The Adoption & Foster Care Journey

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” -Romans 15:13   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach, continues her annual Advent series. Tune in this week as Sandra shares a message about the arrival of joy.   She also shares a Holiday Survival Parenting Tip and a prayer for foster and adoptive parents.   Listen to Sandra’s Advent message—The Arrival of Joy on Episode 510 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat ReNew Retreat in NC

“Jesus said, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach, continues her annual Advent series. Tune in this week as Sandra shares a message about peace—let there be peace at home and let it begin with me!   She also shares a Holiday Survival Parenting Tip and a prayer for foster and adoptive parents.   Listen to Sandra’s Advent message—Peace at Home on Episode 509 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat ReNew Retreat in NC

"Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and throwninto the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." -Mark 11:22-23   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   This week, host Sandra Flach kicks off December with her annual Advent series. Tune in as Sandra shares a message of hope along with a Holiday Survival Parenting Tip, and a prayer for foster and adoptive parents.   Listen in to Sandra’s Advent message on Episode 508 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this Thanksgiving week episode, host Sandra Flach shares a message of gratitude and grief. She walks us through how we can give thanks to God even in difficult seasons.    Listen in to Sandra’s message about heartbreak and hope on Episode 507 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." -1 Peter 2:9   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this National Adoption Month episode host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive dad, Justin Myers. Justin grew up in Arkansas, but has lived in China, Kentucky, and Tennessee over the years. Justin has many passions—the local church, international missions, refugees—but is most excited about investing his working hours in others navigating adoption as the Director of Programs at Show Hope, an organization committed to caring for orphans by engaging the Church and reducing barriers to adoption.    Justin and his wife, Bonnie, are the adoptive parents of two teenagers, Hosanna and Asher. Justin has Masters degrees in Missions and Business Administration, which he has used in retail, church, and nonprofit settings. Justin also holds a TBRI® Practitioner designation, which he is seeking to utilize in all his personal and work relationships. Justin and his family currently live in Nashville, TN.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Justin Myers on Episode 506 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat Show Hope Hope for the Journey

"Do you not know that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." -Corinthians 6:19-20   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with returning guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown about the importance of understanding the Autonomic Nervous System and how trauma and prenatal exposure to substances impact its function.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Dr. Brown on Episode 505 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Dr Jerrod Brown Bio: Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences.  Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." -Deuteronomy 6:6-7   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Shannon Iacobacci of Embracing the Brain. Shannon supports parents of children, teens, and young adults with brain-based differences by making the sciences of the brain-body connection simple and practical. Her work is grounded in research, observation, and a deep respect for the individuality of each child and family. She helps parents better understand how their child’s brain works, so they can apply strategies that meet their unique needs and strengthen the parent-child connection along the way.   This same personalized, compassionate approach also guides Shannon’s work in schools. As a non-attorney special education consultant, she parters with families to ensure their child’s educational needs are truly being met. She provides parent coaching and support, reviews educational data and assessments, attends school meetings, and helps develop behavior support plans tailored to each child’s brain and learning profile.    Shannon specializes in supporting families and students living with brain-based differences and behavioral challenges related to trauma, FASD, ADHD, and adoption and foster care.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Shannon Iacobacci on Episode 504 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat Embracing the Brain

For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow. For when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." -James 1:3-4   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Jeanette Yoffe. Jeanette earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology, specializing in adoption & foster care, from Antioch University. She treats children, teens and adults with serious psychological problems secondary to histories of abuse, neglect, adoption and/or multiple foster care placements. She has specialized for the past 20 years in treatment of children and teens who manifest serious deficits in their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development.    Jeanette is the Founder of Celia Center Inc, a nonprofit in LA supporting all members of the foster care and adoption constellation which includes birth parents, foster youth, adoptees, foster and adoptive parents as well as professionals working in the field. She is also the Clinical Dir. of Yoffe Therapy Inc, a mental health center in LA providing services to families, children, teens, and adults connected by foster care & adoption.    Jeanette’s desire to become a therapist with a special focus on adoption and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system. Her personal experience has informed her education and provided insight into the unique stresses involved with these issues   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Jeanette Yoffe on Episode 503 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat jeanetteyoffe.com Jeanette-ically Speaking on Youtube

