On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Dr. Suzie Friedman!

Suzie is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Washington DC. She works with adult and older teen clients on a variety of concerns from anxiety to eating disorders to trauma. She is especially passionate about the work of helping clients heal from complex trauma and attachment injury, and to support them as they forge a path of personal growth.

In her work with clients Suzie uses a relational approach that includes talk therapy, psychoeducation, and body based approaches including EMDR. In addition to her private practice, Suzie is an Adjunct Professor in the University of Maryland’s Counseling Psychology program where she provides clinical supervision to doctoral students and sometimes teaches at the undergraduate level.

Dr. Suzie Friedman's Website:

suzannefriedmanphd.com

Social Media:

instagram @drsuzie_

facebook @SuzanneMillerFriedmanPhd

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Ángela Quijada-Banks!

Ángela Quijada-Banks is a NAACP Image Award Nominated, American author of the best-selling book, The Black Foster Youth Handbook , Founder and C.E.O of Soulful Liberation ( a Book publishing company and podcast; where she aims to empower foster youth by day and break generational curses by night). She is the Founder and program director at Consciously Melanated Queens ( a community to support the holistic wellbeing of young women of color and providing guidance to uncover their divine purpose.) As a transformational speaker and artist, she has impacted thousands with her message to transmute your pain to purpose and power. As of 2021, Ángela is a scholar at Legacy Holistic Health Institute studying Holistic Health and plant medicine coaching. Through her everyday work with helping young people uncover their divine purpose, performing spoken word events, workshops, Board member at the FCN foundation and political advisory to legislators across the nation, she aims to aid in revolutionary change in holistic health, economic injustices, child-welfare disparities, cultural competency and identity within low-wealth communities of color both on a micro and macro level.

In her most recent best-selling book, The Black Foster Youth Handbook she sheds light on a taboo topic through her own personal experience highlighting 50+ lessons she learned in order to support young people's journey and equip them with necessary tools to successfully age-out of foster care and holistically heal.

Born in Anaheim, CA her reach has spanned across the nation and in several countries. Since the age of three years old, when she was first introduced to swing dancing she has always come back to it even in the most unstable of circumstances.To this day, Ángela is still open to learning new things that excites her including Kung Fu and drumming. Between her day to day adventures, Ángela enjoys traveling the world and adrenaline rushes at amusement parks with her husband, Michael. She is lovingly called a “graceful powerhouse” by all who know her, as she lives by the quote, “ If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalSoulFlower

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mrs_AngelaBanks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaquijada-banks/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTa_p8Ez0Z1xbZ2wpd4sUCg

Portfolio: www.originalsoulflower.com

Divine Purpose coaching: www.consciouslymelanatedqueens.com

Book: The Black Foster Youth Handbook , 50+ Lessons I learned to successfully age-out of foster care and holistically heal www.blackfostercareyouthhandbook.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Fostering Change we have a great conversation with Kimberly Raff!

Kimberly Raff experienced the foster care system after falling through the cracks and experiencing a very difficult childhood. At the age of 17, she emancipated from the system after graduating high school. Alone, scared, and not knowing what to do, she went back to live with her biological mother and step-father, even though drugs and alcohol were still a part of their lives. Shortly after moving to Colorado with them, they left her and moved out of state. Again, she was alone, without family and without a support system.

It was while she was working one of her three jobs that one of her employers approached her about attending college. This changed the path that Kimberly could have gone down. The employer helped her apply, take the ACT, and enroll into Colorado Mesa University where Kimberly studied Computer Science, Accounting, and ultimately ended up getting her degree in Psychology Counseling after 12 years. 

During those 12 years Kimberly failed out of school, enlisted in the military, was medically discharged, and was again, left without any support. 

Through her struggles and triumphs she found who she was meant to become. Her career in child welfare brought memories back of her childhood, especially seeing older youth aging out of care with little to no supports of family or friends. 

In 2017, Kimberly founded Foster Alumni Mentors, a non-profit organization that provides support and guidance to those who experienced foster care, to build a community of support around them. 

http://www.kimberlyraff.com/

https://fosteralumnimentors.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we talk with Dr. John DeGarmo.

Born in 1969, leading international foster care expert, consultant, and TED Talk speaker Dr. John DeGarmo has worn many hats throughout his life. Singing and dancing while touring around the world in the international super group, Up With People, serving as a D.J. at four different radio stations on two different continents, working in the professional wrestling industry, teaching English and Drama at the high school and college level, director of The Foster Care Institute, and founder and national development director of Never Too Late, a residential group home for boys in foster care. Dr. DeGarmo has had a variety of experiences.

