RAD Talk with Tracey

Brady Johnson is a dad raising 2 kids who have been diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). He and his wife have 4 adopted children and a biological daughter (their youngest child). Brady is also a dad that works away from home 14-16 days a month. He talks with Tracey about what he experienced from a 'dad' perspective. Including, how he didn't always believe his wife about what was happening at home. Brady talks about what RAD looked like in their family, where their two boys are now, being able to experience typical parenting and development with their biological daughter, and surviving as a couple. Later in the episode, Brady also shares some good advice and insight for RAD dads.

In this episode, I talk with RAD mom Kelly Clady about all the things RAD parents experience and feel. Including, her personal challenges, divorce, and brush with suicidal thoughts of her own. We talk about things you've already heard before but worth hearing again. Let it be a reminder that you are not alone. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Book: Coming to Grips with Attachment: The Guidebook for Developing Mutual Well-Being in Parent-Child Relationships (Katharine Leslie) Tracey's Support Services: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support RAD Mom Retreat: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/retreats NAVRAD Conference www.radadvocates.org

Keri Williams talk with Tracey about her gripping and heart wrenching true story about being a desperate mother who must grapple with impossible choices as her young son becomes too dangerous to live at home but is only growing bigger, stronger, and more violent while in treatment. Keri turned her story into a reads-like-fiction memoir, "but, he spit in my coffee", and exposes the dysfunctions of the child welfare and mental health systems and how they fail kids with RAD and their families. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Keri's Book: https://www.amazon.com/but-spit-coffee-reads-like-fiction-Attachment-ebook/dp/B09RQYFNWF (https://www.amazon.com/but-spit-coffee-reads-like-fiction-Attachment-ebook/dp/B09RQYFNWF) Tracey's Support Services www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Ericka Baxter is one of the lucky ones. But it wasn't always that way. Ericka and her husband have 5 children. They didn't expect to adopt but a phone call from her church changed all of that in an instant. Their church needed help finding a forever home for 2 siblings. Ericka and her husband knew that they were the ones meant to adopt these two children. And they did. One of the kids, the youngest, had RAD. And like other RAD families, Ericka and her family were thrust into the chaos of RAD. Trying to manage RAD behaviors, siblings, a job, severe panic attacks, and their marriage. And then something else changed unexpectedly. Ericka attended the Navigating RAD conference in 2021 which turned out to be the catalyst for the start of their healing. Thanks to learning about and accessing the right support and resources, her daughter and family healed from Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). In less than a year! Join us, as Ericka shares all the details about how they did it. And talk about good timing! The next NAVRAD conference is right around the corner from October 7-9, 2022. It could be the start of your healing too. Resources mentioned in this episode: NAVRAD Conference 2022 www.radavocates.org Sibling Support www.radsibs.org Tracey's Parent Support Services www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

House on fire. Literally? Figuratively? I'll let Jenn fill you in. I was wishing I could sit and chat with Jenn for hours! She is warm, real, and had stories within stories to share. Jenn T. Grace is a nationally recognized business strategist, speaker, and an award-winning author. She is also a RAD sibling, a RAD mom, LGTBQ, and recently divorced. Jenn speaks openly about all of these things in hopes that it will let others know they are not alone. Passionate about helping people share their stories of adversity, Jenn founded 'Publish Your Purpose Press', a publishing company that teaches aspiring authors how to publish their books. In addition to publishing 50+ books that share the stories of others, Jenn has written six. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: House on Fire (book) Therapy Notes for Families: Staying Organized With Your Child's Needs (book) www.amazon.com Second Chance Adoption Program https://wiaa.org/2nd-chance-adoption/ (https://wiaa.org/2nd-chance-adoption/) Tracey's Support Services www.radtalkwithtracey.com

I talked with 2 incredible therapists who are making BIG change in Wayne County, Michigan. LeTorrian is a Mental Health Therapist and Captoria is a professional Counselor and Wrap Around Facilitator. They work together to support children ages 0-21 and their families. LeTorrian and Captoria bonded while working with one family in particular. Things weren't working and here's what they did - the listened to the mom when she told them about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). This led LeTorrian and Captoria on a search for information and answers. It also helped them to advocate for this family and educate their colleagues, including lawyers and judges. These 2 therapists are a leading example of what it means to listen , support and advocate for RAD families. Listen in as this dream team shares their experiences, knowledge, and what you can do if you're a RAD parent or Therapist.

