Thriving Adoptees - Inspiration For Adoptive Parents & Adoptees

Are we coming from love or fear? Perhaps one of the most profound things we can notice in any moment. Or in any relationship. Loving on our child's birth parents leads to better outcomes for all. Listen in as adoptee and adoption professional Kaici shares how she's empowering adoptive parents with her own learnings growing up. Find out more about Kaici here: https://www.facebook.com/kaici.frieze/ https://hopeadoptionagency.org/ https://www.facebook.com/hopeadoptionagency https://www.instagram.com/hopecenteradoptions https://www.linkedin.com/company/hope-center-adoptions/ 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 would a lighter load help you? Your kids? Listen in as adoption professional Joanne talks self care, helping kids carry less baggage and much more... Here's a bit about Joanne from her organisation's website "I have over 30 years' social work experience in both local authority and the independent sector, covering child protection, children's care and Adoption and Fostering. I have worked as team manager, service manager and service director and was instrumental in establishing Adoptionplus in 2002 first as an Adoption Support Agency and then in 2006 as a Voluntary Adoption Agency. I am a qualified social worker and play therapist and have had 9 books published, including the Billy Says series of 6 books; All About Mummies and Daddies; Assessing Adoptive and Foster Parents: Improving Analysis and Understanding of Parenting Capacity; and Supporting Birth Parents of Children who have been Adopted.  I have sat as a Trustee on the CVAA Board, a special adviser on the NICE committee for Quality Standards in Attachment and been invited to give evidence at a number of All Party Parliamentary Committees. Over the years it has been incredibly rewarding to play a leading role in developing Adoptionplus and to work with our talented team dedicated to improving the quality of life for so many children and families." Find out more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-alper-13267a42/ https://www.adoptionplus.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/adoptionplus https://www.facebook.com/Adoptionplus 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 going through tough stuff? In need of a break? Inspiration? Listen in adoptive mom, executive director and counsellor Amie shares insights on endurance, flourishing and more... Amie Cooper is the Founder and Executive Director of Flourishing Families of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering hope, healing, and holistic support to families impacted by childhood trauma. With both personal and professional experience in foster care, adoption, and kinship caregiving, Amie leads with profound empathy, authenticity, and insight as she walks alongside caregivers raising children from hard places. Her passion for this work was born from her own family's journey and a deeply personal understanding of how trauma, isolation, and unmet needs can affect both children and caregivers. In response to the overwhelming lack of support for families navigating these challenges, Amie founded Flourishing Families to be a source of education, encouragement, and enduring connection. ​Under her leadership, the organization provides trauma-informed resources, caregiver coaching, support groups, and strategic community partnerships designed to equip, connect, and sustain families through every season. At the heart of her vision is the belief that no caregiver should walk this road alone—and that healing and wholeness are possible when families are surrounded by the right tools and relationships. Amie is a TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention®) Practitioner, trained through the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, and integrates these principles across all programming to promote safety, attachment, and regulation for children and caregivers alike. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, expanding her capacity to bring both relational and clinical support to the families she serves. A gifted speaker, trainer, and advocate, Amie is passionate about building trauma-responsive communities and creating spaces where caregivers feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through her leadership, Flourishing Families is not only helping families survive hard seasons—but thrive, heal, and truly flourish. https://www.flourishingfamiliessc.org/ https://www.instagram.com/flourishingfamiliessc/ https://www.instagram.com/flourishingfamiliessc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooperamie/ 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 focusing on ourselves, others, our kids? Our dreams or theirs? Our expectations or how they are doing? Listen in as single adoptive mom of 3 and adoption professionals shares a lifetime's wisdom... https://www.homeswithhope.org/ https://www.facebook.com/HomeswithHope 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.

"You are whole. We are whole. Nothing can change what is true." Provocative? Perhaps. Challenging? Definitely. True? That's for you to decide. Listen in as coach and son of an adoptee Garret dives deep into a profound exploration of wholeness. Garret Kramer is the founder of Inner Sports, a visionary who for nearly three decades, has been providing transformative consulting services to athletes, coaches, actors, doctors, and business leaders. His extensive career also includes conducting workshops, daylong symposiums, and retreats for teams, organizations, universities, and schools. Having introduced the "Direct Path of Self-Exploration" to the high-performance community, Garret has played a pivotal role in redefining the way we approach excellence, passion, and maximizing potential. He also now shares with global audiences his unique perspective on the Consciousness-only model and its profound implications for creating a more harmonious world. Garret resides in New Jersey, USA, with his family. His insights have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, and Forbes, and he has appeared on major media platforms, including ESPN, FOX, NPR, WFAN, NBC, and The Golf Channel. Garret is the author of three transformative books, True Self: Notes on the Essence of Being, Stillpower: Excellence with Ease in Sports and Life, and The Path of No Resistance: Why Overcoming is Simpler than You Think. https://www.garretkramer.com/ https://www.facebook.com/garret.kramer.1 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.

