Thriving Adoptees - Let's Thrive

Do you want more joy in your life? Who doesn't? How is joy possible despite the tough stuff - like failed adoptions? Listen in as adoptive mother and adoption coach Valerie jumps into joy...

Valerie is the owner of A Step Ahead Adoption Services and has many roles within ASA. As an adoption coach, she walks alongside families as they navigate their adoption journey, as well as oversees all of the adoption coaches, and maintains close working relationships with our trusted agencies and attorneys while working to build new relationships for the future. It is very important to Valerie to keep open, honest communication with both providers and clients alike.

Valerie and her husband, Bryce, have been blessed by adoption not one, but three times! They have walked through the trials of foster care, have been past clients of ASA and have experienced the heartbreak of a failed adoption before being blessed with their youngest. Her career in adoption began a few years ago as an adoption coach with ASA. Her clients always appreciated her first-hand experience and honesty. Before becoming an adoption coach, she worked for eight years in the medical field as an x-ray tech. She turned her passion for patient care into something so much bigger and targeted to a subject that is so close to her heart!

When Valerie was approached about taking over ownership of the company, it was an instant YES! She has the perfect mentor, Diane Hogan (previous owner/founder of over 24 years) and team behind her to help accomplish so much in the adoption world! Adoption education, specifically education on transracial adoption, is very important to Valerie. After working with ASA, you will not only walk away with a new member of your family, but you will also be educated on how to appropriately navigate the adoption world and care for your adopted child. 

It is Valerie’s mission to make all families who work with ASA feel supported every step of the way, from the beginning stages of their adoption to finalization. Valerie’s past experiences give her a very unique perspective to offer all of her clients.

https://www.facebook.com/ASAAdoption/

https://astepaheadadoption.com/

https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadadoptionservices/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Sensitivity oils relationships like nothing else. Listen in as adoptive dad and adoption lawyer Greg and I dive deep into sensitivity, compassion and communication so we cal all thrive.

Adoptions and assisted fertility make up 90% of Greg's legal practice.   An adoptive parent himself, Greg Franklin understands the challenges and joys of adopting a child. Adoptions involve a highly emotional area of law in which any legal misstep can cause devastating effects. With more than 25 years of adoption experience, Greg's goal is to develop a legally secure plan that serves the best interests of the child and respects the wishes and interests of both the adoptive or intended parents and the birth parents or gestational carriers. Greg works extensively with LGBT clients, and has represented clients in cases which have broken new ground in this area. Greg is passionate about adoptions — he is a frequent lecturer and author on ethics and adoption-related topics and he works tirelessly to achieve a positive result for adoption families.

In his representation of birth parents, Greg will assist in locating adoptive parents, negotiating open adoption and post-adoption contact agreements, and coordinating the process with the hospital and the adoptive parents.

Greg has considerable experience in the developing area of assisted fertility, including surrogacy and gestational carrier agreements, donor embryos and eggs, and in obtaining parentage and pre-birth orders.

Greg also helps to create permanent families through stepparent and co-parent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, extended-family custody agreements, foster care and international adoptions. He will assist in selecting the right avenue for achieving adoption goals, including the decision about whether to pursue domestic or international adoption, the choice between agency and private adoptions, selecting home study resources, managing subsidy and Adoption Tax Credit issues, and locating post-adoption services.

Find out more about Greg here:

https://www.adoptionny.com

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Could you do with higher self worth? Do you put yourself down? Do you see yourself as bad? Good enough? Rob aged out of foster care homeless at 18. He struggled to see his self worth. Listen in as he shares his learnings on seeing our essential goodness.

At any given time, there are more than 330,000 youth in foster care in the United States. An estimated 700 children enter the system each day, and most arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. Those who do have belongings are often given a trash bag in which to pack up and carry their life’s treasures.

Rob Scheer experienced this indignity firsthand. Over forty years ago, he entered foster care and walked up to his foster home carrying a tattered and torn trash bag. He aged out of foster care at the age of 18, became homeless, and again carried his possessions in a trash bag.

After graduating high school (while still homeless), serving in the military and moving on to have a successful career as a banker, Rob, along with his husband Reece, decided to grow their family by adopting from the foster care system. When his children arrived on his doorstep with their belongings in trash bags. Rob was floored. How, after forty years, were children in the foster care system still carrying their things in a bag used for trash?

Rob and his family decided it was time to change this practice and the idea for Comfort Cases was born. With the vision of assembling backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items to deliver to local DCFS, the Scheer family invited their community to pack some cases. The first Packing Party was held in December of 2013 and shortly thereafter Comfort Cases was established as an official 501(c)3.

