Thriving Adoptees - Inspiration For Adoptive Parents & Adoptees

Handling tough emotions is human's biggest challenge. And it's particularly tough for adoptees and adoptive parents given the complex emotions around adoption. So what helps us do this? Listen in as we dive deep and explore powerful learnings... 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.

Hope. The hope that the past doesn't determine the future. A positive outlook. Life as an adoptive parent and as an adoptee can be tough. What keeps us going? Love, for sure. And hope! Listen in as we dive into overcoming trauma, abuse and other tough stuff. 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.

The Altman family was formed by a unique set of circumstances that no-one could have predicted. This episode is a little different to honour that. A profound dive into deep topics. Claire and Stan along with their daughter Stefanie share their learnings on unconditional love, growth and changing life for the better. 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.

Raising kids - adopted or not - isn't a sprint. It's a journey. And the more we learn, the easier we can navigate the bumps along the way. Listen in as adoptive mother Kim shares her learnings along the way - including why she's still learning. 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.

Is love with rules really love? Probably not. And yet so many of us have only felt conditional love. Having her first daughter taught adoptee Jenn love without rules. Unconditional love as a felt experience. Not an idea. Listen in as we go deep on feeling loved and whole... 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.

What matters more than loving ourselves? And yet...so many of us believe that voice in our heads that doesn't love us. Listen in as Melissa shares her learnings on self love , helping others love themselves and more... 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.

When we know better, we do better. Experienced adoption professional got a second chance at parenting after adopting her grandson when she was 55. Listen in as she shares what she's learned about going beyond basic needs to helping her son thrive despite trauma. Big insights on integrity, moral standards and expectations.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/TheChildrensShelterhttps://www.instagram.com/thechildrensshelterhttps://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.

What if we could have a fabulous life, whatever our story? Thriving doesn't look like an option for some. But what if it is? Listen in as adoptee, adoptive parent and adoption professional Anna dives into doing the work, empowerment and much more.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=61557459094817https://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.

Finding our place - our home and our place in the world - is profound. Listen in as Matt who's fostered and adopted shares his learnings on self worth, relationships and much more...deep and highly empowering.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.

Adoptees often start life at a disadvantage. How do we level the playing field so they can enjoy the same opportunities as others? Listen in as Karen shares her learnings and insights. Karen is an adoptive mother and the Head of Service for One Adoption South Yorkshire.https://www.oneadoption.co.uk/south-yorkshirehttps://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.

 Does the desire for validation hold us back? How do you react when you or your beliefs are challenged? Listen in as adoptee Angie talks about surfacing and busting beliefs in this particularly empowering episode.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 CASAhttps://www.casa-satx.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drangie/https://www.facebook.com/ChildAdvocatesSanAntoniohttps://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.

Life can feel pretty scary. But what if we felt differently about that fear? What if faith felt bigger than that fear? Listen in as mother of 6 including 2 by adoption points us to big insights to seeing ourselves and our fear differently.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.neelycrosshttps://www.instagram.com/wcross8/?hl=enhttps://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.

What we resist persists. Especially our feelings. So what if we could be open to our feelings? Be openhearted. Ride life's emotional rollercoaster with more ease. Listen in as Cindy talks about vulnerability, openness and much more...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/AdoptionDreamsComeTruehttps://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.

Raising adoptive children and teens is an art not a science. It's something you get a feel for. Listen in as adoptive father of 10 Dr Ray shares his insights on getting a better feel for this art. Packed with humour and humility.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.rayguarendihttps://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.

Shame is a big obstacle to our thriving. So how do we say goodbye to it? How is shame different to guilt? Listen in as Penny dives deep into shame, guilt and more...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/AdoptersforAdoptionhttps://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.

How often do you realise that you're wrong? It's incredibly freeing. It's the ultimate lubricant for life. It reduces frustration and oils relationships. But if you're like me, your beliefs can get way of humility. Listen in as Arnie dives into humility, change, making a difference and much more. Truly empowering.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/NFPAonlinehttps://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.

Are we going to rise above trauma or to succumb to it? Perhaps one of the most profound questions we can ask. Listen in as foster/kinship parent Joanna's profound and powerful take on thriving.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.

Rejection can tear us apart. How do we put ourselves back together? Where does the strength come from? Where do we find the hope before we find that strength. Listen in as Niemah shares her learning on hope, healing and more...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.scherlacherhttps://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.

Holding on to anger holds us back. It stops us thriving. And it yet we all do it to some extent. It's part of the human condition. Listen in as Rachel shares her learnings and practice on releasing anger, forgiveness and more.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/CAFOalliancehttps://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.

