The Adoption Roadmap Podcast

In this episode of This Week in Adoption, host Rebecca Gruenspan shares insights from her experiences as an adoption consultant and a single mom through domestic adoption. She discusses the challenges faced by hopeful adoptive parents, highlighting a recent story of a family who experienced the tragic loss of a baby. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of emotional support during adoption, advocating for the use of adoption-competent therapists and legal counsel when needed. She also discusses practical steps for adoptive families, including choosing a home study agency and working with multiple adoption agencies. The episode closes with Rebecca encouraging listeners to keep hope alive despite setbacks and to lean on supportive resources throughout the adoption journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Diana Schimmel Episode

Diana C. Schimmel - Adoption Attorney⁠ 

Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys  

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

03:35 Story of a Family's Loss and Lessons Learned

08:15 The Importance of Getting Up Again After a Fall Through

17:40 Finding a Home Study Agency

20:04 The Role of an Adoption Attorney

23:29 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan interviews Kelly Ellison, a social entrepreneur and founder of Your Adoption Finance Coach, Seed Coach, and COO of Vesta, a family-building benefits company. Kelly shares insights from her 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and how her personal adoption journey led her to create services to help prospective adoptive families navigate the financial challenges of adoption. She discusses the importance of planning and budgeting for adoption, dispels common financial misconceptions, and highlights the benefits of employer-supported family-building programs. Kelly also emphasizes the importance of perseverance throughout the adoption process and shares practical steps for families to prepare financially. This episode is filled with actionable tips for making adoption more affordable and less overwhelming.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Your Adoption Finance Coach 

WIN Fertility

Vesta For Families

Seed Coach - Fertility Financial Guidance  

Rita Soronen - President + CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation  

Adoption Finance Coaching 

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:14 The Financial Challenges of Adoption

08:17 Harnessing Employer Benefits for Adoption

22:47 Financial Preparation for Adoption

29:39 Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan

33:48 Debunking Adoption Financial Myths

34:17 Understanding Adoption Funding

37:19 Demystifying the Adoption Tax Credit

41:48 Applying for Grants

48:41 Employer Benefits

54:51 The Evolving Landscape of Adoption and Fertility Support

58:14 Fortitude: The Key to Navigating the Adoption Journey

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of This Week in Adoption, Rebecca Gruenspan explores the critical topic of birth parent rights in the adoption process. She discusses the importance of ensuring birth mothers have the right to choose what happens with their child, the necessity of legal counsel, and the significance of counseling and support services. Rebecca also addresses the ethical complexities in adoption, including the risks of coercion and the rise of adoption disruptions due to scams. She encourages adoptive parents to thoroughly vet agencies and remain committed to their promises in open adoptions. Additionally, Rebecca suggests translating adoption profiles into Spanish when working with Hispanic birth mothers to ensure they fully understand the process. This episode is a call for awareness, diligence, and compassion in navigating the adoption journey. 

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Ashley Johnson - Adoption Choices of Oklahoma

Department of Children’s Services   

Translation Services for Adoption Profiles: https://gengo.com/ & https://www.rev.com/ 

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

00:00 Birth Parent Rights

05:16 The Importance of Options Counseling

11:27 The Role of Legal Counsel

13:44 Upholding Communication Agreements

15:38 Beware of Adoption Scams

17:12 The Rising Costs of Adoption

18:46 Translating Profiles for Hispanic Birth Parents

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan speaks with Tamika Swint, the founder and executive director of Styles for Kids, an organization dedicated to providing haircare education and services to transracial adoptive and foster families. Tamika shares her inspiring journey, starting from a simple hair braiding class to creating a nationwide movement that supports Black children's cultural identity through haircare. The conversation covers the significance of hair in the Black community, the challenges white adoptive parents face in managing their Black children’s hair, and the importance of the recently passed haircare bill in Illinois. Tamika also emphasizes the need for education, community support, and advocacy to ensure that every child’s haircare needs are met, fostering self-esteem and cultural pride.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

