Lauren LoGiudice is an accomplished comedian, actor, and author of Amazon Kindle Best Seller Inside Melania: What I Know About Melania Trump by Impersonating Her. Her work has been featured by The New York Times, BBC, Bust Magazine, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Hyperallergic, among others. Her writing has been called “criminal.” Her TV and film credits include Veep, Brave the Dark and Galaxy360. Moth StorySLAM Champ. In addition to her comedy album, Misfits: A Comedy Album you can also hear Melania Trump’s Rockin’ Right-Wing Christmas Album, available on all major streaming platforms.

Lauren delves into deeply flawed and painfully idiosyncratic characters. She has embodied some of the world’s most mysterious cultural icons, including Greta Garbo, Melania Trump, Mary Poppins, and the women in her Italian-American family.

Currently, Lauren continues to work on creating comedy through the lens of her unique personal experience with videos on every platform that will let her while producing her podcast Reconcile the Aisle on Radio Misfits.

She lives in New York City where she downplays every great thing that’s ever happened to her.

Dr. Nicole Price is no stranger to the transformative power of empathy. Her personal journey, beginning with the revelation at 45 that her father wasn’t her biological parent, launched her exploration of empathy’s profound impact. These experiences now shape her professional approach, blending her technical, results-focused background with empathetic understanding.

Dr. Price’s dynamic genealogy workshops, consulting, and keynotes equip others with practical strategies to enhance their research. With her energetic presentation style, she inspires participants to apply empathy to their genealogical work.

She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina A&T University, a Master’s in Adult Education from Park University, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Management from Capella University. Postdoctoral studies were completed at Stanford University.

Visit LivelyParadox.com to discover more about Dr. Price’s transformative journey and the diverse programs she offers.

Kara was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She married her high-school sweetheart and together they traveled for a number of years before attending college. Kara went on to receive a BA, MA, a law degree from the George Washington University, and later a LLM from the University of Washington. Her husband and sons constantly keep her on her toes. Any moment of free quiet time she can find is spent designing, reading, and cooking; but storytelling is her passion. 

In January 2018, she wanted to see where in Africa her father’s family came from. Her over-the-counter DNA test revealed she was 50% something, but she had zero African DNA. This meant the man on her birth certificate couldn’t possibly be her genetic father. She lost her bi-racial identity with the click of a mouse. Kara discovered she was 50% Jewish. The DNA pandora’s box she opened led to an identity crisis. Because there were few resources for people with misattributed parentage experiences, she co-founded Right to Know, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the fundamental human right to know your genetic identity through education, mental health initiatives, and advocacy. 

Kara is leading advocate for genetic identity rights and people impacted by misattributed parentage. She has appeared on many podcasts, in multiple television interviews and articles, and has been a frequent speaker on her DNA surprise, the right to know, and the complex intersection of genetic information, identity, and family dynamics. She recently published the “My Re-Birthday Book: This is My Story: for adoptees, donor conceived, and people with an NPE, who are misattributed, or who’ve had a DNA surprise” and “Cinematic Roots: Explore Assisted Reproduction, Adoption, NPE, and DNA Surprise Terms Through Movies.”

Jennifer is the co-founder and President of the National Association of Adoptees and Parents, Inc (NAAP). Prior to retiring in 2021 she worked for over twenty years in the employment industry and was also a licensed real estate broker in Northeast Indiana. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Associate of Science in Accounting. Her background includes education, training, sales, operations, and public speaking. She is actively involved with several organizations and has served on numerous nonprofit boards including Hoosiers for Equal Access to Records and Indiana Adoptee Network. 

Jennifer is an Adoptee and First Mother which provides her with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in search and the gamut of emotions experienced in reunion. In 2013, after three decades of searching, she located both her mother and son within a 3-month period. In 2018, after years of rejection she finally reunited with her father days before his death.

A 2014 Huffington Post article was written, by Claudia Corrigan D’Arcy, about her struggle to obtain a Passport; US Adoptees Have Trouble Getting Passports Due to Seal Records Law. Jennifer was the recipient of the Angel in Adoption award in 2018.

Jennifer has been married to Michael for 41 years and they have four children, ten grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. They are passionate travelers and adventure seekers, who believe in making every moment count, especially their time spent with family.

Leslie Pate Mackinnon has maintained a private psychotherapy practice for four decades. She resides in Atlanta and presents both nationally and internationally on issues that impact families conceived through adoption and third-party reproduction. She’s been on GOOD MORNING AMERICA w/ Robin Roberts, and on CNN discussing the impact of the internet on adoption. She was featured in DAN RATHER’s investigative report; ADOPTION OR ABDUCTION and was most recently on the Katie Couric show along with her oldest son Pete.

Leslie’s story is included in the book; The Girls Who Went Away, and the documentary A GIRL LIKE HER. Drawn to the field by placing her two firstborn sons for adoption when she was a teenager, her passion today is to educating as many therapists as possible, before she drops! She currently serves on the Evan B. Donaldson’s Board of Directors. For fun she reads voraciously, listens to jazz and sings in a gospel choir.

For more information about Leslie, please visit www.lesliepatemackinnon.com.

Dr. Vicki Sanders is a Licensed Therapist, psychologist, speaker, and consultant with a deep passion for helping individuals and families heal from relational trauma. Originally from the Central Valley, she has always been committed to serving the local community. As the CEO of VMS Family Counseling Services, she leads a team of seven therapists, working with diverse clients to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.

Dr. Vicki specializes in working with individuals who have experienced foster care, adoption, or complex relational trauma. She prioritizes evidence-based treatments while tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs. Grounded in a client-centered philosophy, she ensures individuals understand both the “what” and the “why” of therapy, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey. Her expertise in relational trauma and healing, foster care and adoption, domestic violence and trauma, substance use, and mental health, and supporting children and adults with special needs has made her a leading speaker in these fields.

www.drvickisanders.com
https://www.instagram.com/dr.vickisanders/
www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-smith-sanders-46307064

Joyce Maguire Pavao, Ed.D., LCSW, LMFT, was the Founder and CEO of Center For Family Connections, Inc. (CFFC – est. 1995-2012) in Cambridge, MA and New York.  Pavao Consulting and Coaching, and Pre/Post Adoption Consulting and Training 1982-present

Dr. Pavao has done extensive training, both nationally and internationally.  She is an adjunct faculty member in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and has consulted to various public and private agencies, schools, and the court system.  Additionally, she has worked closely with individuals, and families created by adoption, foster care and other complex blended family constructions. .  She has been Principal Investigator on federal grants around Youth At Risk, Homelessness, Transracial Adoption, and LGBT issues in the community of Aging Out Adolescents/Young Adults.

She has developed models for treatment and for training using her systemic, intergenerational, and developmental framework The Normative Crises in the Development of the Adoptive Family and her book The Family of Adoption has received high acclaim.

http://www.pavaoconsulting.com

Melissa & Oliver are a multifaceted multicultural dynamic couple that were both born in California, raised on separate coasts, and joined in the deep South. Since joining over 30 years ago, they have raised three equally multifaceted multicultural dynamic children. Melissa is a communication lecturer at a local college and a Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship International. Oliver is currently a Lead Test Engineer for the Air Force, a co-facilitator for Adoption Network Cleveland, and a volunteer barista at Ginghamsburg Church. Over the past six years they have delved deeper into Oliver’s adoptee journey after a surprising DNA discovery. They are excited to share a part of that journey and how communication theories helped to view it in a unique light.

Melissa & Oliver are a multifaceted multicultural dynamic couple that were both born in California, raised on separate coasts, and joined in the deep South. Since joining over 30 years ago, they have raised three equally multifaceted multicultural dynamic children. Melissa is a communication lecturer at a local college and a Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship International. Oliver is currently a Lead Test Engineer for the Air Force, a co-facilitator for Adoption Network Cleveland, and a volunteer barista at Ginghamsburg Church. Over the past six years they have delved deeper into Oliver’s adoptee journey after a surprising DNA discovery. They are excited to share a part of that journey and how communication theories helped to view it in a unique light.

Patricia Knight Meyer is an adoptee, author, and advocate whose beginning started with an illegal black-market adoption. Born sometime in December 1969, she was handed over along a Texas hospital curb in January 1970—no judge, agency, or paperwork involved. The exchange was arranged through a corrupt lawyer who later exploited her adoptive parents. At thirteen, Patricia discovered she had no birth certificate and didn’t know her real birthday. By eighteen, she learned no legal adoption had ever occurred. At forty-seven, after a house fire consumed the false papers that had defined her life, her recently found birth father helped her obtain her first legitimate birth certificate.

