Thriving Adoptees - Inspiration For Adoptive Parents & Adoptees

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.

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.