting the Light Shine Through.

She is a 24-year Body & Brain trainer and coach, as well as a certified practitioner of Emotional Freedom Techniques. She has dedicated her life to helping others do the work she is committed to doing for herself: the work of transforming their relationship with their emotional suffering and, in doing so, uncovering the innate light of self-love within.

Bringing over two decades as a master trainer, she gently guides her clients towards inner healing and self-acceptance with understanding and compassion. 

Danielle is available to work with anyone in the world through online sessions and you can reach out to her via my website if you'd like to get in touch.

https://www.daniellegaudette.com/

https://www.facebook.com/danielle.gaudette.33

https://www.facebook.com/DGhealingtree

https://www.instagram.com/danielle.gaudette/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.instagram.com/ligiaspeaks/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.theanchorfamily.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Julie Ryan McGue is an author, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes extensively about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it.

Here are links to previous interviews

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/julie-i4j2iwqo

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/julie

Her new book is Twice The Family:

From the award-winning author of Twice a Daughter comes the much- anticipated prequel. In this coming-of-age memoir–set in Chicago’s western suburbs between the 1960s and 80s–adopted twins, Julie and Jenny, provide their parents with an instant family. The twins’ sisterly bond holds tight as the two strive for independence, individuality, and belonging. But as Julie’s parents continue adding children to their family, several painful and tragic experiences test family values, parental relationships, and sibling bonds.  

Faced with these hurdles, Julie questions everything—who she is, how she fits in, and even her adoption circumstances. She understands her adoptive family is held together by love, faith, support, and her parents’ commitment to each other and their children. 

And yet, the life her parents have constructed is not one Julie wants for herself. As she matures, she chooses her own unique path. In the process, she realizes how the experiences that formed her have provide a road map for the person and mother she wants to be.

More at https://juliemcgueauthor.com/twice-the-family/

Julie’s debut award winning memoir Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging (She Writes Press) came out in May 2021. It is the story of her five-year search for birth relatives. Her weekly blogs That Girl, This Life and monthly column at The Beacher focus on identity, family, and life’s quirky moments. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Julie received a BA from Indiana University in Psychology. She earned a MM in Marketing from the Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University. She has served multiple terms on the Board of the Midwest Adoption Center and is an active member of the American Adoption Congress.

Julie splits her time between Northwest Indiana and Sarasota, Florida. She is the mother of four adult children and has three grandsons. If she’s not at her computer, she’s on the tennis court, or out exploring with her Nikon. Julie is currently working on a collection of personal essays.

https://juliemcgueauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewrites/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ryan-mcgue-a246b841/

https://www.instagram.com/julieryanmcgue/

https://twitter.com/juliermcgue

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Foster parent Brad Brooks serves as the Executive Director of Southeastern Children’s Home and Counseling Center. Brad is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan and a running enthusiast. He has previously served as both a Case Manager, Education Instructor, and Director of Social Services for Southeastern Children’s Home. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University and a Master’s Degree from Converse College. He and his wife, Katie, have four children:  Reese, Ellie, Hattie, and Will.

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect and find out more at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellebasham/

https://www.bravelove.org/stories/meet-the-team-janelle-basham/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more:

@ThatArmlessGuy

Www.thatarmlessguy.com

“UndeFEETed”

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

From Laguna Beach (Orange County), California, Jennifer Bao Yu "Precious Jade" Jue-Steuck is an author, screenwriter, children's novelist, adoption researcher, and adoption columnist. Adopted from Taipei (by an American family from Los Angeles), Jennifer is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and Harvard University, where she was a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Scholar.

She is the founder of Chinese Adoptee Links (CAL) International — Global Generations, the first global group created by and for the more than 150,000 Chinese adoptees growing up in 26+ countries around the world. She currently serves as the co-founder of Harvardwood Vancouver-Seattle (for Harvard alumni in the Arts & Entertainment), and is the West Coast Brand Ambassador for Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE) Canada.

