Back in Season 2, (21 April 2021), we spoke with Vivienne Timmermans — a much-loved and well-respected voice in the Queensland adoption community. In 1980, Vivienne was an Australian Champion Figure Roller Skater from Inala when, at 17, she became pregnant and lost her daughter — whom she named Sheree — to adoption.

Vivienne went on to write about her experience in her memoir You Named Me Sheree and now facilitates a support group called You Gave Me a Voice.

Today, we are privileged to hear another perspective of that story — from Vivienne’s daughter, now known as Tash Hope, who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

DNA testing has become a powerful tool for many people impacted by adoption — whether it’s used to search for family, confirm relationships, or update legal records. But with so many types of DNA testing now available, it can be difficult to know which option is right for your needs.

In this episode, we're joined by Kate Pippia, Director of identilab — an Australian-owned and operated DNA testing laboratory based in Brisbane. Identilab specialises in accredited legal DNA testing, including paternity, maternity, kinship, and peace of mind testing — all of which can play a vital role in post-adoption discovery and reunion.

We discuss the differences between legal and genealogical DNA testing (such as through AncestryDNA), what to expect from the testing process, and how DNA can help clarify family connections and support legal recognition.

On a personal note, our host, Jo Sparrow used identilab in 2024 to confirm legal paternity and was able to add her father’s name to her pre-adoption birth certificate — a meaningful and validating step in her adoption journey that she hopes will lead to a future application for an integrated birth certificate (IBC) showing the truth of her parentage if legislative reviews are successful in Queensland.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes 

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) 

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today we’re joined by a very special guest—renowned addiction specialist and psychotherapist, Paul Sunderland.
With over 35 years of experience, Paul’s groundbreaking work has illuminated the deep and often-overlooked links between adoption, trauma, and addiction. His powerful presentations—shared widely by the adoption community—have resonated with thousands around the world, especially his insights for Life Works and the Adult Adoptee Movement on YouTube.

In this episode, we explore the lifelong impact of early maternal separation, how adoption shapes identity and mental health, and why adopted people may face a heightened vulnerability to addiction. Whether you're an adopted person, a parent of loss, an adoptive parent, or a professional working in the therapeutic or community services space, Paul’s wisdom offers invaluable understanding and hope.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today’s guest is Geraldine Hunt, whose story offers a deeply personal and layered look into the experience of being adopted. Born in Melbourne in 1974, Geraldine spent her early weeks in foster care before being adopted at around eight weeks old.

Her journey has since led her to reconnect with both her biological mother and father, as well as with siblings on both sides. Now living in Brisbane, Geraldine describes her story as unique — and after hearing it, we’re sure you’ll agree.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Today we're joined by Melanie Dunstan, founder of The DNA Connection. Melanie is a trained Genetic Genealogist, Private Investigator, and Skip Tracer, with an extensive background in Nursing—who has five university degrees including a Master of Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about using DNA to help solve mysteries, rebuild connections, and bring people back to their biological families.

Jigsaw Queensland is excited to be hosting a free online DNA 101 Workshop with Melanie on Saturday 28 June 2025—a special session designed for people impacted by adoption who want to learn more about using DNA testing as part of their personal search or family discovery. 

This episode offers a preview of the workshop--what DNA can offer, why its such a powerful tool for adopted people, and how you can join us for this valuable session.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

In this episode, we're joined by someone whose story weaves through early foster care, complex family connections, and the enduring search for belonging and identity. Nadia Levett was born in 1982 and adopted at the age of five after spending her early years moving between foster homes and biological family members. Her story is unique, layered, and incredibly moving—and there was so much to explore that we’ve decided to bring it to you across two episodes. Some of you might already know of Nadia, who launched her own podcast, the Australian Adoption Podcast, back in 2021.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

In Part Two, Nadia Levett continues her story. Nadia's experience weaves through early foster care, complex family connections, and the enduring search for belonging and identity. She was born in 1982 and adopted at the age of five after spending her early years moving between foster homes and biological family members. Her story is unique, layered, and incredibly moving—and there was so much to explore that we brought it to you across two episodes. Some of you might already know of Nadia, who launched her own podcast, the Australian Adoption Podcast, back in 2021.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

 Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

Lisa Preston returns to Adopt Perspective with the next chapter of her extraordinary adoption journey — including her recent solo trip to the UK to spend time with her father, Richard. You can also catch Lisa on SBS Insight tonight (13 May 2025 at 8.30pm) in the episode 'DNA Doesn’t Lie', or watch on replay via SBS On Demand.

Born in England in 1970 and adopted at six weeks old, Lisa’s early life spanned continents. Her adoptive family emigrated to Australia when she was two, later welcoming a biological daughter. In her first appearance on the podcast (13 March 2024), Lisa shared her decades-long search for her birth family — a story of persistence, courage, and the belief that sometimes a “no” doesn’t stay a no.

In this follow-up episode, Lisa reflects on her recent solo trip to spend time with her father, Richard in Scotland, the emotional aftermath of reunion, and her continued hopes for connection. If you haven’t already, we recommend listening to her first episode before diving into this powerful update.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

One of the voices we hear from least often on Adopt Perspective is that of fathers who lost children to adoption. It’s a perspective that is vital but often left untold, and so we are deeply grateful whenever a father feels ready to step forward and share his experience. In this episode, we are joined by Bill Esman, who is the father of Tracy Shand, a previous guest on our podcast. You may remember Tracy’s story — we first spoke with her in July 2022, and again in the previous episode in April 2025. Bill only discovered he had a daughter when Tracy reached out to him after taking a commercial DNA test. Their reconnection has been an extraordinary journey — one that we are privileged to explore a little further today.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

 Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

 Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing. 

You’ll often hear us at Jigsaw Queensland speaking about the lifelong issues of adoption. How we feel about our experience or where we find ourselves in our lives can vary greatly over the passage of time. Today’s guest, Tracy Shand, is an adopted person who has undergone many transitions in her adoption story and her life since we last spoke to her on 22 June 2022. We welcome her back today to share more of her story and updates. If you haven’t already, we'd recommend listening to her previous episode before this one.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes

 Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com)

 Connect with us

Instagram - adopt_perspective_podcast

Facebook - Jigsaw Post-Adoption Centre Queensland

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.