Jeena and Courtney discuss the transformative journey of adulthood as an adoptee with our guest, Melissa Guida-Richards! Melissa is a transracial adoptee born in Bogota, Colombia, raised in New York. She found out she was adopted at 19 years old, and she shares her experiences with this late discovery and how it impacted her identity, familial relationships, and other aspects of her life.  She is now an adoption educator and author with two books currently out (linked in the description below). Adulthood is difficult for anyone, but for adoptees it can be especially hard as they are reframing their identities and cultures again. Hear Melissa's inspiring stories, how she overcame the challenges she faced as an adult adoptee, and the insights she gives on adoption for adoptive parents or anyone curious about adoption.

Melissa’s Socials

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoptee_thoughts/

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@adoptee_thoughts

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adoptee_thoughts/featured

Melissa’s Books

What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675697/what-white-parents-should-know-about-transracial-adoption-by-melissa-guida-richards/

What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: The Workbook: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724012/what-white-parents-should-know-about-transracial-adoption--the-workbook-by-melissa-guida-richards/9781623178710/