Jennifer has given more than 100+ adoption talks in 8 countries, including several Keynote Speeches, on behalf of the international adoption community. A contributor to St. Martin’s Press, Oxford University Press, MIT Press, Conde Nast and more, Jennifer was recently awarded a runner-up prize by International Thriller Writers (ITW). She won her first writing competition at age 9, and has been writing ever since. The Stepmother's Project is Jennifer's first Canadian global media project ("EVERY MOTHER MATTERS").

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Stepmother-Project

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jue-steuck/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out about where Kim works here https://www.cffde.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's the link to listen to the interview I mention. It's with Anthony Lynch and it's called Different, Not Wrong:

  https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/different-not-wrong-with-anthony-lynch

Connect with Carol here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carol-homden-cbe-39413918/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://www.coram.org.uk/

https://x.com/Coram

https://www.facebook.com/Coramsince1739

https://www.instagram.com/coram.uk/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out about Jude's book here https://www.amazon.com/Girl-without-Tribe-Between-Adoptees/dp/B0DJK4XS9F/

https://www.facebook.com/jude.a.hung

https://www.instagram.com/finding_home_with_jude

https://fhwithjude.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Daryn from his website:

Hello! My name is  Daryn Watson, and I am a reunited adoptee. My adoption reunion journey began in 1995 at the age of twenty-five when I began searching for my maternal family. Less than eight short weeks later, I found my birth/first mother.

Our first telephone call was on October 9th, 1995, which happened to be Canadian Thanksgiving Day. I will never forget that phone call. For the first time in my life, I felt truly whole and complete!

Despite reading several books on adoption, I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming emotions and experiences reunion encompasses.I would be full of joy one minutes and the next I would feel grief, overwhelmed or angry the next moment. 

Adoption Reunions are often referred to as riding on an emotional roller coaster. These emotional up and down swings can last for weeks, months or even years.

Going through my adoption reunion journey made me realize that it’s too much to deal with it by yourself and too difficult to do it alone. Thankfully, I was able to find a support system to help me navigate the emotional upheaval that occurs within adoption reunions.

That is why I started Adoption Reunion Coaching. I really want to be that support system for others who are going through the same journey that I did. I went through this journey, I lived through it, I’ve learned how to navigate the journey and I can teach other people how to do so and make it less traumatic.

I am a contributing author to two books. “The Adoptee Survival Guide” and “Adult Adoptees Anthology: Flip the Script” I was also published in an article for “Adoption Today.” I use my experiences as a reunited adoptee to guide others through their Adoption Reunion Journey. 

https://www.adoptionreunioncoaching.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionReunionCoaching

 https://www.instagram.com/theadopteemind/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Christine Tangel is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children and families in New York City. She has provided direct service and supervision in various aspects of child welfare, including preventive services and foster care. Currently, Christine is the Director of the Pre & Post Adoption department at Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, where she supervises clinical services, home study assessments and community engagement events, as well as, providing therapeutic intervention for members of the adoption constellation, and facilitating trainings on adoption and permanency related themes.

Connect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-tangel-lcsw-618624162

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect with Kristy here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-holt-b36873339/

https://x.com/KristyAkakrissy

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect with Andy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-coppenhall-2a92b4156/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Ty is an adoptee who has been in reunion with her birth family for over 25 years.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-cliffel-748b7ba7/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.instagram.com/simplymollz/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Anna Jinja Mather was adopted from Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Iowa. Her heart is filled with love for people and their stories. By sharing her adoption story and all that she is learning to help her navigate through personal and professional challenges, she hopes that this will lead us to believe, accept, and value the inherent worthiness of all people.

Anna invites you to join her learning adventure by listening to the people and creative content that makes her feel at home in this world.

https://www.annajinja.com/

Check out her book https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-Grace-Anna-Jinja-ebook/dp/B0DJZPQ44K

https://www.facebook.com/annajinjashow

https://www.instagram.com/annajinjashow/

https://x.com/annajinjashow

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's the post:

https://www.facebook.com/simonjbenn/posts/pfbid02vxmVkxqjJAh1FtkcQzaaSKSZ2pykMQf8Js4HEmjTcBiUiWvnexzjZpc1m59uxXiMl

More on Richard Schwartz https://ifs-institute.com/about-us/richard-c-schwartz-phd

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Connect with Jim at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-clifford-obe-frsa/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Mj is a music therapist-board certified (MT-BC) and licensed clinical social worker.

