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Join us as we sit down with Marla Higginbotham to learn about the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program and how you can get involved in this important work. With CASA programs across the country, everyone can become a CASA. Marla has spent the last 20+ years working in the nonprofit sector helping shape public policy initiatives focused on both community engagement and children’s education and well-being. After a successful 4 years as Executive Director CASA for Union County, Marla took the helm as Executive Director with CASA for Children of Essex County in NJ. Marla joined the CASA network from Jersey Cares where she was Senior Director of Operations and Foundation Relations. Marla is a former mediator/arbitrator for New Jersey’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit and has served on the Board of Trustees for The Montclair Kimberley Academy. She received a law degree from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law and an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies and Political Science from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.Facebook @EssexAdvocates Insta @casa_essex Twitter @EssexCASA

Shenandoah Chefalo is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, a Certified Coach, and a member of the Foster Leaders Movement. She is a sought after speaker on topics surrounding youth in foster care and the science and impact of trauma and resilience on various social issues; She is also the President and Owner of Chefalo Consulting: Trauma-Informed Specialist that helps private, governmental, and public organizations implement sustainable trauma-informed strategies that are focused on learning new skills as well as organizational culture changes and shifts.  She has been featured as a consultant and trainer nationally and internationally.  After spending nearly 20 years as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became unsettled by the ever-revolving door of people into the criminal justice system and set out to find a way to change it.  A survivor and alumni of the foster care system, Shenandoah Chefalo is also the co-founder of the #4600andCounting, a grass-roots movement to bring awareness and change to the missing youth of foster care.   In addition to her multiple award-winning book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, she also wrote an e-book entitled Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals and is also working on her next manuscript, Hiking for Stillness.www.garbagebagsuitcase.com

Shenandoah Chefalo is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, a Certified Coach, and a member of the Foster Leaders Movement. She is a sought after speaker on topics surrounding youth in foster care and the science and impact of trauma and resilience on various social issues; She is also the President and Owner of Chefalo Consulting: Trauma-Informed Specialist that helps private, governmental, and public organizations implement sustainable trauma-informed strategies that are focused on learning new skills as well as organizational culture changes and shifts.  She has been featured as a consultant and trainer nationally and internationally.  After spending nearly 20 years as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became unsettled by the ever-revolving door of people into the criminal justice system and set out to find a way to change it.  A survivor and alumni of the foster care system, Shenandoah Chefalo is also the co-founder of the #4600andCounting, a grass-roots movement to bring awareness and change to the missing youth of foster care.   In addition to her multiple award-winning book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, she also wrote an e-book entitled Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals and is also working on her next manuscript, Hiking for Stillness.www.garbagebagsuitcase.com

We work under the assumption that everyone is doing their very best. We know it's easy to point fingers at the foster system, the kids, the parents. If you believe that everyone is doing their best, it allows us to communicate with empathy instead of judgment. 

Beth Tyson, MA, is a psychotherapist, childhood grief and trauma expert, and a children's book author.  She recently co-authored and released a new book - The Parenting Odyssey: Trials, Treasures, and Triumphs of Parenting in a Pandemic. The purpose of the book is to reduce isolation for those parenting in a pandemic by sharing heartfelt testimonials and stories from real parents. Get the book http://www.bethtyson.comFacebook Group: EmotimindsIG https://www.instagram.com/bethtyson_traumacare/

In this episode, Leah shares how education helped her make it through years in foster care and how being ill-equipped to raise her brothers led her to start Fostering Greatness, Inc - an organization helping foster youth transition into healthy adulthood.Leah's strongest desire in life is to share her own story in expectation of encouraging those that have been affected by the many facets of foster care and to instill the message of hope that anyone can become successful despite any adversities that may be present. She attributes her continuous development and achievements to her faith in God and the support of her family and friends. Website: https://fosteringgreatnessinc.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FGreatnessIncLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-angel-daniel/

In this episode I sit down with Naomi Riley to discuss how  the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives. Naomi argues that our focus on reunification has built a system that is more accomidating of adults than protective of kids. Naomi Schaefer Riley is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute focusing on issues regarding child welfare as well as a senior fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum. She also writes about parenting, higher education, religion, philanthropy and culture. She is a former columnist for the New York Post and a former Wall Street Journal editor and writer, as well as the author of seven books, including, “No Way to Treat a Child: How the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives".Get her book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Way-Treat-Child-Activists/dp/164293657XCheck out her resources: https://www.nowaytotreatachildbook.com/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-schaefer-riley-74285067/ 

