Thriving Adoptees - Let's Thrive

Are we going to rise above trauma or to succumb to it? Perhaps one of the most profound questions we can ask. Listen in as foster/kinship parent Joanna's profound and powerful take on thriving.Joanna is president of the Maryland Resource Parent Association.Connect with her or them here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-a-961369176/https://mrpa.org/https://www.facebook.com/mdresourceparents/https://www.instagram.com/mrpa_md_resource_parent_assoc/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Rejection can tear us apart. How do we put ourselves back together? Where does the strength come from? Where do we find the hope before we find that strength. Listen in as Niemah shares her learning on hope, healing and more...Niemah Scherlacher was born to a 15-year-old Palestinian girl in Jerusalem at a time when formal adoption was forbidden. Her birth mother was hidden and protected from honor killing, and Niemah was placed in a Jewish Baby Home to ensure her safety and survival. She was late adopted by American Christians and raised in the United States. Decades later, Niemah discovered the identity of her birth mother and the truth of her origins, a revelation that brought both heartbreak and redemption. Through her journey, she has witnessed God’s providence an faithfulness, especially in the deeply personal work of healing after finding her birth mother only to be rejected.Find out more about her:https://www.facebook.com/niemah.scherlacherhttps://www.instagram.com/niemahanne_/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Holding on to anger holds us back. It stops us thriving. And it yet we all do it to some extent. It's part of the human condition. Listen in as Rachel shares her learnings and practice on releasing anger, forgiveness and more.Rachel is the Director of the CAFO Institute for Family-Centered Healing & Health.She has a background in physical therapy and holds a Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London, specializing in early adversity. Rachel has served on multiple boards supporting vulnerable children and helped found Tyndale Christian School in Arlington, Virginia. She advises families facing complex parenting challenges and has invested deeply in education and youth formation. Her recent book, When There Is Crisis: A Handbook for Christian Foster & Adoptive Families Facing Serious Struggle, offers biblically grounded principles and research-based, practical guidance to support families walking through seasons of crisis. Rachel and her husband, Jedd, have welcomed children through birth, adoption and foster care.https://cafo.org/family-institute/https://www.instagram.com/cafoalliance/https://www.facebook.com/CAFOalliancehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-alliance-for-orphans/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Rumi once said “Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise so I wanted to change myself.” One of the most profound things we can see is that tough stuff helps us change. It creates space to grow. Listen in as Jenny shares her realisations on growth.Jenny grew up in a small town with her siblings and in foster care. Later, as an adult, she became a kinship home that provided permanency through adoption. These experiences have given Jenny a unique way to see solutions and connect in an understanding and compassionate way. Her role on the AFKA Caregiver Support Team is not just a job to her, it’s her passion to help those going through difficult times and who just need a friendly person with perspective to turn to.Find out more at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-brewer-3a3778308/https://afkaonline.ca/https://www.facebook.com/Albertafosterandkinshipassociation/https://www.instagram.com/afka_caregiver_support/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@AlbertaFKA Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Hope is sometimes in short supply within adoptive families navigating tough stuff. Why is that? How can we overcome fear, choose hope and enjoy a brighter future? Listen is as Carly talks faith, truth and helping kids be who they want to be. Carly Souza is an adoptive mother and Fostering Hope Director at The Hub in Las Vegas.Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-souza-aa9a382b/https://thehublv.com/https://www.facebook.com/thehublvhttps://www.instagram.com/thehublv/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How do we enable ourselves and others to thrive? Big question! Listen in as Damon shares what helps him thrive and empower his colleagues, foster youth clients and others to do the same.One Hope United (OHU) is a nonprofit organization that has been serving children, youth, and families for 130 years. We provide early childhood education, child and family services, behavioral and mental health resources, and residential programs, reaching more than 10,000 children and families each year across Illinois and Florida. Through our evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, we empower children and families to see and create a future where, regardless of their past, they can reach their full potential.www.onehopeunited.orgwww.facebook.com/1hopeunitedwww.instagram.com/onehopeunitedwww.linkedin.com/company/one-hope-unitedwww.linkedin.com/in/damon-cates-53945a2bwww.x.com/1hopeunitedwww.youtube.com/@1hopeunited Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Raising adopted kids isn't about fixing them, it's about growing us. Doing Our Own Work is one of those themes that comes up again and again on Thriving Adoptees. Listen in as mom of 4 girls - 2 through adoption - Laura shares her learnings on empathy, shaming, relational loss and more.Laura Adams is a visionary educator, speaker, and systems-change advocate focused on strengthening how schools and communities support children in adoptive, foster, and kinship families.As the Founder and President of iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families, Laura leads statewide and national efforts to bring practical, healing-centered tools and training to educators, mental health professionals, and child welfare leaders. Her work helps teams build emotionally safe, regulation-ready environments where all children can grow and thrive..Laura created the iCARE4 Schools Connection Kits™, bilingual, tiered tools now used in more than 1,200 Illinois schools to support identity development, emotional regulation, and school success for students with complex life stories..Her signature training series, Connected, We Thrive™, delivers engaging, evidence-informed professional development aligned with Illinois Professional Learning Standards, MTSS, and SEL frameworks. These sessions equip school teams, social workers, and caregivers with practical, healing-centered strategies and a shared language to support student well-being..Laura actively collaborates with leaders across education, mental health, and child welfare to advance responsive, family-centered practices. Her partners include: DCFS, ISBE, IAAC, IPA, IASB, IASSW, SWFCAC, West40, Let It Be Us, School of Hope, Second Nurture, NTI/C.A.S.E., ICOY, FREDLA, NCFA, ROEs, the Beacon Family Communications Workgroup, and the National Center for Post-Adoption Support.A former educator and adoptive parent, Laura brings lived experience, policy insight, and powerful storytelling to every stage and session. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and thought partner—known for inspiring connection, sparking collaboration, and offering tools that professionals can use right away.Because When We CONNECT, Children THRIVE.https://icare4aaff.org/https://www.instagram.com/iCARE4AAFFhttps://www.facebook.com/iCARE4AAFF Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How open are you to learning? When we know more we do better. So lifelong learning isn't something to be shunned by our impatience, but welcomed in. Listen in as Rashunda who adopted three teens from the welfare system shares her learnings on learning.Rashunda Williams joined the CHRIS 180 team in 2023 as the Director of Foster Care and Adoptions, before being promoted to the role of VP, Community Residential Services.Williams is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of our community and residential programs that serve children, young adults and families, including CHRIS 180’s adoption homes, foster homes, and Summit Trail Apartments.For more than two decades, Williams has worked in the social service sector and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master of Business Administration. She has extensive knowledge of psychiatric hospitals, community-based services, adolescent group homes, foster care, the juvenile justice system and the mental health spectrum. Additionally, she has experience in client-centered therapeutic services to children, adolescents and couples.Prior to joining the CHRIS 180 team, Williams served in several leadership roles within the social service sector in Nevada, California, and Georgia.Her professional interests are resiliency across the life span, challenges of families with limited access to mental health and healthcare services, people centric leadership, diversity and equity in the workplace, prevention services, and continued training and development of mental health professionals.Williams enjoys traveling, interior designing, reading and is an avid community volunteer.Find out more about Rashunda and her organisation here:https://chris180.org/https://www.facebook.com/CHRIS180Advocate/https://www.linkedin.com/company/chris180/https://www.instagram.com/CHRIS180_Advocate/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashunda-williams-b18437202/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Are you suffering right now? It probably - or definitely - doesn't feel like it, but finding the purpose in that pain somehow makes it more bearable. The earlier we can see that purpose the sooner the pain can ease. Join Donna and I as we dive in life changing insights and shifts in perspective. Donna is an adoptive mother, executive director of an adoption agency and podcaster.Here's a bit about Donna from her agency's website:Donna is an irreplaceable member of our adoption agency, dedicated to aiding women who are contemplating placing their child for adoption. Helping women through an unexpected pregnancy has become her life’s journey. She is seldom “off duty.” On weekends she communicates with birth mothers to aid them with their financial concerns or traveling to a hospital to ensure they are receiving the best medical possible.Her resolute dedication and heartfelt compassion make her an essential figure in supporting these women throughout their entire journey.Donna ensures that every person who works at Heart to Heart Adoptions treats birth mothers and adoptive families with respect and compassion. She insists on a non-judgmental approach to every situation. She creates a safe and nurturing space for them to share their concerns, dreams, and worries. By approaching each individual with empathy and without judgment, Donna ensures that these exceptional women have the necessary guidance and resources to make well-informed decisions.Donna’s expertise within the Utah Adoption Agency lies in her ability to find the perfect match between birth mothers and adoptive families, making her an invaluable asset to our agency.Connect with her here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-pope-41652ba/Explore her podcast here:https://www.instagram.com/voicesof_adoption/reel/DLH-sYjJPf4/?__d=1https://voicesofadoption.podup.com/https://www.instagram.com/voicesof_adoption/Find out more about her podcast here:https://hearttoheartadopt.com/https://www.facebook.com/HeartToHeartAdoptionhttps://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartadoptions/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Tough stuff feels, well, tough. But with hindsight it becomes clear that the tough stuff prompts our biggest learnings. What if we could see the gift of the tough stuff earlier? Be more grateful for it when we are in it? Listen in as adoptive mom Jacee shares her insights on grace, grief and learnings. Powerful.Here's the interview with Jacee's mother.https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/our-spirit-isnt-traumatised-with-dana-hargus Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