Find out more about MJ at https://musingsofataiwaneseamericanadoptee.life/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

· So you can see a dramatically different, friendlier world. And when you see better, you do better for yourself and loved ones.

 · So you can forge a peaceful relationship with trauma. Because you see the light of hope as well as the lightness of understanding.

· So you can see a brighter way to a better life. Because there’s less fear, grief, shame and anger. Or of any of the other powerful feelings that come with trauma. · 

So you have the tools to help you along your way. Your wisdom wins out over the tiger. And the tiger becomes a cute and cuddly cub that just wants to play. 

· So you can restore your connection with yourself and others. Because you’re mastering the trauma that’s been keeping you apart. 

Click here to find out more about The  THRIVE Course that goes deeper into Taming The Tiger and covers 5 more topics:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1054946014929

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's the link to Joyce's previous interviews:

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/joyce

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/theres-nothing-wrong-with-us-with-joyce-maguire-pavao

https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/joyce-advocacy

Here's a link to a replay of Advancing Your Advocacy For Adoptees https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y-8Id3NajI

Dr. Pavao has done extensive training, both nationally and internationally.  She is a lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and she has consulted to various public and private child welfare agencies, adoption agencies, schools, and community groups, as well as probate and family court judges, lawyers, and clergy.  Additionally, she has worked closely with individuals and families touched by adoption, foster care, and other complex blended family constructions.

She has developed models for treatment and for training using her systemic, intergenerational, and developmental framework, The Normative Crises in the Development of the Adoptive Family, and her book, The Family of Adoption (Beacon Press), has received high acclaim.

Dr. Pavao has received many awards and honors, including the Children’s Bureau/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Adoption Excellence Award for Family Contribution (2003) and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption award for Angels in Adoption (2000).

http://www.pavaoconsulting.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Dr.JoyceMaguirePavao

https://twitter.com/GetKinnected

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinnect/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

For well over two decades, Sherrie Eldridge has offered her unique voice within the adoption community, as an established author and international speaker. An adoptee herself, Eldridge has the ability to see life through the eyes of an adopted child. In her seven published titles, she has shared her passion for validating adoptees’ life experiences and her desire to help adoptive parents better understand and meet their adopted children’s emotional needs. Her best-selling work, Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, is considered required reading by many US adoption agencies. In 2010, she was named Indiana’s Congressional Angel of Adoption by the Honorable Dan Burton, Indiana Congressional Representative. Eldridge is widely recognized and respected as a compassionate advocate for adoptees, cultivating understanding about adoption’s challenges and opportunities for all those whose lives have been touched by it.

https//:Sherrieeldridgeadoption.blog

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionAuthor.SherrieEldridge

https://x.com/sherrieeldridge

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Fiona and her advocacy at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-wells-patch-9064071a5/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://www.ourpatch.org.uk/

https://x.com/PATCH_AdoptCris

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.drsamanthabrooks.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-b-4763a94a/

https://x.com/DrSjBrooks

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethdestefano/

https://www.facebook.com/ken.destefano.1

https://www.amazon.com/Will-See-You-Again-Hearts/dp/B0C63YSMWH

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Craig at:

https://www.facebook.com/insideoutadoption

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Liam O Mahony is an adoptee, an accredited Psychotherapist and Addiction Counsellor with over nine years of experience working with adults and adolescents. He is associated with the Centre for Self-Leadership Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI). He is a graduate of University College Cork and the Cork Institute of Technology with particular expertise in areas such as Trauma and Addiction.

His main interest is the related fields of Attachment, Neuroscience and Trauma and he is particular passionate about how research from these areas can be integrated into the work of psychotherapists and addiction counsellors.

