An up-and-coming content creator, marketer, playwright/screenwriter, and columnist who is a fast learner, comfortable working with an array of different personalities, and passionate about advocacy through storytelling (check out my portfolio: www.HerOddSelf.com) Featured in 89.3 KPCC, PBS SoCal, Education Week, Los Angeles Female Playwright Initiative (LAFPI), and the Santa Monica Daily Press (SMDP), and Good News Radio Magazine. Not only am I an award-winning playwright via my one-woman show that I wrote, produced, and performed in during the Hollywood Fringe Festival about my life before, during, and after foster care entitled "SugarFree: Foster Care Cognitive Dissonance". I am also a former foster youth passionate about writing and storytelling for social change who is inspiring people to "Thrive Not Just Survive" through writing, keynote speaking, thought-leadership blogging, and podcasting, and whose superpower is leading with empathy. Currently advancing my skills in marketing, communication, branding, and copywriting.   Social Media     Anchor/Spotify: https://anchor.fm/heroddself   Website: https://heroddself.com/   Podcast: https://anchor.fm/heroddself   Blog: https://medium.com/@HerOddSelf   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroddself/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerOddSelf     Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/ 

Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

One Foster Teen's College Success Story with Shari Walker

Scott Mason shares his story of navigating through biracial adoption while being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. He is also a podcaster himself. You can find his podcast on his WEBSITE or by searching for "Purpose Highway" on your podcast platform of choice. FaceBook Instagram Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Learning Thru LGBTQ+ Biracial Adoption with Scott Mason

Today's guest was Darren Fink (from Transfiguring Adoption), the author of Gruhit's Hope. It is about a group of siblings that are placed in a foster home and (spoiler alert) there are a few magical creatures involved! It isn't all fantasy - there are some real questions that this book forces you to ask yourself. Get a copy on their website at: https://transfiguringadoption.com/store-2/?model_number=gruhits-hope-paperback Listen to the episode to hear what Darren is offering if you get the book from their website! If you are totally committed to Amazon for everything, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Gruhits-Hope-Magical-Creatures-Around/dp/0578889722   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Gruhit's Hope with Darren Fink

Darius Kimberling is a former foster youth (FFY) and a current foster parent as well. He and his wife of 8 years are helping kids in more than one way. His goal is to connect with each kid that comes through his organization while they are building their own custom-made Noble Goal.  You can find him on his FB page OOTW Creations (link below). https://www.facebook.com/OOTWCreations/ Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/  

Building Relationships Thru Noble Goals with Darius Kimberling

 A native of Tacoma, Washington, Jamerika Haynes-Lewis has more than ten years of experience as a journalist and advocate for children in foster care. While growing up in foster care, Jamerika was determined to have a different life than the one she experienced. She put herself through college earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Washington State University.             As the owner of Clever Jam Communications, Jamerika offers strategic communications guidance, motivational speaking, and facilitation. Currently she is USA Ambassador Ms. 2021 through the USA Ambassador Pageant. Her platform is ‘A Chance to Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care.’    Instagram: Jamerika Haynes-Lewis (@jamerika_b) • Instagram photos and videos   Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/USAAMs/    Website: www.cleverjam.com    Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/ 

The Road From Foster Care to Beauty Pageants with Jamerika Haynes

Amber Jewell is a licensed master social worker with over 15 years of experience working with youth and families in child protective services, education, and mental health services. As an educator and an advocate for promoting change for and value within people, Amber works to inspire and motivate others to grasp their own form of hope. She is also a motivational speaker and has experience in the foster system. Facebook LinkedIn Amber's Book FINDING HOPE The 12 Keys to Healing Hardship, Hurt & Sorrow   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

How to Deal With A Broken Foster Care System with Amber Jewell

Shenandoah Chefalo is a graduate of Michigan State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, a Core Essentials Graduate from Coach U, and a member of the Foster Leaders Movement. She is a sought after speaker on topics surrounding youth in foster care and the science and impact of trauma and resilience on various social issues; and a trainer/consultant that helps private, governmental and public organizations implement sustainable trauma informed strategies that are focused on learning new skills as well as organizational culture changes and shifts.  She has been featured as a consultant and trainer nationally and internationally.   After spending nearly 20 years as a Law Office Administrator, Shenandoah became unsettled by the ever revolving door of people into the criminal justice system and set out to find a way to change it.   A survivor and alumni of the foster care system, Shenandoah Chefalo is also the co-founder of the #4600andCounting, a grass-roots movement to bring awareness and change to the missing youth of foster care.  She is also a faculty member and trainer at The Center for Trauma Resilient Communities a new initiative by the Crossnore School and Children’s Home to help organization translate the science of trauma and adversity.   In additional to her multiple award winning book, Garbage Bag Suitcase, she also wrote an e-book entitled Setting Your Vision and Defining Your Goals, and is also working on her next manuscript, Hiking for Stillness.   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

How to Overcome Trauma Using the Little Things with Shenandoah Chefalo

Richard Capriola has been a mental health and addictions counselor for over two decades. He recently retired from Menninger Clinic in Houston Texas where he worked with adolescents and adults diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse issues. He is the author of The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Foster Parents and The Addicted Child with Richard Capriola