If you're going through tough stuff, this one's for you. Truly inspirational. Adopted at 9 months Sharon grew up in an alternative universe. One that felt completely alien to her. Her adoptive mother kicked her out of the house when she got pregnant at 18. Life got tougher until she found herself at rock bottom and attempting suicide. How did she turn it around? Listen into profound learnings from a remarkably resilient lady.Find out more about Sharon here:https://giftfamilyservices.com/about-gift-family-services/our-coaches/sharon-butler-obazee/https://www.instagram.com/adoptionclarity/?hl=en-gbhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gift-family-services/https://www.facebook.com/sobazee03/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

If you're in hell keep going. But how? Listen in as Adoption Permanency Director Alaina dives into digging deep, what empowers us to persist through the toughest of tough stuff and more...Find out more about the company Alaina works for here:https://www.enniscenter.org/www.enniscenter.org https://www.facebook.com/EnnisCenter/#Find out more about adoption support in Michigan here:www.mare.org Listen to the podcast with Jaycie on secondary trauma herehttps://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/healing-for-them-jaycie-bias Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Vince's mission is to add value to everyone he meets. Listen in and let him add value to you with his insights, learnings and wisdom. Vince and his wife have six kids, three of whom are adopted. He's also Executive Director at Keystone Family Alliance.Keystone Family Alliance is comprised of representatives from different churches around the state of Pennsylvania. We aim to educate, motivate, and equip every Christian in the state of Pennsylvania on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, both locally and globally. Everybody can do something to positively impact these children, and the Alliance wants to help you find YOUR something. We bridge the gap between the desperate need of the child welfare system and PA churches. Agencies and caseworkers struggle to find new foster and adoptive families to meet the current, overwhelming need. Keystone Family Alliance mobilizes Christians from around Pennsylvania. For some, it is registering to meet tangible needs of foster, adoptive, and biological families through our online portal, Gateway. For others, it is serving on an engineered Care Community to support a local family for a year. For churches, Keystone Family Alliance provides the framework and support to help churches successfully recruit families to care for children in their communities to become these much-needed placement homes. There are so many ways to do something.https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-smith-0214808a/https://www.keyfam.org/https://www.instagram.com/keystonefamilyalliance/https://www.facebook.com/keystonefamilyalliance Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