Transracial adoptee Gareth James feels like he got a golden ticket in life. Despite the racism he encountered. Life is contrast. Listen in as Gareth shares his insights on insights, thriving despite trauma and more... https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-james-aa8448353/ https://www.amazon.com/Love-Happiness-G-I-James-ebook/dp/B0FRSVFDPT 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 would feeling fundamentally whole do for you? Knowing that trauma hadn't damaged the essence of You? That You are intact underneath your trauma, despite your trauma? Listen in as adoptee and Emotional Healing and Integration Guide Danielle asks me some great questions and I do my best to answer them. Here's a bit about Danielle from her website: "I suppose my own healing journey began the moment I was born.  Relinquished by my birth mother, I was  adopted by two amazing humans. However, heartache set in as I watched the mother who cared for me everyday struggle profoundly with a mental illness brought on by her own childhood trauma. From the age of six years old, I did everything I could to help her, care for her, and make her happy. The pain of watching my mother suffer, as well as a deeper pain I didn't understand until much later – the pain of my own relinquishment trauma – trained me to be a highly sensitive, empathic little person.  I developed a healing heart, full of compassion and love for the suffering of humanity and the earth, yet unable to shine that same light on myself.  Instead, I tortured myself with deep insecurities, debilitating anxieties and incessant fears, all in an attempt to grasp for some kind of control in an unsafe world.  For more information about my story, please check out my memoir, Healing Tree. I experienced self-love for the first time in my life when I was twenty-two years old.  It was in the year 2000 when I met and fell in love with the principles of Brain Education and the ancient Korean mindfulness practices of Body & Brain, discovering the profound power of energy healing.  From that moment, I whole-heartedly threw myself into my emotional healing and spiritual growth journey, eventually leading me to share the tools that changed my life with others." Her free 2-part video experience and guided meditation: Healing Your Relationship With Yourself  Her website www.daniellegaudette.com YouTube Channel: Healing Tree with Danielle 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 recycle our trauma? Make it into something profoundly useful? Something to drive our thriving? Something to fuel our growth? We can! Listen in as adoptee and birth mother Anne inspires us all... Here's a bit about Anne from her website: "I know what it feels like to carry things that should have broken you. Adoption. Abuse. Addiction. Years of making choices that almost erased me completely. I also know what it feels like to get back up. Every single time. I raised my kids as a single mom while working two and three jobs for decades. There was no safety net. No one coming to save me. Just me, deciding over and over again that this was not where my story ended. I have reinvented myself more times than I can count. Not because it was easy or because I had it figured out. Because staying stuck was never an option I was willing to choose. That is what true grit actually looks like. Not one dramatic comeback. Decades of showing up, doing the work, falling down, and getting back up before anyone was watching." https://www.instagram.com/annepeshka/ https://annepeshka.com/ https://www.facebook.com/annepeshkaauthor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepeshka/ 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 hurting right now? Could you use some Super Self Care? Listen in as Renee shares insights aplenty into how we can make life just that little - or a BIG - bit easier.  Renee received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her master's degree in Clinical Child Psychology from Virginia Tech. She started her career as a case manager for the intellectual and developmental disabilities population at the local Community Services Board (CSB). While working, she obtained her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certifications and was promoted to her first supervisory position in 2000. While in this position, Renee discovered her passion for program development and leadership. She continued to work at the CSB managing programs that supported individuals with mental health needs and/or developmental disabilities until she came to DePaul in January of 2017. Renee was already familiar with DePaul's mission of hope and belonging as she was previously a foster parent for the organization. For almost six years, Renee has been the Vice President of Child and Family Services overseeing the Foster Care, Independent Living, Adoption, and Community-Based programs. During her time at DePaul, her restructuring of the CFS Leadership Team allowed for the expansion of the Independent Living program and the reimagining of pre-service training for prospective foster parents. Renee's collaborative style was instrumental in increased cross-divisional and cross-program successes. Renee values community partnerships and is a member of the Roanoke City and Roanoke County Community Policy and Management Teams (CPMT). Renee is also on the Family Focused Treatment Association Board, a national organization that provides support to agencies in the child welfare system, as well as the Project Discovery Board, a program that provides support to first generation college-bound students across Virginia. https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-brown-lpc-csac-20b93bba/ https://www.instagram.com/depaulcommunityresources/ https://www.facebook.com/DePaulCommunityResources https://www.depaulcr.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.

Mindset is rarely talked about in adoption and fostering. It's trauma all the way. Why is that? What can we learn from exploring mindset to be better and do better. Listen as the inspirational force of nature that is unofficially adopted Jamole  dives deep into normally uncharted waters... Jamole Callahan spent six years in foster care living in nine different homes until he was emancipated at age 18. His road into foster care was paved with being the product of an affair, his father's subsequent abandonment, then his mother's drug addiction that left him to care for his baby sister at the age of 11. Although he had doting and attentive grandparents the state of Ohio still decided to put Jamole in foster care, while his sister went to live with her father, and his brother ran away and eventually went in to the prison system. He moved from home to home for six years due to abusive situations or the illness or death of his caretakers. Finally, he reached a home that changed his life and attitude, propelling him into building a success. The influence of his foster father planted the seed of Mr. Motivator by the mantra “Recognize no such word as impossible” (Napoleon Hill). He completed his college education, started a family, and saw the opportunity bring foster youth and others to a mindset of possibility. https://www.jamolecallahan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jamole_callahan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamole-callahan-9b31975b/ https://www.facebook.com/jamole.callahan 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.

Would you like to bounce back faster from setbacks in your life? What if resilience is seen not strengthened? Revealed in a moment not built over years? Instantaneous? Listen in as adoptee Roof shares what he's seen about resilience, mindset and more. His insights could catalyse yours. Here's a bit about Roof from his website "I didn't learn about resilience, openness, and foundation from a workshop. I learned it growing up. My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gentle, were two selfless human beings who offered over 40 children shelter a home where young children could be cared for when their biological parents couldn't. They opened their arms to a panoply of cultures, even when people disagreed with their decision to foster and care for other children on top of raising their own six biological kids. I am one of four children they adopted, totaling ten. My adoptive father, Mr. Gentle, passed away in 2020 during COVID—a day I'll never forget. The last thing I remember him saying was to " You've got it Big Guy!,Never Give Up." My parents taught me patience, presence, and what unconditional love actually looks like. I grew up with a brother navigating mental health challenges and a sister with Down syndrome who showed me that strength doesn't always look the way people expect and that support means meeting people where they are, not where you think they should be. I grew up in a blended family with white siblings, biological family, and all the complexity that comes with navigating multiple identities and cultures under one roof. I learned early that wholeness requires access to all parts of who you are, not just the parts that are convenient or comfortable for others." https://www.iamroof.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/roof-sweatte-194a13153/ https://www.facebook.com/Roof.sweatte/ 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 would it feel to know that You are whole under your trauma? To know that You are intact, undamaged and complete despite your trauma. That everyone else is too. Listen in as I explore our Fundamental Wholeness with Donna Pope, adoptive mother, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and executive director. Here's more 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. https://hearttoheartadopt.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HeartToHeartAdoption https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartadoptions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/   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.

