🎙️ Episode 52 — “She Believed She Could, So She Did”Guest: Faith M. Keen | DHHS Intern • FSM Contractor • LEx Policy Advocate • TLE Member • BSW Candidate • Future MSWPodcast: Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast — Season 3Host: Michael D. Davis-Thomas Episode Description:In this powerful and soul-baring conversation, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by rising advocate, policy shaper, and lived experience leader Faith M. Keen, for an episode that feels more like a mirror than a mic. Titled “She Believed She Could, So She Did,” this dialogue is a tender, tenacious, and truth-filled journey through the harsh realities of childhood adversity—and the radical self-determination it takes to rise from it.Faith doesn't just speak her truth—she lives it. From a chaotic upbringing marked by instability, addiction, and displacement, to finding belonging through advocacy, higher education, and a fierce belief in the power of lived experience, Faith’s journey is a living testimony of what resilience looks like when nurtured in community and courage. Together, Michael and Faith dive into:The emotional toll of caring for others when no one cared for youReframing trauma as purpose without glamorizing the painThe role of policy advocacy in restoring dignity to foster youthThe nuance of self-care in a space that demands our pain for progressNavigating healing while still showing up as “the strong one”The balance between being a voice for the voiceless and being heard yourselfAs she shares deeply personal stories—from driving her mother while under the influence to being adopted by extended family who didn’t always understand her worth—Faith unpacks the layers of survival and silence, of grief and grit, that so many foster youth carry but rarely have safe space to process. She and Michael explore how systems often force youth to perform wellness while still bleeding, and how real change must include not just policies—but peace.Faith’s work with Fostering Success Michigan, Michigan’s Team with Lived Expertise (TLE), and her continued advocacy through public speaking and youth engagement is helping reshape how the state and nation see system-impacted youth—not as broken, but as brilliant. Her upcoming pursuit of an MSW at the University of Michigan is yet another step in becoming the change she needed as a child. This episode isn’t about triumphalism. It’s about truth. It’s about community. And it’s about choosing healing—even when no one taught you how. 📣 Because believing in yourself isn’t cliché when you’ve survived systems designed to make you forget how. 🔗 Connect with Faith M. Keen📸 Instagram: @keen.faith.210📘 Facebook / 🔗 LinkedIn: Faith Keen🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. 📢 Support the PodcastVenmo: @MDDTSpeaks | CashApp: $MDDTSpeaksInc | PayPal: MDDT1Email: mddtspeaks@gmail.com for sponsorships, collaborations, and donor inquiries.
🎙️ Episode 51 — “Still Waters Run Deep”Guest: Sylvia Monica Parrott | National Foster Care Advocate, Public Speaker, Lived Experience LeaderPodcast: Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast — Season 3Episode Description:Still waters don’t mean still souls. In this soul-stirring episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the quiet force that is Sylvia Monica Parrott—a woman whose strength is not in how loudly she speaks, but in how deeply she feels, how faithfully she leads, and how consistently she shows up for a system she survived. "Still Waters Run Deep" isn’t just the title of this conversation—it’s a prophetic description of the life Sylvia has lived and the legacy she’s building.From entering Rhode Island’s foster care system at the age of five to navigating abusive placements, isolation, and reentry at 17, Sylvia’s story is anything but surface-level. She shares with unwavering clarity the silent storms of trauma, abandonment, sexual violence, and mental health struggles—alongside the quiet rebellions of mentorship, faith, advocacy, and healing that helped her rise. This episode is not a tale of pity or performative triumph; it is a sacred reckoning with the reality that not every survivor roars—but every survivor matters.Together, Michael and Sylvia explore:The emotional toll of being system-impacted from early childhoodThe invisibility of introverted advocates in noisy advocacy spacesThe crisis of mental health in group homes and transitional housingThe trauma of institutionalization and the weight of being “too strong for too long”The spiritual grounding and self-forgiveness it takes to lead from a wounded placeHow Sylvia is quietly, persistently, disrupting the status quo without needing to shoutFrom testifying before legislators to co-authoring op-eds, from guiding youth at Foster Forward’s Drop-In Center to speaking on national stages, Sylvia is redefining what leadership looks like for foster alumni. Her work is not driven by ego—but by empathy. Not polished performance—but prophetic presence.Michael, moved by Sylvia’s radical vulnerability, speaks candidly about the podcast’s journey, the cost of advocacy, and the urgent need for community-funded sustainability. As they close the episode, Sylvia offers words of truth to anyone feeling broken, burned out, or silenced in their struggle: “Don’t doubt yourself. You have so much to offer the world.”This episode is a mirror for those who’ve learned to lead while still healing—and a mandate to make space for the still waters among us.🕊️ Listen deeply. Share widely. Honor the stillness that runs deep.🔗 Connect with Sylvia Monica ParrottInstagram: @sylviamonica_LinkedIn: Sylvia M. Parrott🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, and all major platforms.📣 Support the PodcastYour donations help keep the mic on for truth-tellers like Sylvia.Venmo: @MDDTSpeaks | CashApp: $MDDTSpeaksInc | PayPal: MDDT1Email: mddtspeaks@gmail.com for sponsorship and partnership inquiries.
