Thriving Adoptees - Let's Thrive

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/AllForKidsCa https://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. restoreofada.com https://www.facebook.com/restoreofada https://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-gb https://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/@tamideegarcia https://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=en https://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 aclewis@kpmg.com 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=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyakaanta/?originalSubdomain=pa https://www.instagram.com/the.ties.program/ https://www.facebook.com/TheTiesProgram https://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/HeartAdoptions https://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/morgannecrouser https://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=61555386085410 https://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=diwwpj Find out more about Anna and her book here: https://www.netgalley.com/widget/915622/redeem/a676056001beb20d9eaa66425ec10ca911497ff86a19cee3c4282df828a32249 https://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.terkeurst https://www.instagram.com/jacksonterkeurst_/?hl=en https://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/FormedFamiliesForward https://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.org https://www.facebook.com/depelchin https://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.

FASD is caused by exposure to alcohol in utero. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Listen in as Brian shares his learnings on how families thrive with FASD. Brian Is Director of Education & Well-being for the National Organisation for FASD and has been the lead author and co-ordinator for the Me & My FASD project and leads our training team. Brian has been a Local Authority foster carer for over 30 years. Along with his wife they have provided long term foster care for large sibling groups. They have been the Special Guardians of children that they previously looked after and currently can provide a home for three young people with FASD. Brian has been Virtual School Head in two English Local Authorities and was one of the Virtual Heads who was on the Department for Children, Schools and Families national pilot. He was also closely involved in national pilots on One to One Tuition, Multi-Therapeutic Treatment Foster Care and the Assisted Boarding School Pathfinder. He trained and practiced as a teacher for over 25 years His experience covers Humanities Education, Careers Education and Guidance, Young People’s Voice and Leadership and he was England’s only Advanced Skills Teacher for Enterprise Education. www.nationalfasd.org.uk www.fasd.me www.preventfasd.info https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-roberts-b082a361 https://www.facebook.com/NationalFASD https://x.com/NationalFASD 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 lifelong learning help us show up better with our families, friends and the rest of the world. Dr Rick's passion is palpable. Listen in as we dive into his learnings from raising 3 kids adopted internationally and a huge Italian Mastif. Humility, self awareness and God play their part in a great episode. We both hope you love it. As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter! More at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrickmorton/ 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.