Expecting gratitude from adopted kids turns them against us. We are here to support them! Listen in as Randi shares her learnings on supporting her kids to help them thrive including expectations, acceptance and more... When Randi Thompson visited an orphanage in Kazakhstan more than 20 years ago, she saw teens forced to move out with no place to go, no skills, and no hope. Inspired to create a new future for these kids she went to work building Kidsave programs and she hasn't stopped since. Randi is a 30-year veteran of outcome-based marketing and communications projects designed to effect social change. In 2016, Randi was awarded the Department of Health and Human Services Children's Bureau Adoption Excellence Award for Child Welfare/Judicial Systems Change for Weekend Miracles. Randi is active in the Equity Committee of the Foster Together Network a group working to increase and enhance the provision of culturally responsive and competent care for Black children, in an effort to facilitate well-being and improve their life outcomes. To Randi, a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and grandmother, family is everything. https://www.facebook.com/KidsaveInternational/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsave/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-thompson-a15a078/ https://www.kidsave.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.

So many of us are challenging other people's narratives, but what if we challenge our own? This invariably leads to the insights that power our growth, fuel our relationships and succeed. Listen in as Kareemah shares her biggest insights to catalyse insight in yours. Kareemah Harris-Baker's story is one of resilience. As an adoptee who lost both her adoptive parents by the age of nine, Kareemah's early life was shaped by profound transitions—and an unwavering sense of purpose instilled by her late parents. Kareemah works at New Jersey's Department of Children and Families as Assistant Director of the Office of Adoption Operations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemah-h-baker-lsw-mpa-830079a2/ https://www.facebook.com/Ladyk583/ 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.

Time isn't the greatest healer because if there's no change, there's no healing. So what IS the greatest healer? Realisations. Those profound insights that help us see differently, more clearly and better. Listen in as we talk realisations, grace and space... Cheryl Fix is Executive Director of the Alberta Foster and Kinship Association, find out more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-fix-4b7b36b/ https://www.facebook.com/Albertafosterandkinshipassociation/ instagram.com/afka_caregiver_support https://afkaonline.ca/ 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.

Healing, Wholeness & Growth. What do they mean? How do they fit together? How can we enjoy more of all three? Listen in as adoptee and social worker Lynda shares powerful insights and strategies. Lynda is an Adoptee, Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) Director of the International Association for Journal Writing, IAJW.org and Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) Find out more at: https://www.amazon.com/Adoptees-Guide-Healing-Wholeness-Growth/dp/1963667328/ LyndaMonk.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndamonk/ 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.

Going through tough stuff? Really tough? Tomorrow's going to be better...Listen in as Richard shares insights on hope, optimism and persistence... Richard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FosterVA and Extra Special Parents, organisations he established to strengthen foster care services and improve outcomes for children, young people, and families across Virginia. With a strong background in social work and decades of experience working alongside young people, Richard brings both professional depth and personal conviction to his leadership. Richard believes foster care works best when families feel genuinely supported, listened to, and respected.  His leadership is grounded in relationships, transparency, and a commitment to doing what is right for children and those who care for them.  Through initiatives such as The Kingswell Conversations, he creates space for open, honest discussions about foster care, leadership, and the real experiences of families and professionals in the field. Outside of work, Richard enjoys hiking and kayaking, unwinding with a good film, cooking for family and friends, and playing board games.  He is also a dog lover and values the balance that time away from work brings, helping him stay grounded and connected to what matters most. Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkingswell/ https://www.fosterva.org/ https://www.espva.org/ https://www.facebook.com/FosterVA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1cwslKf_116XfeZ5eyTjcA https://www.facebook.com/extraspecialparents 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 can see that our past and our trauma don't define us, we leave victimhood behind. Listen in as clinical social worker Jane shares learnings on what helps us move on...looking at what's going on in our heads, hearts and bodies. Jane Baker, LICSW is a clinical social worker with concentration in trauma, attachment, and family systems. With her beginnings in the field of foster care and adoption over 25 years ago, she is experienced with the unique needs of adoptive families and children with early childhood trauma. This experience now includes recovery for other life changing situations such as Veterans issues, PTSD, divorce recovery, and grief/loss. She includes EMDR, and biofeedback in addition to traditional therapeutic approaches. Connect with Jane here: https://www.adoption-associates.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.