“The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LROD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”  -1 Kings 19:11-12   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with April Ficklin. April is a TBRI practitioner, former high school English teacher, and mom of 4 teens whose family grew through adoption over 9 years ago. With over 25 years of experience working with children, teens, and families, April now serves as Director of Family Services for Flourishing Families of SC—providing coaching and support to adoptive families. She has shared her advocacy through keynoters, podcasts, and workshops, inspiring audiences to better understand adoption. Her passion for teaching, writing, and family advocacy shines through every endeavor, offering both families and professionals hope in the overwhelm   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with April Ficklin on Episode 502 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat Flourishing Families SC

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” -Isaiah 51:11   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Dr. Jerrod Brown about attachment from a neuroscience lens.    Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences.  Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Dr. Brown on Episode 501 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon RePlanted Conference Filled Retreat

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." -Corinthians. 1:3-4   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode host Sandra Flach celebrates our 500th show! Listen in as she shares about the high highs and low lows we experience in this life and along this parenting journey. Sandra also reminds us of the good news—God is with us on the mountaintop when things are going well—and we give Him the glory. He is with us in the valley—in the pit—when we are grieving.   Listen in to Sandra’s message about goodness and grief on Episode 500 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon RePlanted Conference Filled Retreat

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation with Julia Rivera. Julia is a retired attorney and co-founder of the Texas FASD Network. After years of unsuccessfully seeking interventions for her son’s perceived behavioral issues, he was finally diagnosed with the underlying problem—Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Implementing the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model for FASD revolutionized her parenting and saved her son. When she’s not advocating for FASD awareness, you can find Julia at her home in the Kansas City area with her 3 boys—her hubby Angel, her son who is now 22, and her cat, Buster.    Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Julia Rivera on Episode 499 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org https://texasfasd.org FASCETS.org

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." -Ephesians 2:10   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation with adult adoptee, Emily Twomey. Emily was adopted at age two and diagnosed with an FASD. She is currently married and the mom of two boys and three bonus kids. Emily also created and runs a small business—Natures Glow Candle Company based in Maryland.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Emily Twomey on Episode 498 HERE.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org naturesglowcandlecompany.com

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." -Jeremiah 1:5   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation with adoptive mom and passionate FASD advocate, Michelle Trager.   Michelle is a parent of 4 school-aged kids through both adoption & birth. She is a passionate advocate for children & young adults with special needs—particularly in raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders among policymakers, educators, mental health professionals, the justice system, and caregivers & families. Michelle’s personal & professional experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.   With experience in youth crisis, foster placement stabilization, community mental health, and school social work, Michelle developed a deep understanding of the intersectionality of various support systems. As a parent navigating these systems, she has firsthand knowledge of their complexities and frequent shortcomings. She is a certified facilitator of the FASCETS NB model and is trained in TBRI. Additionally, she completed an intensive caregiver training program focused on FASD through Jeff Noble & served as a parent mentor to others in that community.   Michelle contributed to policy development as a member of the Advancing Transformations in Juvenile Justice Committee and continues to participate on the Illinois Dept. of Juvenile Justice Family Advisory Committee. She provided testimony at the Illinois Behavioral & Mental Health Committee Hearing in 2021 & remains a vocal advocate for addressing the mental/behavioral health crisis for children and young adults in Illinois, including those with severe disabilities who lack resources. She has presented several times for the Illinois Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders winter conference, sharing her expertise on FASD. In July 2023 shows invited to join Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Community Advisory Council, where she continues to bring information to and advocate for her community.    Michelle holds a BA in Psychology from the Univ. of Notre Dame & an MSW with school social work certification from aurora Univ. She is actively engaged in the Chicago-area FASD parent support community, providing legislative updates and organizing advocacy efforts, including those related to the proposed federal bipartisan SUPPORT ACT, which includes crucial language addressing FASD programs.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Michelle Trager on Episode 497 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org trager.FASDIllinois@gmail.com 