Her forthcoming memoir lays bare the emotional and legal wreckage of black-market adoption and chronicles her search for identity, truth, and belonging. Reunited against all odds with her birth mother and birth father in 2010 and 2011, Patricia writes about the complexities of reconciling multiple families and selves.

A journalism graduate of the University of Texas, book publicist, and digital marketer, Patricia shares resources through My Adopted Life for adoptees and others facing identity-shattering revelations. She is the founder of YAYDNA Genetic Greeting cards, and her birth father reunion was viewed over 280,000 times on YouTube. 

Adoptee, Author, and Advocate for Adoption Reform
Author of the forthcoming memoir, WONDERLAND: A Black-Market Baby’s Rise from Adoption’s Rabbit Hole

Ann was relinquished shortly after birth and joined her adoptive family at 12 weeks old through Lutheran Family Services. In 2018, DNA testing revealed her biological family, including parents who had later married and two full siblings. While the reunion was deeply meaningful, it also presented the unique challenge of building sibling relationships as adults—navigating shared genetics alongside decades of separate life experiences, different upbringings, and established identities.

This personal journey illuminated broader systemic issues facing adoptees. Despite her successful reunion, Ann remains legally barred from accessing her original birth certificate. This experience catalyzed her advocacy work as a board member of NAAP and founding member of the Virginia Adoptee Rights Alliance. She also volunteers with the Adoptee Rights Coalitionan adoptee-led organization focused on legislative education and policy reform.

Through her advocacy, Ann works to address the legal inequities that affect adoptees throughout their lives, from accessing vital records to understanding their medical histories. She is committed to ensuring equal treatment under the law for all adopted individuals, regardless of reunion outcomes. Ann resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and continues building meaningful relationships with her biological sister.ReplyReply AllForwardEdit as new

Stephanie is an Indian Adoptee from the Mother Teresa orphanage. Adopted at 3 years old in unknown circumstances. 
She’s a world traveler, mother, wife, and dog mom, and mentor.   

No blood relatives until DNA testing in 2023. She’s connected with the Adoptee community via Facebook groups and conferences. 

Now working on making a documentary film project going back to the steps of the orphanage where it all began, 50 years later. Her journey along with 3 other women, fellow adoptees. 

Dr. Paulette M. Bethel is a retired U.S. Air Force officer, Master Certified Coach (MCC), and Advanced Certified Trauma Recovery Coach (CTRC-A) specializing in identity disruption, life transitions, and trauma-informed reinvention. Creator of the Identity Disruption™, Messy Middle™, and Post-Acceptance™ frameworks, she helps individuals navigate life-altering revelations and rediscover meaning after identity shock. Drawing on decades of experience as a former therapist, nonprofit CEO, and organizational consultant, Dr. Bethel integrates lived experience with trauma-informed practice to guide transformation and healing.

Her presentations and workshops have reached audiences across continents, reflecting her passion for translating research and lived experience into meaningful, cross-cultural dialogue on healing, place, and identity. An international presenter and founder of Step Beyond Coaching & Consulting, she bridges systems-level insight with deeply personal transformation work. A columnist for Culturs Global Multicultural Magazine, her writing explores the intersections of trauma, culture, and identity – offering a grounded and compassionate path for those seeking to move beyond acceptance into authentic becoming. Her blog, This Is Me Now, extends her reflections on identity, reinvention, and belonging through a lens of resilience and hope.

Contact Information:

Name: Dr. Paulette M. Bethel, PhD, MCC, CTRC-A
Company: Step Beyond Coaching & Consulting
Website: https://drpaulettebethel.com
Email: paulette@drpaulettebethel.com

Jean is an author, researcher, and passionate advocate for truth in adoption narratives. Her background in professional writing empowers her to tell complex stories with clarity and compassion. Jean writes with the goal of giving voice to those often left out of the adoption conversation—birth parents, adoptees, and families shaped by the system. The Adoption Paradox is the result of years of personal interviews, research, and emotional courage.

Jean lives in Southern Nevada with her husband and two dogs, and often escapes the desert heat in their camper van, where they work remotely and explore new places. 
www.adoptionparadox.com

Rich serves as president of the Coalition for Truth and Transparency in Adoption (CTTA) and Adoption Search Resource Connection (ASRC). He is part of an advocacy team that has seen over 15 Colorado bills signed into law since 2014 to the benefit of adult adoptees, foster youth, birth/first parents, and donor conceived persons. A frequent presenter at digital and in-person conferences, Rich’s interviews and writings have been published in various news outlets and peer-reviewed books.

www.adoptiontruthandtransparency.org

Alicia is a speaker, storyteller, and adoption-truth advocate whose voice carries both compassion and courage. As the founder of From Hidden to Healed, Alicia shares her late-discovery adoptee journey—one marked by silence, spiritual awakening, DNA revelation, and the sacred work of untangling identity after truth emerges.

With grace and faith as her compass, Alicia speaks to those navigating hidden histories, misattributed parentage, reunion, loss, and the lifelong impact of secrecy. Her message is not about blame, but about belonging; not about shame, but about healing. She invites audiences to confront truth gently, honor lived experience, and trust God’s redemptive hand in even the most complex family stories.

Alicia’s voice resonates with adoptees, NPEs, faith communities, and anyone longing to understand who they are and where they come from. Her work reminds us that healing does not erase the past—it redeems it. Her message is simple yet profound: What was hidden can be healed. What was silenced can be spoken. And identity, once uncovered, can be restored.

Cynthia is a Late Discovery Adoptee who learned she was adopted two days after her 46^th birthday.  Two years later she was reunited with her birthmother, who is now deceased.  An Ancestry DNA test in 2017 led to a reunion with her deceased birthfather’s family in 2019.

She was an educator for 39 years, having taught at an alternative high school, and at the junior high school level at both a parochial school and a public school. More than half of her career was spent as a reading specialist in a K-8 public school.

Cynthia received a Bachelor of Arts in the Teaching of History from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Education in Reading from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

She has been a guest on the podcast, “Once Upon a Time… in Adopteeland, a participant in the Adoptee Voices writing group, and a regular participant in the Adoptee Network Cleveland discussion groups. She is a founding member and the facilitator of the Adoptee Sisterhood Group.

Cynthia is an avid reader with an interest in history and mysteries who did not realize that she would use these interests to help her find her biological family, a mystery that was central to her identity.

She continues to enjoy her love of reading and watching British mysteries. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, extended family and friends.

A rural PNW resident and retired Media professor who turned to film photography, coaching writers, and other healing-oriented endeavors. In addition to being an LDA, biodad, and adoptee rights advocate, they are a certified Grief Educator, perennial life student, and level 3 Internal Family Systems practitioner. They are currently exploring discovered Irish roots and earth-oriented spirituality to help others find their voices and way. As an amateur mycophile, they can often be found foraging deep woods while carrying a Yashica Mat-124 G or else wandering beaches with the bottoms of their white, flannel trousers rolled.

Diana is a genealogist, educator, and the author of CONNECTED: Finding My Truth (2025). Born in Montreal and raised in New York, she is a Late Discovery Black Market Baby whose search for truth led her into a life of advocacy, research, and storytelling. Her work empowers both adoptees and non-adoptees to uncover, understand, and heal their family histories, especially those complicated by DNA surprises, secrecy, or loss.

A passionate member of the British Columbia Genealogical Society and the National Genealogical Society since 2017, Diana specializes in using DNA evidence to rebuild fractured or missing family lines. She brings more than twenty-five years of retail management experience, two decades of teaching expertise, and a lifelong dedication to helping others connect.

In addition to her genealogical work, Diana is an accomplished photographer and an advocate for scoliosis awareness. Diagnosed with Levoconvex Scoliosis as a child, she defied medical expectations and now uses her voice to inspire resilience, hope, and determination.

Diana lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her brother Jesse. Her family includes her son David, daughter-in-law Erica, granddaughter Harper, and stepdaughter Claire, connections that continually strengthen her belief in the power of family, in all its forms.

www.dianakaylahochberg.com

Deidra “Dee” McGee is passionate about helping others transform their lives through the spoken and written word as a storyteller, public speaker,  mentor and coach.

As a Late Discovery Adoptee and DNA Discoverer, Dee enjoys participating in various adoptee podcasts and speaker series discussions to include:  Adoptees Connect, Adoption Mosaic, Adoption Network of Cleveland Support Groups and the National Association of Adoptees and Parents bi-weekly meetings, annual summits as well as receiving support through social media groups

Dee located her Birthmother in 1991 at the age of 23 the same year her adoptive mother died which was a year after she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a  Bachelor’s Degree in Rhetoric & Communication. She unexpectedly located her actual Birthfather 30 years later in 2021 at age 53.

