Stable Moments Podcast

Welcome to Stable Moments! In today's video, we're diving into essential life skills for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Our mentorship sessions are designed with trauma-informed, color-coded activities, but we understand the unique needs of youth preparing to enter adulthood.

Explore the complex reasons behind why children with developmental trauma steal and learn effective strategies to address and support their needs. Check out our trauma-informed mentorship model at www.stablemoments.com

In this episode, I'll be delving into the concepts of Big T and little t trauma in the realm of trauma, especially as they pertain to our work with kids in foster care. Join me as we explore how understanding these distinctions can better equip us as mentors to support these children. We'll start by examining the origins of the Big T and little t terminology and how it has evolved over time. Through personal anecdotes and insights, I'll share how these labels may not accurately capture the full impact of trauma on individuals' lives. As mentors, it's crucial for us to recognize that trauma comes in various forms and sizes, and each child's experience is unique. By understanding the nuances of Big Ts and little ts, we can better empathize with the children we serve and provide more meaningful support. Throughout the episode, I'll share practical tips and strategies for mentors on how to show up for kids who have experienced both Big Ts and little ts. From creating safe spaces for self-expression to validating their experiences, we'll explore actionable ways mentors can make a positive difference in these children's lives. Join me as we navigate this important topic and learn how we can play a vital role in helping children in foster care heal from their past traumas and thrive in the present.

In this episode we dive into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and their profound impact on human development. Join as we explore how ACES shape both physical and mental health outcomes throughout an individual's life, particularly in the context of foster care and adoption. In this episode, we uncover the significance of trauma-informed approaches in addressing complex trauma experienced by children in foster care and adoption systems. We highlight the importance of understanding ACES and the lasting effects they can have on individuals, while also shedding light on how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCES) can serve as a powerful counterforce. We showcase the pivotal role of mentorship in helping children navigate the challenges posed by ACES and fostering resilience. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation! Hit that play button, like, share, and subscribe to stay tuned for more empowering discussions on foster care, adoption, and building resilience against adversity. Take your ACES and Resilience test: https://cls.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3019/2016/08/From-ACESTOOHIGH-ACES-and-Resilience-questions.pdf Find a local PACES Connection: https://www.pacesconnection.com/pages/geographic-communities

In this episode, we dive into the therapeutic power of mentorship for children with complex trauma. Explore 4 transformative ways mentors can heal trauma by showing up, demonstrating genuine interest, navigating relationships, and being positive role models. Discover the magic of mentorship in fostering resilience and healing for kids in need.

In this episode we explore why children with complex trauma lie, and the Fact or Fiction activity we can use to support children who lie as a coping mechanism.

In this episode, Joan Ulsher shares how her traumatic childhood led her to be a child advocate and shares her new book Misplaced Childhood empowering others to become child advocates. After foster care, Joan is returned home and subjected to more abuse. How can she be saved? Misplaced Childhood chronicles one woman's powerful journey to overcome a tragic past and use her “lived experiences” to inspire others. Wounded by poverty, child abuse, and foster care, Joan Ulsher discovers a purpose-filled life through military service and faith in God. This transformational journey of survival and triumph ultimately leads Joan to become a fierce volunteer advocate for children in foster care, despite not having a dedicated advocate as a child herself. Misplaced Childhood introduces readers to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) model, where Joan continues exploring childhood memories while highlighting her exceptional advocacy journey shaped by the children whose lives are impacted along the way. With its candid look at child welfare and advocacy alongside a personal narrative of healing, Misplaced Childhood opens up new levels of compassion for children suffering from abuse and neglect. Impeccably researched and told with great transparency, empathy, and vulnerability, Misplaced Childhood will inspire readers to embrace the vulnerable inner child in us all and take action for America's forgotten children. Check Joan out at www.joanulsher.com

Many parents, mentors, and program directors feel the need to fix the foster kids we serve. It's natural, but we don't fix here, so I'm going to dive into what we do do, and how we can support everyone while just being in the thick of it.

On this week's episode we dive into some sticky situations submitted by Stable Moments locations. Many people ask "how does the approach look in action?" Here are some practical trauma-informed responses listeners can use when they are faced with sticky situations.