In this episode we sit down with Jacqui Jackson to discuss how we can use strategic prayer to alleviate suffering for children in foster care. Jacqui Jackson, M.Ed, is CEO of Ignite Hope, a former Foster Child, International Adoptee, and a mother to Adoptive and Biological children alike. She is a passionate advocate for the right of every child to have a safe family and executes this calling by speaking within the church and legislatively on the ways we can all impact the plight of the Vulnerable Children. You can find out more about Ignite hope at http://www.ignitehope.onlineFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ihope4orphans/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihope4orphans/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxBTAWd8_94AZ49WC3QIgg

The P.A.C.E. framework teaches us to be playful, accepting, curious and empathetic. Jessica Sinarski is a highly sought-after therapist, author, and speaker. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create BraveBrains , a resource and training platform for home, school, and community. She makes brain science practical, helping parents and professionals become healers for hurting children.

Join us while we chat with the Founder of The Behavior Hub Lauren Spielmyer. She shares her four part framework to teaching emotional literacy and regulation that work well for children with complex trauma as it takes how the brain works into its approach.Over the past 10 years, she has helped SOOOO many people learn about the brain and how it impacts learning and emotional well-being, which in turn changes behavior. With her master's degree in education, professorship at University of Pennsylvania and running The Behavior Hub, she thrives on building brain and research-based, child-driven trainings and courses with the whole child in mind. Check out her work: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/ Courses:  https://the-behavior-hub.teachable.com/courses Discovery calls:  https://calendly.com/thebehaviorhub/discovery-calls Podcast:  https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/press FB group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingandteachingrespectfulchildren IG:  https://www.instagram.com/thebehaviorhub/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLo-tqelGiN0eQaiRGG83xA

Ginger sits down with us to discuss her work as a Social Worker, Adoptive Mom, Parenting Program Director and now co-host of the podcast from Attachment Trauma Network, Regulated and Relational. Check out the podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe.

Join us while Natalie Chavis Fisher takes us into adoption court to show us how the opioid epidemic is impacting the foster care crisis.Natalie  is a best-selling author, third-generation attorney and executive  producer for the feature documentary Foster Care: Perfect Imperfection. She is a  leading expert in foster care adoption committed to helping improve the lives of  vulnerable children and their caretakers. Natalie believes broken systems break  children and has dedicated her life to help foster healing. She has been honored with  the Congressional “Angel in Adoption” award for her work in child welfare.  Natalie has practiced foster care adoption law for twenty years. Within this time, she  has helped thousands of foster children solidify their “forever homes”. Natalie previously served as a Deputy Prosecutor in the child support division and as a Public  Defender in the dependency and neglect division of the Marion County, Indiana court  system.   Natalie prides herself in helping adoptive and kinship parents understand the dynamic  nuances of foster care adoption. One of the ways she has accomplished this task is  through her short novel with a big impact, Adopting Tiger.   https://www.amazon.com/Adopting-Tiger-Chavis-Fisher/dp/0999456008 Natalie received her BS in Business Management from Purdue University, where she  was a varsity track and field hurdler and where she became a member of Alpha Kappa  Alpha Sorority, Inc. Natalie received her MBA and JD from Indiana University in  Bloomington.  Natalie was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is married with two step children.   To learn more about Natalie, please visit:  www.chavisfisher.com  Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @ChavisFisher

Tiffany Sudela-Junker is mother by adoption to two children with vastly different trauma-based special needs.With her own growth process as an example, Tif mentors and advocates for a “empathy + connection before correction” approach to parenting. Stressing EXTRA empathy, mindfulness, humor, attunement, self-compassion and reciprocal atonement as key ingredients to helping tough kids achieve higher function and healthy relationships. Through stories of struggle and lessons learned with her brilliant, challenging and hilarious children, Tif raises awareness and an authentic understanding for the EXTREME neurology, behavior, circumstances, and the emotional strength found in families struggling to overcome the aftermath of childhood trauma.Check out Tif's resources at http://www.xparenting.comFollow on instagram