She immensely enjoys supporting others through their Late Discovery Adoptee and DNA Discovery experiences to include the search and reunion journey.

Additionally, she earned a Master’s Degree in Technical & Science Communication from Drexel University in 1998.

In her spare time, Dee enjoys fine dining, traveling, the performing arts,  physical fitness and wellness sessions, relaxing on the beach as well as at the spa and working on her bucket list.

Dr. Nicole Price is no stranger to the transformative power of empathy. Her personal journey, beginning with the revelation at 45 that her father wasn’t her biological parent, launched her exploration of empathy’s profound impact. These experiences now shape her professional approach, blending her technical, results-focused background with empathetic understanding.

Dr. Price’s dynamic genealogy workshops, consulting, and keynotes equip others with practical strategies to enhance their research. With her energetic presentation style, she inspires participants to apply empathy to their genealogical work.

She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina A&T University, a Master’s in Adult Education from Park University, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Management from Capella University. Postdoctoral studies were completed at Stanford University.

Visit LivelyParadox.com to discover more about Dr. Price’s transformative journey and the diverse programs she offers.

Joseph is the founder and Executive Director of The Slave Dwelling Project, based in Charleston, South Carolina. Through his work—spending nights in over 250 former slave dwellings across 25 states and the District of Columbia—he brings vital attention to the places where enslaved people lived and to the stories that must never be forgotten. A Civil War reenactor, public historian, and U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. McGill leads programs that promote dialogue on race, history, and reconciliation through sleepovers, living history events, and campfire conversations.

He is coauthor of Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery and has served with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service, and Penn Center. A native of Kingstree, South Carolina, he holds a B.A. in Professional English from South Carolina State University. He is married to Vilarin Mozee McGill and is the proud father of Charity Barriere Muhammad and Jocelyn Mozee McGill.

www.slavedwellingproject.org

Charityis a cultural storyteller, creative strategist, educator, and the visionary behind Gumbo for the Soul — a platform blending ancestry, advocacy, and art. A proud Creole-Gullah Geechee woman, author, chef, and speaker, she weaves legacy and lived experience into every project, bridging generational wisdom with present-day truth. Charity is the founder of Planting Pure Seeds Academy, a nonprofit supporting homeschoolers and their parents through culturally grounded education, empowerment, and community.

She is also co-host of the podcast Conversations With My Father, where she explores reconnection, healing, and history with her biological father, Joseph McGill Jr., founder of the Slave Dwelling Project. Through her books, creative media, and community-centered initiatives, Charity uplifts untold narratives and celebrates the beauty of Black identity, family, and faith. A proud mother of two sons, Natur’EL Mystic and Zakir Joseph, she continues to inspire others to honor their roots, reclaim their voices, and heal out loud.

Author of “From Survival to Discernment: Healing My Heart and My Picker” and Joyfully Courageous: Book 2

Email (Author): gumboforthesoulseries@gmail.com
Email (Nonprofit): plantingseedspreschoolonline@gmail.com

Shop: https://www.gumbo4thesoul.com/
CashApp: $gumboforthesoul23
TikTok: @gumboforthesoul23
YouTube: Gumbo for the Soul Series

“My voice covers my boys. My wings soar with the strength of my healing.”

Nikole “Koko” Shaw, MS, APCC, is a same-race Black adoptee with 15 years of 

experience in community behavioral health. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical 

Mental Health Counseling and is a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. 

A mother and a healer, Koko brings a trauma-informed, liberation-focused lens to her 

work with individuals and communities impacted by adoption. Her insights have made 

her a frequent guest on podcasts, and she has spoken at major gatherings, including the 

BIPOC Adoptee Conference. 

She is the founder and CEO of BADAN, the Black African Diaspora Adoptee 

Network—a global community committed to connection, care, and collective truth-telling 

for Black adoptees across the diaspora. Through community organizing, mental health 

advocacy, and storytelling, Koko creates space for Black adoptees to name grief, reclaim 

identity, and move toward embodied belonging. Her work centers the lived experiences 

of same-race adoptees while pushing for accountability and change within adoption and 

mental health systems. Koko can be found spilling adoption truths on Instagram 

@theblackadoptea. To connect or learn more about the BADAN community, reach out to 

thebadancommunity@gmail.com 

Eric Shaw is a same-race Black adoptee, U.S. Air Force veteran, father, and lifelong community builder. An educator and elementary school physical education instructor, he brings over a decade of experience mentoring youth through both academics and athletics. Eric is a dedicated youth basketball coach, a sports trivia champion, and a certified liberationist with a deep commitment to creating belonging-centered spaces for Black and Brown children. As a military servicemember veteran, semi-professional poker player, and storyteller by nature, Eric blends discipline, intuition, and lived experience. His work reflects a passion for guiding young people and modeling resilience. Eric’s voice adds depth to conversations on siblinghood, identity, and survival. He is particularly drawn to community spaces where healing and humor can co-exist

Sandi is a transnational adoptee from Panama and social
worker who brings both lived and professional expertise to adoption advocacy.
She is the co-facilitator of Adoption Network Cleveland’s Transnational
Adoptee Support Group and has extensive experience working in both private
and public child welfare. She was born Cristina Rodriguez in Panama to a
14-year-old girl who parented her for most of her 1st year. Ultimately, she was
placed for adoption by her maternal grandmother without the knowledge or
consent of her birth mother. Sandi was adopted by a Black US Air Force
family stationed in Panama at the time. Sandi was naturalized as a US citizen
then brought to the US at 3 years old. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Sandi
has been reunited with her birthmother and maternal family in Panama since

Sandi holds a B.S. degree in Human Development from Howard
University and an M.S.W. from Indiana University. Sandi’s work emphasizes
cultural continuity, identity development, community building and systemic
change, making her a trusted voice in the adoptee community and beyond.

Lisa “LC” Coppola, LCPC, LMHC, M.Ed., is a licensed therapist, writer, educator, and creator of the Voices Unheard Storytelling Program. She is the founder of Coppola Counseling & Consultation, LLC, based in South Portland, Maine, and brings lived experience as an adoptee in long-term recovery from addiction. LC specializes in helping people navigate any stage of search and reunion and in the intersection of adoption and addiction. Her writing has appeared in Severance Magazine, Chicago Story Press, The Fix, and Adoptees Voices. In 2022, she authored Voices Unheard: A Reflective Journal for Adult Adoptees.

Debbie Olson is a Certified Life Coach, founder of DNA Surprise Network and co-founder of DNA Surprise Retreat, and a member of the Right to Know board. She helps others navigate life’s path after having a DNA Surprise, having experienced her own. Debbie is a former paralegal with over 20 years of experience in that field.  Possessing skills of empathy, understanding, and great communication, she is an ideal person to work with. She believes no matter where you are now, it is where you desire to be that is most important. 

Debbie was raised believing her biological father did not want her, and eventually she was told he was deceased. After taking an over-the-counter DNA test, she matched with an unknown half-sister in 2019. With this connection, she learned her biological father was alive, and had in fact looked for her.  

Debbie is an advocate for animals serving on the board of East Idaho Spay Neuter Coalition and is a key player in the Snake River Animal Shelter’s biggest yearly fundraiser. Both are nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations that help save animals lives. 

Debbie can be found on Instagram and Facebook at DNA Surprise Network or at DNASurpriseNetwork.com.  

Sharon Stein McNamara, Ed.D., Licensed Psychologist, graduated from the Harvard University Graduate 

School of Education in 1991.  She is currently licensed as a Psychologist in Minnesota (MN LP 2991).  She 

is also a qualified neutral mediator under Rule 114 in Minnesota as of 2024. Her doctoral degree is in 

Human Development and Psychology.  She has competency in working with persons with trauma, eating 

disorders, child and family therapy, children and families with trauma, separation, divorce, and adoption. 

She completed a Certificate Program from the University of Minnesota School of Social Work on 

Permanency and Adoption Competency (certified by C.A.S.E.) in 2014. She is also a current member in 

good standing with the Association for Family and Conciliation Court (AFCC-MN). 

Sharon Stein McNamara currently works with adopted adults, children, and families as a psychologist in 

Minnesota. She, herself, is an adoptee from the baby-scoop era, and has been in reunion with her birth 

mother and birth father, who have since passed away.  She remains in contact with her half-siblings from 

her birth family.   

