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Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster mom, Shimeka D. Lott. Shimeka is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Ashlynn B. Jackson Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of young people and underserved communities. With over 25 years of experience volunteering and leading community-driven initiatives, Shimeka’s passion for service runs deep. Whether it’s feeding the unhoused, supporting annual Thanksgiving and Christmas drives, or distributing hygiene kits on Skid Row, she is a constant presence in her community, driven by a mission to make a tangible difference. 

One of her most cherished achievements is partnering with Mt. Sinai Church of Los Angeles to launch a youth academic initiative that led to the creation of the Ashlynn B. Jackson Scholarship Fund. Through her leadership, over $190,000 in scholarships has been awarded to ambitious youth over a five-year span, empowering them to pursue higher education and professional success. Shimeka played a critical role in establishing the program’s online application process, setting qualifications, and developing structured guidelines to ensure its impact.

Recognizing the importance of academic support, she also formed a partnership with UCLA to deliver an annual tutoring program focused on college readiness and career development for students. Leading a team of 15 volunteers, Shimeka was instrumental in expanding program outreach, organizing impactful fundraising events, and securing endorsements from city officials and celebrities. Her efforts culminated in the highly successful Annual Scholarship Gala, which attracted donations and sponsorships from major brands like Nike, the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, and Angels.

Beyond her nonprofit work, Shimeka brings over 25 years of accounting expertise to her foundation, managing financial operations, event sales, and strategic marketing with precision. As a licensed Realtor and Inglewood area specialist, her extensive network and community ties enable her to foster meaningful connections that further the foundation’s mission. Whether in business or philanthropy, Shimeka Lott embodies her mantra of “impacting one heart at a time,” continuously leveraging her skills and influence to create lasting change.

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Part II - Jayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a CASA in Colorado and was recently assigned a sibling set of three boys. Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988.  He spent over 25 years as an Air Force officer/engineer with assignments to 11 different locations in the US and overseas.  He commanded units at both squadron and group levels and he led teams on deployments to Somalia, Panama, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan and several other locations. 

He's earned a Master of Science in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering/Construction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in  Newport RI.

In his last military assignment, then Colonel Rosenmerkel was the Commander, 11th Mission Support Group, (similar to a City Manager) at Joint Base Andrews, MD.  The group was over 1,200-people strong and provided base services to the Andrews community, the Pentagon and over 50 other units in the National Capital Region.  

His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster, Aghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Korea Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal and many others.        

In their 13th move, he and his family settled in Glenwood Springs CO where he was the Engineering, Minerals and Fleet Staff Officer for the White River National Forest from 2013-2022.  He led a team of engineers and technicians to provide professional services in support of sustainable operations and multiple-use management of 2.3 million acres of public land. 

His wife of 33 years, Linda, is also a USAF Academy graduate and retired AF officer, currently working as a civilian for the Secretary of the Air Force’s office.  Their son Ray is a Cadet Second Class (junior) at USAFA and their daughter Allison graduated the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2024. 

He is a licensed realtor, works part time as a bridge inspector and mentor for the USFS, teaches sporting clays shooting, and works at Ironbridge Golf Club.  He volunteers for the Western Slope Veterans Coalition and the Knights of Columbus as well as being a CASA. 

He and Linda enjoy biking, skiing, fitness, golfing and visiting family and friends all over the country.  

*A few things from early life not in this bio--Rosie grew up in the same town as both sets of grandparents, most of his aunts, uncles and cousins and graduated from the same high school as his Mom and Dad.  He has two sisters and a brother, and he's #2.

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Jayne Amelia talks with foster mom, Nicole Goswami, hoping to adopt a baby who she has raised since weeks old. Nicole  does many things but most importantly a foster mom. This is her first time fostering and Jasmyn has filled her heart with so much love and joy. Nicole works in many different fields including marketing and advertising and provides executive support as well. Nicole has been the Head Coach for the Bennington Marauders Swim Club since 2005 and is passionate about teaching and coaching. As a former member of the Marauders as a child, Nicole is dedicated to this team and its growth. She enjoys baking in her spare time and does custom orders for friends and family. Nicole also enjoys exercising, cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. 

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Jayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a new CASA in Colorado and about to start his CASA training.  Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988.  He spent over 25 years as an Air Force officer/engineer with assignments to 11 different locations in the US and overseas.  He commanded units at both squadron and group levels and he led teams on deployments to Somalia, Panama, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan and several other locations. 

He's earned a Master of Science in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering/Construction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in  Newport RI.