I have been so excited to share this episode with you and introduce Dr. Chuck Geddes, PhD. What a ray of hope for our children and families. Finally! Have you been searching for the right support for your child? Well, look no further. Help has arrived! And it WORKS. Dr. Geddes has developed a comprehensive assessment and proven strategies that work with our kids. He and his team decided to take on the challenge to figure out what works for children who have experienced complex trauma and mistreatment. And it has been extremely successful! Dr. Geddes has spent over 25 years providing psychology services to children, parents, caregivers, and professionals to help kids overcome trauma and other mental health problems. Over the last ten years, Dr. Geddes and his team have worked with over 300 children and youth and developed proven strategies that are evidenced by collected case data. They take the time to see the whole picture and create solutions that work. He has also written a book, "Children and Complex Trauma: A Roadmap for Recovery and Healing". It explains complex trauma, how our children's brains works, and offers practical solutions. I have already read it twice! Everyone needs this book! If you're in need of support, I encourage you to contact Dr. Geddes and his team @ www.complextrauma.ca RESOURCES SHARED IN THIS EPSIODE: Dr. Geddes: www.drchuckgeddes.com Dr. Geddes' Book: https://www.amazon.com/-/zh_TW/Chuck-Geddes/dp/1039119131 Complex Trauma Resources: www.complextrauma.ca Heartbeat Puppies www.snugglepuppy.com The Boy Who Was Raised As A dog (Bruce Perry) www.amazon.com

In this episode, you'll get the inside scoop on whether it's possible to recover from Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). I interview two young people who grew up with RAD. They'll tell you what it was like and how they're doing now. Resources Shared in this Episode: Tracey's parent support services: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support Navigating RAD Conference: www.radadvocates.org

In this episode, I interview RAD mom Amy Brown. Amy is a mom of six. Her kids are evenly split, three are adopted and three are biological children. They range from ages 16 to 29. Amy likes to say that she was potty training and doing drivers training at the same time! There's a lot going on in this episode. We cover a lot of ground...RAD, adoption, physical disabilities, puberty, out of home placement, mom guilt, and everything in between. Resources Shared in this Episode: "Take Heart" Special Needs Podcast Tracey's parent support services: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support Navigating RAD Conference: www.radadvocates.org

Join Tracey, Chris & Heather for another RAD "Coffee Talk" podcast episode. Once a month, we'll get together for some casual conversation. 3 RAD moms discussing different topics that most RAD parents experience. Grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and come hang out with us for an hour or so. We'd love to hear your ideas! Have a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email: talkwithtracey@gmail.com Join in the conversation! Add your thoughts and comments on our Facebook and Instagram pages: Facebook: @radtalkwithtracey Instagram: radtalkwithtracey Who are we? Tracey is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Coach, Podcast Host and Founder of RAD Talk with Tracey. Chris is a RAD mom, Clinical Social Worker, Hospital Chaplain, Author, and Founder of Full Catastrophe Parenting. Heather is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Advocate and Chief Operating Officer at RAD Advocates.