Rumi once said “Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise so I wanted to change myself.” One of the most profound things we can see is that tough stuff helps us change. It creates space to grow. Listen in as Jenny shares her realisations on growth.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=enhttps://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.

Hope is sometimes in short supply within adoptive families navigating tough stuff. Why is that? How can we overcome fear, choose hope and enjoy a brighter future? Listen is as Carly talks faith, truth and helping kids be who they want to be. 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/thehublvhttps://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.

How do we enable ourselves and others to thrive? Big question! Listen in as Damon shares what helps him thrive and empower his colleagues, foster youth clients and others to do the same.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.orgwww.facebook.com/1hopeunitedwww.instagram.com/onehopeunitedwww.linkedin.com/company/one-hope-unitedwww.linkedin.com/in/damon-cates-53945a2bwww.x.com/1hopeunitedwww.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.

Raising adopted kids isn't about fixing them, it's about growing us. Doing Our Own Work is one of those themes that comes up again and again on Thriving Adoptees. Listen in as mom of 4 girls - 2 through adoption - Laura shares her learnings on empathy, shaming, relational loss and more.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/iCARE4AAFFhttps://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.

How open are you to learning? When we know more we do better. So lifelong learning isn't something to be shunned by our impatience, but welcomed in. Listen in as Rashunda who adopted three teens from the welfare system shares her learnings on learning.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.

Are you suffering right now? It probably - or definitely - doesn't feel like it, but finding the purpose in that pain somehow makes it more bearable. The earlier we can see that purpose the sooner the pain can ease. Join Donna and I as we dive in life changing insights and shifts in perspective. Donna is an adoptive mother, executive director of an adoption agency and podcaster.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=1https://voicesofadoption.podup.com/https://www.instagram.com/voicesof_adoption/Find out more about her podcast here:https://hearttoheartadopt.com/https://www.facebook.com/HeartToHeartAdoptionhttps://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.

Tough stuff feels, well, tough. But with hindsight it becomes clear that the tough stuff prompts our biggest learnings. What if we could see the gift of the tough stuff earlier? Be more grateful for it when we are in it? Listen in as adoptive mom Jacee shares her insights on grace, grief and learnings. Powerful.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.

If you're going through tough stuff, this one's for you. Truly inspirational. Adopted at 9 months Sharon grew up in an alternative universe. One that felt completely alien to her. Her adoptive mother kicked her out of the house when she got pregnant at 18. Life got tougher until she found herself at rock bottom and attempting suicide. How did she turn it around? Listen into profound learnings from a remarkably resilient lady.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-gbhttps://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.

If you're in hell keep going. But how? Listen in as Adoption Permanency Director Alaina dives into digging deep, what empowers us to persist through the toughest of tough stuff and more...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.

Vince's mission is to add value to everyone he meets. Listen in and let him add value to you with his insights, learnings and wisdom. Vince and his wife have six kids, three of whom are adopted. He's also Executive Director at Keystone Family Alliance.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.

If things are looking tough right now, here's some hope for you...According to one of my mentors - Richard Wilkins "The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence" The past may explain the present but it needn't dictate the future. Join Erin and Megan as we explore hope, healing and more as we look forward to a brighter future.Erin Argue is Heart Galleries of Texas Post-Permanency DirectorErin 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.

Secondary trauma can build up within us without us noticing. Even veteran therapist Bessel van der Kolk who's the author of the bestselling book The Body Keeps The Score wasn't aware of his secondary trauma until very  recently. And secondary trauma is common amongst adoptive parents. Do you want to heal for your kids? Be triggered less often? At peace more? Listen in as adoptive mother Jaycie and Executive Director shares her learnings on healing secondary trauma, choosing love over grief and much more.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.

Are you advocating for your child or change? As every parent knows systems can be very tricky to navigate and change. The better we can understand them, the better we can relate with the people we deal with and more likely we are to get what we want. Listen in asDirector 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 infohttps://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.

Does fear hold you back? Fear of the unknown? Fear of things not working out? Sometimes life requires us to make a leap of faith. Listen in as Terri talks about leaps of faith, unconditional love and more...Listen to her first interview here https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/helping-kids-feel-loveable-lovedAs 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_Goodhttps://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.

Can you open your heart more fully? Shamele has opened her heart to 4 kids through adoption, another through a special guardianship and over 300 more through fostering them. Listen in as we dive into helping our kids have fun, feel listened to and loved.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.