In his last military assignment, then Colonel Rosenmerkel was the Commander, 11th Mission Support Group, (similar to a City Manager) at Joint Base Andrews, MD.  The group was over 1,200-people strong and provided base services to the Andrews community, the Pentagon and over 50 other units in the National Capital Region.  

His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster, Aghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Korea Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal and many others.        

In their 13th move, he and his family settled in Glenwood Springs CO where he was the Engineering, Minerals and Fleet Staff Officer for the White River National Forest from 2013-2022.  He led a team of engineers and technicians to provide professional services in support of sustainable operations and multiple-use management of 2.3 million acres of public land. 

His wife of 33 years, Linda, is also a USAF Academy graduate and retired AF officer, currently working as a civilian for the Secretary of the Air Force’s office.  Their son Ray is a Cadet Second Class (junior) at USAFA and their daughter Allison graduated the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2024. 

He is a licensed realtor, works part time as a bridge inspector and mentor for the USFS, teaches sporting clays shooting, and works at Ironbridge Golf Club.  He volunteers for the Western Slope Veterans Coalition and the Knights of Columbus as well as being a CASA. 

He and Linda enjoy biking, skiing, fitness, golfing and visiting family and friends all over the Country.  

*A few things from early life not in this bio--Rosie grew up in the same town as both sets of grandparents, most of his aunts, uncles and cousins and graduated from the same high school as his Mom and Dad.  He has two sisters and a brother, and he's #2.

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Jayne Amelia speaks with CASA Christine Goddard shortly after the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles took the foster home of her CASA kiddo as well as her bio family's home.

Christine Goddard, has been a Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA) for ten years, working on vital tasks like appropriate placements, health care and educational rights for foster youth. While advocating on behalf of foster youth in court, along with her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Juvenile Delinquency through a trauma-informed lens, she developed hope and understanding of pathways to positively impact underserved youth.

Born in Australia to Polish immigrant parents, who as children survived deportation to Stalin’s labor camps, she moved to the U.S when she was 19 years old. Here she began career in commercial production. After many years of working as a Producers and co-owning her own production company with her husband, Aaron, Christine pivoted and joined the nonprofit space in child advocacy and social justice. 

Travelling to experience new parts of the world are Christine’s favorite activity.

She is a mother of two grown daughters, who will forever be her heart and soul. 

*In this episode Christine Godard, a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for 10 years, shares her experiences and challenges in supporting foster children. Christine reflects on her journey and the importance of dedication, compassion, and perseverance in the role. She highlights a specific case involving a five-year-old girl whose family is grappling with multiple crises, including losing their home to a fire. Despite the difficult circumstances, Christine remains committed to providing support and advocacy, emphasizing the positive impact of CASA work on both the children and society as a whole. Christine also discusses the emotional challenges of the role and the support needed from the community to ensure such advocacy continues.

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Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth and now child advocate Dr. Danisha Keating. In this conversation, Danisha shares her challenging journey from being a child in the foster care system to earning her PhD. She discusses the significant obstacles she faced, including experiencing homelessness from ages 18 to 24, moving frequently, and dealing with an unsupportive family. Danisha recounts her educational journey that began with difficulty completing her bachelor's degree, which took eight years due to numerous hurdles. She also talks about her familial background, being one of eleven children in a family that eventually separated, and the challenges of being an older sibling thrust into a caretaker role. Danisha reveals the continuous battle of having her intellectual property stolen and being labeled a 'problem' by various authorities. Yet, she remains dedicated to advocating for foster youth and educating others about the complexities and needs of those in the foster care system. Dr. Keating's story highlights the importance of recognizing individual struggles and accomplishments of foster youth, showing that everyone’s journey and needs are unique.

Danisha calls herself a "boot-strap girl" who knows what it means to have GRIT, find purpose, and making a name for herself.  She is a public speaker and author of two best selling books, "Taking My Voice Back" and  "From Foster to PhD".  She holds a bachelor's in Psychology, a master's in Leadership and Organizational Studies, and a PhD in Psychology. She also has a background in trauma informed practices and foster care. She believes in empowering others to find their purpose, on purpose, and to get back into the ring. Danisha has been featured in Women's Journal, Wall Street Times, KFrog & more. 

Please visit danishakeating.com
dkeducationconsulting.com

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Jayne Amelia speaks with Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., who is a therapist specializing in adoption and foster care and the Director and Founder of Celia Center, the non-profit she named after her first mother, Celia.  

*In this episode we talk about:
Treating the Whole Family

- Emphasis on the importance of treating the entire family unit, not just the child.
- Benefits of a holistic approach by acknowledging all members and including the constellation of all family in addressing the root causes of trauma, grief, and loss.