To date, more than 300,000 Comfort Cases® and Comfort XL duffel bags have been distributed to children in foster care in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and now in the United Kingdom, with Comfort CasesUK launched in 2022.  Rob’s ultimate goal is for every youth to receive a Comfort Case® upon entering foster care.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Comfort Cases has been featured on The Ellen Show, The Today Show, The View, and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, just to name a few. In 2017, an Upworthy video featuring Comfort Cases received over 150 million views and in 2018 Rob Scheer was named one of CNN’s Heroes. Rob and Reece Scheer are also featured in Bryce Dallas Howard’s documentary film Dads on AppleTV+.

Rob is the host of Fostering Change, a weekly audio and video podcast that brings in guests of prominence who discuss issues regarding foster care, adoption, LGBTQ+ and other timely and topical issues. Now in its 7th season, Fostering Change has been ranked the #1 Podcast for Adoption and Foster Care issues two consecutive years.

The author of A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time, Rob’s memoir tells the inspiring story of his journey from foster care to foster parent and his drive to rebuild a broken system.

In May, 2022, Rob received an Honorary Doctoral Degree, a Doctorate of Humane Letters, from Lynn University, where he also delivered the commencement speech.

Rob lives in Maryland with his husband Reece, their five children and multiple pets including dogs, goats, chickens and a pig named Penelope.

https://www.instagram.com/rob_scheer

https://www.facebook.com/comfortcases/

https://www.facebook.com/robscheer6

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-scheer-27482653/

https://comfortcases.org/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Adoption can present us with many challenges. But how do we rise to those challenges? Listen in as Ella shares insights on dealing with the unexpected, coming from love and much more...

Ella Smith is Executive Director for Adoption Choices.  Originally from Colombia, Ella moved to the USA 23 years ago to the DFW area where she has strong connections and friendships.  Married to a loving husband for 25 years, they have two grown children: Christian who is a soccer coach, and David who is a pilot like his father.

Ella has an extensive background working with children and families since 2008, for the last 8 years her experience has been in the adoption field, Ella is a dedicated professional with a proven track record in facilitating international adoptions and nurturing positive family relationships. Experienced in navigating complex legal and cultural landscapes to ensure successful adoptions and compliance with country accreditations. Skilled in building rapport with diverse stakeholders, including service providers, adoptive parents, single parents of either gender, LGBTQ+ parents, birth parents and government agencies. Strong understanding of the adoption regulations and protocols. Committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in all endeavors. Ella is dedicated to ensuring that all children find loving and caring homes.

Ella holds a degree in social communication and journalism from Colombia and a master’s degree in marketing management. Now residing in the DFW area, she is passionate about advocating for children’s rights to be loved, valued, and respected.

Ella is excited to be part of Adoption Choices of Texas and to meet all the bravest and selfless parents who wants to create a better future for their child.

In her free time Ella enjoys traveling to her beloved Colombia, spend time with her diverse group of friends, and watching tv at home.  Ella also has a service dog named Stella.

https://www.adoptionchoicesoftexas.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionChoicesOfTexas/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Being told to just raise your kids doesn't sound like a great piece of advice. But it landed profoundly for Susan. She heard it as a pointer to stop trying to think too far ahead. To listen to wisdom in the moment. To stop overthinking. Who doesn't need less overthinking right? Listen in for your own aha moments.

Founder and Executive Director, Susan Silverman grew up in a family that fostered older children, and getting to know kids without a permanent, loving family of their own had a big impact on her. Now, she and her spouse have five children, three were born to them and two were adopted. She is the author of a memoir, Casting Lots: Creating a Family in a Beautiful, Broken World and has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, BBC, ABC, and more. Susan has a BA from Boston University, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and an MA and Rabbinical Ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Connect with Susan here

https://www.instagram.com/susansilverman7

https://www.2nurture.org/

https://www.facebook.com/2ndnurture/

https://www.instagram.com/2ndNurture

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

We want our kids to grow. We know we have to nurture them to make that happen. So how do we do that? Listen in as Jenny who has 4 kids including her youngest who's adopted shares what she's learning about nurturing and more...

Connect with Jenny here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-fridge-413047134/

https://www.facebook.com/jenny.fridge

https://www.instagram.com/jennyfridge/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

Our most profound learnings often come from the toughest moments. Born in Ethiopia, adopted by an American family at 5, Isaac shares his most transformative learnings. Inspirational!