If things are looking tough right now, here's some hope for you...According to one of my mentors - Richard Wilkins "The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence" The past may explain the present but it needn't dictate the future. Join Erin and Megan as we explore hope, healing and more as we look forward to a brighter future.Erin Argue is Heart Galleries of Texas Post-Permanency DirectorErin Argue first came to TACFS as an intern in 2022 during an MSW program at Texas State and returned as the Heart Galleries of Texas Associate Director in 2023. Before the Alliance, Erin spent her career supporting youth in foster care at member organizations, Partnerships for Children and Settlement Home for Children. There, she managed major programs, services, and projects.Originally from the Great Lakes State, Erin graduated from Michigan State University and earned two B.S. degrees in Psychology and Environmental Geosciences.Now, Erin lives in Austin. As a people person with a love for connection, she spends lots of time outside, with friends, and with her dog, Charlie the Bandit.Megan Ransom is Chief Executive Officer The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS).Megan joined TACFS as the Director of Community Engagement in 2019, moved into the role of Chief of Staff in 2021, and became the CEO in 2025. She came to TACFS from Partnerships for Children, an Austin-based nonprofit, where she served as the Director of Foster and Adoption Services. Megan worked closely with DFPS and many Central Texas child placing agencies and nonprofits on community education/outreach initiatives built around children in the foster care system who are waiting for adoption. She also worked at Texas CASA in the Quality Assurance Department.She has a passion for building strategic collaborations that produce results and continuously work towards improvement of practices and partnerships to lift up the children and families involved in the child welfare system.An Indiana native, Megan earned a BA in Sociology & Psychology from Indiana University and a Master’s of Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She is also Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner through the Karyn Purvis institute of Child Development.Megan and her husband are parents to two boys, both adopted through the Texas foster care system.https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganshawrhoades/https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-argue-2055646/https://tacfs.org/https://www.instagram.com/txalliancecfs/https://www.facebook.com/texasalliance/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Secondary trauma can build up within us without us noticing. Even veteran therapist Bessel van der Kolk who's the author of the bestselling book The Body Keeps The Score wasn't aware of his secondary trauma until very recently. And secondary trauma is common amongst adoptive parents. Do you want to heal for your kids? Be triggered less often? At peace more? Listen in as adoptive mother Jaycie and Executive Director shares her learnings on healing secondary trauma, choosing love over grief and much more.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayciebias/https://www.facebook.com/WVFosterParents/https://wvfosterparents.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Are you advocating for your child or change? As every parent knows systems can be very tricky to navigate and change. The better we can understand them, the better we can relate with the people we deal with and more likely we are to get what we want. Listen in asDirector of Foster Care and Permanency Michelle shares her inside knowledge on systems, change and more.Here is a bit about Michelle from her website:"I'm often asked what brought me to this work; child protection, public service, and anti-oppression efforts. The answer is the same for all: my community's needs, desires, and experiences gave my career direction. Describing myself as a mixed kid from the projects doesn't always get a favorable reaction, but it's the truth and holds no shame for me. Neither do any of the other identities that make me the person I am today.I hold a Master's degree in public administration from Metropolitan State University and an undergraduate in psychology and women studies. My public services career started with my first professional job out of college as an alternative response case manager on the east side of Saint Paul. That position was my introduction to child protection; quickly discovering the disparities, I realized the change needed would have to come from within the system causing these poor outcomes. Finding my way to spaces and fighting for a seat at the table among decision-makers was not the solution I thought it would be.As a child protection worker, I found that policies, practices, and statutes interfered with my ability to make decisions in the best interest of families. As a supervisor, I found some of the same challenges, and the team I supported described transgressions in moral code during supervision. As a manager, I started to draw the connection between staff retention and outcomes for families. It became clear that staff supported in making decisions that align with their values remain in high-stakes decision-making positions. The unnamed emotions and blame the system placed on professionals led me to the term Moral Injury. Once I found the name of my experience, I felt empowered, becoming driven to inform the workforce and hold systems responsible."Here are some links for more infohttps://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/program-overviews/child-protection-foster-care-adoption/african-american-child-well-being/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-seymore-42b0983b/https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/260.692#:~:text=The%20African%20American%20Child%20and,in%20the%20child%20welfare%20system;https://www.michelledseymore.com/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Does fear hold you back? Fear of the unknown? Fear of things not working out? Sometimes life requires us to make a leap of faith. Listen in as Terri talks about leaps of faith, unconditional love and more...Listen to her first interview here https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/helping-kids-feel-loveable-lovedAs an adoptive mom, Terri knows how fortunate she is to have her daughter, and also how very rare her story is. Not quite ten years into raising her daughter, she did some research and found that less than one percent of girls facing unplanned pregnancy choose adoption for their babies. Digging into the reasons why that is so, Terri conducted several focus groups in her home and discovered that most women facing unplanned pregnancy simply don’t realize that adoption is an option. They believe they must choose between parenting and terminating their pregnancy.As a seasoned marketing executive, Terri has deep and broad experience in communicating a precise, value-based message to affect change. For over two decades, she has consulted to Silicon Valley companies and led their strategic marketing and communications efforts. (See MarketSavvy Inc.)She founded Unplanned Good to promote adoption as a viable option for women facing unplanned pregnancy. This is in response to contemporary beliefs in our society that young women have only two choices; abortion or parenting.All too often, young women face unplanned pregnancies. When they do, they typically see only two choices: to become parents, often in their teens, or to terminate their pregnancies. It’s rare that they consider the alternative path – seeing the pregnancy through to delivery and placing the baby for adoption.The mission of our organization is to promote adoption as a viable, reasonable option for those dealing with unplanned pregnancies, such that the result is good for all involved.https://www.unplannedgood.org/https://twitter.com/Unplanned_Goodhttps://www.facebook.com/UnplannedGood/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Can you open your heart more fully? Shamele has opened her heart to 4 kids through adoption, another through a special guardianship and over 300 more through fostering them. Listen in as we dive into helping our kids have fun, feel listened to and loved.Find out more about Shamele:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamele-jenkins-bb9ab712/https://www.facebook.com/shamele.jenkins/https://www.mdcfapa.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Change is hard. Until an insight happens. Whether that's about how we feel, what causes those feelings, our behaviour or anything else. So changing is a seeing thing. Listen in as Steve shares some of the insights that have done the heavy lifting. We hope this interview catalyses some changes for you.Steve joins the team at Hand in Hand with a background in non-profit organizations, the healthcare industry and higher education. He holds a B.A. in Public Relations, a Master of Divinity, and an M.A. in Psychology, all of which have allowed him to do what he is most passionate about: making a positive difference in the lives of others. Steve heads up operations for Hand In Hand and his outgoing personality makes him a fantastic spokesperson for introducing Hand In Hand to new families and organizations that we partner with. Steve and his spouse have five adopted children. Steve is always excited to share his family’s experience with others to show them the incredible ways that adoption can transform lives. He is an avid sports fan, enjoys going to games and can normally be found adventuring with his kiddos throughout California. Steve is not afraid to go outside of his comfort zone and has even run a marathon in Italy to raise funds for charity! He loves being a father, first and foremost, and enjoys being able to give that experience to other families through his work with Hand in Hand.Find out more at:https://www.hihiadopt.org/https://www.instagram.com/hand_in_hand_intl_adoptions/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/HandInHandInternationalAdoptions/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