In this episode, you'll meet RAD mom Lee and therapeutic parenting and respite guru, Debbie Harris. Debbie came to Lee's rescue and literally showed up on her doorstep (well, actually, in her driveway) only a few days after Lee contacted her. Lee was at her breaking point but the help she received from Debbie was life changing. Not only for her, but for her daughter, her son, her husband, and her extended family. RAD families don't always have happy endings. But this one does. Visit these websites: RAD Connection: www.radconnection.com RAD Advocates: www.radadvocates.org RAD Talk with Tracey: www.radtalkwithtracey.com

RAD in the classroom. Ever wonder what it's like for a teacher? In this episode, my guest, Leslie Brunner, will tell you all about her experiences with it. And she'll be the first to tell you that she never really understood kids with RAD in the classroom until she be became a RAD mom herself. Before that, as a teacher, Leslie says she sensed that something wasn't quite 'right' but didn't have a name for it or any strategies to work with it. This is still the case in many classrooms today. Her only option was to use the same strategies she used with other kids in her classroom as a special education teacher. But they didn't work. Leslie has come a long way since then and shares her wisdom, insight, and suggestions for other educators and families to help you work with these kiddos in the classroom/school setting. Take Aways from this episode: -Teachers and parents need to start with awareness -Communicate together -Being trauma informed isn't the same as teaching children with trauma -Recognize that the brain of a child with RAD is changed/rewired -Don't get caught up or focus too much on the details of your student's trauma -The job of the teacher is to help the child attach to their family Services Mentioned in this Episode: RAD Advocates www.radadvocates.org RAD Talk Support Groups www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Join Tracey, Chris & Heather in their first RAD "Real Talk" podcast episode. Once a month, we'll get together for some casual conversation. 3 RAD moms discussing different topics that most RAD parents experience. This episode is a bit of everything because we didn't pick a specific topic and just dove right in. So grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and come hang out with us for an hour or so! We'd love to hear your ideas! Have a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email us at: talkwithtracey@gmail.com And feel free to join in the conversation! Add your thoughts and comments on our Facebook and Instagram pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radtalkwithtracey (@radtalkwithtracey) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radtalkwithtracey/ (radtalkwithtracey) Who are we? Tracey is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Coach, Podcast Host and Founder of RAD Talk with Tracey. Chris is a RAD mom, Clinical Social Worker, Hospital Chaplain, Author, and Founder of Full Catastrophe Parenting. Heather is a RAD mom, RAD Parent Advocate and Chief Operating Officer at RAD Advocates.

Get ready for another success story! Yep! You heard that right. ANOTHER success story! I've been lucky enough to meet and interview a few young adults who have come a long way from growing up with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). They are incredible "kids" (now young adults) who have overcome so much trauma and hardship. In this episode, you'll meet Andurina, who is an incredible young woman with her own RAD story to tell. Andurina was adopted from Guatemala along with her older sister. She shares what it was like growing up with RAD and the top 3 things she says helped her heal. Andurina shares a lot of great insight and explained, "I wanted to be loved, I did. But also, if you got too close, I was like, okay, back it up". Today, Andurina has positive relationships with her mom, dad, siblings, and has strong friendships. She also has a degree in psychology and is prepping for her Masters degree. She shows us that it's possible to overcome RAD and live a happy and healthy life.

I especially recommend this episode for couples. It's a story of hope and despair and hope again. I'm sure many of you will recognize yourselves somewhere in Laura's story. Laura shares her experience about being a stepmom trying to raise a stepchild with RAD and the toll it took on her marriage. And everything in between. Including "little wife syndrome". It's a real thing y'all! Episode Takeaways: -It takes both people to be on the same page -Individual and couples therapy can help with the right therapist -Work on your own trauma -Set and respect boundaries -Believe your gut Resources Mentioned in This episode: Parent Support: www.radtalkwithtracey.com