 Her specialty areas are to help children and families cope with family planning, adoption, divorce, and to 

help all ages work with trauma-related issues, and the effects of trauma on the body and mind.  She 

especially loves working with adult adopted person moving toward reunification with birth family. She 

also does forensic evaluations for Court for parents dealing with Court-ordered evaluations.  

She has been interviewed for Adoptees-On, an Internationally recognized Podcast (episode 184) and has 

an online seminar through Minnesota Psychological Association (CE-21) called Clinical Issues in Adoption 

Across the Lifespan.   Dr.  Stein McNamara has completed extensive training as a dialectical behavior 

therapist for children, adolescents and adults, and has recently completed Level 1 training from the 

Internal Family Systems Institute, on Internal Family Systems therapy, as well as training on legacy 

burdens and trauma through an IFS lens. 

www.sharonsteinmcnamara.com

David discovered his passion for storytelling as a boy growing up in Western Colorado at the age of 12. That summer, he and his best friend were given access to video camera. The two spent endless hours in the backyard filming unparalleled cinematic masterpieces involving GI Joe action figures, matches and lighter fluid.  David has since gone on to work professionally as a director, cinematographer and aerial cameraman filming projects for Netflix, MTV, NBC, ABC, CBS and numerous other Networks as well as feature films, documentaries, commercials around the country. After more than 20 years of telling stories with state-of-the-art motion picture cameras, he never dreamed he would unintentionally shoot a deeply personal, painful and heartwarming feature-length film on an iPhone 3. 
Father Unknown

Zara is a singer and songwriter, actor, author, and activist. As an adoptee herself, much of her work is centered around the adoption world and is focused on improving understanding the lifelong impact of adoption. She is a mother of three and tours with her husband, musician Richard Thompson. She divides her time between London and New Jersey.

Zara was raised in Totteridge, North London, and was adopted as a baby. She found her birth mother at 24 and after a lifelong search, her birth father at 51. She was always singing and writing as a child, which led to her becoming a harmony singer in the 80s, with acts like Bob Geldof, Matt Bianco, David Essex, and Nick Kamen.

www.zaraphillips.net

​

Michelle is a baby-scoop era domestic adoptee who married another baby-scoop era domestic adoptee—yes, really—they got married at 18 and have been navigating love, identity, and origin stories ever since. She was found by her birth mother at age 22, and they’ve now been in reunion for over 30 years. Their complex, evolving relationship is the heart of With No Direction, Michelle’s ongoing project weaving memoir, meaning-making, and creative expression.

Brad is a police officer in the Dallas, Texas area. He is married and has three children. For the first 48 years of his life, Brad believed he was raised by his biological family. That changed in 2019 when someone he matched from an Ancestry DNA test contacted him. In less than 24 hours Brad became a Late Discovery Adoptee with a MPE. Since that time he is in reunion with several biological family members including his biological father and four siblings. He is passionate about the right of every person to know their true genetic identity. While he knows his biological history, he still has to go to court if he wants to have his records unsealed. Brad has written essays and an article for Severance Magazine and is currently working on other essays and a memoir. You can find him on Instagram @a_late_discovery.

Aaron is a writer, musician, and nonprofit fund developer who lives with his family, including 3 cats and 12 chickens, on Vashon Island, WA. A 2016 DNA test changed his life in the most wonderful way.

His story is the subject of Dad Genes https://www.dadgenesmovie.com/, a new documentary premiering at Dances With Films: New York https://danceswithfilms.com/dad-genes/ in January 2026.

Bryan is a best-selling author, internationally recognized therapist, and one of America’s leading voices in child behavior, adoption trauma, and love-based parenting. A former foster child, Bryan brings both lived experience and more than two decades of professional practice to his work with families navigating trauma, loss, and disrupted attachment.

Bryan is the creator of the Fear to Love Method, a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach designed to help caregivers understand the emotional roots of challenging behaviors in children impacted by early adversity. His work focuses on moving families away from fear-based parenting strategies and toward connection, regulation, and healing. He is the founder of Fear to Love, an organization dedicated to education, training, and support for parents, professionals, and systems serving traumatized children.

In addition to his clinical and educational work, Bryan is the founder of Bondify.ai, the world’s first AI-powered, trauma-informed parenting support application, developed to provide real-time guidance rooted in neuroscience, attachment theory, and compassion-based care.

Bryan has trained parents, clinicians, educators, and child welfare professionals nationally and internationally. His work has been featured by NBC, ABC, and USA Today, and he is widely recognized for challenging traditional behavior-modification models that rely on punishment, consequences, and compliance rather than emotional safety and relational repair.

Through his books, speaking, and consultation, Bryan continues to advocate for approaches that honor the developmental needs of children with trauma histories and support families in building lasting connection, resilience, and trust.

Learn more at https://feartolove.com and https://bondify.ai

Joseph is the founder and Executive Director of The Slave Dwelling Project, based in Charleston, South Carolina. Through his work—spending nights in over 250 former slave dwellings across 25 states and the District of Columbia—he brings vital attention to the places where enslaved people lived and to the stories that must never be forgotten. A Civil War reenactor, public historian, and U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. McGill leads programs that promote dialogue on race, history, and reconciliation through sleepovers, living history events, and campfire conversations.

He is coauthor of Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery and has served with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service, and Penn Center. A native of Kingstree, South Carolina, he holds a B.A. in Professional English from South Carolina State University. He is married to Vilarin Mozee McGill and is the proud father of Charity Barriere Muhammad and Jocelyn Mozee McGill.

www.slavedwellingproject.org

Sheridan Steffler is a dedicated Search Angel with DNAngels, bringing over 25 years of experience in genealogical and family history research. What began as a personal exploration of her own ancestry has developed into a lifelong commitment to helping others uncover their roots.

A passionate lifelong learner and Elementary Music Educator, Sheridan combines analytical precision with empathy in her research. She is honored by the trust placed in her and is committed to providing accurate, compassionate guidance to those seeking answers on their genealogical journeys.
www.dnangels.org/team/sheridan-steffler

Jessica is a Search Angel with DNAngels, dedicated to helping individuals uncover their family histories and connect with their biological roots. With over 15 years of genealogical research experience, Jessica enjoys discovering new family connections and sharing the fascinating stories behind them.

Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in IT Project Management and works as an Office Manager at an elementary school. She is also an avid traveler and enjoys exploring cemeteries with fellow Search Angel colleagues, uncovering hidden stories from the past. When not researching DNA and family histories, Jessica can often be found at local escape rooms, tackling puzzles and embracing new challenges.

A passionate researcher with a natural curiosity for family stories, Jessica is committed to helping clients uncover their heritage and navigate their genealogical journeys with care and expertise. She lives with her husband and daughter and values spending quality time with her family and close friends.

www.dnangels.org/team/jessica-deem

Kris Dillard is an individual whose journey of self-discovery recently took a profound turn after uncovering their NPE (Not Parent Expected) status and meeting their paternal family for the first time. This life-changing experience has deepened Kris’s appreciation for connection, identity, and the importance of family bonds.

Rooted in a spirit of openness and curiosity, Kris embraces each day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen the relationships that truly matter. Reconnecting with family has brought new meaning to life’s simple joys and inspired a deeper sense of gratitude for authenticity and belonging.

Outside of family life, Kris enjoys exploring new places and cultures through travel. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or an international adventure, Kris finds inspiration in discovering the beauty of the world and the people who inhabit it. Balancing reflection and adventure, Kris continues to build a life centered on love, understanding, and discovery—both within and beyond the family circle. This new chapter marks not just a reunion of bloodlines, but a celebration of personal growth, resilience, and the endless possibilities that come with embracing one’s true story.

Karlos is a published author and advocate with a passion for fostering understanding around adoption and foster care issues. As a transracial adoptee, Mr. Dillard has conducted training for foster families and adoption agencies, covering critical topics like transracial adoption, adoption trauma, and financial literacy for foster youth.

As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, Mr. Dillard has been interviewed by CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and other major networks, sharing his expertise on adoption and foster care. His engagements span colleges, adoption agencies, and national conferences, including his role as the 2024 Plenary Speaker for the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

Mr. Dillard also hosts the podcast Wards of the State, which is available on all major podcast platforms. The podcast shines a light on the voices of adoptees and former foster youth, and in May, it features the Parent Special, highlighting the experiences of birth parents.

Through his story of growing up as a transracial adoptee, Mr. Dillard sparks powerful conversations on race and the issues adoptees face in America, bridging understanding and encouraging audiences to confront issues of systemic racism, privilege, and empathy. 

Mr. Dillard has created a large community dedicated to uplifting the voices of vulnerable and marginalized peoples.