From rainbows and unicorns to adoption is trauma. Pendulums swing too far before they settle into balance. Listen in as we find a more balanced approach that's closer to the truth.Ryan Hanlon became President and CEO of NCFA in May 2022 after serving as the Vice President of Education, Research, and Constituent Services since August 2017. Prior to joining NCFA, he served as the Executive Director of an accredited adoption agency that provided domestic and international adoption services.Ryan is a frequent conference speaker, podcast guest, and go-to source for national and regional media on a range of adoption issues. He has expertise in accreditation and regulatory issues, state licensing matters, and adoption-related policy topics. Passionate about research and education, Ryan seeks to ensure that all those impacted by adoption have the resources and support they need to thrive in their families and communities.See Ryan’s April 2023 appearance on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal.Ryan holds four advanced degrees including an M.A. in Liberal Arts, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management, and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Social Work. He has served as a social work field instructor and an adjunct professor of social work to both undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.In 2022, Ryan received the Angel in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Ryan lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and their four children including a son adopted internationally.Here's the article we mention.https://ifstudies.org/blog/beyond-hashtags-what-the-anti-adoption-movement-gets-wrongFind out more about Ryan here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hanlon-/https://adoptioncouncil.org/https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionCouncil/https://www.instagram.com/adoptioncouncil/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

It takes courage to tackle the tough stuff in adoption. It takes courage to love our kids when that love isn't reciprocated. Listen in as Melody talks about courage, support from others and much more. Melody has five kids including one from adoption.Melody Marshall is the Co-Executive Director of My Village Ministries, a local initiative focused on family preservation, and the Co-Executive Director of Upstream Collaborative, a nationwide network of family preservation ministries. After receiving a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science, Melody has pursued work that aligns with God’s calling to serve vulnerable families.Melody’s professional journey has spanned various roles, from house parent for at-risk teens to paraprofessional for children with special needs. Her experiences have shaped her unwavering dedication to the marginalized, the orphan, and the widow. Guided by a deep faith, Melody has seen God’s hand at work in her life, leading her to a clear calling to mobilize the Church to preserve socially isolated families in crisis, helping them build sustainable support systems and pathways to healing.https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-marshall-1b19712ab/https://myvillageministries.com/https://www.facebook.com/myvillageministrieshttps://www.instagram.com/my.village.ministries/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

If I can't heal, I can't help them heal. That's the truth that hit Heather like a tonne of bricks. The more whole we feel, the better placed we are to help our kids heal. Listen in as we dive deep into healing, feeling loved and busting beliefs. A deep and empowering episode full of hard won insights. Heather's mother was in foster care and Heather was adopted by her grandmother. Heather has adopted too. Find out more at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-branam-5971351b6/mystic-moon-healing.com Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Sexual abuse and neglect leave deep scars. How can anyone become grateful for these? In one of our most profound turnaround stories ever, Trent shares how adoptive family, faith and therapy have fuelled his healing, recovery from PTSD and more. 100% inspirational. Trent leaves me speechless and stumbling. Epic.Trent entered foster care at the age of four due to domestic violence, extreme neglect, and sexual abuse. After traveling a painful journey through the foster care system, Trent was adopted at the age of nine and came to dramatic levels of healing from his traumatic past. Trent, who is now 24 years old, has devoted his life to helping others find healing. Trent is a mentor and public speaker and has authored and published two books. Trent graduated from Arizona State University with a 4.0 GPA with a B.S. in Family and Human Development. Trent is CEO and Co-Founder of Watch Me Rise in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Trent is a trauma consultant and serves as a TBRI Practitioner, Life Coach, Educational Therapist, mentor, and parent trainer. Trent gives all the glory to God for his healing and strives to be a light in the darkness.https://www.watchmerise919.org/https://www.facebook.com/WatchMeRiseLLChttps://www.instagram.com/watchmerise919/https://x.com/WatchMeRise6 Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How do you handle pain, like when your son says he hates you? There's something that us humans don't like about complexity. And yet adoption IS complex. Painful and wonderful. When it's painful it can be very painful. Listen as we dive into complexity, emotional intelligence and more.Cindy and her husband, Michael have three children through birth and adoption. She's also Director for the Beyond post adoption program at Circle Of Care in Oklahoma.Find out more athttps://circleofcare.org/programs/beyond/https://www.facebook.com/circleofcareokhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyboecking/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