Change is hard. Until an insight happens. Whether that's about how we feel, what causes those feelings, our behaviour or anything else. So changing is a seeing thing. Listen in as Steve shares some of the insights that have done the heavy lifting. We hope this interview catalyses some changes for you.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=enhttps://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.

From rainbows and unicorns to adoption is trauma. Pendulums swing too far before they settle into balance. Listen in as we find a more balanced approach that's closer to the truth.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-wrongFind 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.

It takes courage to tackle the tough stuff in adoption. It takes courage to love our kids when that love isn't reciprocated. Listen in as Melody talks about courage, support from others and much more. Melody has five kids including one from adoption.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/myvillageministrieshttps://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.

If I can't heal, I can't help them heal. That's the truth that hit Heather like a tonne of bricks. The more whole we feel, the better placed we are to help our kids heal. Listen in as we dive deep into healing, feeling loved and busting beliefs. A deep and empowering episode full of hard won insights. 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.

Sexual abuse and neglect leave deep scars. How can anyone become grateful for these? In one of our most profound turnaround stories ever, Trent shares how adoptive family, faith and therapy have fuelled his healing, recovery from PTSD and more. 100% inspirational. Trent leaves me speechless and stumbling. Epic.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/WatchMeRiseLLChttps://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.

How do you handle pain, like when your son says he hates you? There's something that us humans don't like about complexity. And yet adoption IS complex. Painful and wonderful. When it's painful it can be very painful. Listen as we dive into complexity, emotional intelligence and more.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 athttps://circleofcare.org/programs/beyond/https://www.facebook.com/circleofcareokhttps://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.

So many of us so much time ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. What Do You Need Right Now? The question can shock us into the present and unleash our wisdom. Listen in as Rebecca shares how that question changed everything and could do the same for you.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.orghttps://www.facebook.com/havenretreatsinc/https://www.instagram.com/haven.retreats/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/rebeccaharvin/?hl=enhttps://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.

We all want to be our best selves, not just for ourself but for our family. So what does that mean? How do we do that? Listen in as adoptive dad, adoption attorney, social worker and adoption agency executive director Rob shares his learnings on self worth, expectations and much more.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.

Do you suspect you may be playing life small? Do you want more? Perhaps something is holding you back? Listen in as adoptee Karyn explores growing beyond what she thought was possible, doing that afraid and more...Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/karyn.kunst.9https://www.instagram.com/karynellenk/Check out her book on Amazonhttps://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.

Grief touches us all. Sometimes we resist it, but what we resist persists. So what do we do? Marcia has experienced a lifetime of grief including the unbelievable loss of  2 sons. Listen in as she shares her take on embracing grief, thriving with joy and how her faith empowers her. Poignant and powerful. You're going to love this.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 othersA 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=enhttps://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.

How does being adopted into God's family shift our ideas on family and identity? What role does faith play? Listen in as Alice and I dive into riding the emotional rollercoaster with more grace.Here's Alice's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/leaning-on-30-years-learning-with-alice-murray-adoption-attorney-writer-tezpvkdAnd her new book https://www.amazon.com/God-Adopted-First-Attorneys-Adventures/dp/1563097818To 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/alicemurraywriterhttps://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.

Fear & Faith. Two words we don't usually hear together. How does fear hold us back, how does faith spur us on? Listen in as Matthew and I dive deep into how we grow and help our kids do the same.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.

 What help us feel that we are thriving? Feeling it. Not thinking it. Not judging it. Feeling it. Listen as Jodi and I dive deep into the feeling of thriving. Insights aplenty on peace, purpose, people and more. You are going to love this...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.

How do we celebrate ourselves when we don't know how we came about, feel unwanted or an accident? Listen in as adoptee, adoptive parent and adoption professional Anita shares profound insights on finding meaning, a reason for being and more. She also shares how following Christ has helped her along the way.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.

So many of have so much going on we can't see the wood for the trees. Today's interview is a chance to stand back and see the big picture - what helps us thrive, what helps our kids thrive and much more. Listen in - adoption professional Cindy really knows her stuff!https://www.allforkids.org/https://www.facebook.com/AllForKids.CA/https://www.facebook.com/AllForKids.CA/https://x.com/AllForKidsCahttps://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.

How do we free ourselves from the past? By seeing that it doesn't define us. Listen in as Krystal, adopted in her 30's talks about getting stronger through adversity, processing tough emotions and more.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.

What if there's part of us that's not traumatised? Because it can't traumatised? Wouldn't that be a great place to find and live from? Listen in as we dive deep into thriving, touch on religion and explore the part of us that's beyond trauma.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/restoreofadahttps://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.