For more information, visit Karlosdillard.com or follow him on social media:

TikTok: @wardofthestate1.0 and @karlosdillard

Instagram: @wardofthestate1.0

YouTube: youtube.com/c/KarlosDillard

Linkdin https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

Kristin is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with over 20 years of experience working in trauma and substance use recovery. In 2017, Kristin discovered through DNA testing that she was an NPE; a life-altering experience that resulted in profound grief and loss of family. That discovery has since shaped both her personal healing journey and her professional mission. Currently a second-year doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, her emerging research explores the psychological impact of DNA surprises and misattributed paternity discoveries. She has presented on this topic at the National Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference and was recently named a 2025 NBCC Foundation Minority Fellow. At UNC Charlotte, she also serves as Vice President of Mu Tau Beta, the university’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota.

Kristin’s clinical work focuses on grief, addiction, and identity discovery following unexpected life events, including DNA surprises and maternal narcissism. She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice, counselor education, and community advocacy to promote healing and professional integrity. She also maintains a small private practice specializing in NPE discovery and maternal narcissism recovery at www.spenceclinicalservices.com.

Michelle Tullier brings 20+ years in book publishing paired with lived experience through an NPE in 2016. As a freelance ghostwriter, developmental editor, author coach, and author of her own nine prescriptive nonfiction books, Michelle has worked with Simon & Schuster, Wiley, Penguin Random House, Forbes Books, a major independent press, and self-publishing authors. (More about her editing at www.michelletullier.net.) Her tenth book is the 2026 memoir No Finer Place through hybrid publisher Gatekeeper Press (www.michelletullierauthor.com).

Michelle studied the business of publishing and the craft of memoir in the creative writing program at Emory University and holds a BA from Wellesley College and PhD in counseling psychology from UCLA. Beyond credentials, Michelle has walked the memoir publishing road herself, with all its hope, heartache, celebratory moments, and practical decision points. A native Atlantan, Michelle has lived in New York and LA and now resides on an island in Maine. (Tullier is pronounced “too-lee-yay.”)

Rich serves as president of the Coalition for Truth and Transparency in Adoption (CTTA) and Adoption Search Resource Connection (ASRC). He is part of an advocacy team that has seen over 15 Colorado bills signed into law since 2014 to the benefit of adult adoptees, foster youth, birth/first parents, and donor conceived persons. A frequent presenter at digital and in-person conferences, Rich’s interviews and writings have been published in various news outlets and peer-reviewed books.

www.adoptiontruthandtransparency.org

Stormey Nielsen, LCSW is a transracial adoptee and Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting BIPOC individuals and transracial adoptive families. She discovered her passion for social work while earning her Bachelor’s at Utah Valley University and found fulfillment in providing individual therapy during her Master’s at the University of Utah.

Stormey’s experience spans residential settings, working with youth in foster care and juvenile justice, addressing issues including sexual and physical abuse, trauma, depression, and identity related to adoption and race. She co-owns Focal Point, a mental health agency serving diverse communities, and in 2023 joined the Black Physicians of Utah’s Mental Wellness Alliance as a Managing Director, creating safe spaces for Black women, men, and youth.A strong advocate for mental health, Stormey emphasizes the intersections of mental health, race navigation, and adoption, bringing awareness, validation, and community-centered care to conversations about transracial adoption.

Imani is a Black Hair Educator and Scientist with more than 15 years of experience as a natural hair stylist, committed to empowering the African Diaspora through holistic hair care education. She is the owner of Essence of Ebony, a natural hair salon, and co-founder of Umoja Kulay, where she has certified over 25 individuals in natural hair care and works to influence adoption and foster care standards across the U.S.

Her expertise has been showcased on national stages and platforms, including the Essence Festival’s Beauty Carnival, where she facilitated Crown Massages, and the IBS Beauty Show in Las Vegas as both panelist and facilitator. Imani has been featured on the news discussing the Crown Act and her event Black Hair Black Minds, and profiled in the November/December 2024 issue of Fostering Families Magazine. She has also led workshops with organizations such as the Filled Conference in Pennsylvania and Embrella, a nonprofit serving foster and adoptive families.

Coming from a legacy of hairstylists, Imani remains deeply committed to continued education, particularly at the intersection of hair, culture, and adoption. Through Umoja Kulay, she and her team provide vital training and support to parents, professionals, and communities, ensuring Black hair care is understood, celebrated, and preserved.

Imani holds a Master’s degree in Business Creation from the University of Utah and a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Tara is a Search Angel with DNAngels, dedicated to helping individuals uncover their biological families through genealogical and DNA research. Born and raised in Southern California, Tara’s interest in history and genealogy began with documenting her own ancestors in pioneer cemeteries and building family trees for friends.

Her passion for genetic genealogy was sparked in 2015 when she took a DNA test to solve a personal family mystery. This experience led her to assist friends, family, and online communities with their own DNA discoveries. In 2021, Tara completed the Genealogical Principles Program at Boston University and has participated in numerous genetic genealogy seminars and educational events over the past decade to continually refine her skills.

Tara is a licensed Cosmetologist since 2003 and currently works as a trainer and educator for a national haircut franchise. She is a devoted mother of three young adult children and enjoys spending time at the barn with her horse, Hope. Tara is deeply grateful to work with DNAngels, helping clients discover their biological truths alongside a team of passionate colleagues.

www.dnangels.org/team/tara-crawford

Lara Schultz is a passionate leader and philanthropist whose career and volunteer work have made a meaningful impact on communities and individuals alike. As a Genetic Genealogist ,Staffing Coordinator and Project Manager at DNAngels.org, Lara uses her expertise in DNA analysis and genealogical research to reunite individuals with their biological families. Her dedication to helping others is reflected in her management of key organizational projects, including volunteer recruitment, establishing and revising operating procedures, policy development, and co-hosting the YouTube show Lost & Found: No More Secrets.

Throughout her career, Lara has demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy. Spearheading educational initiatives for schools in New Jersey and Arizona, establishing programs to benefit students and families. She established an art program for elementary schools in Chandler, Arizona, bringing creative opportunities to over 1600 children annually. Her efforts earned her the Chandler Regional School District Award for Volunteerism and the Got Milk Foundation “Teacher of the Week” award.

Lara’s involvement in the Project Graduation Initiative within her community was deeply
motivated by a commitment to student safety. Recognizing the importance of providing safe alternatives for graduation celebrations, Lara dedicated herself to creating substance-free. These all-night celebrations ensured students could enjoy their achievements in a secure and supportive environment. Through her efforts, she not only raised significant funds but also brought communities together to prioritize the well-being of their youth, helping to save lives and build lasting memories. Her ability to rally volunteers, secure community support, and manage logistics demonstrated her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to fostering positive experiences for students and their families.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Lara has a strong academic and professional background. She holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, an MBA from Santa Clara University, and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. She has further honed her skills by attending many advanced genealogy institutes, and conferences. With her unwavering dedication to service, exceptional leadership abilities, and collaborative approach, Lara Schultz will bring a strong philanthropic vision and community-centered perspective to the Board of Directors.

Steve is a serial entrepreneur in the sales, sales technology, and sales performance industries for over the past 30 years.  He is also an owner of/investor in commercial real estate.  In the fall of 2021, seeking to find his Native American heritage that his mother had always espoused, he decided to take a DNA test.  Steve discovered not only that he had ZERO Native American genetic makeup, but also that his Dad was not his biological father.  Steve became an NPE, or as he likes to call it, a DNA Orphan.  That event began a series of bizarre twists, surprises, and exposed family secrets that not even a fiction writer would be comfortable suggesting.  Steve is working on documenting his story in book format.  He now looks to help others who are walking a similar path.

Steve has degrees from Miami University and Embry-Riddle University.  He and his wife, Becky, live in the Greater Cincinnati Area.

Jean is an author, researcher, and passionate advocate for truth in adoption narratives. Her background in professional writing empowers her to tell complex stories with clarity and compassion. Jean writes with the goal of giving voice to those often left out of the adoption conversation—birth parents, adoptees, and families shaped by the system. The Adoption Paradox is the result of years of personal interviews, research, and emotional courage.