So many of us so much time ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. What Do You Need Right Now? The question can shock us into the present and unleash our wisdom. Listen in as Rebecca shares how that question changed everything and could do the same for you.Rebecca Harvin is the founder and Executive Director of Haven. Rebecca, and her husband Brad, began fostering in 2017 and in July of 2022, they adopted a sibling set of four. They also have 2 biological children. Haven Retreats was born from a season of caregiver burnout and the assumption that if she needs a space for rest, therapy and Jesus... other people probably do too.As an Enneagram 7, Rebecca loves adventure, traveling, spontaneity and engaging the world around her with humor and a positive outlook. www.havenretreatsinc.orghttps://www.facebook.com/havenretreatsinc/https://www.instagram.com/haven.retreats/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/rebeccaharvin/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-harvin/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

We all want to be our best selves, not just for ourself but for our family. So what does that mean? How do we do that? Listen in as adoptive dad, adoption attorney, social worker and adoption agency executive director Rob shares his learnings on self worth, expectations and much more.Rob has been in the adoption field since 1996. He has worked in both the public and private sectors in child welfare and has experience in both intercountry and domestic adoption. Rob earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Wheaton College, MA (1994). He has a Master’s Degree in Social work from Salem State College (1999) and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2012 after graduating from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law School in 2011.Rob is the Executive Director/Attorney for ACF Adoptions, a private non–profit adoption agency that has been providing services since 1992. Rob is a former foster parent and the proud adoptive parent of two sons and a daughter. He resides in South Florida with his husband, children, 3 dogs and 9 chickens. Rob is an active volunteer in his community and an advocate for ethical adoption reform. He is a member of the Florida Adoption Council, the National Council for Adoption and a Fellow in the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys where he serves on the Agency and Ethics Committees.He is responsible for all phases of legal work on behalf of agency including pleadings, hearings and taking consents. He oversees the agency's financial management, budget, audit, supervises the agency's administrative staff, annual state licensure as well as cooperation with Board of Directors. He ensures that the agency services reflect mission.https://www.adoptionflorida.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lamarche-lcsw-jd-00a6346/https://www.facebook.com/robert.c.lamarche/https://www.instagram.com/adoptionflorida/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Do you suspect you may be playing life small? Do you want more? Perhaps something is holding you back? Listen in as adoptee Karyn explores growing beyond what she thought was possible, doing that afraid and more...Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/karyn.kunst.9https://www.instagram.com/karynellenk/Check out her book on Amazonhttps://a.co/d/1LN1a4l Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Grief touches us all. Sometimes we resist it, but what we resist persists. So what do we do? Marcia has experienced a lifetime of grief including the unbelievable loss of 2 sons. Listen in as she shares her take on embracing grief, thriving with joy and how her faith empowers her. Poignant and powerful. You're going to love this.Here's a bit about Marcia:Marcia has been married to her best friend, Scott, for 35 years, and together they raised five incredible children—four sons and one daughter. Their family is a beautiful reflection of love and diversity, having adopted three biracial children: a baby and a sibling group, while also welcoming two biological “bookends.” Marcia considers her daughter and youngest son among her closest friends, cherishing the unique bond they share. She treasures the privilege of investing her time and love into her family, friends, and the lives of othersA lifelong admirer of God’s artistry, Marcia finds joy in capturing His beauty through photography, from breathtaking sunsets to the intricate details of His creation. The beach holds a sacred place in her heart—a magical space where healing flows and her connection to the Trinity deepens. In those moments by the ocean, she experiences an intimacy with the Father that uplifts her spirit and renews her strength. The rhythmic waves, the vastness of the sea, and the gentle whispers of the wind create a sacred sanctuary where she is filled with the Lord’s peace, love, and purpose.Professionally, Marcia is a trained educator and is a certified Life, Grief, Trauma, Brain, and Mental Health counselor/coach. She is also a Mediator and a HeartSync Minister. With these tools, she walks alongside individuals facing life’s most painful and complex moments. Whether speaking or writing, she creates compassionate spaces where those who are grieving can find hope and healing. Her own life has been shaped by profound loss, yet she continues to testify to God’s faithfulness and redeeming love.Marcia is the founder of The Sterling Rose Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping others find freedom from grief and trauma. Through her ministry, she equips people to breathe again, move again, and live again—empowering them to embrace the life God has designed for them with purpose, healing, and hope.Check her out here:https://www.facebook.com/TSRS21/https://www.instagram.com/thesterlingrosesanctuary/?hl=enhttps://www.thesterlingrosesanctuary.us/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How does being adopted into God's family shift our ideas on family and identity? What role does faith play? Listen in as Alice and I dive into riding the emotional rollercoaster with more grace.Here's Alice's previous interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/leaning-on-30-years-learning-with-alice-murray-adoption-attorney-writer-tezpvkdAnd her new book https://www.amazon.com/God-Adopted-First-Attorneys-Adventures/dp/1563097818To find out more at her work check out:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-h-murray-174521157/https://aliceinwonderingland.wordpress.com/https://www.facebook.com/alicemurraywriterhttps://www.instagram.com/alice.h.murray/https://www.facebook.com/alice.h.murray Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Fear & Faith. Two words we don't usually hear together. How does fear hold us back, how does faith spur us on? Listen in as Matthew and I dive deep into how we grow and help our kids do the same.In September 2006, Matthew co-founded the Heart Gallery of Broward in response to the need he observed in his community for this service. During its short tenure, Heart Gallery of Broward has achieved an above-average success rate of 40 percent, having already helped place 70 children in loving, permanent homes. Recognizing the benefits a national network of Heart Galleries could have, he co-founded and organized the Heart Gallery of America in August 2008. As co-founder of the national organization, Matt leads this group to share resources and broaden the pool of families seeking to adopt. The Heart Gallery of America, comprised of 100 individual heart galleries, also launched ww.heartgalleryofamerica.org, a comprehensive reference tool and informational index for prospective families. Recently, he founded the Florida Association of Heart Galleries to organize the 15 Florida Heart Galleries and advocate for adoption in the Florida State Capiton Region. In 2009, he received the Florida Governor’s Points of Light Award.Matthew is married and has two daughters.https://heartgalleryofamerica.org/about-heart-gallery/directors/https://www.facebook.com/p/Heart-Gallery-of-America-100054215212909/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-straeb-8a12934/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What help us feel that we are thriving? Feeling it. Not thinking it. Not judging it. Feeling it. Listen as Jodi and I dive deep into the feeling of thriving. Insights aplenty on peace, purpose, people and more. You are going to love this...Jodi loves being a wife to Jerry and mom to her large family of world-changers, including eight children, five adopted. In 2009, as she faced the orphan crisis worldwide, God gave her the dream to unite the women everywhere who love and serve the orphan. She served twelve years as Global Director of Orphan Sunday for the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), is a seminary graduate and Certified Chaplain. She is the author of three books, including Healing for Every Heart in Adoption, Second Mother: A Bible Study Experience for Foster and Adoptive Moms and Fasten Your Sweet Belt: 10 Things You Need to Know About Older Child Adoption.https://jodijacksontucker.com/https://www.facebook.com/jodijacksontucker/https://secondmothers.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How do we celebrate ourselves when we don't know how we came about, feel unwanted or an accident? Listen in as adoptee, adoptive parent and adoption professional Anita shares profound insights on finding meaning, a reason for being and more. She also shares how following Christ has helped her along the way.Find out more about Anita here:https://www.brookhills.org/staff-elders/anita-bucher/https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-bucher-a8233725/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