🎙️ Episode 50 — “Your Story Is the Message. Your Story Is Your Legacy”Featuring: Tamara L. Dillard | Author, Clinical Social Worker, Therapist, Foster Care Advocate, Foster AlumniPodcast: Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast — Season 3 Host: Michael D. Davis-ThomasIn this milestone 50th episode and the Season 3 of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down once more with powerhouse advocate and returning guest, Tamara L. Dillard, to discuss her emotionally searing and transformative debut memoir, “Letters to the Village.” This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a reckoning.With honesty that cuts and compassion that heals, Tamara invites us into the sacred corridors of her lived experience in Kentucky’s foster care system—where pain and policy intersect, where community was both absent and found, and where healing arrived not as a gift but as a decision. Her memoir, structured as a series of unfiltered letters to the helpers, hurters, and bystanders in her life, challenges us to consider: What kind of villager have you been? What kind will you choose to become?Together, Tamara and Michael explore what it means to write from wounds, not for pity but for purpose. They unpack the emotional labor of storytelling while managing PTSD, and they speak to the burden—and blessing—of advocacy as foster care survivors. Michael reflects on the bystander effect within systems and communities, while Tamara calls for intentional, systemic, and personal accountability. It’s a bold, layered conversation about trauma, memory, forgiveness, authorship, and the audacity of telling your truth when silence would be easier.Tamara’s voice is prophetic, measured, and fierce. Her writing process wasn’t linear—it was sacred warfare. She shares how “Letters to the Village” nearly broke her but ultimately rebuilt her—chapter by chapter, truth by truth.In closing, Michael reflects on the growth of Resilient Voices & Beyond through its third season, emphasizing the continued need for listener support, community sponsorship, and sustainability as he carries this labor of love forward. This Episode isn’t the ending—it’s an altar call for justice, truth-telling, and restorative storytelling.Because your story is the message. And your story—yes, yours—is your legacy.📚 Read “Letters to the Village” — Available now.📢 Support this podcast through donations, sharing, and ongoing engagement.Ways to Support• Venmo: @MDDTSpeaks• Cash App: $MDDTSpeaks• PayPal: MDDT• Book: Resilient Faith (available on Amazon)• Podcast: Resilient Voices & Beyond (available on all platforms)🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.🔗 Connect with Tamara Dillard:📘 Facebook: Tamara LeeAnn Dillard📸 Instagram: @missdillardsroom🎵 TikTok: @missdillardsroom💼 LinkedIn: Tamara (Vest) Dillard
🎙️ Episode 49 – Season 3Title: "Broken Systems, Funded Silence: Deconstructing the Nonprofit-Gov Pipeline” (Part 2)Guests: Bobbi Taylor (Founder & CEO, Proximate Solution) & Tamara Dillard, MSW, CSW (Clinical Social Worker, Advocate, Foster Care Alumni)Host: Michael D. Davis-Thomas | Founder & CEO, MDDTSpeaks💥 Episode Description: In Part 2 of our ground-shifting series "Broken Systems, Funded Silence," we continue the courageous conversation that most platforms avoid—dissecting the dangerous comfort between nonprofits and government systems. This episode isn’t just a discussion. It’s an exposé. Host and systems reformer Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with two national powerhouses: Bobbi Taylor, a cross-sector systems leader and Founder/CEO of Proximate Solution, and Tamara Dillard, a licensed clinical social worker, policy influencer, and fierce advocate. Together, they deconstruct the nonprofit-industrial complex—unpacking how funding stipulations, performance-based contracts, and “collaborative” partnerships often dilute community-centered missions into digestible, data-driven deliverables for the very systems they’re supposed to challenge. From the trauma of tokenization to the manipulation of “lived experience,” this episode brings the raw truth: nonprofits cannot claim proximity to community while dancing to the tune of governmental preservation. We ask hard questions:What happens when organizations built to fight systems start protecting them instead?Can you really center community if you're still begging for permission to speak?What does ethical inclusion look like when your invitation comes with a muzzle?Michael, Bobbi, and Tamara also reflect on deeply personal stakes—sharing their own sacrifices, burnout, and battles with survival in a world that capitalizes on their pain but rarely funds their power. They address the emotional tax of being the bridge, the weight of being “brought in but not brought under,” and the exhausting cycle of being visible yet voiceless.Tamara reminds us: being showcased is not the same as being centered. Bobbi adds: transparency without accountability is just theater. And Michael? He gives voice to the silent screams of so many: we are tired of being sold as data and discarded as people. This episode is both an indictment and an invitation—to reimagine, rebuild, and reclaim nonprofit work as sacred, not systemic. 🔊 Listen in as we honor truth, challenge power, and amplify the unapologetic voices of those who have not only survived the system—but are actively rewriting it. 🎧 Now streaming everywhere podcasts are available.🧾 Support the podcast, share this episode, and let the world hear what funded silence can no longer bury.📚 Featured Book: Letters to the Village by Tamara Dillard – Available now on Amazon. 📌 Take Action:Support this work through donations, reviews, and reposts.Book these guests for your next training, panel, or consulting engagement.Demand better from the nonprofits in your region—follow the funding, follow the harm.