I always want to cry (happy tears!) when I learn about another potential placement option for our kids with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and/or behavioral problems. What a relief it is to know that there are people out there willing to support families by providing a safe place for our children when home isn't an option. In this episode, you'll meet the owners and founders of Life Quest Girls Academy in Parowan, Utah. Monte and Rachael Hawkins were inspired after spending time with a friend who was in charge of a residential treatment center (RTC). They realized that there wasn't a place for girls to transition to after spending time at an RTC. So, they followed a dream, took a leap of faith and created Life Quest Girls Academy for girls ages 13-18. Their goal is for every student to become self-sufficient by learning healthy habits, coping skills, life skills and being accountable for their actions through principle-based learning. Monte and Rachael describe it as, "learning the same things that your grandpa would have taught you". And good news, Life Quest Girls Academy is more affordable than most facilities and the program is customized specifically for each student's needs. They're no strangers to Reactive Attachment Disorder and they don't rush your child through the program. Monte and Rachael strongly believe and encourage families to allow their daughter to complete the program before leaving. Rachael shares a great success story about a student with RAD at the end of the podcast.

Crystalyn and her husband Brady have 4 adopted children and one "miracle" biological daughter. Until their biological daughter was born, the didn't know what "normal" parenting was. Their son, Scott, has reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and started becoming violent toward Crystalyn, his therapist, and himself. As most families do, Crystalyn and Brady tried everything to help Scott but eventually had to make some hard decisions. One of those decisions was to report themselves to DHS and then not pick up their son from the hospital after his 3rd violent episode. Crystalyn talks candidly about raising 4 children plus one with reactive attachment disorder, living on eggshells, calls to the police, DHS scare tactics, and taking a leap of faith in order to save her family. Resources mentioned in this episode: RAD Advocates www.radadvocates.org Mountain State Boys Academy https://www.christianboysboardingschools.com/?fbclid=IwAR2SFufzX-n15zHluGu7l8b5KR6KQBgF8z7DsW47hchwFTFaT_AAvV9hB-8 (https://www.christianboysboardingschools.com/) RAD Sibs www.radsibs.org Second Chance Adoption Program https://wiaa.org/2nd-chance-adoption (https://wiaa.org/2nd-chance-adoption) Parent Support-RAD Talk With Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Sateash Hime is passionate, innovative and someone who thinks big. She used to be a DHS case worker in the foster adoption program. But Sateash was dissatisfied with how little she was able to do working within DHS, especially with children and families living with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Working in a large organization with caseloads of up to 25 families, all with different needs, and 60 days to complete each case, she knew that families needed more than a bandaid solution. Sateash also noticed patterns with RAD families and knew they needed help. She is now the Pathways Partner Coordinator at an organization called Joint Initiatives. This organization helps families access the support and resources they need by providing individualized support. It all starts with the ISST (Individual Services Support Team); a position and team that was created specifically for Sateash. She describes her job as "giving people the grace and that place to not be OK". And then asking, "How can I help"? No judgement, real help. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Joint Initiatives for Youth and Families www.jointinitiatives.org RAD Advocates www.radadvocates.org RAD Parent Support www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

The system failed this family big time. Meet "Caela". She and her husband are parents of children with RAD who unexpectedly ended up getting arrested and spent time in jail. This RAD mom talks openly about their experience with adoption, raising children with Reactive Attachment Disorder, going to jail, and relinquishment. Caela isn't afraid to shine a bright light on how broken the foster-adoption system is. She also shares her thoughts on what needs to change. Caela was looking for help and ended up becoming a criminal in order to get it. It's stories like hers that make us realize that change needs to happen. The foster-adoption system needs to be reformed. Our children and our families deserve better. Resources mentioned in this episode: I Move for Change Fundraiser http://www.radadvocates.org/ (www.radadvocates.org) RAD Talk Project-Silver Bracelet www.radtalkwithtracey.com/shop

Meet Susan, a RAD mom who has figured out a way to raise a son with RAD, raise her 2 biological children, and manage her sanity. Susan shares how she does this so that you can do it too. She shares the 3 key things that help her survive. Susan also talks about how she is helping other families by participating in the "I Move for Change" fundraiser to raise money for RAD Advocates. Resources mentioned in this episode: I Move for Change Fundraiser - Sign up at: www.radadvocates.org Parent Support and Support Groups www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

