“Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids,” New Episodes!
After years of hosting my original podcast Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World, I am thrilled to share a new project in partnership with AdoptUSKids, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, and the Ad Council. Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids brings together adoptive families and experts to showcase how unexpected and rewarding adopting a teen from foster care can be.
Whether you're thinking about adopting from foster care, have already adopted, or are looking to learn more, these stories and resources will help you navigate the process, with inspiration and information along the way. The very best part of this podcast series for me is to be in conversation with the young adults that have experienced foster care and adoption. It’s their brave and beautiful voices that truly make this a special and important podcast.
Listen to the final three episodes now! You can find Navigating Adoption: Presented by AdoptUSKids by clicking here or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Episode #4 “How to Give Grace”
I loved getting to know Amber and her adoptive mother Kimberly. It was so powerful to hear about their experiences becoming a family. Right along with their personal journey we hear from Debbie Riley from the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E) as she discusses the realities of adoption and how families can acknowledge loss, address trauma, and grow together with grace.
Episode #5 “The Countdown”
What a joy it was to sit down with my dear friends Sixto Cancel, CEO of Think of Us, and La Tika, and to meet a new friend, Catherine. All three spent time in foster care and experienced adoption. We also hear from Sarah Phillips, LINKS Coordinator and CPS Social Worker for the Orange County Department of Social Services in North Carolina.
La Tika, Catherine, Sixto, and Sarah shared so much of themselves as part of this episode and I am in awe of their strength and commitment to supporting youth in foster care!
Episode #6 “The Last Firsts”
And we truly saved the best for last!! This episode features Maci with her adoptive parents Chris and Gigi. I met this amazing family a few years ago at an event and as soon as I met them, I was inspired. Hear Chris, Gigi, and Maci discuss their journey to become a family.
Also, in this episode, two professionals that I love and respect: Kamilah Bunn, CEO of the National Adoption Association, and Bob Herne, National Project Director at AdoptUSKids. Listen in as we discuss the rewards of adoption for both youth and adopted families, the current world of adoption, and how to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