Season 3, Episode 48🎙️ Resilient Voices & Beyond PodcastTitle: “Broken Systems, Funded Silence: Deconstructing the Nonprofit-Gov Pipeline” – Part 1In this explosive Part 1 of a two-part special, Resilient Voices & Beyond dives into one of the most underexamined yet critical realities in system reform: the nonprofit-to-government pipeline. Host Michael D. Davis-Thomas, nationally recognized advocate and Founder of MDDTSpeaks, sits down with two powerhouse changemakers—Bobbi Taylor, Founder & CEO of Proximate Solution, and Tamara Dillard, MSW, CSW, clinical therapist, policy influencer, and child welfare advocate—for an unfiltered, intellectually rigorous, and emotionally grounded conversation about how broken systems are not only funded but protected by silence.We confront the sacred cows.We name what’s often hushed.We question whether systems are “broken”—or simply functioning as they were always designed to.These leaders don’t speak from theory. They speak from trenches. From lived experience as alumni of foster care and juvenile justice. From boardrooms where reform is discussed but rarely lived. From advocacy tables where funding decisions eclipse impact. This is a conversation about ethics, power, complicity, and survival in professional spaces that demand proximity—but punish truth-telling.Together, we dissect how nonprofits, while often well-intentioned, can become complicit in systemic harm by prioritizing contracts over community, grants over grassroots, and optics over outcomes. We explore how lived experience is sometimes tokenized rather than empowered—and what it looks like to reclaim that narrative.Featured Guests:Bobbi Taylor – Founder & CEO, Proximate SolutionNational systems-change strategist | Child welfare + juvenile justice advocate | Lived experience leader | Thriving Families Safer Children Executive Committee | Researcher, author, policy contributorTamara Dillard, MSW, CSW – Clinical Therapist & Child Welfare AdvocateFoster care alumni | Mental health professional | State & national policy influencer | Public speaker | Systems disruptor | University of Kentucky graduateKey Themes Explored:GROUNDING TRUTH: What it means to live through systems before analyzing themTOKENIZATION VS. TRANSFORMATION: The risk of nonprofits centering funding over lived wisdomFUNDED SILENCE: The invisible cost of staying quiet in systems built on complianceVALUES VS. PAYCHECK: Holding onto truth in institutions that reward forgettingBAND-AID POLICIES: When intention isn’t enough, and how surface-level reforms deepen woundsTHE COST OF TELLING THE TRUTH: Retaliation, blackballing, and standing in integrity despite it allHISTORICAL ROOTS: The evolution of foster care as a profit-generating system, from orphan trains to federal incentivesThis episode is for you if:You’ve worked in or alongside nonprofits and wondered why real change feels so far awayYou’ve ever questioned whether advocacy is being bought and soldYou’ve been silenced, sidelined, or tokenized—and want language for what happenedYou believe truth-tellers deserve platforms, not punishment🎧 Listen in as truth meets strategy, advocacy meets accountability, and silence is shattered—one story, one truth, one system at a time.Produced by: MDDTSpeaks MediaThis podcast is recorded, edited, and released independently to protect the integrity of truth-tellers and lived experts. Support our work through reviews, donations, and by sharing these stories that systems too often suppress.Because silence is comfort for systems—but truth is freedom for people.