What a great and candid conversation with this RAD mom, Barb from Canada. We skip the beginning of her story and go straight to the heart of it all. Barb is an adoptive mom to a daughter from Ethiopia who is her "RAD child". She and her husband also have a biological, younger son. We talk about all things RAD including general RAD "stuff", sibling issues, parenting issues, marriage, and more. Barb offers lots of good insight and advice for other RAD parents. Later in the episode, Tracey sparks discussion about about letting go, remembering your power, changing your mindset to find freedom, and how sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to get there. After all, "rock bottom is a good place to start". Barb also has a message that she wasn't able to share during the episode. She told me that she often sees negative social media comments from people witnessing other moms "losing it" in public. These comments are almost always judgmental. Barb wants to share a more empathetic perspective; imagine what that mom has been through to be in a place where she has a breakdown in public. We don't know everyone's story. So instead of reacting and responding with judgment, look upon these moms with compassion. Barb's advice? Smile, make eye contact, and give that mom a nod of support. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: I Move for Change - Fundraiser www.radadvocates.org RAD Talk - Silver Bracelet Project www.radtalkwithtracey.com/radswag Tracey's Support Groups, Retreats & Coaching www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

On the pod today, Joe Dennis! Certified Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Director at Mindful Counseling. He's also trained in meditation and mindfulness. You'll love Joe. Joe talks trauma and has an amazing ability to turn theory into analogies that make sense. He gives practical tools that you as a RAD parent can use right now while you're in crisis and suggestions for later. When it comes to trauma and therapy, Joe is innovative, creative, and cutting edge. Ever heard of the technique "Brain Spotting"? Fun fact: I contacted Joe to chat about his expertise as a therapist. But did you know that he just happens to have an aunt who is a foster mom and specializes in RAD? Small world! I highly recommend that you watch Joe's video clips on his social media pages (like instagram) where he offers a lot of great insight and information. And if you need therapy or have questions, please reach out to Joe. Get in touch with Joe: WEB: Website: www.mindfulcounselingutah.com Email: joe@mindfulcounselingutah.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: joedennis.counsels FB:https://m.facebook.com/joedennis.counsels/ TikTok: joedennis.counsels

Remember RAD mom Heather and her son Legend? I interviewed these two way back in January. Well, a lot has happened and they're back with an update! Since I last spoke with Heather and Legend, Legend moved out of the house, moved across country, and is now back at home. They're here to tell you about it and how they're doing today. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Taos Tiny House Retreat - For Tired Parents www.radtalkwithtracey.com/retreats

What RAD parent doesn't experience some sort of fear? What RAD parent doesn't worry? I bet you can't name one RAD parent who isn't currently living this or who hasn't lived it. In this episode of RAD Talk With Tracey, I talk about fear from a perspective that you probably haven't heard before. I hadn't. And wow, does it ever fit with RAD parent life! I also pass along 5 practical exercises to help you better understand your fears and start worrying less. I'm always on the lookout for meaningful ways to help YOU, my fellow RAD parents, including me! I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen to this episode. What does fear look like for you? How deep in it are you? How will you implement these coping strategies to make them work for you? Post your responses on the RAD Talk With Tracey Facebook page, Instagram, or email me at talkwithtracey@gmail.com. And remember, just keep swimming. If you need support: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support www.radadvocates.org

This was one of the most fun and informative talks on the podcast! You do not want to miss this episode. Nancy Thomas is a pioneer and has already left a huge legacy in the world of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Nancy has been working with parents and children with RAD for 47 years and has an 85% success rate in the U.S. Her passion is infectious and she provides so much hope, knowledge, and insight during our discussion. Nancy also knows first hand what it's like to be a parent raising children with RAD. If you're looking for support, encouragement, and deeper insight into RAD and parenting children with RAD, you'll find it all in this episode. Resources mentioned in this episode: Families By Design (Nancy Thomas website) www.attachment.org Healing Hearts Camps https://attachment.org/parents/camps/ (https://attachment.org/parents/camps/) Email Nancy: nancy@attachment.org Tracey's Podcast and Coaching: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/podcast