So many of have so much going on we can't see the wood for the trees. Today's interview is a chance to stand back and see the big picture - what helps us thrive, what helps our kids thrive and much more. Listen in - adoption professional Cindy really knows her stuff!https://www.allforkids.org/https://www.facebook.com/AllForKids.CA/https://www.facebook.com/AllForKids.CA/https://x.com/AllForKidsCahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-stogel-2a1093171/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

How do we free ourselves from the past? By seeing that it doesn't define us. Listen in as Krystal, adopted in her 30's talks about getting stronger through adversity, processing tough emotions and more.Connect with Krystal here https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-trocki-1372321a3/Find out about her employer here https://26health.org/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What if there's part of us that's not traumatised? Because it can't traumatised? Wouldn't that be a great place to find and live from? Listen in as we dive deep into thriving, touch on religion and explore the part of us that's beyond trauma.Adoptive mother Dana Hargus, M.Ed., LPC, is a seasoned health professional with over 25 years of experience in trauma-informed care. Before becoming a counselor, she spent nine years as an educator, building a foundation of compassion and connection that continues to guide her work today. Dana is the owner of a thriving private counseling practice and the visionary behind Restore of Ada, a new healing center devoted to wholeperson wellness and rapid nervous system resetting.https://restoreofada.com/https://www.facebook.com/restoreofadahttps://www.instagram.com/restoreofada/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-hargus-681519340/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What happens when your search for belonging leads to both love and heartbreak? Listen in as adoptee Lisa shares what she's learned from her rollercoaster ride of reunion including lovebombing, jet black darkness and, eventually, light. Very powerful. Deeply profound. Listen with big ears.Find out more about Lisa here:https://www.instagram.com/drmommypoppins/?hl=en-gbhttps://www.theadoptednurse.com/https://www.facebook.com/lisa.astalos.chism/ 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 disconnected from your cultural heritage or identity? Tami did - even though she wasn't adopted. She was determined her daughter who was born in Ethiopia would feel connected with her heritage. Listen in as we dive into cultural heritage, identity and more.Here's a bit about Tami from her website:I grew up disconnected from my Dominican and Jamaican roots, always feeling like I wasn't “enough” of anything—not Latina enough, Caribbean enough, not even Black enough. I carried shame, confusion, and uncertainty about whether I even had the right to claim a heritage I barely knew. When I began exploring my roots, there were no guides, no roadmaps, or no one to show me where to start. I had to find my own way—slowly, and in a way that felt authentic to me.When I adopted my Ethiopian-born daughter, I promised she wouldn’t grow up with that same disconnection. That promise became my purpose.I’m living this work every day—raising an Ethiopian daughter, caring for my aging mother, and navigating my own Dominican/Jamaican identity, all under one roof in Mexico. I know what this journey really looks like—and I’m here to walk it with you.Now, as a Cultural Heritage Reconnection Coach, I offer the support I once needed. I guide people to rediscover their roots, reclaim pride in who they are, and create a legacy so future generations never have to wonder where they belong.You don’t need permission to reconnect.You just need a place to begin—and you don’t have to do it alone.https://www.instagram.com/tamideegarcia/https://www.tiktok.com/@tamideegarciahttps://www.tamigarcia.com/https://www.facebook.com/TamiDeeGarcia Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Can we thrive despite what happened in to us? If so how? Listen in as Wilson describes how he turned his life around after some difficult years in his mid-teens. It's an incredibly uplifting interview from the youngest guest we've ever had on the show. Wilson is just 19!Here's a bit about Wilson.."Hi! I’m Wilson. I’m a transracial international adoptee with a deep appreciation for history, tradition, and the values that shape us. Growing up, I was always told I was an “old soul,” and honestly, they weren’t wrong. My love for classic country and rock ‘n’ roll records, as well as old Western films, has always made me feel connected to a time before my own.Being adopted from China and raised in America has given me a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and the legacy we leave behind. I believe in honoring the past while building a better future, and for me, that means leading with hard work, respect, and kindness. I want to be a positive example—not just for adoptees, but for anyone trying to navigate who they are in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.I have faith that we are more than just where we come from—we are also what we choose to do with the life we’ve been given. I find so much inspiration in the people who came before me, and even more in those who are writing their own stories now."https://www.facebook.com/wilson.munsterman.3/https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilson-munsterman-09782732a/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2ZW5CVK 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.