Season 3, Episode 47Title: “Your direction is more important than your speed.”Subtitle: From Surviving to Serving: Reclaiming Purpose Through Pain In this deeply moving episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas (MDDTSpeaks) sits down with Andrea Atkins—a single mother of four, foster care alumni, and child welfare specialist—for an unfiltered, soul-stirring conversation about survival, motherhood, healing, and the audacity to rewrite your own narrative. With raw vulnerability and unwavering strength, Andrea shares her journey through the foster care system—beginning with removal at age four, adoption at ten, and ultimately a disrupted adoption that led her to find family in unexpected places. But this isn’t just a story about trauma. It’s a testimony of intentional healing, of learning to embrace authenticity after years of masking pain, and of turning personal wounds into a mission of service. Now a child welfare professional, Andrea doesn’t just occupy space in the system—she’s reshaping it. Fueled by lived experience and maternal wisdom, she advocates for youth who feel voiceless and unseen, helping to create trauma-informed spaces rooted in dignity, empathy, and care. This episode unpacks the messy, miraculous in-between: the tension of healing while serving, the weight of single motherhood, and the power in moving forward—not fast, but faithfully. Key Themes Covered:Growing up in and aging out of the foster care systemNavigating disrupted adoption, identity loss, and cultural disconnectionBreaking cycles and reclaiming voice through motherhoodThe unspoken pressures of “beating the statistics”From performance to purpose: why healing is the real workSystemic gaps in child welfare and the role of lived experience expertsSelf-forgiveness, therapy, and the slow walk toward wholenessThe power of proximity in advocacy and why small actions matterWhether you’re a parent, professional, survivor, or simply someone navigating life’s unpredictable terrain—this episode will meet you right where you are. Andrea’s story is proof that your pain is not pointless, your pace is not your identity, and your past doesn’t disqualify your purpose.Guest: Andrea AtkinsFoster Care Alumni | Child Welfare Specialist | Advocate | Boy Mom of 4
Season 3, Episode 46Title: “Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”Subtitle: Stepping Into the Call: From Surviving to SurrenderingIn this transformative episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas (MDDTSpeaks) reconnects with long-time friend and fellow advocate Ashley Watkins—and what unfolds is nothing short of sacred. Together, they journey through Ashley’s powerful testimony of resilience, healing, and divine surrender.Ashley Watkins, a spoken word poet, therapist, foster care advocate, and founder of Her Untold Stories Heard, opens up about her evolution—from surviving childhood trauma, navigating the foster care system, and enduring abuse, to stepping boldly into the woman God called her to be. In this vulnerable yet victorious dialogue, Ashley shares how she moved from living in the shadows of her pain to reclaiming her voice, redefining her worth, and helping other women heal through truth and transparency. Key Conversation Highlights:The journey from surviving abuse and abandonment to discovering divine identityChoosing surrender over striving, and trusting God in the midst of uncertaintyWhy healing isn’t linear—and how to stay the course when the process hurtsThe importance of self-trust, faith-led obedience, and emotional accountabilityAshley’s founding of HUSH (Her Untold Stories Heard) and her mission to help women evolve through their truthThe spiritual tension of being called but not yet prepared—and what it means to wait wellThe reality of mental health battles, faith fatigue, and learning how to pray when words run outThroughout the episode, Michael and Ashley exchange reflections on surrendering ambition for purpose, embracing God’s timing, and answering the call to be light—even when life has tried to extinguish that light. Their conversation is raw, rich, and soul-deep—reminding us that our response to adversity defines our resilience.If you’re in a season of questioning, healing, or trying to find your footing after brokenness, this episode is your invitation to stop surviving and start surrendering.Guest: Ashley WatkinsSpoken Word Poet | Therapist | Foster Care AdvocateFounder & CEO of Her Untold Stories Heard (HUSH) Connect with Ashley:@soulevessel__@heruntoldstoriesheard_LinkedInFacebook
Season 3, Episode 45Title: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” – Colossians 3:23 (NLT)In this deeply moving episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by author, advocate, mother, and lived experience leader Kayann Foster—a woman whose life and work exemplify faith, resilience, and radical healing.From surviving childhood trauma, homelessness, domestic abuse, and aging out of foster care, to becoming a Lived Experience Consultant for the Department of Children and Families in New Jersey, Kayann’s journey is one of extraordinary transformation. She shares her story with humility and honesty, reflecting on the path that led her from survival mode to sustainable healing—both for herself and for the communities she now serves.In this episode, Kayann opens up about:Healing from childhood trauma and domestic abuse while navigating motherhoodThe power of faith, transparency, and self-compassion in breaking generational cyclesWhy embracing her scars instead of hiding them has become a cornerstone of her healingHer work as a PACEs (Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences) trainer, creating trauma-informed spaces across New JerseyBalancing advocacy and motherhood while raising five beautiful childrenPublishing her book “Water in the Wilderness”—a reluctant but powerful act of obedience and courageKayann also reflects on the emotional weight of being a mother determined to parent differently—choosing connection, honesty, and grace over reaction and shame. She and Michael explore the importance of naming our survival-mode behaviors, reframing pain as purpose, and stepping out of isolation into healing-centered community.If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, faith, parenting after pain, or finding your voice through adversity—this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Kayann’s story is a beacon for anyone ready to stop hiding their story and start living healed.Key Themes:Resilience through motherhoodThe intersection of faith and healingSelf-care beyond survival modeSystemic advocacy rooted in lived experienceOwning your truth and sharing it with othersOrder Kayann’s Book:Water in the Wilderness – [Available on Amazon] Follow Kayann Foster:LinkedIn: Kayann FosterEmail: [fosterkk.4404@gmail.com]