He is the author of several foster care books, including the new book The Little Book of Foster Care Wisdom: 365 Days of Inspiration and Encouragement for Foster Care Families, the best selling book Faith and Foster Care, as well as the foster care children's book A Different Home: A New Foster Child's Story. He is the director of The Foster Care Institute, and acts as a consultant to foster care agencies as well as an expert witness to legal agencies across the USA and globe. Dr. John is a High Content Speaker and informative trainer on the foster care system, and travels extensively across the globe, meeting with foster parents, child welfare workers, churches, schools, and organizations. Dr. John has appeared on several TV programs, including CNN, Good Morning America, and ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS stations. Dr.John and his family have even appeared on the popular show Wife Swap. He writes regularly for many magazines, and is a regular contributor to several publications, both in the United States and over seas.

Dr. DeGarmo is married to Dr. Kelly DeGarmo, who hails from Australia, and the two of them have six children, both biological and adoptive. Dr. DeGarmo and his wife are also currently foster parents to three siblings, bringing their household to nine children. Dr. DeGarmo has been a foster parent to over 60 children over the years.

Dr. DeGarmo and his wife are the recipients of the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award, and the Up With People Every Day Hero Award. The two also were honored with their city's Citizens of the Year Award. Dr. DeGarmo has also been honored with a Hero of the Homeless award, the Olivet College Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as an Exceptional People recipient.

Dr. John DeGarmo

The Foster Care Institute

Watch my TEDx Talk on Foster Care : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JQYUp6sEbY

TEDx Talk and Transformative Speaker. International Expert in Foster Care and Parenting.

Visit The Foster Care Institute : http://drjohndegarmofostercare.weebly.com/index.html

Like Dr. DeGarmo on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrJohnDeGarmo

Find Dr. John on Twitter @drjohndegarmo

Phone: 706 318 9225

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we sit down with Sensei Dave Armstrong Motivational Speaker Life Coach Mentor Unlimited Potential Network Academy Sensei Dave Armstrong, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach and at-risk youth expert! He grew up as a product of a broken family, foster care, youth correction facilities all while dealing with his only parent (his mother) dying when he was 13 years old..

After overcoming all of these obstacles in life and defying his destiny, he decided served humanity by dedicating 20+ years towards helping people better their lives and their relationships with their children or the children they work with. After Sensei Dave retired from 24- years of Active Duty Military Service he decided to open Unlimited Potential Network Academy Life Coaching and to publish his amazing motivational autobiography, Why Me, My Fight For Life available on amazon and on www.whyme.world.

Sensei Dave Armstrong was a product of a broken family, foster care, youth correction facilities and a deceased, only parent at the age of 13. As an “at-risk” youth and a “product” of the inner-city educational system, young Sensei Dave was predestined to run with gangs, NOT graduate high school and be dead or in jail by the age of 18.

After his mother passed away Sensei Dave lost all contact with his family and was in and out of boys homes, juvenile detention, and foster homes in California until he turned 18 and “transitioned” out of state custody. BUT…along the way he was influenced by many AMAZING people, two of which were; his CASA, Ron Barnick, an Air Force pilot and Sensei Otto Johnson, his first martial arts instructor.

Without their mentoring Sensei Dave Armstrong would not have been able to mentor, guide, help and motivate the 1000’s of youth, mentors, foster parents and humanity as he has done for years now. Sensei Dave is now retired after 24-years of service to our country in the U.S. Air Force, he has also sat on the Board of Directors as Vice President for non-profit organizations, created his own Martial Arts Mentoring program and owned three martial arts schools in the United States.

As a U.S. Air Force Veteran Sensei Dave has been able to travel and see the world, spreading his positive and motivational personality from country to country. Currently Sensei Dave is a Professional Life Coach and Motivational Speaker, and tours around the United States and Europe helping individuals and companies achieve their personal and professional goals. From The Author “I truly hope that this book finds its place in your heart and is able to help you in some sort of way. I truly believe that I had to go through so much in order to better help humanity and bring people closer to true happiness within their lives.

This is not a “feel good book”, it is a PERSPECTIVE book, it is a GUIDANCE book and it is a REAL LIFE book. I will take you through a journey of my life and events within but, I also hope to give you, the reader some enlightenment and tools to help you personally or to help you better work with at-risk youth or adults.”