Looking for inspiration? Andrew, father of three - including one through adoption - shares his insights on igniting our passion, finding meaning and community. A powerful and empowering episode.Andrew is a passionate supporter of foster care and adoption. Andrew launched the KPMG National Foster Care and Adoption Network in 2021, which has now grown to more than 45 of KPMG’s US offices. Focused initially on mentoring and coaching opportunities for new and prospective foster and adoptive parents, the network has grown to serve as a platform for connecting foster and adoptive parents, adult adoptees, birth parents, and adoption advocates. The network also connects with key community organizations that focus on foster and adoption and are actively supported by KPMG’s partners and employees.Andrew has received numerous awards and recognition, including Seramount’s National Working Dad of the Year, and the Association of Government Accountants’ Andy Barr Award, National President’s Award, National Treasurer’s Award, and National Author’s Award.Andrew and his wife are adoptive parents and former foster parents. They have three children, and live in Maryland.If you'd like to connect with Andrew you can email him at [email protected] or connect here https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-c-lewis/ 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.

Looking for more peace and less pain? Listen in as Korean adoptee Tanya shares her learnings so far. We dive into healing, freedom with painful emotions and much more.Tanya is a Korean adoptee and former academic. She has a Ph.D. in Sociology and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education with a focus on intercountry adoption, identity formation, emotion work, advocacy, and agency. Prior to Ties, she worked 20 years in higher education supporting students, teaching sociology, and conducting evaluation research. She has spoken at multiple Heritage Camps and first started working with Ties as an adjunct team member for Kazakhstan in 2019, where she loved connecting with both adoptees and parents. Along with her husband and teenage daughter, she currently splits her time between Colorado and living abroad, while their son attends college in Colorado. In her free time you can find her walking along the ocean or reading romance novels.https://www.instagram.com/tanyakaanta/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyakaanta/?originalSubdomain=pahttps://www.instagram.com/the.ties.program/https://www.facebook.com/TheTiesProgramhttps://www.thetiesprogram.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 if thriving is being comfortable with where we are on our journey? Comfortable with what we don't know? Comfortable in our own skin? Listen in as adoption professional Meredith dives into comfort and lots more...Meredith Shepard joined Heart of Adoptions in August 2013 as the Adoptive Parent Coordinator. She works closely with waiting adoptive families handling day-to-day needs and assisting with matching adoptive families to birth families. In July of 2020 Meredith became the Director of Programs for the agency. As of April of 2022 Meredith is the Executive Director for Heart of Adoptions. She is responsible to coordinate and supervise agency staff, volunteers, and handle day-to-day operational duties. Meredith has worked in the area of social work for over 20 years and has experience working within the fields of child development, adoption, foster care, and developmental disabilities.Meredith graduated with honors from Eckerd College with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Walden University with a Master of Science in Non-Profit Management & Leadership. She was also a Licensed Massage Therapist prior to obtaining her degree. While born in Ohio, which will always be home, she is also a die-hard hot weather fan and loves nothing more than cruising in her Jeep with the top down and the music loud! She has a son in college and has recently added a new fur-baby “Voodoo” to her home. Meredith can typically be found at Disney on the weekend or enjoying a camping trip and a nice kayak trip down a river when the weather is nice.https://www.facebook.com/HeartOfAdoptionsInc/#https://heartofadoptions.com/https://x.com/HeartAdoptionshttps://www.instagram.com/heart_of_adoptions/https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-shepard-1357a678/ 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 you could choose to thrive? Forgive others more easily. Feel spontaneous gratitude from within. Rise above your circumstances. Listen in as adoptee Sharla talks about choosing, her birth mother and much more. This is a truly incredible episode. Listen in with big ears.https://www.facebook.com/sharla.kinman 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.

Some believe that some kids and adults broken. That's downright demoralising, depressing and disheartening. There's no hope. Listen in as Morganne brings hope as we explore life beyond fear, finding new identities and more.www.facebook.com/people/Kaleidoscopes-Consulting/61575749055036/www.instagram.com/kaleidoscopesconsulting/www.linkedin.com/in/morgannecrouserhttps://jri.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.

Some say change is hard. What if believing that is keeping us stuck? Even if it's change for the better? What if we were open to change? Held our expectations more loosely? Questioned our beliefs more? Saw that our beliefs are made of thoughts so we can see them crumble? Listen in as we dive into changing expectations, giving up regrets and coming to a greater understanding.Irene Steffas is the founder of St. Nick’s Kids and served as the agency’s first Executive Director from 2019 to 2024. Currently, she is the Director of Domestic Adoptions and Global Development, where she assumes a variety of services. Irene established St. Nick’s Kids to provide comprehensive adoption services for children, birth parents, and adoptive families. Licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida, Irene has dedicated over 40 years of her legal career to complex intercountry and domestic adoptions. Her professional expertise is deeply personal, as she and her husband are proud parents of two sons, one of which is adopted. Fluent in both Greek and English, Irene brings a global perspective to her work. She believes her efforts are guided by a higher purpose, describing herself as a tool witnessing God’s hand at work. Through her leadership and dedication, Irene continues to make a profound impact on children and families worldwide.Find out more at:https://snkinc.org/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555386085410https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-steffas-b4a22317/ Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

If we want adoptees to thrive, adoptive parents and birth parents all need to thrive. Listen in as we dive into thriving across the adoption triad. And how openness helps us thrive.Adoptive mother Linda R. Sexton is an open adoption pioneer who seeks to educate on today’s practice of open adoption where the biological parents and adoptive families know each other and remain in contact after the adoption is finalized.https://www.lindarsexton.com/https://www.facebook.com/lindarsextonauthor#https://www.instagram.com/lindarsextonauthor/https://x.com/lindarsexton 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.