Christine Dalton is no stranger to adoption. Her mom was adopted, she had an older adopted sibling growing up, she was a single foster parent in her early 20's, and then she adopted her own child when she was married. Months after she adopted, Christine found out she was pregnant! Her adopted son has RAD. Christine opens up about what it's like to raise a son who started demonstrating rage and violence when he was only 6 years old which continues today. She also talks about what it's like living through that violence and rage while raising her biological daughter. Christine and her husband have done "all the things" for their son and their story is not over. Their son was recently sent home from program during Covid, "kicked out" of a therapeutic boarding school, and they've had to scramble to find a new program for him because home is not an option. Hoping this placement lasts but knowing that nothing is certain when you're raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Resources Mentioned In this Episode: Tracey's Support and Coaching: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support Tupelo Children's Mansion: www.mansionkids.org RAD Advocates & Navigating RAD Conference: www.radadvocates.org

Meet Jennifer Linch, a "former" RAD mom who utilized the Second Chance Adoptions program. Jennifer shares her story about the adoption of her daughter, how it didn't turn out the way anyone expected, and what it was like to let go and place her daughter with a different family.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Second Chance Adoptions: https://wiaa.org/2nd-chance-adoption/ (https://wiaa.org/2nd-chance-adoption/) Navigating RAD Conference: www.radadvocates.org Tracey's Support Services: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support

Carole McKelvey is a Journalist turned Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She was friends with Jim Fay (Love & Logic) and helped Jim write the first book about Reactive Attachment Disorder in the U.S. in 1981. Carole was inspired by Jim's work and went back to school and became a counselor herself. She has specialized in working with families and children with Reactive Attachment disorder for over 30 years. Those seeking her services will find a caring, kind, and wise counselor. This may be as a result of foster care, adoption, or simply losses within the family. She has also worked extensively with trauma victims. Carole has written several books herself and continues to practice counseling in New Mexico. Resources mentioned in this episode: Tracey's Support and Coaching Services: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support Navigating RAD Conference www.radadvocates.org Carol McKelvey Counseling Phone: (505) 503-9445 http://www.carolemckelvey.com/ (www.carolemckelvey.com) mckelveycarole@gmail.com

Do you ever find yourself saying, "I need a break" but you have no idea how to make that happen? In fact, it actually feels impossible? As a RAD parent, I know this feels hard. REALLY hard. But hard doesn't mean impossible. In this episode, you will learn how to take a break and create moments of respite for yourself. You'll learn that not only is taking a break possible, it's necessary. And you'll learn how to start healing. Tracey outlines her 7 step respite process and guides you through each step. It's time to put the focus back on you. Let's get started. Resources mentioned in this episode: Tracey's support and coaching programs: www.radtalkwithtracey.com/support Navigating RAD 2021 Conference: www.radadvocates.org

Welcome to part two of Monica's story. In this episode, she talks about her organization called RAD Sibs, a place for siblings to come together.

Meet Monica Badgley, RAD mom and Founder of RAD Sibs. In this episode, part one, Monica talks about taking in her sister's three daughters who have RAD. She didn't know it at the time and just thought she was doing the right thing. In part two, Monica talks about her organization called RAD Sibs; what it is and where it's headed.

Dr. Michele Coleman is a kind and gentle soul who is an adoptive mom, a RAD mom, and the Founder of the Attachment Healing Center in New Mexico. Another great resource and support for RAD parents, their Rad children, and their families! According to Dr. Coleman, RAD can be healed and she and her team do just that. Listen to her personal story, her approach to RAD, and learn how you can get support. And if you're a RAD mom or dad, you don't want to miss her warm, encouraging words of wisdom just for you near the end of our interview.