More at:

https://pcpsi.ie/our-founders/

The book Liam mentioned on generational trauma is The Heart of Trauma by Dr. Bonnie Badenoch

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Note from Elizabeth – I want to apologize for the incorrect usage of the phrase trauma bonding near the very end of the episode. I was looking for a way to describe adoptees commiserating with one another about a shared traumatic experience. Simon’s term of validation is more appropriate in this instance.

Here's a bit about Elizabeth from her website:

I’m an adult adoptee living in reunion with my birth family. Since 1999, I’ve known my birth mom, my birth dad and my eleven (!!!) brothers and sisters. And, in 2011, I adopted our daughter Riley. She is the love of my life.

I’m Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed, Life & Business Coach, Shamanic Practitioner, Speaker, Retreat Leader, Author and Mom.

I see what’s possible for you when you can’t see it for yourself. I see your strengths, your beauty, your gifts, your talents and all that you can possibly be… and I help you step more fully into the truest version of you.

As a life and business coach, I help entrepreneurial and professional women find work/life balance–and sanity–in the chaos of daily living. It’s not unusual for clients to cry in their first sessions with me because they are just so relieved to find support.

As a shamanic practitioner, I utilize the power of shamanic journey work to access messages and information from the spiritual realms (sometimes referred to as non-ordinary reality) to help my clients cut through the stuck places and gain clarity fast. I’m passionate about helping my clients to design rituals and celebrations when big transitions are afoot (life and death, weddings and divorces, moves, etc.) My first book is tentatively titled Sacred Celebrations.

When teaching and speaking, I’m multi-passionate. I’m equally comfortable facilitating a teambuilding session in an corporate environment, inspiring a room full of entrepreneurs to become authentic networkers, preaching the value of self-care to a room full of overworked realtors or leading an intimate women’s retreat through a fire ceremony ritual to release their stress and to reclaim their balance.

https://elizabethbarbour.com/

https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbarbour

https://www.instagram.com/elizabthbarbour/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Kathy from her website:

Long before I became a therapist, I was adopted. My parents had two biological sons and were unable to have a third child and wanted a girl, so they adopted me. Even before then, though, I was relinquished. 

I make the distinction between relinquishment and adoption, because those are two separate events, and I believe the root of many “adoption issues" lies with relinquishment and the experience of having been separated from one’s original parents, especially one’s first mom/birthmom. I was relinquished at birth, placed in foster care and then placed with my adoptive family when I was 10 weeks old. Even those of us who were relinquished at birth, before we developed conscious memory, lived through the experience, and our bodies remember, which often lead us to respond as though it is happening again—a post-traumatic response.

My personal experiences led me to become a therapist who specializes in helping other adoptees, and the people close to them. I work with adult adoptees, adopted children/teens, adoptive parents, first/birth parents, prospective adoptive parents and the partners of adoptees, as well as others who have had similar experiences for other reasons. 

https://www.instagram.com/adopteetherapy

https://www.adopteetherapy.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's a bit about Yael:

"My personal experience as a bisexual Jewish woman, a practitioner of Mussar, an adoptee, a divorcee, a “bonus mom” and a “career transitionist” have given me a deep repository of strength and skills as well. 

As a mindfulness-based coach, I help people who are at turning points in life get crystal-clear on who they are, what they need in the next chapter of their lives, and how to create it.

I help you develop the confidence to express yourself authentically and bring true closure to past chapters. Together, we discover your inner barriers to fulfillment. With support, you learn to rewrite old programming you didn’t realize you had.

My intention is to accompany you on your journey to living a life that is deeply meaningful to you with clarity, confidence, courage, and connection – whatever your identity, whatever your situation."

https://www.instagram.com/bechiracoaching/

https://www.facebook.com/yael.dennis.817/

https://bechiracoaching.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

I was adopted at 5 weeks old and told so young I don’t ever remember not knowing. 

I didn't experience any conscious adoption trauma until 40 when I found out my childhood teddy bear was a gift from my birth mother.

This caused an eruption of anger, feeling rejected and unloved. That kickstarted a healing journey exploring trauma, my roots and who I am.