Episode Title: "Your Story Is Your Superpower—Own It, Share It, and Let It Open Doors for You."Season 3, Episode 44In this transformative episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with powerhouse speaker, author, trauma expert, and former foster youth Dr. Danisha Keating for a deeply authentic conversation about healing, identity, and turning pain into purpose.From living in her car while navigating college, to raising her siblings while building a life rooted in impact, Dr. Keating’s story is one of resilience, grit, and radical self-determination. She shares how her experiences in the foster care system and with generational trauma shaped her—but didn’t define her. Instead, she reclaimed her narrative and has since dedicated her life to empowering others to do the same through storytelling, education, and systemic advocacy.As the author of Faith Through the Desert, From Foster to PhD: Letters from a Suitcase, and Taking My Voice Back: Healing What Broke Me, Dr. Keating is a leading voice in the foster care reform space and a nationally recognized coach for speakers and authors. Her mission is clear: to help others own their voice, craft their message, and step into spaces they were once told they didn’t belong.In this episode, Michael and Dr. Keating explore:Navigating homelessness and foster care while pursuing higher educationThe emotional toll of systemic disconnection and budget cutsHow to recognize and break generational trauma and learned helplessnessThe power of community and finding just one person who believes in youTurning your story into your platform: authentic storytelling as advocacyThe importance of self-care, celebration of small wins, and setting boundariesThis conversation is a reminder that your story is not a liability—it’s leverage. For every listener who's struggled with feeling unseen, unheard, or unworthy, this episode is your invitation to reclaim your voice, rewrite your narrative, and realize your worth. Connect with Dr. Danisha Keating:Website: www.danishakeating.comInstagram: @drdanishakeatingFacebook: Dr. Danisha KeatingLinkedIn: Danisha Keating, PhDYouTube: The Dr. Danisha Keating ShowTikTok: @drdanishakeatingExplore her books on Amazon:Faith Through the DesertFrom Foster to PhD: Letters from a SuitcaseTaking My Voice Back: Healing What Broke Me
Episode Title: "Live life to the fullest, excel despite challenges, and never let those who wish you harm dictate your path."Season 3, Episode 43In this raw and transformative episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by Maegan “Mae” Mason, a resilient advocate, mentor, and lived experience expert who shares her powerful story of survival, self-discovery, and growth.Mae opens up about her early life—navigating a turbulent home environment that led her into the juvenile justice system by the age of 13. Through 12 years of personal turmoil, system involvement, and institutionalization, she encountered abuse, neglect, and the emotional weight of being misunderstood. Her story reflects the harsh realities many youth face when systems fail to meet their needs with compassion and care.But Mae didn’t let that become her final chapter. She speaks openly about the turning points in her journey—missing key family moments while incarcerated, the comfort of institutionalization, and how writing, therapy, and mentorship helped her begin healing. Mae found her voice through poetry and began giving back, mentoring girls in similar situations, and building genuine relationships with youth at her job site.In this episode, Michael and Mae discuss:The emotional impact of growing up in the systemThe importance of having even just one supportive adultThe healing power of writing, poetry, and creative expressionHow mentorship and lived experience shape better youth servicesReintegration challenges after incarceration and aging outThe urgency of community-based alternatives to institutional settingsSelf-care and coping strategies for those working within youth-serving systemsMae's message is one of radical truth, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her story reminds us that no matter how deep the wounds, growth is always possible—and that no one’s past should define their future. Mae is living proof that you can excel despite challenges, heal through expression, and build purpose from pain.
Episode Title: "Love is the Work.”Season 3, Episode 42In this deeply enriching episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas welcomes the dynamic State Representative Stephanie A. Young, a legislator, community leader, ordained minister, and fierce advocate for children and families. With over two decades of service in both public and private sectors, Rep. Young brings her unmatched heart, faith, and legislative impact to the forefront—guided by her life mantra: “Love is the work.” During this powerful conversation, Rep. Young opens up about her journey from aspiring nurse to one of Michigan’s most influential lawmakers. She candidly shares how her passion for justice and care for the most vulnerable led her to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she now serves as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Detroit Caucus, among many other leadership roles. Drawing from her lived experience and unwavering faith, Rep. Young reflects on:The real-life challenges in Michigan’s foster care and juvenile justice systemsThe significance of kinship care and the urgent need for diverse, better-supported foster parentsHer legislative work aimed at improving education, mental health, transportation, and housing for foster youthThe transformative power of one adult showing up for a child in crisisThe spiritual and emotional toll of public service—and how she grounds herself in faith and self-careThis episode goes beyond policy—it speaks to purpose. From her early work as a caregiver to her present-day efforts as a policymaker and minister affectionately known as Elder Steph, Rep. Young embodies what it means to lead with compassion, truth, and determination. Her voice is a clarion call for advocates, lawmakers, and everyday people to show up with intention and do the hard, often unseen work—because love truly is the work. Key Takeaways:One caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.Legislative change requires compassion, clarity, and community input.Faith and advocacy are not mutually exclusive—they often go hand in hand.Supporting foster youth means more than policy—it means partnership, presence, and purpose.
