This episode shares my story of being trafficked out of foster care by the very system meant to protect me.
It also tells how my CASA volunteer, who always managed to find me no matter how many placements or states I passed through, found me again when I was sitting in juvenile detention. Her intervention changed the entire trajectory of my life.

This story is raw, honest, and necessary.

Thousands of foster youth carry similar truths in silence. Speaking out is not only a reclaiming of power, it becomes a light for the next child lost in the system.

Support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates): https://nationalcasagal.org/ Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting their mission. Resources for Foster Youth Who

Experienced Abuse or Trafficking: Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (24/7): https://childhelphotline.org/ National Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Foster Youth and Foster Alumni Support Organizations: National Foster Youth Institute: https://nfyi.org/
Foster Care Alumni of America: https://fostercarealumni.org/

If you are a current or former foster youth who has been abused, silenced, overlooked, or harmed by the system, please remember this: You are not alone. You deserve safety, respect, and support. Reach out to your local CASA or foster youth nonprofits, especially those created and run by foster alumni. These organizations understand what you have lived through, and you will be heard and supported. 

To share your story or help us create the change the children and families in the system today deserve, Reach Out: [email protected]

Listen on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM?si=d9c928a9cc234a3c
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dc78e402-fb68-48fa-80f8-97bd4f74f984/interview-with-a-foster-kid-declassified
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
• Substack: https://substack.com/@disorderlywanderlust

Get the companion book:
Disappointed: The Sacred Act of Reappointing Yourself free for a limited time on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/DISAPPOINTED-Sacred-Act-Reappointing-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0FJ8

Listen on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM?si=d9c928a9cc234a3c
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dc78e402-fb68-48fa-80f8-97bd4f74f984/interview-with-a-foster-kid-declassified
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
• Substack: https://substack.com/@disorderlywanderlust

Get the companion book:
Disappointed: The Sacred Act of Reappointing Yourself free for a limited time on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/DISAPPOINTED-Sacred-Act-Reappointing-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0FJ8

What does it really take to transform the educational outcomes of children in foster care?

In this unapologetically honest episode of Interview With A Foster Kid, I sit down with Sharon Dunlevy - a seasoned educational advocate, training consultant, and relentless disruptor of broken systems. Sharon has trained over 540 foster parents and impacted the lives of more than 1,620 children across the nation. Her work centers on empowering foster parents to become powerful educational advocates because every foster child deserves a real shot at success.
With trauma-informed principles and legal strategy in her toolkit, Sharon brings the kind of clarity and leadership our system desperately needs.

But we don’t stop there. We call out the failures. We talk about generational responsibility - the silence, the complicity, and the need for true societal accountability.

This episode pulls no punches. It challenges listeners to examine the role we all play in the outcomes of children raised in systems built to fail them.

Here’s what you’ll take away: Why our current education model doesn't work for foster kids - and what needs to change. The stark difference between discipline and punishment. Sharon’s roadmap for turning foster parents into legal and educational advocates. A raw conversation about collective responsibility and ethical failure. 

More about Sharon & her work: Visit: www.sharondunlevy.com
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharondunlevy/
Sharon Dunlevy Access training and resources: sharondunlevy.com/resources 

Resource Spotlight: Foster Greatness: https://www.fostergreatness.co/
Foster Greatness is a platform created by and for foster care alumni. This isn’t charity - it’s infrastructure for transformation.
It offers: A Resource Finder for essentials like housing, education, and job training Peer Coaching by people who’ve lived the experience Workshops, Panels, and Community App for connection, growth, and healing Whether you’re a foster youth, alumni, advocate, or policymaker - this episode is for you. It’s a call to dismantle the old systems and build ones worthy of our children. 

Follow "Interview With a Foster Kid" on: 
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amira-therese-11809b347/
SPREAKER: https://www.spreaker.com/show/6587831/episodes/feed #FosterCare #ChildAdvocacy

 #GenerationalResponsibility #EducationReform #TraumaInformedCare #FosterParents #FosterGreatness #PodcastVoices #SystemicChange #LinkedInVoices #Accountability #YouthJustice

Listen on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM?si=d9c928a9cc234a3c
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dc78e402-fb68-48fa-80f8-97bd4f74f984/interview-with-a-foster-kid-declassified
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
• Substack: https://substack.com/@disorderlywanderlust

Get the companion book:
Disappointed: The Sacred Act of Reappointing Yourself free for a limited time on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/DISAPPOINTED-Sacred-Act-Reappointing-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0FJ8

Jackson's Gift: A Foster Fierce Alumni Leaves His Legacy To Us
 Amira Therese brings together two remarkable women with one mission: Andrea Forringer, Jackson's mother, shares her son's inspiring journey from foster care to the Marines, and Sarah Davis reveals how she transformed this legacy into Jackson's Gift - a groundbreaking initiative supporting foster youth entering military service.

**APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!** Foster youth aging into adulthood with military aspirations can receive financial awards, mentorship, and crucial support through Jackson's Gift. Visit: Jacksonsgift.com today to apply and access resources that can change your future.

Released May 1st for National Foster Care Awareness Month and recorded on Jackson's birthday (April 9th), this episode honors an extraordinary person with so much hope and drive that he inspired change and hope in generations to come! 

If you have a story to share, or if you just need somebody to talk you through this often tumultuous journey, reach out to me: [email protected]
Your story deserves to be heard and my platform is yours!

#FosterKidFierce #MissionPossible #FosterYouthSuccess #MilitaryPathways #JacksonsGift #FosterCareAwareness2025 #YouthEmpowerment #Grant #Scholarship 

Listen on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM?si=d9c928a9cc234a3c
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dc78e402-fb68-48fa-80f8-97bd4f74f984/interview-with-a-foster-kid-declassified
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
• Substack: https://substack.com/@disorderlywanderlust

Get the companion book:
Disappointed: The Sacred Act of Reappointing Yourself free for a limited time on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/DISAPPOINTED-Sacred-Act-Reappointing-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0FJ8

This week on "Interview With A Foster Kid," host Amira Therese welcomes Sam Dorvil, a passionate foster father and advocate who's revolutionizing lives both in real estate and foster care.

While Sam wasn't in foster care himself, his challenging journey as a Haitian immigrant fueled his Foster Fierce mission to create meaningful change for children in the system. Sam shares how the struggles he faced after arriving in the United States gave him unique insight into the resilience needed to overcome adversity - a perspective he now uses to mentor and advocate for foster youth.

Sam isn't just a World Class Foster Father, he's a Real Estate Development Coach with his proven 8-step methodology, Sam reveals how he's creating safe spaces and building foundations for foster children as a devoted foster father.

This powerful conversation explores how Sam's professional expertise building physical houses transforms into his personal commitment to building supportive homes where foster youth can truly thrive. 

Connect with Sam:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sam_Dorvil
Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=108545604
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6fQJf1cuGzXsYP3sVZJRph
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samdorvil

For more Foster Fierce stories and inspiring journeys of resilience, follow "Interview With A Foster Kid"
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/interview-with-a-foster-kid--6587831
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iwafosterkid

FOSTER FIERCE ALUM: Join Me On The Show!
[email protected]

Listen on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM?si=d9c928a9cc234a3c
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dc78e402-fb68-48fa-80f8-97bd4f74f984/interview-with-a-foster-kid-declassified
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
• Substack: https://substack.com/@disorderlywanderlust

Get the companion book:
Disappointed: The Sacred Act of Reappointing Yourself free for a limited time on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/DISAPPOINTED-Sacred-Act-Reappointing-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0FJ8

In this 2-part mini-series, host Amira Therese shares the key to success that all foster kid alumni need to know! Discover transformative insights from Amira’s journey after aging out of care. Next, hear from Deanna Terry, Co-Founder of Keystep, about vital resources for youth transitioning from foster care. Finally, an expert guest reveals adult social services that aging-out foster youth can still access. Tune in for empowering guidance and essential tools for a brighter future!


📣MY FELLOW ALUMNI: This is your sanctuary of shared survival stories, resilience, confronting false narratives, and a sprinkle of inappropriately placed humor only we'll understand to keep things lively.

Join us as we amplify voices, expose the quiet parts that need to get loud, and forge connections that remind us we’re never alone. Together, let's be the force that challenges conventions and ignites change. We are #FosterFierce⚡💪

I WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY!
Foster Fierce Alumni: This is your platform to speak your world, share your narrative, confront a system meant to silence you, and stand strong as the Fierce Thriver you are!
Reach out to me at: [email protected]

In this game-changing episode of "Interview With A Foster Kid," host Amira Therese sits down with Tristian Smith, author of the groundbreaking "Against All Odds - A Memoir."

More than a personal story, this book is a rallying cry for foster care reform! Tristian exposes systemic flaws with hard-hitting statistics and raw truths, transforming his experiences into a powerful blueprint for change. This episode is essential listening for foster care alumni, professionals, and policymakers alike.

Don't just hear Tristian's story - join the movement to revolutionize foster care.

Get your copy of "Against All Odds" here: https://a.co/d/1RoQG6I

Follow Tristian's journey!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristianwsmith/

Join the Conversation - Contact us: [email protected]

Subscribe now for more inspiring guests and stories that demand action.