I've spent 16 years doing this and continues to be fascinated by it all and:

*working with 2,500 kids and parents in the UK and USA to increase kids’ confidence, self-esteem, resilience and ability to stop bullies upsetting them.

*conversations with over 400 global foster and adoptive parents, foster and adoption professionals, social workers and therapists as well as adults who were fostered or adopted. Many of these conversations have been for the Thriving Adoptees podcast https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com

*I've  also run webinars for adoptees and resource parents in the UK, USA and Australia.

More at:

https://www.facebook.com/simonjbenn

https://www.facebook.com/thrivingadoptees

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjbenn/

https://www.instagram.com/simonjbenn/

https://www.thrivingadoptees.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Corie and her book at:

https://www.facebook.com/corieskolnick

https://corieskolnick.com/orfan/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://novacatfilms.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinn-wolverton-4285662b2/

https://www.instagram.com/novacatfilms/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

More about Stephanie at:

https://www.loyola.edu/school-education/academics/graduate/curriculum-instruction/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-flores-koulish-5792919/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Tim Perdion, born Thomas Griffin Demchak on March 1, 1969, was adopted shortly after birth. Despite growing up in a seemingly perfect family, he struggled with anger, depression, and anxiety. Discovering his biological roots at 46 unveiled complex family secrets, prompting a relentless pursuit of identity and self-worth.

Tim's journey includes overcoming addiction, mental health challenges, and relationship struggles. In 2019, he sought help at Sierra Tucson, leading to a transformative healing journey. Embracing Christianity in 2023, Tim was baptized and ignited his passion for serving others.

He continues to explore family connections, despite facing secondary rejection and complex family dynamics. Transitioning from a corporate career, Tim now leverages his spiritual gifts as a life coach, speaker, and consultant, dedicated to inspiring and supporting adoptees and those dealing with trauma.

Tim's mission is to use his experiences to heal the pain of relinquishment, foster authentic connections, and empower others to live their truth, trusting in God's plan for his life.

https://www.prodigalpathways.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timperdion/

https://www.facebook.com/tperdion/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Mallory is an intercountry transracial adoptee and a former foster, now adoptive, mom. She has a profound awareness of the challenges faced by foster and adoptive families and is passionate about providing parents with the education they need to understand trauma and its impact on children. She's a University of Southern Indiana graduate with a BS in Accounting and Professional Services. She has over a decade's worth of experience in various accounting settings, including the nonprofit industry.

https://www.mallorysmission.net/

https://www.facebook.com/MalChfn

https://www.instagram.com/maljoest/

https://www.instagram.com/mallorysmission/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

About his book Lucky Bastard

When he was ten years old, the author was told he’d been adopted. It was a seismic event that turned his world upside down. Nobody was who he thought they were. His mother wasn’t his mother; his father wasn’t his father; his sister wasn’t his sister; his grandparents weren’t his grandparents; he wasn’t related to any of his relatives; he didn’t know where he came from or who he was. This was at a time when adoption was shrouded in secrecy and shame. Birth mothers and adoptive parents signed non-disclosure agreements. Adoption records were sealed. In Lucky Bastard Anthony Akerman takes the reader on his quest to find out where he came from.

https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Bastard-Anthony-Akerman-ebook/dp/B0CWD19RCP

Contact Anthony

https://www.facebook.com/anthony.akerman.7

anthony@akerman.co.za

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

It can leave us feeling: 

*stuck with the belief we cannot heal. 

*unsure of what to do next for the best. 

*pathologized for an event we had no choice in. 

*More and more adoptees are questioning the wound narrative and wanting to take back their power. Post Traumatic Growth is an altogether more empowering, hopeful and positive perspective that allows us to do exactly that. 

View the slides that go with the presentation here

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGIf_zETn8/kZ0rRZ1DLOdWe4lZ3j0h7g/view?utm_content=DAGIf_zETn8&utm_campaign=share_your_design&utm_medium=link&utm_source=shareyourdesignpanel

Let's thrive together. 

This event was a taster for the Growth & Transformation course.