Open Adoption and Open Foster Care Services
Generational Foster Care
Discussion of the Underlying Causes of Stress, Loss, and Trauma
Addressing Multigenerational Trauma
Providing Support and Resources and Preventive Measure
Breaking the Cycle of Generational Foster Care

Jeanette treats children, teens, and adults with serious psychological problems secondary to histories of abuse, neglect, adoption, and /or multiple foster care placements. She has specialized for the past 20 years in the treatment of children and teens who manifest serious deficits in their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development. Celia Center Inc is a non-profit organization in Los Angeles supporting all members of the foster care and adoption constellation which includes birth parents, foster youth, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents as well as professionals working in the field. ​She is also the Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy Inc., a mental health center in Los Angeles provides services to families, children, teens, and adults connected by foster care and adoption. Learn more here.

Jeanette’s desire to become a therapist with a special focus on adoption and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system. Her personal experience has informed her education and provided insight into the unique stresses involved with these issues. 

In 2006 she was awarded the Los Angeles Foster Care Hero Award for her dedication to children and families in foster care. 

Please learn more at JeanetteYoffe.com
Jeanette's has many courses and programs on Pesi.com and her new book can be found on their website: 

Over 160 Attachment-Informed Interventions for Working with Kids and Families in Foster Care and Beyond

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Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth, advocate and attorney Glenda Wright. Glenda recently graduated from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where she received her Juris Doctorate in May 2022. Glenda has also earned her Bachelor of Science in Business with a minor in legal studies from Murray State University. While attending law school, Glenda participated in several extracurricular activities, including serving as senior editor of the Northern Kentucky Law Review and president of the Phi Alpha Delta: Hoffman Chapter. In August 2020, Glenda and her business partner, Tyler Hunter, launched Wright & Hunter Consulting, a firm focused on working with and strengthening all partners in the child welfare continuum. Glenda's passion for child welfare reform comes from her experiences living in the Kentucky foster care system. That passion has led to numerous policy and legislative changes, including two critical pieces of legislation that helped change the way foster care works for youth in Kentucky. For the past 10 years, Glenda has dedicated herself to improving the child welfare system so that other youth and families like hers don't have to experience what she and so many others do. In her "free time," Glenda loves giving back to her community in various ways and being surrounded by those who love her! 

TAY AmeriCorps Member
iFoster
Wright and Hunter Consulting

LinkedIn: glenda-wright-j-d-7781b4141/

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Jayne Amelia speaks with therapist Dr. Bruce Sogolow.  Dr. Bruce has been a psychotherapist for nearly 40 years. He relates that “There was a kind of inevitability that led to my practice of specializing in ‘walking along side’ of families with children who suffered from attachment challenges.” 

His most valuable teachers along the way were children and parents whose trust in others was deeply wounded in their early lives: through a deep dive into non-violent communication, he discovered that their trust could be relationally developed through compassion, empathy, and curiosity. 

For over ten years in Sarasota, Florida, Dr. Bruce served as executive director of RADical Healing, Inc.—“Healing Families, Training Professionals.” He is a specialist in treating families with foster/adoptive children with Reactive Attachment Disorder and is also a licensed Supervisor training new therapists—developing and offering workshops and CEU courses sorely needed in the therapeutic community.  

Dr. Bruce lives with his wife, Katherine—a writer and playwright—in California. He is available for consultations and  facilitates workshops for families and therapists.

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
How To Know A Person: The Art Of Seeing Others Deeply And Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks
The Anatomy Of Peace  by Emery Reves
Buck (film) by Cindi Meehl

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Jayne Amelia speaks with her friend and (very loving and proud) adoptive parent, Warren Press. Warren lives in Los Angeles with his wife Elizabeth Mestnik and their 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter. Their journey to parenthood was a tad unconventional and each child took longer to reach their home than the typical gestation period.  Warren and Elizabeth traveled to China to adopt their daughter while their 14-year-old son was born and adopted a little closer to home in Los Angeles.

Their family encompasses several ethnicities and cultures, all of which are enthusiastically celebrated. When not acting as an Uber driver for his children, Warren is helping corporate groups boost their morale as the Sales and Marketing VP for Feet First Events, a national team building events company.

AdoptUsKids.org
CCAI adoption services
CCAI parent training
Joyous Chinese Cultural Center
The Park Adoption Community Center
L.A.M.P.  Mentor Program
FEET FIRST Event Entertainment
Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio

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