Up to 70% of children in #fostercare have #fetalalcoholspetrumdisorder, which is a condition caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb and can lead to physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments. FASD is often underdiagnosed and many children with #FASD may be classified under other diagnoses such as #ADHD or developmental delay. On this month's Episode Laura Hernandez informs us of the impact FASD and how we can be supporting to children experiencing #FASD. Laura is the founder of www.mamasystems.net. "It took me years to develop systems, and life hacks to keep our family running and organized. By developing these systems, it helped our family run smoothly, it reduced my daily workload, and my house became a place of peace... yes, even with ten kids! I want to help other Mamas do the same." Laura Hernandez Follow her on Instagram @fasdmama

In this episode I break down how to build objectivity and open mindedness so you can show up more for those you serve, whether it be children in foster care, their parents, your volunteers or just people in general.

Use the WONDER Method to respond in a trauma-informed way when a child is triggered. Get a free WONDER Method download at www.stablemoments.com/wonder

Many foster children aren't able to think about the future. They wonder when their dad might get out of Jail or that there is no future for them, so this is how we can help.

Children in foster care may have only bad memories of the holidays. Maybe they remember it as a time where Santa always forgot their house. Maybe they remember their mom being stressed about not being able to afford Christmas. Perhaps they did have memorable Christmas but their special Christmas didn't include a tree or gifts but a special trip to Waffle House every year. There was once a year time to eat out and everyone was happy. Maybe they recognized a different holiday. Maybe they were Jehova's witnesses or celebrated Hanuka or Kwanza. So now that we have all these possibilities let's go into how we can show up for any kid during the holiday season.

Being both flexible and structured are big parts of the Stable Moments model…but wait, how can you be flexible AND structured? The truth is, kids, and most humans need a whole bunch of things…but we like to come up with blanket approaches - it's easier for us. It's actually the reason for our divisiveness and polarity as a country - many of us see one right answer, but it isn't that simple. Many things can be true at the same time, and our approach has to offer more than one answer, especially to children in #fostercare with #complextrauma needs So what does being both flexible and structured look like? I am so glad you asked. Check out this month's podcast episode where I break it all down for you.

I got my first hate mail, attacking the Stable Moments model saying we're causing more trauma by allowing people who aren't credentialed to work with kids with complex trauma needs. In this episode, I read you the message and respond, letting you know we are all good enough to play an active role in the lives of these children.

In this episode, we talk about how to use your feelings as a guide to work on the things within yourself that need healing so you can show up fully for those you were created to serve! Take the ACES quiz here Get your Resilience Score here

Ángela Quijada-Banks, (she/her) is an NAACP Image Awards Nominee and American Award-winning author of the Black Foster Youth Handbook. As a transformational speaker, she has touched thousands with her message to alchemize your pain to purpose and power. Through her holistic health coaching she supports spiritual wives in business to heal their acne, recover from iron deficiency anemia and prioritize their well-being without the sacrifice of their relationships,purpose or passions. As a nationally recognized community leader and philanthropist, she started the Soulful Liberation movement, impacting over 30,000 people to revolutionize historically oppressive systems through holistic health and healing trauma with coaching, workshops, training, and programming. She is currently writing a new book set to release September 2022. Soulful Liberation movement ( workshops and trainings ) : www.soulfulliberation.com The Black Foster Youth Handbook & I Am Success workbook-youth companion guide : www.soulfulliberation.com/books Ángela's portfolio: www.originalsoulflower.com Holistic health coaching for spiritual wives in business: www.angelaquijadabanks.com

Join us as we sit down with Marla Higginbotham to learn about the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program and how you can get involved in this important work. With CASA programs across the country, everyone can become a CASA.Marla has spent the last 20+ years working in the nonprofit sector helping shape public policy initiatives focused on both community engagement and children's education and well-being. After a successful 4 years as Executive Director CASA for Union County, Marla took the helm as Executive Director with CASA for Children of Essex County in NJ. Marla joined the CASA network from Jersey Cares where she was Senior Director of Operations and Foundation Relations. Marla is a former mediator/arbitrator for New Jersey's Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit and has served on the Board of Trustees for The Montclair Kimberley Academy. She received a law degree from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law and an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies and Political Science from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.Facebook @EssexAdvocatesInsta @casa_essexTwitter @EssexCASA