Learn about Karen Poitras and The RADish Ranch. Another fantastic resource for the RAD community. Karen created the RADish Ranch after working extensively with families and children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Karen talks about how she gained her professional experience working with and learning from Nancy Thomas at "Healing Hearts Family Bonding Camps", attachment summer camps for children and families with RAD. Karen knows and believes that children with RAD can heal. She has seen it. Karen created The RADish Ranch in order to continue to provide a place for RAD families to heal. For more information, visit www.theradishranch.org.

This is part two of my interview with Ann Lamphere. Today, Ann talks about her program called " The Second Chance Adoption Program". This program helps families who have adopted a child and are struggling. Ann helps these families and their children find a new family that is a much better fit. The program has a 95% to 97% success rate and as a result, is a positive outcome for the child and the families. Ann also wrote a book about her experience called, "My Adoption Life: Living With A Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Child". If you'd like to get in contact with Ann, visit http://www.radtalkwithtracey.com/ (www.radtalkwithtracey.com) or the RAD Talk With Tracey Facebook page for links.

Ann Lamphere's story is one full of twists and turns. She was the first single adoptive parent in the state of Utah with the Children's Services Society in the 1970s. Ann thought she was adopting a little boy from India but a girl showed up. The minute she saw the girl's photo, she thought to herself, "there's trouble there". She was right. And the young girl was already on the plane to the US and to Ann. In part one of this podcast interview, Ann shares her story about raising her adoptive daughter with RAD, her second adoption, and everything in between. Her daughter and son-in-law are currently incarcerated for murder. In part two of our interview, Ann talks about her program called " The Second Chance Adoption Program". This program helps families who have adopted a child and are struggling. Ann helps these children find a new family that is a much better fit. The program is extremely successful and the result is a positive outcome for the child and the families. Ann also wrote a book about her experience called, "My Adoption Life: Living With A Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Child".

Writer. Advocate. Mentor. Trauma survivor. Chris Prange Morgan is an adoptive RAD mom and amputee. She talks about her experience raising a child with reactive attachment disorder, including how her state of mind led to a serious accident and injury. Chris became a trauma survivor herself and shares about the first time she felt peace. It was watching the sunset from her hospital bed. She also has unique insight regarding trauma and is able to relate her injury to how children with RAD must feel. Chris has been featured in The Huffington Post, Psychology Today, The Today Show and more. Today, she openly shares her experiences, insight, and how she perseveres.

Carrie O'Toole adopted her son from Vietnam not knowing he had Reactive Attachment Disorder. She shares her personal story including how she knew "something" was wrong and how she reached out for help. But everyone involved told her, "just get him home and you'll all be fine". Carrie also defines the exact day that everything changed for her and watched her son become part of another family. She is a RAD mom, author and and became a coach after living through her experience. Contact Tracey: www.radtalkwithtracey.com

Dwayne Orser shares his unique and honest perspective about growing up in an alcoholic family, his own trauma and trauma work, and becoming a counselor. Dwayne provides a look into his childhood thoughts, feelings and experiences. He also offers validation, support, and hope for RAD parents with a comforting message at the end of the interview. Contact Tracey: www.radtalkwithtracey.com

**Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse. Veronika Kramer is not your typical RAD mom. Her RAD child is her biological child. Veronika openly shares about her own experience being born in a prison, growing up with an abusive father, her own trauma and bouncing between homes in her early teens. Veronica was also a teen mom and her daughter was conceived from a sexual assault. She raised her daughter alone and has had to navigate the world of RAD in a very different way than most.

Genie and her husband are a military family and adopted 2 children. Genie talks about the benefits and challenges of raising children while in the military. She shares about her son, the death of his biological mother, and their trip to Manitoba, Canada to attend her funeral. Genie also talks about her daughter's adoption story, her biological family, and how the frequent moves being in the military affected her. She explains what she went through as a mom of children with trauma and RAD and how they're all doing today.