Join us as Ce Eshelman, LMFT walks us through how to discover what happened in our childhood and how that impacts how we show up to working with children today. Ce Eshelman, LMFT, is an attachment specialist, author, and founder of The Attach Place Center for Strengthening Relationships. With 27 years of experience and training in marriage and family therapy, she began specializing in attachment and trauma healing 18 years ago after adopting her two children from the foster care system. In March 2016, Ce published Drowning with My Hair on Fire: Insanity Relief for Adoptive Parents. It is a compilation of supportive letters to adoptive parents designed for daily inspirational reading.Join the Love Matters Parenting Society at https://www.lovemattersparenting.com/love-matters-parenting-society-membership-homeFacebook: @TheAttachPlace

 Steve always knew he wanted a family. Raised catholic he grew up thinking he was destined to marry a woman and have children. When he was confronted with his attraction to men and the eventual realization that he was gay, he gave up, that dream of having a family and chose the route of gay singledom. As the times changed and he gained greater self acceptance he re-ignited his dream for a family and stared the journey toward parenthood.  Steve is the author of the book Determined to Be Dad which chronicles his trials and tribulations of self-discovery to acceptance to building a new reality and finally to the joys of creating his own family through adoption. Steve is a leadership development coach and a diverstity and inclusion consultant.  Check out his website here.Get Steve's book here.Facebook  @stevedisselhorst.llcInstagram @steve.disselhorstTwitter @SteveDisselhorsLinkedIn

Barry Farmer is a Native of Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in Kinship Care with his grandmother from ages 5-18. For the last 15 years he's been devoted to working inside and outside the classroom with youth and their families. At age 20, Barry became a foster father with a local therapeutic agency to further help youth within his community. At age 22 he adopted his oldest son. Three years later, Barry's two younger sons were placed in his home, making him a proud father of three amazing young men. With these additions to his family, he closed his home after 7 years as an active foster parent. Today, as a single father, Barry is a Spokesman for Adopt Us Kids, Foster Care Adoption Advocate for children awaiting adoption, Speaker, Mentor,  Host of The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show based out of Richmond Virginia and The FosterCare & Adoption Life talk Web Series, as well as the Creator/Administrator of one of the largest online support group for Foster Care and Adoptive families. With his show, Barry enjoys connecting with various individuals from across the country, giving them a platform to share their stories and life’s work.Follow Barry on social @iambarryfarmerWebsite: https://www.barryfarmer.com/

Join Angela Flores, Juvenile Justice Worker, as she explores the intersections between juvenile justice and child protective services. As a child who has experienced generational foster care, she offers services to children in her community and has a vision to attend law school, to further contribute to the justice system.

Both Alexis and Justin are proud foster care alumni as well as recent graduates, authors, and business owners. They both join us this week to share their honenest and vulnerable story and to promote their book Re-Defining Normal. After both spent time in fostercare they met in college and through a healing journey have developed a healthy relationship with eachother, getting married this year. Together, they've created ROSE (Rising Over SocietalExpectations) Empowerment Group, a company structured to close the information gap for young adults as well as The Scholarship Expert where they support students to graduate debt-free while obtaining the skills needed to be successful. Now, they are releasingRedefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love to share their story of how they've had to redefine what love and healthyrelationships look like.Get the bookhttps://www.re-definingnormal.com/Follow them on IG @re.definingnormalFollow them on FB @redefiningnormalmemoir

Marianne tells of her story of being an adoptee and how it shaped her childhood and early adulthood. She tells us that even though she was adopted at birth to extremely loving parents, that she still felt like she didn't belong, that something was wrong with her, that she wasn't wanted. Her birth certificate says that her birth father denied paternity which left her wondering why? When she saught answers to that question by finding her birth father she was retraumatized as an adult. Listen into her story.Follow Marianne on Instagram @coffeenchocolate42386

We, as a society, talk about adoption, adoption, adoption and often focus on the child's life after adoption, but what about the birth mom? Listen to Ashley Mitchell discuss her journey through an unwanted pregnancy to an eventual decision to find an adoptive family for her son. She walks us through finding out she was pregnant, a trip to the abortion clinic, hiding her pregnancy for nearly 8 months, choosing a family for her son and then going home after the birth childless with a body ready to nurture a child. Ashley chose life, but she didn't feel supported in that decision. How are we supporting the women who are choosing life? Well, she has developed a curriculum for adoption agencies to support birth moms across the nation. Check out her website at:https://www.sitkneetoknee.com/Follow her on instagram @bigtoughgirl