Join us as we sit down with Marla Higginbotham to learn about the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program and how you can get involved in this important work. With CASA programs across the country, everyone can become a CASA.Marla has spent the last 20+ years working in the nonprofit sector helping shape public policy initiatives focused on both community engagement and children's education and well-being. After a successful 4 years as Executive Director CASA for Union County, Marla took the helm as Executive Director with CASA for Children of Essex County in NJ. Marla joined the CASA network from Jersey Cares where she was Senior Director of Operations and Foundation Relations. Marla is a former mediator/arbitrator for New Jersey's Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit and has served on the Board of Trustees for The Montclair Kimberley Academy. She received a law degree from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law and an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies and Political Science from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.Facebook @EssexAdvocatesInsta @casa_essexTwitter @EssexCASA

Shenandoah Chefalo is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, a Certified Coach, and a member of the Foster Leaders Movement. She is a sought after speaker on topics surrounding youth in foster care and the science and impact of trauma and resilience on various social issues; She is also the President and Owner of Chefalo Consulting: Trauma-Informed Specialist that helps private, governmental, and public organizations implement sustainable trauma-informed strategies that are focused on learning new skills as well as organizational culture changes and shifts. She has been featured as a consultant and trainer nationally and internationally. After spending nearly 20 years as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became unsettled by the ever-revolving door of people into the criminal justice system and set out to find a way to change it. A survivor and alumni of the foster care system, Shenandoah Chefalo is also the co-founder of the #4600andCounting, a grass-roots movement to bring awareness and change to the missing youth of foster care. In addition to her multiple award-winning book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, she also wrote an e-book entitled Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals and is also working on her next manuscript, Hiking for Stillness.www.garbagebagsuitcase.com

Shenandoah Chefalo is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, a Certified Coach, and a member of the Foster Leaders Movement. She is a sought after speaker on topics surrounding youth in foster care and the science and impact of trauma and resilience on various social issues; She is also the President and Owner of Chefalo Consulting: Trauma-Informed Specialist that helps private, governmental, and public organizations implement sustainable trauma-informed strategies that are focused on learning new skills as well as organizational culture changes and shifts.  She has been featured as a consultant and trainer nationally and internationally. After spending nearly 20 years as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became unsettled by the ever-revolving door of people into the criminal justice system and set out to find a way to change it. A survivor and alumni of the foster care system, Shenandoah Chefalo is also the co-founder of the #4600andCounting, a grass-roots movement to bring awareness and change to the missing youth of foster care.  In addition to her multiple award-winning book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, she also wrote an e-book entitled Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals and is also working on her next manuscript, Hiking for Stillness.www.garbagebagsuitcase.com

Shenandoah Chefalo is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, a Certified Coach, and a member of the Foster Leaders Movement. She is a sought after speaker on topics surrounding youth in foster care and the science and impact of trauma and resilience on various social issues; She is also the President and Owner of Chefalo Consulting: Trauma-Informed Specialist that helps private, governmental, and public organizations implement sustainable trauma-informed strategies that are focused on learning new skills as well as organizational culture changes and shifts. She has been featured as a consultant and trainer nationally and internationally. After spending nearly 20 years as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became unsettled by the ever-revolving door of people into the criminal justice system and set out to find a way to change it. A survivor and alumni of the foster care system, Shenandoah Chefalo is also the co-founder of the #4600andCounting, a grass-roots movement to bring awareness and change to the missing youth of foster care. In addition to her multiple award-winning book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, she also wrote an e-book entitled Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals and is also working on her next manuscript, Hiking for Stillness.www.garbagebagsuitcase.com

Shenandoah Chefalo is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, a Certified Coach, and a member of the Foster Leaders Movement. She is a sought after speaker on topics surrounding youth in foster care and the science and impact of trauma and resilience on various social issues; She is also the President and Owner of Chefalo Consulting: Trauma-Informed Specialist that helps private, governmental, and public organizations implement sustainable trauma-informed strategies that are focused on learning new skills as well as organizational culture changes and shifts.  She has been featured as a consultant and trainer nationally and internationally. After spending nearly 20 years as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became unsettled by the ever-revolving door of people into the criminal justice system and set out to find a way to change it. A survivor and alumni of the foster care system, Shenandoah Chefalo is also the co-founder of the #4600andCounting, a grass-roots movement to bring awareness and change to the missing youth of foster care.  In addition to her multiple award-winning book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, she also wrote an e-book entitled Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals and is also working on her next manuscript, Hiking for Stillness.www.garbagebagsuitcase.com

We work under the assumption that everyone is doing their very best. We know it's easy to point fingers at the foster system, the kids, the parents. If you believe that everyone is doing their best, it allows us to communicate with empathy instead of judgment.