Together, we can reshape the future of foster care. WE ARE #FosterKidFierce #MissionPossible 

Listen on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM?si=d9c928a9cc234a3c
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dc78e402-fb68-48fa-80f8-97bd4f74f984/interview-with-a-foster-kid-declassified
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
• Substack: https://substack.com/@disorderlywanderlust

Get the companion book:
Disappointed: The Sacred Act of Reappointing Yourself free for a limited time on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/DISAPPOINTED-Sacred-Act-Reappointing-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0FJ8

Welcome to the launch of an inspiring podcast dedicated to the incredible journeys of foster kids! In this debut episode, listeners meet our passionate host, a foster kid alumni, ready to bridge the gap of isolation. This show unites foster voices, creating a powerful platform for heartfelt stories and meaningful conversations. Join us and be part of a movement that empowers foster siblings everywhere! 


I WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY!
Foster Fierce Alumni: This is your platform to speak your world, share your narrative, confront a system meant to silence you, and stand strong as the Fierce Thriver you are!
Reach out to me at: [email protected]

Message from the host:
Hey there! I'm Amira Therese, your host and a fellow Foster Fierce Alum, with an expert-level degree in "Improvisational Adulting," earned the hard way after almost 15 years in over 30 foster homes. 🎓

Welcome to "Interview With A Foster Kid," the podcast that's putting raw, unfiltered foster stories on the map. Imagine a place where chaos meets camaraderie, and dark humor is just another Monday. Picture yourself finding that someone else understands your kaleidoscope of experiences. Intense, isn’t it?

Dive into a community where we're not just sharing stories; we're validating truths - Because, let's be real, we’ve seen things that'll make your social worker blush😳

📣MY FELLOW ALUMNI: This is your sanctuary of shared survival stories, resilience, confronting false narratives, and a sprinkle of inappropriately placed humor only we'll understand to keep things lively.

Join us as we amplify voices, expose the quiet parts that need to get loud, and forge connections that remind us we’re never alone. Together, let's be the force that challenges conventions and ignites change. We are #FosterFierce⚡💪

Join Host Amira Therese, a Foster Fierce Alumni, in a compelling discussion with Kathleen Kelly, an ER nurse, forensic children's nurse, former foster mom, and author. Kathleen shares her journey in fostering, navigating child welfare challenges, and more. Her book 'Voices Of The ER,' offers a unique perspective on resilience within healthcare. This conversation highlights powerful stories of advocacy, compassion, survival, and gives us a deeper look on what really goes on behind the scenes of foster care, and the E.R.

Message from the Host:

Hi! I'm Amira Therese, a fellow foster fierce alum and this episode is very close to my heart. We get to sit down with my Aunt, Kathleen Kelly. Not only is this fierce survivor my aunt, but she was my second foster home, an ER nurse, a Forensics Nurse, an Advocate, and a Mother. She taught me to be emboldened by my writing and creativity. She knew how important books and stories were for me and without questioning my future goals or accusing me of wasting my time - SHE INVESTED IN MY PASSION!
I remember the smell of the ink when she opened up her typewriter, set it down in front of me and said, "Tell the world your truth, your way. No one can take this world you can create with your words away from you."

That moment has been with me and empowered me to this day! 

Let's share a moment like that together! Tune in to this amazing episode!


Get your copy of "Voices of the ER" on Amazon today!
https://www.amazon.com/Voices-ER-True-stories-front/dp/B09PMBJCYJ

I WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY!
Foster Fierce Alumni: This is your platform to speak your world, share your narrative, confront a system meant to silence you, and stand strong as the Fierce Thriver you are!
Reach out to me at: [email protected]

Listen on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EJDfW0SJBz16bCmsEkWDM?si=d9c928a9cc234a3c
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dc78e402-fb68-48fa-80f8-97bd4f74f984/interview-with-a-foster-kid-declassified
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InterviewWithAFosterKid
• Substack: https://substack.com/@disorderlywanderlust

Get the companion book:
Disappointed: The Sacred Act of Reappointing Yourself free for a limited time on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/DISAPPOINTED-Sacred-Act-Reappointing-Yourself-ebook/dp/B0FJ8

Foster Kid Fierce - Please Listen Mindfully

The topics in this podcast cover several areas of trauma including: Homelessness, Displacement, Abuse, Trafficking, and many other serious issues that may be triggering for some of our audience members. 
Please listen mindfully - and reach out if you need help!


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK 
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741 - 24/7 text support for crises
National Foster Care Hotline: 1-888-My-Foster
411 Helpline: Call 411 Share your story: [email protected]