Episode Title: "It Only Takes One Adult to Make a Difference."Season 3, Episode 41In this powerful episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas welcomes Jacob Holley, a Certified Trauma-Informed Trainer, Lived Experience Leader, and passionate foster care advocate. With firsthand experience navigating 27 different placements within Arizona’s foster care system, Jacob shares his deeply personal journey of resilience, advocacy, and the impact of trauma-informed care.Jacob opens up about his challenging upbringing in foster care, including his struggles in group homes, being written up for crying, and the lack of support from caseworkers—until one case manager, Rebecca, changed his life. Her guidance helped Jacob excel academically and in extracurricular activities, proving that just one caring adult can make all the difference.Now a youth board member at Fostering Advocates Arizona and certified trauma trainer with the Arizona ACEs Consortium, Jacob works tirelessly to promote trauma-informed policies, extended foster care programs, and better resources for older foster youth. He discusses his role in shaping policy, training nonprofits, and collaborating with organizations like Free Arts of Arizona to bring systemic change.In this deeply insightful conversation, Michael and Jacob discuss:The impact of cycling through 27 foster care placementsWhy trauma-informed care is essential in child welfareHow one caseworker changed Jacob’s life and led him to advocacyMisconceptions about foster care and the stigma youth faceBalancing personal healing while advocating for othersThe power of community, mentorship, and giving foster youth a voiceJacob’s story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of just one caring adult to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Whether you’re a foster care professional, advocate, or someone seeking to better understand the foster care system, this episode provides invaluable insights into the realities of foster youth and the changes needed to support them.Ways to Connect with Jacob Holley:Instagram: @cajuncowboy99Facebook: Jacob HolleyLinkedIn: Jacob Holley
Episode Title: "Hurt People Hurt People"Season 3, Episode 40In this moving episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by the inspiring Victoria “V” DeHart, a 24-year-old adoptee, advocate, motivational speaker, and social work student, to discuss her incredible story of resilience and healing. Born in a prison in Kaliningrad, Russia, and adopted as a baby, Victoria’s life has been marked by immense challenges, but her journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, self-love, and perseverance.Victoria shares her deeply personal experiences growing up in an abusive environment, including the physical, emotional, and sexual trauma she endured as a child. Feeling like a black sheep in her adoptive family, she faced self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and cycles of hurt. Despite her struggles, Victoria refused to let her past define her. Instead, she chose to reshape her life, finding hope and purpose through faith and personal growth.A turning point came in 2022 when Victoria attended a Jesus Night event, felt the Holy Spirit, and got baptized. This moment solidified her commitment to healing and advocacy. Today, she is an active member of the Traverse Place/REACH Board, a college student pursuing social work, and a motivational content creator on TikTok. Through her advocacy, public speaking, and mentoring, Victoria empowers others to find joy, embrace their stories, and discover that healing is possible.In this episode, Michael and Victoria discuss:The impact of adoption and childhood traumaOvercoming cycles of hurt and embracing healingThe role of faith and self-care in personal growthThe power of sharing lived experiences to inspire othersFinding joy and purpose in small, meaningful momentsVictoria’s story is a powerful reminder that although hurt people may hurt others, healing is within reach for everyone. Her raw honesty, strength, and dedication to changing the world will leave you inspired and motivated to take steps toward your own healing journey.
>Episode Title: "Life Is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You Respond to It"Season 3, Episode 39In this powerful episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with Tristian W. Smith, MSEM, a retired Army officer, published author, and advocate for foster youth. Tristian shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, from overcoming the challenges of a tumultuous childhood in the foster care system to achieving success as a military professional, emergency management specialist, and author of the memoir Against All Odds.Tristian opens up about his childhood in Columbus, Georgia, where he faced the devastating loss of his mother, abuse from family members, and the instability of multiple foster homes. Despite these hardships, Tristian’s determination to succeed never wavered. His story reflects the importance of resilience, education, and mentorship in navigating life’s challenges.Listeners will gain insight into Tristian’s remarkable military career as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Officer, where he served with distinction in South Korea, Germany, and Fort Hood. Tristian also discusses the transition to civilian life after a medical retirement and how he turned his focus toward advocacy and writing. His book, Against All Odds, chronicles his inspiring journey and offers hope to those facing adversity.Throughout the episode, Michael and Tristian explore the importance of creating support systems for foster youth, the mental health toll of overcoming trauma, and the power of sharing lived experiences. Tristian shares his strategies for building resilience, the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people, and his commitment to improving the foster care system through advocacy.This episode serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of resilience in shaping one’s future. Whether you are a foster youth, advocate, or someone seeking inspiration, Tristian’s story will empower you to take ownership of your life and face challenges with courage and determination.Ways to Connect with Tristian W. Smith:LinkedIn Instagram > undeterred_anomaly