We work under the assumption that everyone is doing their very best. We know it's easy to point fingers at the foster system, the kids, the parents. If you believe that everyone is doing their best, it allows us to communicate with empathy instead of judgment. 

Beth Tyson, MA, is a psychotherapist, childhood grief and trauma expert, and a children's book author. She recently co-authored and released a new book - The Parenting Odyssey: Trials, Treasures, and Triumphs of Parenting in a Pandemic. The purpose of the book is to reduce isolation for those parenting in a pandemic by sharing heartfelt testimonials and stories from real parents. Get the bookhttp://www.bethtyson.comFacebook Group: EmotimindsIG https://www.instagram.com/bethtyson_traumacare/

Beth Tyson, MA, is a psychotherapist, childhood grief and trauma expert, and a children's book author. She recently co-authored and released a new book - The Parenting Odyssey: Trials, Treasures, and Triumphs of Parenting in a Pandemic. The purpose of the book is to reduce isolation for those parenting in a pandemic by sharing heartfelt testimonials and stories from real parents. Get the bookhttp://www.bethtyson.comFacebook Group: EmotimindsIG https://www.instagram.com/bethtyson_traumacare/

In this episode, Leah shares how education helped her make it through years in foster care and how being ill-equipped to raise her brothers led her to start Fostering Greatness, Inc - an organization helping foster youth transition into healthy adulthood.Leah's strongest desire in life is to share her own story in expectation of encouraging those that have been affected by the many facets of foster care and to instill the message of hope that anyone can become successful despite any adversities that may be present. She attributes her continuous development and achievements to her faith in God and the support of her family and friends. Website: https://fosteringgreatnessinc.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FGreatnessIncLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-angel-daniel/

In this episode, Leah shares how education helped her make it through years in foster care and how being ill-equipped to raise her brothers led her to start Fostering Greatness, Inc - an organization helping foster youth transition into healthy adulthood.Leah's strongest desire in life is to share her own story in expectation of encouraging those that have been affected by the many facets of foster care and to instill the message of hope that anyone can become successful despite any adversities that may be present. She attributes her continuous development and achievements to her faith in God and the support of her family and friends. Website: https://fosteringgreatnessinc.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FGreatnessIncLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-angel-daniel/

In this episode I sit down with Naomi Riley to discuss how the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives. Naomi argues that our focus on reunification has built a system that is more accomidating of adults than protective of kids. Naomi Schaefer Riley is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute focusing on issues regarding child welfare as well as a senior fellow at the Independent Women's Forum. She also writes about parenting, higher education, religion, philanthropy and culture.She is a former columnist for the New York Post and a former Wall Street Journal editor and writer, as well as the author of seven books, including, “No Way to Treat a Child: How the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives".Get her book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Way-Treat-Child-Activists/dp/164293657XCheck out her resources: https://www.nowaytotreatachildbook.com/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-schaefer-riley-74285067/

In this episode I sit down with Naomi Riley to discuss how  the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives. Naomi argues that our focus on reunification has built a system that is more accomidating of adults than protective of kids. Naomi Schaefer Riley is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute focusing on issues regarding child welfare as well as a senior fellow at the Independent Women's Forum. She also writes about parenting, higher education, religion, philanthropy and culture.She is a former columnist for the New York Post and a former Wall Street Journal editor and writer, as well as the author of seven books, including, “No Way to Treat a Child: How the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives".Get her book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Way-Treat-Child-Activists/dp/164293657XCheck out her resources: https://www.nowaytotreatachildbook.com/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-schaefer-riley-74285067/ 