Starts: Wednesday 31st July at 9am PST, Noon EST, 5pm UK 

Runs every Wednesday for 24 weeks Price: £75 (approx. $100)/month for 6 months 

Register now - only 12 places for this first cohort (£150 per month for future cohorts) at www.thrivingadoptees.com 

Here's the course outline:

Introduction 

We’ll start with 2 sessions exploring the holistic nature of healing, energy, entering and pacing on the Spiral of Growth. 

Mind 

The next 4 sessions will look at what’s going on in our minds, opening to and focussing on growth and what gets in the way of that. We’ll use metaphors such as mind-set v mind-fluid to bust old beliefs and access new and healthier perspectives. It’s all about harnessing your brain’s ability to recover and transcend trauma. 

Body 

The 4 webinars on Body will get to the heart of pre-verbal, pre-memory trauma looking into Somatics, self care and embodiment to bring subconscious trauma into the warm and healing light of awareness. This is all about shifting your moment to moment lived experience to peace and calm Heart You will learn all about attuning to your heart, being guided by your intuition over 4 sessions. We will go upstream of feelings to their source and learn about creating new flows for a more contented life being triggered less, with less intensity. 

Social 

How can we navigate relationships – even the tough ones with adoptive and biological families – with more ease? 4 sessions on setting and keeping boundaries, communication, the double-edged sword of validation in adoptee communities, self- leadership and feeling like we belong 

Spirit Who are we at our core, our essence that’s untouched by our trauma. A non-religious take on the self v the Self to understand and live our sovereignty. These 4 sessions are all about the many ways we can leave our trauma bound identity behind for a more authentic and contented life

 Integration 

2 sessions to pull the last 22 together to catalyse our growth and transformation. Stepping into a role as alchemist to turn darkness into light, trauma into joy. 

Weekly Learning & Practice – 24 X 60 minute sessions 

Guided Support, Mentorship, Group Support & Accountability through a dedicated Facebook Group 

Starts: Wednesday 31st July at 9am PST, Noon EST, 5pm UK 

Runs every Wednesday for 24 weeks Price: £75 (approx. $100)/month for 6 months 

Register now - only 12 places for this first cohort (£150 per month for future cohorts) at www.thrivingadoptees.com 

About the speakers: 

About Jude

 Adopted at 2 days old, Jude was told the first time her mother held her, “you are adopted”. As a Reiki Master, certified aromatherapist, massage therapist and meditation teacher, she uses a variety of tools in showing people how to cultivate a life of authenticity, empowerment and fulfillment. On June 4th, 2019, she received a letter from her biological mother that pushed her out of the fog and into the realization that she had been carrying, in her body, the trauma of being relinquished. This was the final ah-ha on her personal healing journey that brought her to the root of the grief, pain and fear she had struggled with throughout her life. Now, 56, Jude has a blog, facilitates workshops and weekly adoptee support groups. She resides in Asheville, NC with her husband, Jeff and dog Skyler. 

About Simon

 Simon but was adopted at 5 weeks old and told so young he doesn't ever remember not knowing. He didn't come out of the fog until he was 40 when he found out that my teddy bear was a gift from his birth mother. That unleashed an eruption of anger, feeling rejected and unloved. That led to a quest to heal, healing and a desire to help others. A letter from his birth mother (Pat) caused a profound realisation that she loved him dearly and a visceral connection with her. He later found out that she had died, but the depth of their felt connection helped Simon take this in his stride. He's now 57, runs Thriving Adoptees and lives in Hunsingore, near York, UK with his wife, 2 labradors Rosie and Indie and pet pig Buster (who lives outside). He has interviewed over 400 adoptees and run webinars for many, many more on advocacy, healing and thriving.