Jean lives in Southern Nevada with her husband and two dogs, and often escapes the desert heat in their camper van, where they work remotely and explore new places. 
www.adoptionparadox.com

Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed., is an author, speaker, life coach and shamanic practitioner who brings both professional wisdom and lived experience to her work with people navigating change. An adopted person, she’s been reunited with her birth family for 26 years and she has 11 half-siblings. She’s also an adoptive mom, and her family is in reunion with their daughter’s birth family. Elizabeth helps people find grace and grounding amidst the grief and complexity of the reunion process through self-care, storytelling, and ritual. She’s the author of Smart Self-Care for Busy Women and Sacred Celebrations: Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions and is currently writing a book about adoption reunions. She lives in Asheville, NC with her daughter and two kitties. Learn more at www.elizabethbarbour.com and www.sacredcelebrations.com.

Nancy is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach with specialized training in NPE (Not 

Parent Expected) trauma recovery and a background in psychology. After discovering her 

own NPE status, Nancy recognized the lack of mental health resources for those navigating 

the profound identity and relational challenges that discovery can bring. 

As a founding member of DNA Healing Hearts, Nancy has helped create compassionate, 

community-based spaces for individuals processing NPE, late discovery adoption, and 

donor-conception experiences. Her work reflects her belief that healing happens most 

powerfully in community—with others who truly ‘get it.’ 

nancypatchak@gmail.com

www.nancypatchaknpe-traumacoach.com 

Amy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, educator, and community organizer based 

in Worcester, Massachusetts. She specializes in trauma-informed healing and the impact of 

identity disruption, marginalization, and intergenerational harm. As founder of Worcester 

ACTs (Addresses Childhood Trauma), Amy develops mental health education and 

community-based trainings that center empathy, connection, and collective repair. 

In the DNA community, Amy co-facilitates Healing Hearts, a support group for people 

navigating the emotional landscape of NPE, late discovery adoption, and donor conception 

experiences. Her work blends clinical insight with lived experience, helping participants find 

meaning, self-compassion, and belonging through shared stories. 

amyebbeson@gmail.com

www.worcesteracts.org 

Jill is a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach with specialized training in NPE (Not 

Parent Expected) trauma recovery. Jill is a co-facilitator of DNA Healing Hearts, a support 

community dedicated to helping those affected by NPE (Not Parent Expected), late discovery 

adoption, and donor-conception discoveries. She is also certified in Somatic trauma 

treatment. Drawing from her own lived experience, Jill offers deep empathy and insight into 

the emotional complexities of identity, belonging, and family relationships.  

Her facilitation style emphasizes embodiment, safety, authenticity, and connection, creating 

spaces where participants can share openly and begin to transform isolation into 

understanding and healing. She brings both professional expertise and personal insight to 

her work, fostering healing through empathy, connection, and shared storytelling. jstmlr6@gmail.com 

Kendall is the co-creator and co-host of the Family Twist podcast, a platform dedicated to exploring DNA surprises, adoption, donor conception, and Not Parent Expected (NPE) experiences through personal storytelling and thoughtful conversation. His work centers on creating space for people navigating late-discovery identity, family secrecy, and the emotional complexities that follow genetic revelations.

Adopted at birth through a closed adoption, Kendall grew up as an only child and was orphaned by age 17. At 47, a DNA test fundamentally reshaped his understanding of family when he discovered his biological relatives, including that he was the oldest of seven siblings. While reunion with some members of his biological family has brought connection and growth, other relationships remain unresolved, giving Kendall a lived understanding of both the hope and the heartbreak that often accompany DNA discovery.

Kendall approaches these experiences with empathy, reflection, and emotional honesty. On Family Twist, he and his 20-year partner/co-host, Corey Stulce, engage guests in conversations that address identity disruption, grief, resilience, humor, and healing, while emphasizing the importance of community, informed support, and adoptee-competent care.

In addition to his advocacy work, Kendall brings a professional background in human resources and organizational leadership, skills that inform his ability to facilitate nuanced discussions, hold space for difficult emotions, and foster respectful, inclusive dialogue. At Untangling Our Roots, Kendall will host a session designed to center lived experience, encourage connection, and help participants feel less alone in their journeys.

Nick Ludwig is a late-discovery donor conceived person from Long Island, New York. After uncovering his biological truths at 36-years-old, he went on to write about the mind-boggling experience in a self-published book, Inconceivably Connected: A True Story of Shocking DNA Results. From there, The Inconceivably Connected Podcast was born, a platform where other DCPs from around the world sit with Nick to unpack their own journeys related to their new genetic discoveries.

Jon a male adoptee from Indiana. In 2009, a college professor challenged him to look for his birth parents. Jon hired a confidential intermediary to find his mother. In March 2010, he received the shock of a lifetime. His birth mother was a former coworker. He worked with her for over 12 years. It was the best $500 he’s ever spent.

Jon has experience testifying to gain OBC access in Indiana. He has hosted adoption support groups. He encourages male adoptees to come forward and talk about their experiences.

Jon has worked in manufacturing for the last 30 years. He has a business degree from Trine University.If you need anything else let me know. 

Bruce-Paul Scott, a retired graphic design professional and US Army veteran, has been on a journey of self-discovery and truth since he discovered his NPE event in 2014. He actively participates in social media NPE groups, regional meet-ups, and interviews conducted by authors who specialize in the subject. His friends and family affectionately refer to him as B-P. He resides in the Pacific Northwest, north of Seattle, and is an avid motorcyclist and backgammon instructor.

Amy Barker, LMHC, owner & founder of Adoption Savvy, is an Adoption & Trauma Therapist who offers counseling, consulting, coaching, clinical supervision, and public speaking services. Amy holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, is licensed in Washington state as a Mental Health Counselor, is certified in Attachment & Trauma-Focused Therapy (ATFT), and serves as Newsletter Editor on the national Board of Concerned United Birthparents, Inc. Her private practice focuses on individuals impacted by adoption and foster care, those with DNA surprises and/or misattributed parentage (NPE/MPE), and others experiencing reproductive and genetic identity issues such as donor-conceived persons (DCPs), Late Discovery Adoptees (LDAs), and those involved in trafficking and/or surrogacy. She regularly facilitates groups and retreats for Adult Adoptees and Birth Mothers.

Amy is an Adoptee from a closed adoption during the Baby Scoop Era in long-term reunion, and she is also a Birth Mother in ongoing relationship with her grown son of an open adoption. Having lived both sides of the fractured and confusing reality of relinquishment and adoption, and also as a clinician specializing in this field, Amy is in a unique position to speak to how intergenerational trauma is passed on through the lineage of families and how to break the repeating cycle for future generations. She is a writer, performer, and overall creative who seeks to use all available forms of artistry to communicate the complex, nuanced, and complicated lifelong journey of adoption. 

https://www.adoptionsavvy.com/

amy@adoptionsavvy.com

Jennifer completed her Masters in Social Work at Columbia University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Yakima, WA and is certified in Relationally-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She’s an Adoption & Trauma Therapists, retreat facilitator, presenter, and writer. She focuses on individuals and families impacted by adoption and foster care as well as donor-conceived adults and their parents, those with DNA surprises, NPEs/MPEs, Late Discovery Adoptees, surrogates, and others experiencing reproductive and genetic identity issues. Jennifer is a very involved birth/first mother and has a unique open adoption experience with 20-year-old Chloë and her adoptive family.

Jennifer and Amy, who works at Adoption Savvy with Jennifer, often refer to themselves as Savvy Sisters, but more than that, they consider each other their Journey Mate on the lifelong journey of adoption. Since both have personally and professionally experienced the devastating impact of harmful secret-keeping and the coercive climate of the adoption industry, they encourage others to step out of “the fog” that is shrouded in secrecy, shame, and fantasy to walk fully in the truth of their story, which is essential to healthy identity development and healing from trauma.

https://www.adoptionsavvy.com/

jennifer@adoptionsavvy.com

Candace is a first mother, late-discovery adoptee, and the author of Goodbye Again, a memoir that confronts the emotional realities of adoption loss and relinquishment trauma. She is committed to advocacy that centers the voices of birth parents and adoptees, working to create opportunities for storytelling that foster understanding and systemic change. Candace serves on the board of Concerned United Birthparents and co-hosts the organization’s monthly writing group for first parents.

Author, Silversmith, Musician
candacecahill.com
Goodbye Again: A Memoir

For nearly three decades, Richard has been accomplished educator, practitioner, researcher, author, mentor, and presenter.  He has written or co-written nearly 50 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical and pharmacy journals and has given more than 150 presentations at national, state, and local-level health care professional meetings.  Richard has served as an Adjunct Faculty member for multiple Colleges of Pharmacy, precepted more than 500 students, and is a two-time nominee for the American Associations of Colleges of Pharmacy Master Preceptor award and a Preceptor of the Year award recipient.  He also received the American Pharmacists Association’s One-to-One Patient Counseling award, given annually to five pharmacists nationally.  He is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS).  Richard earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U. of Iowa and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the U. of Illinois-Chicago.