 Dr. Breanna Gentile, Ph. D. completed her bachelor's in psychology at Gonzaga University. She went on to receive two master's degrees, one from Golden Gate University in Counseling and the second from Palo Alto University in Clinical Psychology.   Dr. Gentile founded Dr. G's Lab, a trauma-informed design consultancy. She has authored studies that have been published in peer-reviewed journals and has been an invited speaker about trauma-informed practices and design at multiple national conferences and symposiums.    Dr. Gentile has spent over 10 years working to improve outcomes for children, teens, and their caregivers working through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Her work with behavioral health providers, communities, and families has allowed her to develop keen insight into the challenges of supporting resilience through trauma-informed practices. She is currently the Director of Product Design at the Center for Youth Wellness. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/ 

Dealing ACE's with Dr Bre Gentile

Tracy tells 2 adoption stories at one time. Her husband found out that he was adopted as an adult and they went on to adopt a young lady who is one of her husband's biological family members! Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Adoptees and Adult Adoption with Tracy Lamorie

Colleen Puckett is the owner of Families’ Anchor and Podcast host on The “F” Word: Foster Care. Through her lived experience in the Child Welfare System with her family, Colleen became one of the first Parent Navigators in Georgia mentoring and supporting parents currently walking through the system through partnerships with parent & child attorneys, and parent support groups. Colleen also participates in the Birth Parent National Network, the Birth and Foster Parent Partnership, and member of the Georgia Parent Advisory Council. Lastly, Colleen has presented numerous times at attorney & multidisciplinary national conferences as well as across Georgia. Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/

Colleen Puckett's Unparalleled Journey

Ryann Vernetson MA, LPC from Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) joins us to talk about what children and parents really need throughout the foster care system. SAFY specialize in therapeutic foster care and we dove right into all the things that are often overlooked in the foster care system. You can find SAFY on the web at safy.org Ryann is also on LinkedIn Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Foster Care 101 Free webinar with NO sales pitch! Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/    

Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth with Ryann Vernetson

Gina Heumann and her hubby adopted two boys from Guatemala... her youngest was neglected by his foster mom, resulting in over a decade of chaos and frustration. Through her love of research, Gina tried and tested many therapies and treatments and finally found a path to healing. She is now the author of Love Never Quits: Surviving & Thriving after Infertility, Adoption, and Reactive Attachment Disorder (gold recipient of the prestigious Parent's Choice Award); and she presented a TEDx on how Childhood Trauma Affects us All. Does parenting a "challenging" child make you feel like a failure? If your child was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder or another trauma-related mental illness, you don't need to do this alone! Our community will provide guidance and support; comradery and belonging. Our 4-part online course will help you understand why "regular" parenting isn't working and will set you on the right path for healing and connection. https://www.traumadramauniversity.com/ FaceBook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/  

Trauma Drama University with Gina Heumann

Dr. Marissa, introduced to Oprah as the Asian Oprah, is an organizational psychologist and media personality who speaks and consults all over the world. She’s the celebrity host producer of the 2016 Podcast of the Year Top 10 in Health Award-winning CNBC syndicated show "Take My Advice, I'm Not Using It: Get Balanced with Dr. Marissa" and #1 bestselling author “8 Ways to Happiness from Wherever You Are” on 8 Bestseller Lists including #4 Denver Post and #1 Amazon with 4 Book Award Medals.  Dr. Marissa is on a Happy88 Mission, helping 88 million more people be 88% happy in the next 8 years. To that end, Dr. Marissa has been interviewed on NBC CBS ABC and FOX in Seattle, San Diego, Las Vegas and was featured on FOX DC as one of their Women's History Month highlights.  In her spare seconds, she raises recovering teenagers, races sailboats, and lives out her life motto: No Regrets for the past and Don’t Die Wondering for the future.   You can find Dr Marissa on her website or on Facebook   and IG   Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/     

Happiness After Trauma with Dr Marissa Pei

After spending time in an orphanage and 8 years in foster care, she hopes to give back to the foster care community by highlighting other successful foster care alumni through her platform and future podcast; Belonging Starts Here.  Find her on Facebook Here On IG right Here Her business IG Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey Find All Our Links Here https://linktr.ee/fostercarenation Support Our Mission https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fostercare https://patreon.com/fostercarenation Website https://fostercarenation.com Connect with us on our Facebook Page https://facebook.com/7timedad Connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fostercarenation/  

Nipunika Coe's Foster Care Journey

Foster care is truly an unparalleled experience. This is our journey as a foster and adoptive family that has seen and experienced a lot! We want to share our joy and heartbreak with the world to inspire others to join in our mission of providing strength to the weakest among us. We are sharing our personal experiences as a foster and adoptive family and the stories that other brave souls are willing to generously share with us. Our goal is to help potential foster families take that next step in the process and to encourage bio families to work with us towards the best possible resolution for every kid in care. There is no better place for any kid to be than in their home with a mom and dad that cares enough about them to stop any behavior that puts their kids at risk. If you are willing to work towards that goal, we would love to encourage you to do so in any way we can! Come listen to our story and find your hope!

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Foster Care: An Unparalleled Journey

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