Raising kids challenges all parents. The more trauma, the bigger the challenges. Listen in as adoptive mother Renée shares her learnings on commitment, sticking with it and being unflappable as we raise our kids to thrives Here's an extra thought from Renée... "Of all the things that I said that children need to thrive, I wish I had added fun! Children need the opportunity to explore who they are in ways that disarm their fight or flight. We always exposed our foster children, and later our daughter, to lots of different activities (sports, dance, art, theater, camps), where she could learn something new and have fun. There, she could also make mistakes and realize it was okay to make those mistakes and that she could figure out her own solutions. We call that the dignity of risk, and it certainly helps build resilience!" https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-freudenberger-6481b018/ https://www.woodfords.org/ https://www.facebook.com/woodfords 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 want more joy in your life? Who doesn't? How is joy possible despite the tough stuff - like failed adoptions? Listen in as adoptive mother and adoption coach Valerie jumps into joy... Valerie is the owner of A Step Ahead Adoption Services and has many roles within ASA. As an adoption coach, she walks alongside families as they navigate their adoption journey, as well as oversees all of the adoption coaches, and maintains close working relationships with our trusted agencies and attorneys while working to build new relationships for the future. It is very important to Valerie to keep open, honest communication with both providers and clients alike. Valerie and her husband, Bryce, have been blessed by adoption not one, but three times! They have walked through the trials of foster care, have been past clients of ASA and have experienced the heartbreak of a failed adoption before being blessed with their youngest. Her career in adoption began a few years ago as an adoption coach with ASA. Her clients always appreciated her first-hand experience and honesty. Before becoming an adoption coach, she worked for eight years in the medical field as an x-ray tech. She turned her passion for patient care into something so much bigger and targeted to a subject that is so close to her heart! When Valerie was approached about taking over ownership of the company, it was an instant YES! She has the perfect mentor, Diane Hogan (previous owner/founder of over 24 years) and team behind her to help accomplish so much in the adoption world! Adoption education, specifically education on transracial adoption, is very important to Valerie. After working with ASA, you will not only walk away with a new member of your family, but you will also be educated on how to appropriately navigate the adoption world and care for your adopted child.  It is Valerie's mission to make all families who work with ASA feel supported every step of the way, from the beginning stages of their adoption to finalization. Valerie's past experiences give her a very unique perspective to offer all of her clients. https://www.facebook.com/ASAAdoption/ https://astepaheadadoption.com/ https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadadoptionservices/ 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.

Sensitivity oils relationships like nothing else. Listen in as adoptive dad and adoption lawyer Greg and I dive deep into sensitivity, compassion and communication so we cal all thrive. Adoptions and assisted fertility make up 90% of Greg's legal practice.   An adoptive parent himself, Greg Franklin understands the challenges and joys of adopting a child. Adoptions involve a highly emotional area of law in which any legal misstep can cause devastating effects. With more than 25 years of adoption experience, Greg's goal is to develop a legally secure plan that serves the best interests of the child and respects the wishes and interests of both the adoptive or intended parents and the birth parents or gestational carriers. Greg works extensively with LGBT clients, and has represented clients in cases which have broken new ground in this area. Greg is passionate about adoptions — he is a frequent lecturer and author on ethics and adoption-related topics and he works tirelessly to achieve a positive result for adoption families. In his representation of birth parents, Greg will assist in locating adoptive parents, negotiating open adoption and post-adoption contact agreements, and coordinating the process with the hospital and the adoptive parents. Greg has considerable experience in the developing area of assisted fertility, including surrogacy and gestational carrier agreements, donor embryos and eggs, and in obtaining parentage and pre-birth orders. Greg also helps to create permanent families through stepparent and co-parent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, extended-family custody agreements, foster care and international adoptions. He will assist in selecting the right avenue for achieving adoption goals, including the decision about whether to pursue domestic or international adoption, the choice between agency and private adoptions, selecting home study resources, managing subsidy and Adoption Tax Credit issues, and locating post-adoption services. Find out more about Greg here: https://www.adoptionny.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.

Could you do with higher self worth? Do you put yourself down? Do you see yourself as bad? Good enough? Rob aged out of foster care homeless at 18. He struggled to see his self worth. Listen in as he shares his learnings on seeing our essential goodness. At any given time, there are more than 330,000 youth in foster care in the United States. An estimated 700 children enter the system each day, and most arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. Those who do have belongings are often given a trash bag in which to pack up and carry their life's treasures. Rob Scheer experienced this indignity firsthand. Over forty years ago, he entered foster care and walked up to his foster home carrying a tattered and torn trash bag. He aged out of foster care at the age of 18, became homeless, and again carried his possessions in a trash bag. After graduating high school (while still homeless), serving in the military and moving on to have a successful career as a banker, Rob, along with his husband Reece, decided to grow their family by adopting from the foster care system. When his children arrived on his doorstep with their belongings in trash bags. Rob was floored. How, after forty years, were children in the foster care system still carrying their things in a bag used for trash? Rob and his family decided it was time to change this practice and the idea for Comfort Cases was born. With the vision of assembling backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items to deliver to local DCFS, the Scheer family invited their community to pack some cases. The first Packing Party was held in December of 2013 and shortly thereafter Comfort Cases was established as an official 501(c)3. To date, more than 300,000 Comfort Cases® and Comfort XL duffel bags have been distributed to children in foster care in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and now in the United Kingdom, with Comfort CasesUK launched in 2022.  Rob's ultimate goal is for every youth to receive a Comfort Case® upon entering foster care. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Comfort Cases has been featured on The Ellen Show, The Today Show, The View, and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, just to name a few. In 2017, an Upworthy video featuring Comfort Cases received over 150 million views and in 2018 Rob Scheer was named one of CNN's Heroes. Rob and Reece Scheer are also featured in Bryce Dallas Howard's documentary film Dads on AppleTV+. Rob is the host of Fostering Change, a weekly audio and video podcast that brings in guests of prominence who discuss issues regarding foster care, adoption, LGBTQ+ and other timely and topical issues. Now in its 7th season, Fostering Change has been ranked the #1 Podcast for Adoption and Foster Care issues two consecutive years. The author of A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time, Rob's memoir tells the inspiring story of his journey from foster care to foster parent and his drive to rebuild a broken system. In May, 2022, Rob received an Honorary Doctoral Degree, a Doctorate of Humane Letters, from Lynn University, where he also delivered the commencement speech. Rob lives in Maryland with his husband Reece, their five children and multiple pets including dogs, goats, chickens and a pig named Penelope. https://www.instagram.com/rob_scheer https://www.facebook.com/comfortcases/ https://www.facebook.com/robscheer6 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-scheer-27482653/ https://comfortcases.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.