Guilt is feeling bad about what we've done. Shame is feeling bad about who we are. And it's the feeling that fuels imposter syndrome. What if there was another way? Listen in as adoptive mother Anna talks about owning our own story WITHOUT shame.Anna Schocket, a single adoptive mother, embarked on a heartfelt journey to pen this book as a way to open a dialogue about adoption with her young daughter.With a career as a senior executive in Talent Development, Anna leveraged her learning background and her belief in the power of teachable moments to create a meaningful resource for other adoptive and nontraditional families.Anna and her daughter thrive together in Oakland, California.Here's the link to her kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1640715224/the-heart-that-found-you-childrens-picture-book?ref=diwwpjFind out more about Anna and her book here: https://www.netgalley.com/widget/915622/redeem/a676056001beb20d9eaa66425ec10ca911497ff86a19cee3c4282df828a32249https://annaschocket.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaschocket/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575153751146# 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 looking for more ease and flow in your life? Who isn't? Listen in adoptive mother and coach Francine shares her insights on flow helps us thrive. We also explore how meaning enriches our lives.Here's a bit about Francine from her website:Adoption is a way some of us are called to grow our families, and I’m here to support that journey however I can.I’m Francine Apy, an adoptive mom of three, a writer, speaker, and coach who believes in the power of encouragement, clarity, and faith to move us forward. SoulFilling reflects not just my story, but a calling: to help others walk their own adoption path with perspective, purpose, and an open heart.Here's a link to her website https://www.soulfillingadoption.com/Connect with on social media at:https://www.instagram.com/soulfilling_by_francine_apy/https://www.linkedin.com/in/francine-apy-4310b7221/https://www.youtube.com/@SoulFillingAdoption 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.

Left for dead in a war zone. Now Jackson Terkeurst is speaking to the world. Listen in as this truly inspirational adoptee shares what helped move from stuck to thriving. Jackson is an entrepreneur and leader who continues to defy the odds as a first-generation immigrant from West Africa who owns and runs a small business. The adopted son of bestselling author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst, Jackson is passionate about drawing together people from diverse backgrounds to experience authentic community. He lives with his wife and their two children outside Nashville, Tennessee.https://www.facebook.com/jackson.terkeursthttps://www.instagram.com/jacksonterkeurst_/?hl=enhttps://www.jacksonterkeurst.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.

If we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always got. We need new solutions if we are going to move forward with the tough stuff. Listen in as Kelly shares learnings on persistence, creativity and much more.Kelly Henderson, Ph.D. is Executive Director of Formed Families Forward.A special educator by profession, Kelly is a former public school teacher of students with emotional and behavioral disorders, and has worked in national and federal special education policy and research settings. Kelly’s family is formed in part through public foster care and adoption. Her young adult sons have a range of learning, behavioral, medical and cognitive disabilities. Pulling from her personal lived and professional experiences, Kelly consults with and trains adoptive, foster and kinship families and professional partners on special education and related topics. She also serves on numerous advisory boards and committees.Kelly earned a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Maryland College Park and served as an Executive Branch Policy fellow for the Society for Research in Child Development. In addition to her work at FFF, Kelly serves as part-time instructional faculty at George Mason University, training special education teachers. Kelly believes that when formed families have information and tools to advocate for critical educational services, their children and youth experience improved academic, social emotional, and behavioral outcomes.We are a family-led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families of children and youth with disabilities and other special needs. We offer critical resource tools to empower families to advocate for better special education, behavioral health and other services for the children in their care. Services to Northern Virginia parents, caregivers and family-serving professionals include training and events, peer supports, resource navigation and parenting and youth classes.Formed Families Forward’s mission is to improve developmental, educational, social, emotional and post-secondary outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and other special needs through provision of information, training and support to adoptive and foster parents, and kinship caregivers.https://formedfamiliesforward.org/https://www.facebook.com/FormedFamiliesForwardhttps://www.instagram.com/formedfamiliesforward/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAXmFiDD2phNTeRJ9PBqBAg 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 grow? What kind of environment helps us grow? How do we harness our mistakes for growth? Listen in to this empowering, metaphor rich dive into all things growth. Powerful and insightful. Just as we love our episodes here on Thriving Adoptees.Jenifer Jarriel is Board President & Chief Executive Officer of Depelchin. Jesse Booher is Chief Operations Officer and Senior VP. DePelchin Children’s Center supports and sustains children and the families who care for them. Some of our programs, such as parenting classes and counseling, preserve and strengthen families. Other services, such as foster care and adoption, ensure children have the care and support they need to overcome trauma, both now and in the future. Our work is driven by our belief that all children should be part of safe, loving homes.DePelchin has been serving children and families in the Houston area since our founding in 1892. Our programs and services have evolved throughout our history, but our commitment to helping children has never changed. Today we also provide services in and around Austin, Lubbock and San Antonio, and we gratefully receive support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government grants.Find out more at:https://www.depelchin.orghttps://www.facebook.com/depelchinhttps://www.instagram.com/depelchinchildrenscenter/ 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.