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." -Proverbs 9:10   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach continues the FASD conversation through a neuroscience lens with Dr. Jerrod Brown.    Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences.  Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Dr. Brown on Episode 496 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon fasdunited.org

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." -Galatians 5:22-23   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   It’s September—International FASD Awareness Month! All month long we will focus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach kicks off our annual FASD series with special guests—Carl Young and Joel Sheagren. Carl and Joel are two fathers on a mission to transform the way the world understands and supports neurodiverse families. Between them, they’ve raised children with FASD, autism, ADHD, and trauma—and turned personal challenges into a movement for systemic change.    Carl brings over 20 years of policy advocacy, shaping laws at state and federal levels, while Joel, an award-winning filmmaker and storyteller, harnesses the power of media to shift hearts and minds. Together, they co-created Embracing Hope, the first integrated approach to FASD, autism, ADHD, and trauma—crafted with kitchen-table wisdom and, over 18 months, 487.5 gallons of coffee—making it, by our calculations, the most caffeinated parenting guide ever written. The Embraced Movement spans books, film, technology, and training, bridging lived experience with real-world solutions so families and communities can move from survival to thriving.   Listen in to Sandra’s conversation with Carl Young and Joel Sheagren on Episode 495 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon embracedmovement.org FASD Embraced on Instagram

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  We love because He first loved us.” -John 4:18-19   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach speaks with adult adoptee Bryan Post. Brian is a best-selling author and one of America’s leading voices in child behavior, adoption trauma, and love-based parenting. A former foster child turned internationally recognized therapist, Bryan has spent over two decades helping families understand and heal the emotional root of challenging behaviors—especially in children affected by trauma, loss, and disrupted attachment.    Bryan’s groundbreaking work has been featured on NBC, ABC, and USA Today. He is the creator of the Fear-to-Love Method and founder of Bondify.ai, the worlds first AI-powered, trauma-informed parenting support App.    Listen in to Sandra and Bryan’s conversation on Episode 494 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon FearToLove.com

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” -Ephesians 3:20   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach speaks with adoptive mom, Wendi Cross. Wendi is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, where she was a 4-year collegiate cheerleader on scholarship and ended her cheer career as a national cheer judge and ESPN2 announcer.   After years of teaching elementary school and judging cheer, Wendi has now dedicated herself wholeheartedly to supporting the mission of xHope. Her passion is to see every child placed in a forever family.   Wife to Rick, Wendi is the mother of 6 wonderful children—including one son adopted from Ethiopia and another, adopted through Sacramento County. As the co-founder and CEO of xHope, Wendi’s desire is to share her family’s personal journey through international and local adoption, foster care, mission work, orphan care, and parenting—spurring others on to dream big and take action. Her new book, Not Forgotten, is a powerful reminder that even when we feel alone, God is near.   Listen in to Sandra and Wendi’s conversation on Episode 493 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com WendiCross.com xHopeMissions.com Not Forgotten - book

"Your hands made me and formed me; Give me understanding to learn your commands." -Psalm 119:73   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach kicks off a 5 Part series on the topic of Neuroplasticity with special guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown.    Dr. Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. He is the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition.  Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. He has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets and is regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs—including this one.   Listen in to Sandra and Dr. Brown’s conversation about Neuroplasticity on Episode 492 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com

"I have said these things to you so that you may have peace. In the world, you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Kayla Moffitt. Kayla is totally and completely…. exhausted! As a mom to 5 siblings who spent years in the foster care system, her days are spent sipping unintended cold coffee in the carpool line and folding tiny t-shirts while searching for every single left sock– she has plenty of right ones if you need them! Kayla holds a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in English Language. She works as the Communications Coordinator for Foster the Family where her passion for advocating in the foster care and adoption space is fiercely fueled.   Listen in to Sandra and Kayla’s conversation on Episode 491 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com fosterthefamily.org Kayla’s Instagram: makingthemoffitts Kayla’s Facebook: Kayla Clark Moffitt