Adoption can present us with many challenges. But how do we rise to those challenges? Listen in as Ella shares insights on dealing with the unexpected, coming from love and much more... Ella Smith is Executive Director for Adoption Choices.  Originally from Colombia, Ella moved to the USA 23 years ago to the DFW area where she has strong connections and friendships.  Married to a loving husband for 25 years, they have two grown children: Christian who is a soccer coach, and David who is a pilot like his father. Ella has an extensive background working with children and families since 2008, for the last 8 years her experience has been in the adoption field, Ella is a dedicated professional with a proven track record in facilitating international adoptions and nurturing positive family relationships. Experienced in navigating complex legal and cultural landscapes to ensure successful adoptions and compliance with country accreditations. Skilled in building rapport with diverse stakeholders, including service providers, adoptive parents, single parents of either gender, LGBTQ+ parents, birth parents and government agencies. Strong understanding of the adoption regulations and protocols. Committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in all endeavors. Ella is dedicated to ensuring that all children find loving and caring homes. Ella holds a degree in social communication and journalism from Colombia and a master's degree in marketing management. Now residing in the DFW area, she is passionate about advocating for children's rights to be loved, valued, and respected. Ella is excited to be part of Adoption Choices of Texas and to meet all the bravest and selfless parents who wants to create a better future for their child. In her free time Ella enjoys traveling to her beloved Colombia, spend time with her diverse group of friends, and watching tv at home.  Ella also has a service dog named Stella. https://www.adoptionchoicesoftexas.org/ https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionChoicesOfTexas/ 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.

Being told to just raise your kids doesn't sound like a great piece of advice. But it landed profoundly for Susan. She heard it as a pointer to stop trying to think too far ahead. To listen to wisdom in the moment. To stop overthinking. Who doesn't need less overthinking right? Listen in for your own aha moments. Founder and Executive Director, Susan Silverman grew up in a family that fostered older children, and getting to know kids without a permanent, loving family of their own had a big impact on her. Now, she and her spouse have five children, three were born to them and two were adopted. She is the author of a memoir, Casting Lots: Creating a Family in a Beautiful, Broken World and has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, BBC, ABC, and more. Susan has a BA from Boston University, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and an MA and Rabbinical Ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Connect with Susan here https://www.instagram.com/susansilverman7 https://www.2nurture.org/ https://www.facebook.com/2ndnurture/ https://www.instagram.com/2ndNurture 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 want our kids to grow. We know we have to nurture them to make that happen. So how do we do that? Listen in as Jenny who has 4 kids including her youngest who's adopted shares what she's learning about nurturing and more... Connect with Jenny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-fridge-413047134/ https://www.facebook.com/jenny.fridge https://www.instagram.com/jennyfridge/ 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.

Our most profound learnings often come from the toughest moments. Born in Ethiopia, adopted by an American family at 5, Isaac shares his most transformative learnings. Inspirational! Born in Ethiopia, Isaac spent time in an orphanage following the tragic loss of both parents. He was adopted at age 5 by an American family and made a profession of faith at age 7. Here's a bit about Isaac from his website One of the most profound lessons I've learned through my adoption journey is that my view of God shapes everything about my identity. I came to realize that who I am flows out of who I believe God to be—not the other way around. This struggle isn't unique to adoptees or foster kids; it's something every person wrestles with at some level. People often ask how I navigate my so-called identity issue—what it's like to be a Black man raised by white parents, and how that dynamic shapes my sense of belonging. I tell them that at its core, this isn't really an identity issue—it's a theological one.. https://www.instagram.com/isaacmelber/reels/ https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Delivered-Families-Worlds-Redeeming/dp/B0H2HH6785 https://www.isaacmelber.com/ Here's the interview with Isaac's dad David https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/slowing-down-with-david-melber 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 it's true. That we're fundamentally whole despite trauma. No, really. Listen in as previous guest and friend Marcy puts me on the spot. Make up your own mind... Here's Marcy's interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/the-other-side-of-shame-with-marcy-pusey Here's more about that...and Marcy... We've all felt shame - it's part of the human experience. But beyond it lies the peace we seek for ourselves and those we love. So how do we get to the other side of shame? Marcy and I go DEEP into this in one of my favourite conversations so far. We hope you love it too. Here's how Marcy describes herself on her website:  Jesus-follower, mom to 4 humans, two adopted through the foster system and two biological, multi-passionate mompreneur, best-selling author, international and 2xs TEDx speaker, networker, and mentor.  My mission is to help people uncover and present their stories to help them finetune their uniqueness, empower their lives, and to maximize their potential. Here, we work together to create safe spaces and connections so that others feel worthy of value and love. Watch her Tedx Talks: How Story Empower Kids to Shape Our World You Are More Than Your Traumatic Experiences Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/MarcyPusey/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcypusey/ https://www.instagram.com/marcymarie/ https://marcypusey.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.