In 2020, an at-home DNA test revealed that Richard’s father was not his genetic father, a not-entirely-surprising discovery since he has always felt ‘out of place’ within his own family.  Unfortunately, both his mother and genetic father are long deceased, but available information substantiates that his conception was the result of a sexual assault.  Richard continues searching for a younger sibling that he has never met, placed for adoption immediately after being born.   

Lily Wood, host of NPE Stories, is a stay-at-home mom of three children. When she found out she was an NPE the only thing that made her feel better was hearing other NPEs share their story. The NPE Stories podcast was created as a safe and supportive space for NPEs, LDAs, and DCPs to share their entire DNA surprise story, while listeners nod along. To date it has been downloaded over 300,000 times. In addition to raising her family, Lily volunteers in the NPE community in a variety of ways, hoping to create more societal empathy for those seeking to learn more about their genetic identity.

npestories.com

Keith is a Late Discovery Adoptee who is also of a different race than the family that he was adopted into. He is 1 of 8 children that his biological mother had relinquished for Adoption. He grew up in a family of 6 children in which he is the only one who is adopted. A loving father and Accounting professional currently residing in the DC metropolitan area. Connecting with others in the Adoption community is what he enjoys most about his work being involved with various organizations such as C.A.S.E. and Transracial Journey camp.

Monica Bein is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2022, she survived a stroke caused by a genetic blood clotting 

disorder, which was an experience that reshaped her understanding of the importance of confirming an 

accurate family medical history.  It wasn’t until months later that she discovered she had misattributed 

parentage, which left her with the condition that caused the stroke. This gave her a passion to help 

others navigate the NPE experience and advocate for accurate, complete medical history.   

Lara Schultz is a passionate leader and philanthropist whose career and volunteer work have made a meaningful impact on communities and individuals alike. As a Genetic Genealogist ,Staffing Coordinator and Project Manager at DNAngels.org, Lara uses her expertise in DNA analysis and genealogical research to reunite individuals with their biological families. Her dedication to helping others is reflected in her management of key organizational projects, including volunteer recruitment, establishing and revising operating procedures, policy development, and co-hosting the YouTube show Lost & Found: No More Secrets.

Throughout her career, Lara has demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy. Spearheading educational initiatives for schools in New Jersey and Arizona, establishing programs to benefit students and families. She established an art program for elementary schools in Chandler, Arizona, bringing creative opportunities to over 1600 children annually. Her efforts earned her the Chandler Regional School District Award for Volunteerism and the Got Milk Foundation “Teacher of the Week” award.

Lara’s involvement in the Project Graduation Initiative within her community was deeply
motivated by a commitment to student safety. Recognizing the importance of providing safe alternatives for graduation celebrations, Lara dedicated herself to creating substance-free. These all-night celebrations ensured students could enjoy their achievements in a secure and supportive environment. Through her efforts, she not only raised significant funds but also brought communities together to prioritize the well-being of their youth, helping to save lives and build lasting memories. Her ability to rally volunteers, secure community support, and manage logistics demonstrated her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to fostering positive experiences for students and their families.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Lara has a strong academic and professional background. She holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, an MBA from Santa Clara University, and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. She has further honed her skills by attending many advanced genealogy institutes, and conferences. With her unwavering dedication to service, exceptional leadership abilities, and collaborative approach, Lara Schultz will bring a strong philanthropic vision and community-centered perspective to the Board of Directors.

Dr. Liz DeBetta (she/her) is a scholar-artist-activist, trauma-informed educator, and the founder of Migrating Toward Wholeness™: a healing-centered methodology at the intersection of storytelling, embodiment, and trauma recovery. An award-winning performer, narrative healer, and longtime advocate for adoptees and marginalized voices, Liz’s work reclaims the transformative power of personal story as a pathway to emotional healing, cultural change, and collective liberation. Her work is rooted in the belief that we do not heal in isolation and that breaking silence is both a personal and political act.

Drawing from her interdisciplinary background in creative writing, feminist critical theory, and social justice, Liz supports individuals and communities in naming grief, reclaiming identity, and reimagining their lives beyond the stories imposed upon them. Her approach centers the truth that you no longer have to stay small to stay safe, you deserve to be heard and seen. Through writing groups, public performances, facilitator trainings, and narrative justice initiatives, she helps people move from surviving to thriving by reclaiming authorship over their lives. Her award-winning solo show Un-M-Othered and her book Adult Adoptees and Writing to Heal center the lived experience of adoption, identity reclamation, and embodied healing. An adoptee herself, Liz is committed to building spaces where truth-telling is an act of resistance and healing is a birthright. Learn more and connect at www.lizdebetta.com or dr.liz@lizdebetta.com

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Instructor, Adoptee Speaker/ Educator. After reuniting with her birth family at age 43, Cathy found herself on an unexpected healing journey related to her own relinquishment. The process included yoga, through which she found significant healing, and a new career path.

As a yoga teacher since 2012, Cathy teaches others about the adoptee experience, strategies for unearthing and healing adoption wounds, and mind-body practices that help with adoption-related difficulties. She trained in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in 2014 with Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, and David Emerson, author of Overcoming Trauma through Yoga.

Cathy facilitates online adoption support groups for Celia Center and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.

Brian Stanton is a Los Angeles-based stage actor who is most known for his original solo play BLANK, the true story of his adoption and search for identity. BLANK’s Hollywood premiere catapulted Stanton to perform all over the US and Canada, earning Best Solo Acting awards in New York and Los Angeles. Stanton’s most recent work @ghostkingdom, originally written as a play, was filmed during the pandemic due to theatre closures. Stanton has held screenings of his original film at film festivals as well as for adoption support and educational conferences. The Love International Film Festival honored Stanton with Best Screenwriter and Best Actor awards.

Dr. Amy Jauman is a published author, researcher, and speaker specializing in victim-centered storytelling that fosters empathy, understanding, and meaningful change. Working with author Tonia Bales, she co-wrote When You See It: How I Outsmarted and Outlasted Dirty John. In addition to her ghostwriting projects, she has authored several textbooks, eBooks, and regularly contributes articles and blog posts to a variety of sources. Amy has a master’s degree in experiential education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, a doctorate in organization development from the University of St. Thomas, and a graduate certificate in crime analysis from Boston University. She also works with the DNA Doe Project and other local and national organizations supporting crime victims and their communities.
www.amyjauman.com

Pam Ewell is an artist from McKinney, Texas. She is the wife of LDA and RTK board member, Brad Ewell. A retired primary teacher and mother of 3(ages 18-27), Pam explores mixed media art(inks, spray paint, collage, painting). She enjoys painting portraits, figures, and nature. She enjoys layering textures and color. See her on instagram @the.artfulsoul or her website, https://pamewellart.artcall.org.

I look forward to processing your journey through art.

Kara was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She married her high-school sweetheart and together they traveled for a number of years before attending college. Kara went on to receive a BA, MA, a law degree from the George Washington University, and later a LLM from the University of Washington. Her husband and sons constantly keep her on her toes. Any moment of free quiet time she can find is spent designing, reading, and cooking; but storytelling is her passion. 

In January 2018, she wanted to see where in Africa her father’s family came from. Her over-the-counter DNA test revealed she was 50% something, but she had zero African DNA. This meant the man on her birth certificate couldn’t possibly be her genetic father. She lost her bi-racial identity with the click of a mouse. Kara discovered she was 50% Jewish. The DNA pandora’s box she opened led to an identity crisis. Because there were few resources for people with misattributed parentage experiences, she co-founded Right to Know, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the fundamental human right to know your genetic identity through education, mental health initiatives, and advocacy. 

Kara is leading advocate for genetic identity rights and people impacted by misattributed parentage. She has appeared on many podcasts, in multiple television interviews and articles, and has been a frequent speaker on her DNA surprise, the right to know, and the complex intersection of genetic information, identity, and family dynamics. She recently published the “My Re-Birthday Book: This is My Story: for adoptees, donor conceived, and people with an NPE, who are misattributed, or who’ve had a DNA surprise” and “Cinematic Roots: Explore Assisted Reproduction, Adoption, NPE, and DNA Surprise Terms Through Movies.”

Lisa Brenner is an actor, writer, and producer whose work explores identity, family, and the ways humor can hold complicated truths. Her newest film, One Big Happy Family, is directly inspired by Lisa’s own DNA surprise, learning at age 40 that the father who raised her was not her biological father, a discovery that reshaped her understanding of self, family history, and belonging.

