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Episodes from From Foster to Forever
Transracial Adoption: Raising a Black Teen in a Mostly White Community | Kat Parvin
What happens when a white foster-to-adopt family adopts a Black teenager in a small rural community with very little diversity?In this deeply honest and thought-provoking episode of From Foster to Forever, Rachel talks with foster and adoptive mom Kat Parvin about transracial adoption through foster care, parenting adopted teens, navigating racism in schools, and the realities of raising a Black daughter in a predominantly white town.Kat shares how her family’s foster care journey quickly turned into adoption after welcoming a 13-year-old girl into their home. But alongside the joy of becoming a fo...
An LGBTQ Dad’s Journey Through Trauma, Adoption & Unconditional Love with Ron Platt
We're diving deep into the heartwarming yet challenging journey of foster care and adoption with Ron Platt, a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ parenting. Ron's story kicks off with his own experiences navigating the foster system and how he became an adoptive dad to a young boy who faced incredible adversity. With a mix of humor and honesty, we explore the ups and downs of their relationship, the expectations he set, and the real struggles of raising a child who’s been through the wringer. Plus, Ron shares his mission behind creating the National Association for Single and Divorced Families, aiming to...
Called To Foster: An Honest Guide with Jen Lilley and Dr. John DeGarmo
Host Rachel Fulginiti is joined by returning guests Jen Lilley—a successful Hollywood actress who followed a deep calling to foster and ultimately fostered to adopt two children—and Dr. John DeGarmo, a nationally recognized foster care expert who has fostered over 60 children and adopted multiple children.In this episode they share insights from their new book, Called To Foster: An Honest Guide to Getting Started, offering a raw, honest, and practical roadmap for anyone considering foster care.Together, they bring both heart and expertise to an urgent conversation about the current state of foster care...
Birth Order: How It Affects Fostering and Adopting with Dr. Robert Hurst
Today, we’re unpacking the fascinating world of birth order and its impact on family dynamics, especially when it comes to fostering and adoption. We've got Dr. Robert Hurst, a total whiz on this topic, joining us to dish out insights from his book, "Life's Fingerprint." It’s not just about knowing who's the oldest or youngest; it's all about how those positions shape our personalities and relationships within blended families. We’ll explore why adopting a younger child can help keep the peace and how every little shift in birth order can stir up all kinds of feelings and ad...
Why Foster Kids Struggle with Food, ADHD & Addiction (Root Causes with Kamy Moussavi)
Why do so many children—especially those in foster care or adoption—struggle with food, weight, and self-regulation?In this episode of From Foster to Forever, Rachel sits down with Kami Moussavi, founder of Step Together, to uncover the real root causes behind childhood eating issues, ADHD, and addictive behaviors.This conversation goes far beyond diet and discipline. Together, they explore how trauma, emotional suppression, and dopamine shape a child’s relationship with food, screens, and self-worth.Rachel also shares her own powerful story of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and disordered eating—making this one...
Money, Foster Care & the Real Cost of Growing Your Family (with Dylan Snowden)
Thinking about foster care or adoption—but unsure how to prepare financially? Dealing with challenging finances already?In this episode of From Foster to Forever, I sit down with financial coach Dylan Snowden to talk about one of the most overlooked (and often overwhelming) parts of the journey: money.We get real about the hidden costs of growing a family, how to plan for the unknown, and why understanding your finances before a child enters your home can make all the difference.Whether you're just starting to consider foster care or you're already pa...
Single Mom by Choice While Fostering - Life update with Maryanne Grant
She was fostering two toddlers and still waiting to adopt — so she decided to have a baby on her own...When Maryanne Grant first came on the show, she was in the middle of a long, uncertain foster-to-adopt journey with two young siblings. Now she’s back with a life update — and so much has changed.In this episode, Maryanne shares what it’s really like to wait years for adoption finalization, how the appeals process can delay permanency, and how she made the decision to become a single mom by choice while still fostering. She open...
Play Therapy, Trauma & Healing: What Foster & Adoptive Parents Need to Know
In this powerful and deeply insightful episode of From Foster to Forever, I sit down with child therapist and author Stacy Schaffer to explore what foster and adoptive parents really need to understand about childhood trauma, attachment, and healing.Stacy specializes in play therapy, a transformative approach that helps children express emotions they don’t yet have the words for. Through tools like sand tray therapy, somatic release, and creative expression, she offers a window into how children process grief, loss, and complex family dynamics.Together, we dive into the realities that many foster and ad...
21 Kids Later: The Truth About Foster Care, Loss, and Adoption
Foster care can bring a whirlwind of emotions, and today we're diving deep into the complexities that come with it. We’re chatting with Emily McDaniel, a seasoned foster care provider who's opened her heart and home to 21 kids over the years. Right off the bat, she highlights the tough truth that a lot of rejection in foster care is self-imposed, and that it's a wild ride to support families in crisis. As we peel back the layers, Emily shares her journey from wanting to run an orphanage to becoming a forever mom to a two-year-old girl and a 21-y...
Dyslexia Isn’t a Reading Problem: What Every Parent Should Know with Russell Van Brocklen
Dyslexia isn’t just a reading problem—it’s a whole brain vibe! In our chat today, we dive into some eye-opening insights with Russell Van Broecklin, a dyslexia researcher who's got the lowdown on how dyslexia works and why it’s not as straightforward as folks think. He lays down the truth that while dyslexics might read and write slower, their brains are firing on all cylinders when it comes to thinking. So, if you’ve got a kiddo who’s struggling, don’t sweat it! Russell shares some killer strategies for helping them thrive academically, even if traditional me...
Healing, Hope, and Holistic Care: Supporting Adopted Children with Dr. Aaron Hartman
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rachel sits down with functional medicine physician and adoptive father Dr. Aaron Hartman to explore how early trauma, environmental factors, and holistic healthcare can shape the lives of foster and adopted children.Dr. Hartman shares the story of adopting his daughters through foster care and how his journey parenting a child with complex medical needs transformed his medical practice. Together, Rachel and Dr. Hartman discuss navigating the healthcare system, advocating for special-needs children, and practical ways families can support neurodivergent kids—emotionally, nutritionally, and medically.This conversation offers ho...
EMDR and Play Therapy with Trauma Expert Jenny Hornby
Recognizing our superpower as parents is the name of the game today, and it’s not about having all the answers. Our presence alone can be a game-changer for our kids, especially those who come from foster care and carry their own unique traumas. We’re diving deep with Jenny Hornby, a licensed counselor and trauma expert, who’s got some serious insights on how to help kids process their feelings in a safe way. We chat about EMDR therapy, which Jenny describes like taking a train ride through their experiences without reliving the trauma. So, whether you’re a season...