What does healing mean to you? It means something different to everyone. Getting clear on what it means to you is profoundly helpful. Knowing how we heal is even more powerful. Listen in as Aysha and I dive deep into what helps us heal and what doesn't.  "As a New York native, I am thrilled to lead Healing New York as the nation's oldest child-serving agency and help chart the way ahead to create a larger footprint." Prior to joining Healing New York as President and CEO in May 2024, Aysha E. Schomburg served the Biden Administration as the Associate Commissioner of the U.S. Children's Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, where she advised on child welfare. Previously, Aysha served as the Senior Administrator for Program Oversight at New York City's Administration for Children's Services, where she developed operational plans and coordinated COVID-19 guidance with the Department of Education and Department of Homeless Services. She also addressed inequities and racism in child welfare. In October 2021, the Aspen Institute named Aysha an Ascend Fellow. She holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, an M.A. from New York University, and a J.D. from New York Law School. https://healing-ny.org/ https://www.facebook.com/HealingNewYork https://www.instagram.com/healing_newyork/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/healing-ny/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-e-schomburg-4647a518/ 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 humans have a funny relationship with change. What if change was for the better? A change in how we think, how we feel, how we see ourselves? Listen is adoption leader and therapist Lisa shares insights on growth, learning and change... Here's a bit about Lisa from her organisation's website: Lisa Dominguez stepped into the CEO role in 2024, yet has a longstanding history with Paths for Families, as she first joined the organization in 2006 as a contract social worker, completing home studies, post-placements, and clinical services. Her 25+ career has been centered around serving children and families, almost half of which was spent working exclusively in the adoption, foster care, and kinship community. She is a seasoned supervisor and trainer, providing perspective on trauma-responsive techniques for both parents and professionals locally, nationally, and internationally. In 2022, she re-joined the team to step into the role of Chief Program Officer, which laid the groundwork for her trajectory to CEO as our founder, Janice Goldwater, was strategically making succession plans. Lisa has stepped confidently forward in upholding and building upon the legacy of what Janice Goldwater has built at Paths for Families. Lisa received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, and her Master's in Social Work from New York University. Outside of work, Lisa loves to travel, is a huge fan of fitness, and loves to spend time in nature. https://pathsforfamilies.org/ https://www.facebook.com/pathsforfamilies https://www.instagram.com/pathsforfamilies https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-dominguez-610126150/ 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.

Where are you living from? So many of us spend so much of our living from fear, worry and anxiety. How does this change? Listen in as adoptee Carmen shares her insights into living differently. Living from love. Here's a bit about Carmen from her website: Carmen is happily married for 40+ years. She is the mother of four and grandmother of six. She loves all things outdoors and anything related to water. Her passions are her work as a paraprofessional, writing, her faith and her family. She will always find a way to laugh at herself and find the bright side More at https://www.instagram.com/spaghetti.memior https://spaghetti-memior.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1LK9B9S 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 much control do we have? How does humility help us see control more clearly? Adoptive mother and adoption professional Tina shares what she'd have done differently if she'd had a time machine including.. reading the Connected Child by Karyn Purvis. https://lfcsmo.org/ https://www.facebook.com/LFCSMO/ https://www.instagram.com/lfcs.mo/ 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.

Connection. We all want don't we? And we want our kids to feel connected to. How well are parents connected with us can influence how we connect with our kids. Listen in as adoptive mother of 4 Lenette talks about connection, raising kids with prenatal opioid and substance exposure and more... Lenette Serlo is the Founder & CEO of Generation O, The National Organization for Opioid-Exposed Children, the first national movement dedicated to supporting families raising the half million children born with prenatal opioid exposure. A graduate of Michigan State University and an adoptive mother of 4 substance-exposed children, Lenette combines personal lived experience with a diverse professional background to advance both compassion and science in this emerging field. Under her leadership, Generation O has become a growing voice for caregivers and a trusted source translating complex research into plain English. By spotlighting the long-term consequences of prenatal opioid exposure—including impacts on brain development, learning, and behavior—Lenette is raising awareness, building partnerships, and ensuring that the unique needs of these children are recognized in healthcare, education, and policy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenetteserlo/ https://www.facebook.com/lenetteserlo/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564529017720 https://generationo.org/ https://www.instagram.com/generation_o_org https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-o-nooec/ 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 adoptees start believing there's something wrong with us it's embedded deep in our psyche. Until it comes to the surface and starts to diminish - sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly - often on the back of getting hold of new information. Validation from fellow adoptees helps greatly. Turning our pain into something that helps others can be transformational too. Listen in as Sheila sheds light on key healing drivers, starting the Felix Organization with fellow adoptee Darryl and more... The Felix Organization was founded in 2006 by Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Emmy Award-winning casting director, Sheila Jaffe after they connected through their shared experiences as adoptees and were inspired to share their good fortune with children who had not been “taken home” as they had. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-jaffe-26bb5554/ https://www.instagram.com/felixorganization/ https://www.facebook.com/felixorganization https://www.thefelixorganization.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.