Episode Title: "Don't Let Your Past Struggles Define Your Future"Season 3, Episode 38In this emotionally moving episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the resilient and inspiring Tashala Webster, a foster care alumna, adoptee, advocate, and nursing student, to discuss her journey of overcoming adversity, trauma, and obstacles to create a brighter future.Tashala shares her powerful life story, beginning with being removed from her biological mother’s care at the age of five due to mental health challenges and navigating through 12 foster homes in Flint, Michigan, where she experienced instability and abuse. Her path to resilience included facing the challenges of being an older foster youth, enduring a chaotic adoption at 16, and eventually running away and becoming homeless at 19.Despite these struggles, Tashala’s story is one of triumph. With the support of Traverse Place, a youth shelter that taught her life skills and self-sufficiency, she gained independence, earning three degrees and certifications as a CNA, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist. She is now pursuing her nursing degree at the University of Michigan and dedicating her life to mentorship and advocacy for foster youth and young people facing similar challenges.In this episode, Michael and Tashala dive into the importance of mentorship, community support, and finding tools to cope with trauma. Tashala shares her passion for helping others overcome obstacles through mentorship, the role of writing poetry in her healing journey, and her aspirations to make a difference in the lives of others.This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, self-determination, and the importance of building a supportive community. Whether you’re a foster care alum, advocate, or someone seeking inspiration to rise above your circumstances, Tashala’s story will leave you empowered and motivated to keep moving forward.Ways to Connect with Tashala Webster:InstagramFacebookLinkedInEmail: Tashalaw16@gmail.com
Episode Title: "You Only Live Once, But If You Do It Right, Once Is Enough"Season 3, Episode 37In this inspiring episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the multifaceted Chianté Lymon-Hamilton, a trailblazer and advocate for justice and equity. As the Executive Director of the Society for History and Racial Equity (SHARE), Chianté shares her life’s journey of resilience, passion, and leadership.Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Chianté reflects on her upbringing in a single-parent household in a low-income community and how her educational experiences at Cass Tech and Western Michigan University shaped her commitment to justice. From her early days interning at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to becoming a change agent and business owner, Chianté takes us through her transformative journey.Chianté opens up about the challenges of being a young leader, navigating imposter syndrome, and the mental toll of advocating for racial equity in today’s climate. Together, Michael and Chianté explore the importance of mentorship, fostering inclusivity, addressing systemic inequities, and prioritizing self-care as leaders.Listeners will gain valuable insights from Chianté’s expertise in addressing historical injustices and promoting racial equity through her work at SHARE. Learn about her innovative initiatives, like collecting oral histories, setting law enforcement standards, and building wellness programs for her team.This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience, intentionality, and connection can create lasting change. Whether you’re an aspiring advocate, leader, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom on living a life of purpose and impact.Ways to Connect with Chianté Lymon-Hamilton:LinkedInInstagramFacebook
🎙️ Episode 36: Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect🌟 Featuring Guest: Stephanie M.V. Popper🔗 Guest Professional Titles: Farm Social Worker | MSW Student | Foster Youth AdvocateIn this inspiring episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, Michael D. Davis-Thomas sits down with the dynamic and compassionate Stephanie M.V. Popper to explore the profound resilience required to turn life’s adversities into opportunities for growth. Stephanie shares her deeply personal journey, transitioning from a challenging childhood into becoming a powerful advocate and a future clinical social worker. Her work as the Community Program Coordinator at Allaire Community Farm highlights how unique, therapeutic environments—like those involving rescued animals—can foster healing and hope for at-risk youth, veterans with PTSD, and families battling cancer.Throughout their heartfelt conversation, Stephanie and Michael discuss pivotal themes, including:✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing your true value✅ The role of self-care and mental health in building resilience✅ Breaking cycles of adversity through faith, community, and advocacy✅ The therapeutic power of individualized support and positive reinforcementStephanie also sheds light on her advocacy work shaping child welfare policies at both the state and federal levels, emphasizing the importance of incorporating lived experience into systemic reform. Michael reflects on his own journey, from homelessness to authoring the inspiring book "Resilient Faith", as well as his ongoing mission to uplift underserved communities. Together, they explore how progress—not perfection—fuels the path to resilience and empowerment.🔑 Key Highlights:• Stephanie’s experiences with EMDR therapy and the significance of allowing the body to process trauma• Michael’s practical tips on self-publishing and writing as a form of healing• The transformative impact of supportive communities in advocacy and personal growth• Actionable insights for finding small moments of peace and self-care in daily life🌟 Quote from the Episode: "Resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself every day and trusting the process."📚 Ways to Connect with Stephanie:👉 LinkedIn👉 Social Media: Facebook, Instagram @stephaniepopper Listen Now: Be inspired by Stephanie and Michael as they share their hard-won wisdom and actionable advice for embracing progress over perfection.