In this episode we sit down with Jacqui Jackson to discuss how we can use strategic prayer to alleviate suffering for children in foster care. Jacqui Jackson, M.Ed, is CEO of Ignite Hope, a former Foster Child, International Adoptee, and a mother to Adoptive and Biological children alike. She is a passionate advocate for the right of every child to have a safe family and executes this calling by speaking within the church and legislatively on the ways we can all impact the plight of the Vulnerable Children. You can find out more about Ignite hope at http://www.ignitehope.onlineFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ihope4orphans/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihope4orphans/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxBTAWd8_94AZ49WC3QIgg

In this episode we sit down with Jacqui Jackson to discuss how we can use strategic prayer to alleviate suffering for children in foster care. Jacqui Jackson, M.Ed, is CEO of Ignite Hope, a former Foster Child, International Adoptee, and a mother to Adoptive and Biological children alike. She is a passionate advocate for the right of every child to have a safe family and executes this calling by speaking within the church and legislatively on the ways we can all impact the plight of the Vulnerable Children. You can find out more about Ignite hope at http://www.ignitehope.onlineFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ihope4orphans/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihope4orphans/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxBTAWd8_94AZ49WC3QIgg

The P.A.C.E. framework teaches us to be playful, accepting, curious and empathetic. Jessica Sinarski is a highly sought-after therapist, author, and speaker. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create BraveBrains , a resource and training platform for home, school, and community. She makes brain science practical, helping parents and professionals become healers for hurting children.

The P.A.C.E. framework teaches us to be playful, accepting, curious and empathetic. Jessica Sinarski is a highly sought-after therapist, author, and speaker. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create BraveBrains , a resource and training platform for home, school, and community. She makes brain science practical, helping parents and professionals become healers for hurting children.

Join us while we chat with the Founder of The Behavior Hub Lauren Spielmyer. She shares her four part framework to teaching emotional literacy and regulation that work well for children with complex trauma as it takes how the brain works into its approach.Over the past 10 years, she has helped SOOOO many people learn about the brain and how it impacts learning and emotional well-being, which in turn changes behavior. With her master's degree in education, professorship at University of Pennsylvania and running The Behavior Hub, she thrives on building brain and research-based, child-driven trainings and courses with the whole child in mind. Check out her work:https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/Courses: https://the-behavior-hub.teachable.com/coursesDiscovery calls: https://calendly.com/thebehaviorhub/discovery-callsPodcast: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/pressFB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingandteachingrespectfulchildrenIG: https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviorhub/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLo-tqelGiN0eQaiRGG83xA

Join us while we chat with the Founder of The Behavior Hub Lauren Spielmyer. She shares her four part framework to teaching emotional literacy and regulation that work well for children with complex trauma as it takes how the brain works into its approach.Over the past 10 years, she has helped SOOOO many people learn about the brain and how it impacts learning and emotional well-being, which in turn changes behavior. With her master's degree in education, professorship at University of Pennsylvania and running The Behavior Hub, she thrives on building brain and research-based, child-driven trainings and courses with the whole child in mind. Check out her work:https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/Courses:  https://the-behavior-hub.teachable.com/coursesDiscovery calls:  https://calendly.com/thebehaviorhub/discovery-callsPodcast:  https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/pressFB group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingandteachingrespectfulchildrenIG:  https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviorhub/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLo-tqelGiN0eQaiRGG83xA

Ginger sits down with us to discuss her work as a Social Worker, Adoptive Mom, Parenting Program Director and now co-host of the podcast from Attachment Trauma Network, Regulated and Relational. Check out the podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe.

Ginger sits down with us to discuss her work as a Social Worker, Adoptive Mom, Parenting Program Director and now co-host of the podcast from Attachment Trauma Network, Regulated and Relational. Check out the podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe.