⁠Stylez 4 Kids⁠  

⁠Tamekia Swint - IG⁠

⁠Jockey Being Family - Support For Adoptive Families⁠

 ⁠The Haircare Bill (HB 5097)⁠ 

⁠Adoption Center of Illinois⁠

⁠Hairitage Talks Podcast⁠  

⁠Your Hair is Your Crown - Tamekia's Children's Book⁠ 

⁠Lucrece Bundy Episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast⁠ 

⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠

Chapters

02:23 - Styles for Kids: Comprehensive Hair Care Services and Education

06:06 - The Inspiration Behind Styles for Kids

14:11 - Challenges Faced by White Adoptive Parents in Managing Textured Hair

18:42 - Resources and Educational Tools Provided by Styles for Kids

24:15 - The Hair Care Bill in Illinois

28:03 - Advocating for Children's Hair Care Needs

29:56- The Impact of Hair Care on Self-Image and Identity

32:13 - Common Misconceptions and Mistakes in Hair Care for Black Children

33:34 - Cultural Significance of Hair in the African American Community

34:59 - The Importance of Connection to Culture and Pride in Hair Care

41:28 - Tips and Resources for Hair Care in Transracial Adoptive Families

49:29 - A Memorable Success Story: Changing Lives Through Hair Care Education

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of This Week in Adoption, Rebecca Gruenspan delves into the challenges and strategies many families confront when raising the necessary funds to adopt. Rebecca shares insights from her community on various fundraising efforts, including garage sales, crowdfunding, checking with employers for adoption benefits, and negotiating payment plans with agencies. Rebecca also touches on sensitive topics like divorce in adoptive families and encourages open communication and honesty in co-parenting situations. Finally, Rebecca underscores the value of hiring an adoption-competent therapist or coach to navigate the emotional complexities of the adoption process. She concludes with personal updates and a reminder to continuously work through the challenges of adoption with professional support.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Whitney Michael Episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast

Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption 

Adoption Center For Family Building

Adoption Therapist Cam Lee 

 ⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠

Chapters

03:18 - Overview of Recent Adoption Roadmap Podcast Episodes

03:33 - Struggles and Strategies for Fundraising in Adoption

06:23 - Addressing Financial Challenges in Adoption

08:54 - Tips and Insights from the Adoption Community

11:34 - Divorce and Co-Parenting After Adoption

14:04 - Making Informed Decisions and Saying No in Adoption

15:27 - The Role of Self-Reflection and Tracking in Adoption

18:10 - Navigating Uncertainty in Adoption Situations

21:06 - Importance of Adoption Competent Professionals

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan explores the unique journeys of two single fathers, Dan Miller and Ben Greenberg. The episode dives into their motivations, experiences with adoption agencies, and the joys and challenges they faced along the way. Ben and Dan offer valuable advice for single men considering adoption, including the importance of being realistic about challenges, building a strong support network, and preparing for the unique needs of adopted children, especially those from different cultural backgrounds. Join Rebecca as she sheds light on one of the lesser discussed topics in the adoption world and learn from two extraordinary guests on this week’s episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast. 

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Adoption Center for Family Building 

Bellefaire Child Service Agency 

Natalie Bauman - Episode of The Adoption Roadmap

Jill Sadowski - JCB Director of Intake

Karen Schneider - Adoption Attourney

Marilyn Malkin - Adoption Psychologist 

Limiar International (Brazilian Agency) 

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

05:24 - Deciding to Become a Single Dad

16:12 - Reactions from Friends and Family

25:44 - Sharing the Adoption Journey with the Child

30:43 - The Process of Adopting as a Single Dad

37:50 - Talking to the Child About Adoption

40:39 - Introduction and Openness to Transracial Adoption

57:19 - Navigating Microaggressions and Responding with Kindness

01:00:39 - Building a Supportive Network for Single Parenting

01:09:13 - Parenting with Empathy and Patience

01:15:25 - The Transformative Power of Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this July 4th edition of This Week in Adoption Rebecca Gruenspan celebrates the recent successes of three single mothers in the RG community who have successfully adopted, highlighting their perseverance and dedication. Rebecca also shares key takeaways from the National Council for Adoption Conference, discussing the impact of drug exposure on babies and the critical role of language and therapy in the adoption journey. She then shares some words of wisdom to hopeful adoptive parents to closely follow the guidance of their consultants, stressing the importance of putting themselves out there to increase their chances of being chosen. This episode concludes with a powerful reminder from Dolphins Fullback Alec Ingold to seize every opportunity in the adoption process, as timing can be crucial.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Building Resilience and Embracing Diversity with Kate Shanahan Episode  

National Council for Adoption Conference  

PACT Adoption Alliance

Beth Hall - Executive Director at PACT

Alec Ingold Instagram 

Dolphins FB Alec Ingold uses own adoption experience to help foster kids in South Florida    

⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠

Chapters

4:00 Trusting the Advice of Adoption Consultants

10:15 Hopeful Parents as a Commodity

 13:05 The Power of Language and Therapy in Adoption

16:47 Insights from the National Council for Adoption Conference

22:30 Seizing Opportunities in the Adoption Journey

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap, Rebecca Gruenspan is joined by Natalie Bauman as she shares her unique perspective as both an adoptee and an adoptive parent. Natalie recounts her journey to find her biological parents, a search that profoundly shaped her understanding of family and identity, as well as a remarkable revelation that emerged through DNA testing. Natalie discusses her decision to adopt domestically, which led to the unexpected and joyful phone call that made her a mother. Rebecca and Natlie also discuss some of the challenges of transracial adoption and the importance of confronting biases and surrounding oneself with a supportive community during the process. Rebecca and Natalie’s conversation underscores the significance of listening to and preserving adoptees' stories, as these narratives are vital for future generations.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

The Digital Mosaic - Natalie's Video Storytelling App 

Story Corps

Jews of Color Initiative 

⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠

Chapters

04:17 The Emotional Dynamics of Adoption

09:07 Reconnecting with Biological Family

12:23 Preserving Family Stories through Genealogy

19:34 Natalie’s Adoption Journey and Unique Revelation

27:22 Adopting Rebecca's Daughter and Conclusion

34:53 Becoming a Mother

36:20 Privacy and Consent in Adoption Storytelling

39:14 Balancing Parent's Story and Child's Story

45:27 Support and Mentorship in the Adoption Journey

57:31 The Influence of Adoption on Professional Work

01:01:46 Challenges and Misunderstandings of Transracial Adoption

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap, Becca Gruenspan dives into key aspects of the adoption journey. She begins with the importance of establishing a relationship with the expectant mother through visits before birth and the financial aspects of adoption, emphasizing the need for a well-structured financial plan. In this episode Rebecca also explores the emotional stages of adoption, highlighting how individuals often progress from fear and uncertainty to a more open and informed perspective. Additionally, she touches on the often-overlooked role of birth fathers, underscoring the importance of understanding their rights and the potential benefits of involving them in the adoption process.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Solace Box

Your Adoption Finance Coach

RG Adoption Instagram  

⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠

Chapters

03:06 Building a Relationship: Visits Before Birth

8:19 Financial Planning: How Much Money Do You Need to Adopt?

13:24 The Stages of Adoption

20:30 Birth Fathers

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap, Rebecca Gruenspan speaks with Francine Apy, the founder of SoulFilling, as she shares her heartfelt journey of creating a business that resonates deeply within the adoption community. Inspired by the concept of ‘soul filling,’ Francine’s company aims to bring comfort and connection to those touched by adoption. She opens up about her personal adoption experience, the unique qualities of each of her three adopted children, and many of the lessons she learned along the way. This conversation explores the evolving language and norms surrounding open adoption as well as Francine’s mission to normalize the discussion around adoption, amplify positive stories, and reduce the stigma often associated with it. In addition, Francine discusses her work as an author, sharing her mother’s life story and creating a children’s book that helps explain adoption. 

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

https://www.soulfillingadoption.com/bio-francine-apy

C.A.S.E. - Adoption Centered Mental Health Support  

@francinapy IG

Interview w/Francine on NY news10  

Briannas Brave Day at School by Francine Apy 

Dominicas Story: A Life of Courage, Hope, and Love (Francine's Mother's Story) 

Surrounded by Love: An Adoption Story by Allison Olson 

⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠

Chapters

02:02 Starting SoulFilling and the Power of Faith

09:24 Adopting Three Children and Their Unique Journeys

19:13 The Role of Prayer and Letting Go of Control

25:28 Managing Stress through Mindset and Meditation

30:13 Navigating Language and Nuances in Adoption

32:11 The Spectrum of Openness in Adoption Relationships

33:07 Adoption as a Normal Part of Family

37:23 Open Communication and Accountability

39:15 Amplifying Stories of Adoption

43:13 The Importance of Therapy for Adoptees

49:15 Making Adoption Conversations Mainstream

52:45 Sharing Adoption Stories

59:07 Soul Filling and Positive Reactions

01:01:22 Being Open to the Miracle

01:03:55 Moving Beyond Stagnation

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! 

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