Adoption is a lifelong journey, and adopted individuals face different challenges during each stage of life. The late adolescent and early adult years offer unique opportunities for growth, independence, and identity formation, but also create new obstacles as life experiences expand beyond the shelter of the familiar. Build your knowledge of the common developmental struggles…

Much is happening in the world of Autism as Autistic adults are leading the field and bringing hopeful changes. This workshop is for those just beginning to learn about Autism OR are just starting to challenge the harmful ways Western culture has stigmatized the Autistic brain/functioning. The purpose of this gathering is to bring about…

Foster and adoptive parents often wonder about birth order in relation to fostering or adopting when they already have children by birth. This presentation will examine the significance of birth order, and encourage participants to consider how it relates to birth/existing kids in foster and adoptive families. Daniela Coats is a Licensed Master Social Worker in…

Hang with me while we bust up the stigmas of "high" and "low" functioning Autism. We will jump into the "Bag of Traits" to better understand the large array of Autistic traits and explore the answers to this question, "What does each individual need to THRIVE?" My goal is for you to walk away with…

This training will focus on a cognitive behavioral lens. Participants will learn about what causes challenging behaviors and effective techniques in reducing acting out behaviors. Scott Nyegaard holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Walden and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Bemidji State University.  He is the CEO…

A foster parent must be many things to many people. Child welfare professionals depend on the skills of foster parents. Children need safety and guidance to heal from the various traumas that they have experienced in their short lives. This three part training session will explore the following skills: Session 1: listening with empathy, perseverance…

The histories of youth in foster and adoptive families often involve details that can feel difficult to discuss as a caregiver. Learn how to share your child’s history with them in ways that promote healthy communication, offer developmentally appropriate language, and support the reduction of potential negative internalizations. Navigating these conversations with youth whose backgrounds…

As we approach transition to school time it is natural to have quite a bit of stress.  In fact, changing from summer schedules and to the stressors of school can feel like your whole world is getting turned upside down (again).  During this time, it is important to focus on how to have strategies in…