Join us while Natalie Chavis Fisher takes us into adoption court to show us how the opioid epidemic is impacting the foster care crisis.Natalie is a best-selling author, third-generation attorney and executive producer for the feature documentary Foster Care: Perfect Imperfection. She is a leading expert in foster care adoption committed to helping improve the lives of vulnerable children and their caretakers. Natalie believes broken systems break children and has dedicated her life to help foster healing. She has been honored with the Congressional “Angel in Adoption” award for her work in child welfare. Natalie has practiced foster care adoption law for twenty years. Within this time, she has helped thousands of foster children solidify their “forever homes”. Natalie previously served as a Deputy Prosecutor in the child support division and as a Public Defender in the dependency and neglect division of the Marion County, Indiana court system. Natalie prides herself in helping adoptive and kinship parents understand the dynamic nuances of foster care adoption. One of the ways she has accomplished this task is through her short novel with a big impact, Adopting Tiger. https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-Tiger-Chavis-Fisher/dp/0999456008Natalie received her BS in Business Management from Purdue University, where she was a varsity track and field hurdler and where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Natalie received her MBA and JD from Indiana University in Bloomington. Natalie was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is married with two step children. To learn more about Natalie, please visit: www.chavisfisher.com Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @ChavisFisher

Join us while Natalie Chavis Fisher takes us into adoption court to show us how the opioid epidemic is impacting the foster care crisis.Natalie  is a best-selling author, third-generation attorney and executive  producer for the feature documentary Foster Care: Perfect Imperfection. She is a  leading expert in foster care adoption committed to helping improve the lives of  vulnerable children and their caretakers. Natalie believes broken systems break  children and has dedicated her life to help foster healing. She has been honored with  the Congressional “Angel in Adoption” award for her work in child welfare. Natalie has practiced foster care adoption law for twenty years. Within this time, she  has helped thousands of foster children solidify their “forever homes”. Natalie previously served as a Deputy Prosecutor in the child support division and as a Public  Defender in the dependency and neglect division of the Marion County, Indiana court  system.  Natalie prides herself in helping adoptive and kinship parents understand the dynamic  nuances of foster care adoption. One of the ways she has accomplished this task is  through her short novel with a big impact, Adopting Tiger.  https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-Tiger-Chavis-Fisher/dp/0999456008Natalie received her BS in Business Management from Purdue University, where she  was a varsity track and field hurdler and where she became a member of Alpha Kappa  Alpha Sorority, Inc. Natalie received her MBA and JD from Indiana University in  Bloomington. Natalie was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is married with two step children.  To learn more about Natalie, please visit: www.chavisfisher.com Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @ChavisFisher

Tiffany Sudela-Junker is mother by adoption to two children with vastly different trauma-based special needs.With her own growth process as an example, Tif mentors and advocates for a “empathy + connection before correction” approach to parenting. Stressing EXTRA empathy, mindfulness, humor, attunement, self-compassion and reciprocal atonement as key ingredients to helping tough kids achieve higher function and healthy relationships.Through stories of struggle and lessons learned with her brilliant, challenging and hilarious children, Tif raises awareness and an authentic understanding for the EXTREME neurology, behavior, circumstances, and the emotional strength found in families struggling to overcome the aftermath of childhood trauma.Check out Tif's resources at http://www.xparenting.comFollow on instagram

Tiffany Sudela-Junker is mother by adoption to two children with vastly different trauma-based special needs.With her own growth process as an example, Tif mentors and advocates for a “empathy + connection before correction” approach to parenting. Stressing EXTRA empathy, mindfulness, humor, attunement, self-compassion and reciprocal atonement as key ingredients to helping tough kids achieve higher function and healthy relationships.Through stories of struggle and lessons learned with her brilliant, challenging and hilarious children, Tif raises awareness and an authentic understanding for the EXTREME neurology, behavior, circumstances, and the emotional strength found in families struggling to overcome the aftermath of childhood trauma.Check out Tif's resources at http://www.xparenting.comFollow on instagram

Join us as Ce Eshelman, LMFT walks us through how to discover what happened in our childhood and how that impacts how we show up to working with children today. Ce Eshelman, LMFT, is an attachment specialist, author, and founder of The Attach Place Center for Strengthening Relationships. With 27 years of experience and training in marriage and family therapy, she began specializing in attachment and trauma healing 18 years ago after adopting her two children from the foster care system.In March 2016, Ce published Drowning with My Hair on Fire: Insanity Relief for Adoptive Parents. It is a compilation of supportive letters to adoptive parents designed for daily inspirational reading.Join the Love Matters Parenting Society at https://www.lovemattersparenting.com/love-matters-parenting-society-membership-homeFacebook: @TheAttachPlace