Is unprocessed grief eating you up? It did for Neb. But how on earth can a 2 year old  handle the death of their mother? Neb's challenges continued...moving from home to a children's home and then a new home with an American family 9000 miles away from his homeland - Ethiopia. Neb blamed God, until he didn't. Listen in as he shares the epiphanies that got him back on the rails and thriving. Connect with Neb here theethiopiancowboy11 More about Neb in the book by his mother https://www.amazon.com/Not-Forgotten-Wendi-Cross/dp/1637972210 Listen in to the interview with his mother https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/faith-is-bigger-than-fear-with-wendi-cross 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 feel grounded? All the time? Some of the time? Life tests our grounding daily. So what helps us hold our ground more often and find it more quickly when we've lost it? Listen in as mom and leader Jami talks grounding, faith and much more. Deep and profound. Empowering Foster care and adoption were not part of Jami's dreams for her life, but God changed her heart when He made her aware, and she is passionate about helping others become aware too. She and her husband Clint are parents to their eight children (five through adoption). Jami is filled up by her time with Jesus in the stillness of the early mornings, walks with Clint, connecting with her kids, and growing in relationship with others! Find out more at: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ https://www.facebook.com/forgotteninitiative https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamikaeb/ 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 can we learn about from someone who advocates for us from within the system? What life is really like for today's young adoptees?  Listen in as Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central shares her insights and vital research. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Adoption and Permanence (APPGAP) was established in February 2019 and aims: to amplify the voices and experiences of adoptees and those in other forms of permanence and their families, to inform parliamentarians,to promote the development and implementation of effective policy and practice. The APPGAP is chaired by Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central. Charities Adoption UK and Home for Good provide the secretariat for the group. The group has conducted three inquiries since its inception. The latest of these, Adoptee Voices (13 – 25) (link) focuses on the experiences of young adoptees in their teenage years and through the transition to adulthood. It spotlights key issues for young adoptees across the themes of identity, mental health and wellbeing; and education. More info at: https://appgap.info/ https://www.rachaelmaskell.com/ https://www.facebook.com/rachaelmaskell4york https://www.instagram.com/rachael_maskell/ 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 are whole despite all that's happened to us? How does connection help us heal? Listen in as Anna, Donna and I dive deep into two profound questions.... Here is Anna's first interview: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/anna-jinja Anna used to spread hate about herself being adopted and did everything she could to avoid talking about it. Now she runs a podcast and discusses adoption all the time. So what changed? Listen in as we talk identity, transracial adoption and most of all, being authentic. Anna Jinja Mather was adopted from Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Iowa. Her heart is filled with love for people and their stories. By sharing her adoption story and all that she is learning to help her navigate through personal and professional challenges, she hopes that this will lead us to believe, accept, and value the inherent worthiness of all people. Anna invites you to join her learning adventure by listening to the people and creative content that makes her feel at home in this world. https://www.annajinja.com/ Check out her book https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-Grace-Anna-Jinja-ebook/dp/B0DJZPQ44K https://www.facebook.com/annajinjashow https://www.instagram.com/annajinjashow/ https://x.com/annajinjashow Here is Donna's first interview: https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/purpose-in-the-pain-donna-pope 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=1 https://voicesofadoption.podup.com/ https://www.instagram.com/voicesof_adoption/ Find out more about her podcast here: https://hearttoheartadopt.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HeartToHeartAdoption https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartadoptions/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Unconditional Love. We only crave it because we don't feel it. Trauma gets in the way. Listen in as Jay, adopted from Costa Rica at 3 shares his journey to find it through therapy, soul searching and connection. Here's a bit about Jay from his website Jay Barbanel is a writer and creative based in Los Angeles. Born in Costa Rica, raised somewhere in between. His past didn't arrive all at once.  It showed up in flashes. In photos.  In names that didn't fully belong to him yet.  So he followed it.  Across years, across countries, across versions of himself.  Finding Tico is what happens when he stopped running from the questions and let them lead him somewhere real. Finding Tico is his debut book find out more at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY6489HR https://www.facebook.com/JayBarbanel https://www.instagram.com/thatkidjay1/ https://www.findingtico.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.

What is Fundamental Wholeness? How does seeing it transform our lives for the better? Listen in as my friend and past guest Jude Hung interviews me about this fresh and hopeful paradigm. https://www.facebook.com/simonjbenn https://thrivingadoptees.com/ https://thrivingadoptees.com/ https://www.instagram.com/simonjbenn/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Our grounding is the base from which we connect with others and allow them to feel safe and secure. Listen in as Judith and I explore self awareness, empathy, handling ambiguity and more.  Find out more about Adoption in Merseyside here: https://www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/adoptioninmerseyside/ https://www.facebook.com/adoptmerseyside https://www.linkedin.com/company/adoptioninmerseyside/ 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 the tough stuff happens to help us to our most profound learnings? Doesn't that change our minds about what we are going through? Listen in as Cara and I dive deep into expectations, empathy and much more. You're going to love this... Here's a bit about Cara from her ministry's website: As an educator, children's ministry director, and life-long learner, I've dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and hearts. My personal journey as an adoptive parent has deepened my understanding of trauma and resilience. I'm passionate about empowering families and communities to create supportive environments where every child can thrive. https://gathering-well.org/ https://www.facebook.com/thegatheringwellsf/ https://www.instagram.com/the_gatheringwell/ 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 is family? It seems a simple enough question. And yet...listen in as we explore a broader answer with birth mother Janelle and her birth daughter Katherine who was adopted. Fascinating and nuanced. A great episode with light and dark, laughter and sadness. Connect and find out more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellebasham/ https://www.bravelove.org/stories/meet-the-team-janelle-basham/ https://www.facebook.com/JoinBraveLove/ https://www.instagram.com/joinbravelove/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinehartzler/ 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 don't know what we don't know. That's why other people's perspectives can help shift our perspective. Listen in as Teresa talks about opening ourselves up to new perspectives, exploring other people's perspectives and more. Teresa Bernu has been a dedicated member of the ACI team since 2017. Before stepping into the role of Executive Director in October 2024, she served in various capacities, including Home Study Worker, Domestic Program Supervisor, and most recently, Associate Director. With over 15 years of experience in child welfare, Teresa has worked extensively in areas such as domestic infant adoption, foster care, and guardianship. https://www.adoptioncenterofillinois.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-bernu-lcsw-50718261/ https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionCenterofIllinois https://www.instagram.com/adoptillinois/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Don't we all want to feel we belong? It's so painful when we don't. Listen in as Jyotika shares insights on belonging, origin stories and more... Jyotika is the Executive Director of St. Nick's Kids, where she leads the organization's mission to support children and families through adoption services. Previously, she served as the Director of Adoptions, overseeing all intercountry adoptions. Jyotika earned her Master's in Social Work from Fordham University in New York in 2019. Since 2006, she has worked in adoption services, beginning her career at Steffas & Associates, P.C., where she assisted with both domestic and intercountry adoptions. Throughout the past two decades, she completed her master's degree and played a key role in helping St. Nick's Kids achieve accreditation. https://snkinc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555386085410 https://www.instagram.com/stnickskids/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How would your life be if you find joy whatever your circumstances? Joy, and even contentment, were completely alien to Doris growing up. She's one of those adoptees who got very, very unlucky with her adoptive parents. Now 58, Doris shares profound insights on joy no matter what - following terrible parenting, cancer and more. An incredibly empowering episode. I shouldn't have favourite interviews, but this is one because of the transformation it encapsulates.  Here's a bit about her... Doris Cardwell leads with a heart for foster families and the children they serve. Adopted herself, she believes every child deserves stability and every foster family deserves support. She works to ensure that SDKB's resources reach the families who need them most, while building trust with partners across the state who share this mission. When she's not working with her team or visiting churches throughout South Dakota, you might find Doris writing or speaking about the things she's learned along the way.  Find out more here: https://americaskidsbelong.org/states/SD/ https://www.facebook.com/sdkidsbelong/ https://www.instagram.com/southdakotakidsbelong/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriscardwell/ https://www.instagram.com/justdoriswrites https://www.justdoris.com/ https://www.facebook.com/whojustdoris/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