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here are links to the science of awe

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jan/05/awe-by-dacher-keltner-review-the-transformative-power-of-wonder

https://onbeing.org/programs/dacher-keltner-the-thrilling-new-science-of-awe/

Here is a link to Lena's website

https://www.wildsoulphotographycolorado.com/

Connect with Lena here

 https://www.facebook.com/eileenskahill

https://www.instagram.com/eileen.skahill/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Find out more about Flik:

https://www.therebalancecentre.com/

Here are links to the books I mentioned

 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chris+niebauer&crid=3JXO4KTRK9CES

https://www.amazon.com/Power-vs-Force-David-Hawkins-ebook/dp/B00EJBABS2/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's Elle's bio from the Adoption The Making Of Me podcast

Elle Klassen is a Canadian who was born to a young woman of nineteen years of age in 1970. She was relinquished and then placed with her adoptive family when she was five days old. She grew up in a very conservative Canadian evangelical family where adoption was spoken of as God's plan. Much of her religious background didn't sit well with her, including the narrative around adoption. As an adopted person whose big goal in life was to fly under the radar as much as she could, she never challenged the common narrative surrounding adoption that she grew up with. Several years ago she did a DNA test on a whim & with a hint of morbid curiosity. She wanted to know if her adoption information had been falsified as so many others in the baby scoop had been. As a result, she was reunited with her first family on both her maternal, and paternal sides. Digging for truth led to seeing relinquishment, and adoption as complicated, traumatic events in a child's life. The repercussions of this reach into adulthood, and can never be fully dealt with until it is seen for what it is whether someone has had a "good" adoption or not. Truthful conversations about adoption have become her passion. She now co-hosts the podcast "Pulled by the Root" to help facilitate the conversation about relinquishment & adoption, showcasing the voices of those adopted people, and first parents, who have been previously silenced in favor of perpetuating the idea that adoption is not a trauma or a system of belief that should not be challenged.

https://www.facebook.com/luana.klassen

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Bio:

Anthony Lynch is a Jamaican-white adoptee based in London. As a research assistant at Coram, the UK's oldest Children's charity, they use their lived experience to inform policy and practice in the Adoption space.

Links:

Anthony's work: https://linktr.ee/inbetweenlinesorg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-emanuel-lynch/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Here's the link to download the items Julie mentioned:

https://cominghometoself.co/social

Here's the link to the book I mentioned

https://www.amazon.com/No-Self-Problem-Neuropsychology-Catching-ebook/dp/B07PLRZVTT

https://cominghometoself.co/

https://www.instagram.com/juliebrumley_/

https://www.facebook.com/julierasbrum

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.jowilliscoach.com/jos-adoption-story

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-willis-444ab03b/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Alison Larkin was adopted at birth in Washington, D.C., by British parents and raised in England and Africa. After graduation from the University of London and the Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, she became a regular on the British stage with appearances on Broadway, a ubiquitous voice-over artist, and a successful stand-up comic. Her internationally acclaimed one-woman show, The English American, was a highlight of the London Comedy Festival. For more information, go to https://alisonlarkin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alison.larkin.944

https://twitter.com/AlisonLarkinTEA

https://www.instagram.com/alisonlarkinpresents/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1y7eVMYgrZfBGrHrF0gJXw

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Adopted at five weeks into a loving and happy Mexican-American family, Alejandra had never sought her family of origin, but when they arrived unexpectedly, they showed up with a raft of issues that would test her inner strength and drive her spiritual growth. It was then she also learned that some of her intuitive gifts were an inheritance from them.  She also discovered that the names given to her by both sets of parents foretold her skill at prophecy and seeing what others didn’t.   

Alejandra wrote I Just Can’t Make This SH!T Up! to show that everyone can experience true purpose, bliss, flow and awe at the amazing clues and messages delivered by the Universe -- if they elect to embrace their own spiritual journey fearlessly. And she offers her personal experience as a roadmap to opening the doors to accept whatever gifts lay at the core.

Book Amazon.com 

https://alejandrabrady.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alejandra.brady

https://www.instagram.com/alejandragbradylifestyled/

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-brady-b35177213/

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXt_O-EzB38PwnAZfMTQNsQ

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.facebook.com/sara.hathaway.1965

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

https://www.facebook.com/simonjbenn

https://www.facebook.com/thrivingadoptees

https://www.thrivingadoptees.com/

https://www.instagram.com/simonjbenn/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjbenn/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.