Join us as Ce Eshelman, LMFT walks us through how to discover what happened in our childhood and how that impacts how we show up to working with children today. Ce Eshelman, LMFT, is an attachment specialist, author, and founder of The Attach Place Center for Strengthening Relationships. With 27 years of experience and training in marriage and family therapy, she began specializing in attachment and trauma healing 18 years ago after adopting her two children from the foster care system.In March 2016, Ce published Drowning with My Hair on Fire: Insanity Relief for Adoptive Parents. It is a compilation of supportive letters to adoptive parents designed for daily inspirational reading.Join the Love Matters Parenting Society at https://www.lovemattersparenting.com/love-matters-parenting-society-membership-homeFacebook: @TheAttachPlace

Steve always knew he wanted a family. Raised catholic he grew up thinking he was destined to marry a woman and have children. When he was confronted with his attraction to men and the eventual realization that he was gay, he gave up, that dream of having a family and chose the route of gay singledom. As the times changed and he gained greater self acceptance he re-ignited his dream for a family and stared the journey toward parenthood. Steve is the author of the book Determined to Be Dad which chronicles his trials and tribulations of self-discovery to acceptance to building a new reality and finally to the joys of creating his own family through adoption. Steve is a leadership development coach and a diverstity and inclusion consultant. Check out his website here.Get Steve's book here.Facebook @stevedisselhorst.llcInstagram @steve.disselhorstTwitter @SteveDisselhorsLinkedIn

 Steve always knew he wanted a family. Raised catholic he grew up thinking he was destined to marry a woman and have children. When he was confronted with his attraction to men and the eventual realization that he was gay, he gave up, that dream of having a family and chose the route of gay singledom. As the times changed and he gained greater self acceptance he re-ignited his dream for a family and stared the journey toward parenthood. Steve is the author of the book Determined to Be Dad which chronicles his trials and tribulations of self-discovery to acceptance to building a new reality and finally to the joys of creating his own family through adoption. Steve is a leadership development coach and a diverstity and inclusion consultant.  Check out his website here.Get Steve's book here.Facebook  @stevedisselhorst.llcInstagram @steve.disselhorstTwitter @SteveDisselhorsLinkedIn

Barry Farmer is a Native of Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in Kinship Care with his grandmother from ages 5-18. For the last 15 years he's been devoted to working inside and outside the classroom with youth and their families. At age 20, Barry became a foster father with a local therapeutic agency to further help youth within his community. At age 22 he adopted his oldest son. Three years later, Barry's two younger sons were placed in his home, making him a proud father of three amazing young men. With these additions to his family, he closed his home after 7 years as an active foster parent. Today, as a single father, Barry is a Spokesman for Adopt Us Kids, Foster Care Adoption Advocate for children awaiting adoption, Speaker, Mentor, Host of The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show based out of Richmond Virginia and The FosterCare & Adoption Life talk Web Series, as well as the Creator/Administrator of one of the largest online support group for Foster Care and Adoptive families. With his show, Barry enjoys connecting with various individuals from across the country, giving them a platform to share their stories and life's work.Follow Barry on social @iambarryfarmerWebsite: https://www.barryfarmer.com/

Barry Farmer is a Native of Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in Kinship Care with his grandmother from ages 5-18. For the last 15 years he's been devoted to working inside and outside the classroom with youth and their families. At age 20, Barry became a foster father with a local therapeutic agency to further help youth within his community. At age 22 he adopted his oldest son. Three years later, Barry's two younger sons were placed in his home, making him a proud father of three amazing young men. With these additions to his family, he closed his home after 7 years as an active foster parent. Today, as a single father, Barry is a Spokesman for Adopt Us Kids, Foster Care Adoption Advocate for children awaiting adoption, Speaker, Mentor, Host of The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show based out of Richmond Virginia and The FosterCare & Adoption Life talk Web Series, as well as the Creator/Administrator of one of the largest online support group for Foster Care and Adoptive families. With his show, Barry enjoys connecting with various individuals from across the country, giving them a platform to share their stories and life’s work.Follow Barry on social @iambarryfarmerWebsite: https://www.barryfarmer.com/

Join Angela Flores, Juvenile Justice Worker, as she explores the intersections between juvenile justice and child protective services. As a child who has experienced generational foster care, she offers services to children in her community and has a vision to attend law school, to further contribute to the justice system.