When things get tough raising your kids, what do you do? Listen in as Barb, Clinical Social Worker and adoptive mother to 3, shares her take on thriving and delighting in our kids. 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.

Would you like to be triggered less? More resilient when you are triggered? Listen in as Jenn and I dive deep into resilience for insights on how you react, bouncing back faster and more... Jenn is Director of Kansas Caregiver Training & Support and brings a unique blend of academic expertise and lived experience to her work at the Children's Alliance. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, with a focus in her graduate studies on neuroscience and trauma. As a former foster parent and current adoptive parent, Jenn brings a personal and compassionate lens to her professional work.  As a trainer, Jenn is known for her warmth, empathy, humor, and authenticity—qualities rooted in both her personal journey and her deep understanding of trauma-informed care. She is passionate about the power of connection within families and its role in healing and resilience. In her free time, she loves to be with her husband and three daughters or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.  More about The Children's Alliance Of Kansas at  https://www.childally.org/ https://www.facebook.com/childallyks Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

It's a trap we all fall into. Thinking that others will change. Waiting for others to change. But we have to change first. Listen in as Mercedes shares her insights on change for the better... Mercedes is a compassionate leader dedicated to supporting grandfamilies in Texas. As a grandmother of eleven and great-grandmother of four, Mercedes's journey into grandparent caregiving began in 2011 when she adopted five of her grandchildren. Recognizing the lack of resources for grandparents like herself, she founded Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TXGRG) to fill this gap. Under her guidance, TXGRG has become a vital source of support and advocacy for grandfamilies statewide. Mercedes is not only a caregiver but also a passionate advocate for grandparent-headed households. She tirelessly works to amplify their voices and advocate for policies that address their unique needs at all levels of government. Mercedes's dedication has earned her recognition, including the prestigious 2022 Casey Excellence for Children's Award. Her unwavering commitment ensures that all grandfamilies are resourced, connected, and thriving. Mercedes Bristol is a true champion for grandfamilies, making a positive impact across Texas. https://www.facebook.com/txgrg2019/ https://www.instagram.com/tx_grg/ https://www.txgrg.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-bristol-78249816/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Born in India, Kirti Pickard was abandoned as a baby and spent her three and a half years in an orphanage. She was adopted at four. She is the host of When I Grow Up, a podcast sharing extraordinary stories of everyday people. Kirti also leads Mission 143. https://mission143.net/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578275794926 https://www.facebook.com/kirti.pickard Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What if discovering and sharing our uniqueness drives our thriving? How does that help us tough times. Chris is dad to 10 including 7 through  adoption from foster care. Listen as we dive deep into our diamond nature how his beliefs power his thriving. Chris Johnson serves as the Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services. With over two decades of pastoral experience and a background as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor's Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives, Chris is a seasoned leader and advocate for vulnerable children and families. As a consultant and frequent speaker, Chris has inspired audiences at conferences, churches, and community gatherings across the nation. He passionately shares his family's journey and challenges others to respond to the gospel call to care for the most vulnerable in society. A native of metro Atlanta, Georgia, Chris now resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Alicia. Together, they have 10 children, seven of whom were adopted from foster care, and are proud grandparents, including two grandchildren adopted through foster care. Their commitment to serving children extends to fostering over 40 children throughout the years, embodying their dedication to family and community. Chris holds a B.A. in Church Ministries from Trinity Baptist College and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Regent University. His passion for equipping churches and individuals to make a lasting impact continues to shape his ministry and advocacy efforts. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjohnsondoz/ https://www.facebook.com/lifelinechild https://lifelinechild.org/ https://www.instagram.com/lifelinechild/ https://twitter.com/lifelinechild https://vimeo.com/lifelinechild Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What would it do for you to find your superpower? What if your difference IS your superpower? Listen in as adoptee Wes dives into difference, superpower and more. Wes has more than 40 years of experience working in social care, primarily in services for children and young people as a qualified social worker.  He worked for many years in local authorities including Luton, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire as the head of services and was director of services for children and young people at the NSPCC until 2011.   He has a special interest in the support of vulnerable children and families and in safeguarding which included chairing a local children's safeguarding board and being a board member of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Service (CEOP).   Wes chairs the Hertfordshire Adoption Panel and, having been adopted as a child, has a lifelong interest in and commitment to the role of adoption in transforming the lives of children.  He lives with his wife in Woburn and has two grown up children and grandchildren who live in the USA. Wes is a keen long distance walker, sailor, trombone player and fly fisherman and loves to travel.  Find out more about Wes and the charity he chairs at: https://www.pactcharity.org/ https://www.facebook.com/pactcharity https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-cuell-547b623a/     Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.