Website: www.upna.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenseiDaveArm

Twitter: @UP_N_A

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnlimitedPotentialNetworkAcd

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we chat with Cody Mayo about his experience in the foster care system.

Cody Mayo is from Saginaw, TX. He began his acting career when he was 12 performing in several theatre productions. He received a scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma School of Drama to continue working on his craft. Cody resides in Los Angeles, CA and works as an Actor.

He has previously appeared on MARVEL RUNAWAYS, FOX 9-1-1, CBS DOUBT, TNT MAJOR CRIMES, MTV FAKING IT, and an NBC Pilot CURSE OF THE FUENTES WOMEN.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Fostering Change we get to have a sweet chat with Jay Rosenthal, Founder & Owner of Cupcakes with a purpose.

About Jay:

I have fond memories of baking cookies and cheesecakes with my mom, and as I got older I became interested in cupcakes; they're delicious and they allow for so much creativity.

I've decided to combine my passion for baking and desire to help others into the business of Cupcakes With Purpose. Being able to facilitate giving back to domestic and international causes is the perfect way to fulfill my dream.

By placing an order, you are supporting a cause that has personally affected you or someone you love.

https://cupcakes-with-purpose.square.site/

https://www.instagram.com/causescupcakes

https://www.facebook.com/cupcakeswithpurpose

+1 240-338-2636

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we chat with Garon Wade!

Garon Wade was adopted from Sri Lanka and raised in South Africa, Hawaii, The Gambia, Jamaica, Louisiana, and Jordan. He came to the United States in 2004 and earned his degree in political science and English literature at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a graduate of the US Aeronautical Academy.

Garon has been an air traffic controller for over a decade working at both Washington Tower (DCA) and Fort Lauderdale Tower (FLL).

He spends his time boating the intracoastal waterways with his family, walking the beaches of south Florida, and continuing to travel the world. Please reach out to him on IG @garwade, Twitter @garon_wade or at [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Fostering Change we talk with Jen Lilley about her journey into foster care and learn more about her passion and the projects she's leading up!

Jen is a true champion for charities. In addition to donating 100% of her music profits to create a neighborhood model of safe loving foster homes, she co-founded Christmas is Not Cancelled, Inc.: A marketing company that raises awareness and funds for amazing causes and nonprofits while giving participants the chance to win huge prizes!

As a teenager, Jen garnered the National Educators Award for her work in Guatemala. She is known for advocating children’s rights and supports charities that focus on protecting children against physical and sexual abuse, human trafficking, and the world water crisis. Truly selfless, she is a foster and adoptive parent herself and is a celebrity ambassador for the child abuse and treatment organization Childhelp, Project Orphans, ECPAT, Olive Crest, The Dave Thomas Foundation, The Thirst Project, The Los Angeles Mission, Oneless, A21, Children of the Night, and the Innocent Justice Foundation, and she serves on the Board for Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN) .

A star on both the silver and small screens, including the Academy Award-winning film THE ARTIST, NBC’s iconic daytime series “Days of Our Lives,” ABC’s “General Hospital,” and a regular leading lady on the Hallmark Channel, actress/singer/philanthropist Jen Lilley has tackled countless roles throughout her illustrious career.

Jen Lilley’s creative prowess does not end when the director yells cut, she is also a singer and songwriter. Her music exudes the same sultry ferocity of Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, with Phil Spector’s wall of sound treatment via Rosie Danvers and her 50-piece orchestra. AXS.com said, “Lilley conjures up the sound of a 1960s girl group and embodies the same essence of Amy Winehouse. She takes a nostalgic twist on a modern song that will remind you of what classic music sounds like and have you longing for the days of Motown."

When Jen Lilley is not busy in front of a camera, or perfecting her vocals in studio, she can be found hosting her podcast, "Fostering Hope with Jen Lilley" to demystify the foster care system and encourage loving people to get involved in the cause.

Website: jenlilley.com or ChristmasIsNotCancelled.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenlilleyofficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jen_lilley

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Fostering Change, we sit down and chat with JoyWorks' Founder and Author, Janet Lawless Christ.

Janet’s books are written to help kids and their families talk about difficult issues like disabilities, food insecurity and homelessness.

“People of all ages need to know the truth, talk about it, then seek and hold on tightly to the nuggets of joy they find. That’s where the understanding and healing begins.”

https://joyworksnetworks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JoyWorksNetworks

https://www.instagram.com/joyworks.networks/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyhJZwYFJqf38c9RvPdlhZg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.