Rather than telling her story through tragedy alone, Lisa chose comedy as a vehicle for perspective and healing. Drawing from years of therapy, reflection, and conversations within the NPE and donor-conceived communities, she crafted a film that honors the people who raised us while acknowledging the emotional weight of secrecy, shame, and late discovery. Her story also touches on the early era of IVF and donor conception, when procedures were often poorly explained, deeply stigmatized, and rarely discussed openly within families.

One Big Happy Family also features the final screen performance of the late Linda Lavin, a collaboration Lisa describes as profoundly meaningful. Through her creative work and public conversations, Lisa advocates for compassion, truth, and connection, offering a voice for those navigating DNA discoveries, donor conception questions, and the ongoing process of redefining what family means.

More information about the film is available at www.onebighappyfamily.com.

Elizabeth Barbour, M.Ed., is an author, speaker, life coach and shamanic practitioner who brings both professional wisdom and lived experience to her work with people navigating change. An adopted person, she’s been reunited with her birth family for 26 years and she has 11 half-siblings. She’s also an adoptive mom, and her family is in reunion with their daughter’s birth family. Elizabeth helps people find grace and grounding amidst the grief and complexity of the reunion process through self-care, storytelling, and ritual. She’s the author of Smart Self-Care for Busy Women and Sacred Celebrations: Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions and is currently writing a book about adoption reunions. She lives in Asheville, NC with her daughter and two kitties. Learn more at www.elizabethbarbour.com and www.sacredcelebrations.com.

Brad is a police officer in the Dallas, Texas area. He is married and has three children. For the first 48 years of his life, Brad believed he was raised by his biological family. That changed in 2019 when someone he matched from an Ancestry DNA test contacted him. In less than 24 hours Brad became a Late Discovery Adoptee with a MPE. Since that time he is in reunion with several biological family members including his biological father and four siblings. He is passionate about the right of every person to know their true genetic identity. While he knows his biological history, he still has to go to court if he wants to have his records unsealed. Brad has written essays and an article for Severance Magazine and is currently working on other essays and a memoir. You can find him on Instagram @a_late_discovery.

Trauma-informed advocate and educator focused on identity, family systems, and discovery.

Catherine is a writer, speaker, and advocate whose leadership is rooted in lived experience—both
personal and professional. After discovering later in life that she was an NPE (Not Parent Expected),
Catherine became a trusted voice in the DNA discovery community and founded the world’s first and largest
peer-support network for individuals navigating unexpected parentage, supporting NPEs in more than 40
countries. She currently works as a Trauma Recovery Coach and serves as Chair Emeritus of the NPE
Network’s nonprofit organization.

Catherine’s advocacy is shaped by decades of firsthand experience navigating intersecting systems
including mental health, medicine, family law, and disability rights. Her work draws from years spent
assisting families during mental health crises and serving as the primary caregiver to disabled loved ones.
Known for her clarity, systems fluency, and trauma-informed perspective, Catherine communicates
effectively across disciplines and is widely respected by professionals who recognize the depth and
credibility of her lived expertise. She is an active grandmother and shares her home in Conroe, Texas with
her disabled siblings—a sister with Cerebral Palsy and a retired Vietnam-era veteran brother—and her
Welsh Corgi, Ruthie.

www.CatherineStClair.com
www.NPENetwork.org

Angie, M.S., LCMHC, CWC is a Global Wellness Specialist who champions the intersection between physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. A Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Certified Wellness Coach, International Speaker, Author, and Renowned Fitness Expert, Angie blends her expertise to empower individuals and audiences worldwide, giving them mental and physical strategies for success. Angie hosts NASM’s Strong Mind, Strong Body podcast. She also offers keynotes and workshops internationally, helping individuals and teams stress less, adapt to change, and build mental strength and agility. Angie is a professional development educator for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and formerly taught Stress Management and Sport Psychology in the Department of Kinesiology at Northern Illinois University. She films with Gaiam TV Fit & Yoga and writes for numerous professional journals. A true luminary in the field of integrative health, Angie is a catalyst for positive transformation.

Angie Miller, M.S., LCMHC, CWC

Integrative Mental & Physical Health Specialist

Psychotherapist, Wellness Speaker, Fitness Educator, RYT®200

Podcast Host, Strong Mind, Strong Body  
www.angiemillerwellness.com

Emma who is also known as Linda Pevac, is the author of three memoirs. The series includes: The Gathering Place: An Adoptee’s Story, A Fire Is Coming, and, most recently, Choosing to Breathe. Her adoption journey began when she was relinquished as an infant and adopted at three months old. Only in hindsight does she more fully understand how being an adoptee has shaped and formed her entire life.

In her first memoir, The Gathering Place, Emma describes a magical space she has created for healing, comfort, and restoration for the younger parts of herself that never felt safe, seen, heard, or understood.

A Fire Is Coming is Emma’s cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of selecting a therapist thoughtfully. She alerts readers to the psychological nightmare that can result from an unethical therapist, doctor, or counselor. Emma’s third memoir, Choosing to Breathe, brings together all three themes. It takes readers back to The Gathering Place, where they discover what it means to integrate their identities as Emma releases multiple layers of trauma.

After graduating with a degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, she pursued master’s-level coursework in psychology at Pepperdine University in Orange County, California. In March 2024, Emma won an Independent Author Award for her second book, A Fire Is Coming, at Tucson’s 2024 Festival of Books. She was a finalist in the 18th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards for the same book.

Emma loves traveling and spending time with her two adult children and her two lively, affectionate Bengal cats.

www.emmastevenswriter.com

Dr. Jamie Goodwin is a Licensed Counseling Psychologist in private practice. and a Specialist Professor in the Department of Psychology at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. Clinically, she works with diverse individuals and couples, specializing in clients with long-term relational trauma. She teaches a variety of undergraduate courses (including Psychopathology and Theories of Personality) and is the director of the PRISM Lab (Psychological Research in Identity, Stigma, and Mental Health), where she works alongside her students to conduct empirical research on various topics, including misattributed parentage.  She is also a late-discovery, donor-conceived MPE.

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence. In 2007, he started The Genetic Genealogist, one of the earliest blogs on the topic. Blaine is the author of The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-author with Debbie Parker Wayne of the award-winning Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the world’s first genetic genealogy workbook. He also co-authored “Genetics for Genealogy” with Judy Russell in 2018’s Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards (ProGen PPS) (Elizabeth Shown Mills, Author and Editor).

Blaine is or has been an instructor for genetic genealogy courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research. Blaine is a graduate of ProGen Study Group 21, and a trustee for the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society’s Board of Trustees.

Lisa Brenner is an actor, writer, and producer whose work explores identity, family, and the ways humor can hold complicated truths. Her newest film, One Big Happy Family, is directly inspired by Lisa’s own DNA surprise, learning at age 40 that the father who raised her was not her biological father, a discovery that reshaped her understanding of self, family history, and belonging.

Rather than telling her story through tragedy alone, Lisa chose comedy as a vehicle for perspective and healing. Drawing from years of therapy, reflection, and conversations within the NPE and donor-conceived communities, she crafted a film that honors the people who raised us while acknowledging the emotional weight of secrecy, shame, and late discovery. Her story also touches on the early era of IVF and donor conception, when procedures were often poorly explained, deeply stigmatized, and rarely discussed openly within families.

One Big Happy Family also features the final screen performance of the late Linda Lavin, a collaboration Lisa describes as profoundly meaningful. Through her creative work and public conversations, Lisa advocates for compassion, truth, and connection, offering a voice for those navigating DNA discoveries, donor conception questions, and the ongoing process of redefining what family means.

More information about the film is available at www.onebighappyfamily.com.

Corey Stulce is the co-creator and co-host of the Family Twist podcast, along with his spouse of 19 years, Kendall Austin Stulce. Family Twist began with Kendall’s story of finding his birth family after Corey got him a DNA test for his birthday. After 47 years of being an only child, Kendall became the oldest of seven. He and Corey moved their pack of dogs and cats from the San Francisco Bay Area to New England in 2017, to form bonds with Kendall’s birth family. Family Twist features stories related to DNA surprises, adoption, NPEs, donor conception and more. The tagline is, “Remember, family secrets are the ultimate plot twist.” Corey knew from age 5 he wanted to be a writer; his professional writing career started in 1997. He’s the author of two books, the bestselling “The Union of The State,” about the famed comedy troupe, The State, and “Laugh Lines,” featuring interviews with legendary comedians. Corey has also dedicated his career over the prior 15 years to digital marketing, including content strategy, social media and analytics. 
Family Twist Podcast