Gina Heumann and her husband adopted 2 children from Guatemala with very different results. One of their sons had Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Gina shares her story about being a RAD mom and how her son and family "conquered" RAD. She talks about a camp for adoptive children and families, how interns were crucial to their success, and the psychotherapy center that made it all happen. Gina also talks about what she calls "flipchart therapy" and credits that therapy as the "turning point" for her son. Gina is also the author of a book called, Love Never Quits. Meet Tracey: www.radtalkwithtracey.com

**Warning content contains discussion of abuse and sexual abuse** Samuel Christian and his siblings were born in a Romanian orphanage and were adopted out to a family in the U.S. His adopted family went on to adopt 21 children. Samuel talks about what it was like growing up in this family, his struggles forming a relationship with his adoptive mom, and growing up with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Samuel's story has a happy ending and now he helps other children like himself.

Christine Gautreaux, MSW is many things including a social worker who worked within the adoption and foster care system. She is now a life coach and acknowledges and works with caregivers to "help the helpers" reclaim their health and happiness. Christine is also the author of the book Stillpoint - A Self Care Playbook for Caregivers to Find Ease, Time to Breathe, and Reclaim Joy. www.christinegautreaux.com Connect with Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com

Meet Landon and Legend. These two brothers, one with RAD, share their story about growing up together and where they are now.

Talking with RAD mom Heather Houze is like talking with an old friend. She is refreshingly honest, open, and candid about her experience raising a son with RAD and surviving it. Heather discusses everything starting with the evolution of bringing her son home, discovering RAD, fighting for therapy, finding the right therapy, and eventually a happy ending. Connect with Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com

Amy VanTyne used her pain and experience with Reactive Attachment Disorder to create one of the leading support services for parents and families. In this episode, Amy reveals how and why she founded the organization "RAD Advocates". She shares how her life evolved from being a RAD mom to becoming an entrepreneur, determined to raise awareness about RAD and guide families through the challenges of RAD.

Amy VanTyne always wanted to be a mom. In this episode, she shares her dreams about becoming a foster parent, adopting, and how she unexpectedly found herself in crisis raising a child with RAD. Amy talks about her personal and painful experience raising a daughter with RAD, including how it affected her other children, her marriage, her psyche, and her most vulnerable moment and breaking point. Connect With Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com

Join me in this once in a lifetime, one-to-one talk with leading RAD expert, Forrest Lien. Forrest is a guru in the field of attachment and trauma. He shares his expertise and knowledge about RAD, children with RAD, and what it's like for parents raising RAD kids. Forrest has worked with RAD kids and families for his entire career which spans over 40 years. He is also the founder of Lifespan Trauma Consulting. Connect With Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com

This is part two of my interview with RAD mom and nurse, Cheryl Ruzzo. In this episode, part-two, RAD mom and nurse Cheryl expands on her story about raising her daughter Ella. She opens up about Ella's extreme and frightening behaviors, the trauma it caused, where they found support, and where they are now. Connect With Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com

Even the strongest and most prepared families get blindsided by RAD. Cheryl Ruzzo and her husband Joe were skilled and more prepared than many parents when they adopted a child who was diagnosed with RAD. But even they couldn't have predicted what they would go through. In this two-part interview, Cheryl talks about raising Ella, what happened, and everything in between. Connect With Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com

Raising a child or children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (“RAD”) is scary, exhausting, and life altering. Join Tracey Poffenroth Prato, an adoptive mom of two children with RAD, as she interviews other RAD parents and experts in the field including adoption. Listen to the very real and raw experiences of these families and access the best resources and support. If you're a parent or adoptive parent raising a child or children with RAD, a friend or family member of someone who is, an expert or just curious about Reactive Attachment Disorder, this is the podcast for you. Connect With Tracey www.radtalkwithtracey.com