Born in Ethiopia, Isaac spent time in an orphanage following the tragic loss of both parents. He was adopted at age 5 by an American family and made a profession of faith at age 7.

Here's a bit about Isaac from his website

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned through my adoption journey is that my view of God shapes everything about my identity. I came to realize that who I am flows out of who I believe God to be—not the other way around. This struggle isn’t unique to adoptees or foster kids; it’s something every person wrestles with at some level. People often ask how I navigate my so-called identity issue—what it’s like to be a Black man raised by white parents, and how that dynamic shapes my sense of belonging.

I tell them that at its core, this isn’t really an identity issue—it’s a theological one..

https://www.instagram.com/isaacmelber/reels/

https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Delivered-Families-Worlds-Redeeming/dp/B0H2HH6785

https://www.isaacmelber.com/

Here's the interview with Isaac's dad David https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/slowing-down-with-david-melber

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What if it's true. That we're fundamentally whole despite trauma. No, really. Listen in as previous guest and friend Marcy puts me on the spot. Make up your own mind...

Here's Marcy's interview https://thriving-adoptees.simplecast.com/episodes/the-other-side-of-shame-with-marcy-pusey

Here's more about that...and Marcy...

We've all felt shame - it's part of the human experience. But beyond it lies the peace we seek for ourselves and those we love. So how do we get to the other side of shame? Marcy and I go DEEP into this in one of my favourite conversations so far. We hope you love it too.

Here's how Marcy describes herself on her website: 

Jesus-follower, mom to 4 humans, two adopted through the foster system and two biological, multi-passionate mompreneur, best-selling author, international and 2xs TEDx speaker, networker, and mentor. 

My mission is to help people uncover and present their stories to help them finetune their uniqueness, empower their lives, and to maximize their potential. Here, we work together to create safe spaces and connections so that others feel worthy of value and love.

Watch her Tedx Talks:

How Story Empower Kids to Shape Our World

You Are More Than Your Traumatic Experiences

Find out more at:

https://www.facebook.com/MarcyPusey/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcypusey/

https://www.instagram.com/marcymarie/

https://marcypusey.com/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

What does healing mean to you? It means something different to everyone. Getting clear on what it means to you is profoundly helpful. Knowing how we heal is even more powerful. Listen in as Aysha and I dive deep into what helps us heal and what doesn't. 

"As a New York native, I am thrilled to lead Healing New York as the nation's oldest child-serving agency and help chart the way ahead to create a larger footprint."

Prior to joining Healing New York as President and CEO in May 2024, Aysha E. Schomburg served the Biden Administration as the Associate Commissioner of the U.S. Children’s Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, where she advised on child welfare. Previously, Aysha served as the Senior Administrator for Program Oversight at New York City's Administration for Children’s Services, where she developed operational plans and coordinated COVID-19 guidance with the Department of Education and Department of Homeless Services. She also addressed inequities and racism in child welfare. In October 2021, the Aspen Institute named Aysha an Ascend Fellow. She holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, an M.A. from New York University, and a J.D. from New York Law School.

https://healing-ny.org/

https://www.facebook.com/HealingNewYork

https://www.instagram.com/healing_newyork/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/healing-ny/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-e-schomburg-4647a518/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

We humans have a funny relationship with change. What if change was for the better? A change in how we think, how we feel, how we see ourselves? Listen is adoption leader and therapist Lisa shares insights on growth, learning and change...

Here's a bit about Lisa from her organisation's website:

Lisa Dominguez stepped into the CEO role in 2024, yet has a longstanding history with Paths for Families, as she first joined the organization in 2006 as a contract social worker, completing home studies, post-placements, and clinical services.

Her 25+ career has been centered around serving children and families, almost half of which was spent working exclusively in the adoption, foster care, and kinship community. She is a seasoned supervisor and trainer, providing perspective on trauma-responsive techniques for both parents and professionals locally, nationally, and internationally.

In 2022, she re-joined the team to step into the role of Chief Program Officer, which laid the groundwork for her trajectory to CEO as our founder, Janice Goldwater, was strategically making succession plans.

Lisa has stepped confidently forward in upholding and building upon the legacy of what Janice Goldwater has built at Paths for Families.

Lisa received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, and her Master’s in Social Work from New York University. Outside of work, Lisa loves to travel, is a huge fan of fitness, and loves to spend time in nature.

https://pathsforfamilies.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pathsforfamilies

https://www.instagram.com/pathsforfamilies

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-dominguez-610126150/

Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.