🎙️ Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast: Season 3, Episode 35Title: "More Stories = More Connection, and More Connection = More Healing"In this profound and heartfelt episode, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas dives into the transformative power of storytelling and resilience with the remarkable Dr. Liz DeBetta. Together, they explore the pivotal moments that have shaped their journeys of healing and advocacy.Dr. DeBetta, an adoptee and renowned author of Adult Adoptees & Writing to Heal: Migrating Toward Wholeness, shares her inspiring story of uncovering and confronting the trauma of maternal separation. Her breakthrough moment in 2015, when she began to write about her adoption experience, opened the door to profound healing and personal growth.The conversation delves into Dr. DeBetta's groundbreaking approach, Migrating Toward Wholeness©, a trauma-informed expressive writing process designed to help adoptees and others reconnect with their stories and find healing. She discusses the impact of her award-winning solo show, Un-M-Othered: A Story of Adoption & Patriarchy, and how it fosters connection and validation for adoptees and their loved ones.Michael and Dr. DeBetta emphasize the importance of community and connection in overcoming isolation and healing from trauma. Through writing, storytelling, and shared experiences, they explore how telling our stories can lead to deeper connections and lasting transformation.Key Topics Discussed:The healing power of writing and storytellingThe seven parts of trauma healing within Migrating Toward Wholeness©Overcoming isolation through community and connectionThe universal application of expressive writing for healingBalancing personal storytelling with helping othersGuest Bio:Dr. Liz DeBetta is a writer, performer, and trauma-informed coach who has dedicated her life to helping others heal through expressive writing. She is the creator of Migrating Toward Wholeness© and the author of Adult Adoptees & Writing to Heal. Dr. DeBetta is a member of Actor's Equity, SAG-AFTRA, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Michigan's Institute for Research on Women and Gender.Connect with Dr. Liz DeBetta:🌐 Website: lizdebetta.com📘 Book: Adult Adoptees & Writing to Heal: Migrating Toward Wholeness📱 Facebook: @Dr.LizDeBetta📸 Instagram: @dr.liz.debetta💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Liz DeBettaTakeaways for Listeners:The power of storytelling in fostering connection and healingPractical writing prompts to explore your own storyResources and community for those feeling isolated or struggling with their journeyJoin us for this empowering episode as we celebrate resilience, connection, and the journey toward wholeness.
In this enlightening episode of the "Resilient Voices & Beyond" podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas engages with Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston, the visionary leader of the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF). Commissioner Gaston shares her compelling journey from her brief experience in foster care to spearheading significant reforms in the U.S. child welfare system. Throughout the discussion, she underscores the pivotal policies she's championed, such as the final kinship role, independent legal representation, and designated placement rules for LGBTQIA+ youth. Rebecca's strategic focus on community engagement, addressing workforce challenges, and prioritizing preventive over reactive measures illuminates her approach to systemic change. The episode delves into her advocacy for multi-system collaboration, the critical role of foster parents, and the necessity of listening to and respecting the voices of those impacted by the system. Join us for a deep dive into how Rebecca Jones Gaston is reshaping child welfare for a more inclusive and supportive future.Guest Bio: Rebecca Jones Gaston, Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, has dedicated over 25 years to human services, focusing on child welfare reforms that encompass kinship care, legal protections for families, and rights for LGBTQIA2S+ youth in foster care. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices that have positioned her as a key figure in national child welfare policy.Key Takeaways:Insights into the transformative policies impacting child welfare nationally.The importance of community involvement and the integration of lived experiences in policy-making.Challenges and strategies in navigating federal and state policies to advocate for systemic change.The role of foster parents and community organizations in creating supportive environments for children and families.
Resilient Voices & Beyond PodcastSeason 3, Episode 33 🎙️ Title: “All Things Work Together” In this episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond, we are honored to feature Aytia Tarpley—a remarkable Lived Experience Expert, Survivor Leader, Consultant, Keynote Speaker, and Peer Support Specialist. Aytia’s story of resilience is nothing short of incredible, as she has transformed her experiences with foster care, abuse, homelessness, and human trafficking into powerful advocacy and leadership for those facing similar struggles.Born Shelquandra Poitier in Miami, Florida, Aytia faced unimaginable adversity early in life. At just two years old, she was hospitalized for second-degree burns and later placed in foster care, where the abuse only continued. Despite these challenges, Aytia has risen to become a steadfast advocate, fighting for systemic change in child welfare and human trafficking awareness. Through her tireless efforts, Aytia has collaborated with government agencies, worked as a lobbyist to pass critical legislation, and provided support to countless individuals as a social worker and peer mentor. Join us as Aytia shares her deeply personal journey of faith, resilience, and purpose. From her dedication to Christ at 19 to her advocacy on a national stage, her life is a testament to the strength it takes to overcome life’s darkest moments and use those experiences to uplift others.Tune in to this inspiring episode as we discuss the power of faith, finding purpose in pain, and the resilience it takes to transform trauma into triumph.🌐 Connect with Aytia Website: aytiaconsults.com