The Riverside Project Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Transracial adoption is not a new topic to The Riverside Project Podcast. We had the honor of speaking with Isaac Etter in a past episode on this topic and today we are talking with his adoptive mother, Julie.

Julie Etter is an adoptive mom along with her husband. They have five children—two through adoption and three biologically. Julie is a beloved speaker on this topic of transracial adoption and the ups and downs her family has experienced. As a history teacher by trade, Julie loves to read and finds anything about history riveting. Her favorite way to spend her time is with her family and although she isn’t supposed to have favorites, her grandchild holds a special place in her heart.

In this episode, we continue the conversation on transracial adoption, the importance of mentors who can support you, some of the struggles parents and children may go through, key resources you should be aware of, and much more.

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/julie-etter-30

Connect with us!
Website: https://riversideproject.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx 

You may have heard of the term Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) or trauma-informed care before, but you may not know what it is or how it can help transform how we care for children in foster care.

To help us dive deeper into this topic is Mitzi McBride. Mitzi is not only well-versed in TBRI® but is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience guiding children and families through their journey to emotional healing. She has an extensive background in foster care, community mental health, school-based counseling, and years of international orphan care in Zambia, Africa.

Mitzi currently runs her own practice called Soul Care Magnolia in the north part of Houston. She is also a dedicated wife and mother to seven children, both biological and adoptive.

In this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of TBRI®, why it’s important to shift from traditional parenting methods, the impact of being attuned to a child’s needs, and much more.

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/mitzi-mcbride-29

Connect with us on our Website, Instagram, or Facebook!

It’s a joy to have Travis Hand, a Licensed Master Social Worker who currently serves as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, on our latest episode of the podcast. Once a teen struggling to navigate the challenges of growing up in the foster care system, Travis gained a strong passion for social work in college.

This conversation is full of perspective and encouragement for each of us as we find our place along the River!

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/travis-hand-20

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

We are delighted to have the Deputy Regional Director at the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, Shaundricka Easley, on the podcast. She has been with the department for over 15 years and had various roles during that time as well as served all 13 counties across the Houston area.

Shaundricka gives us unique insight from her vast experience, including some of the challenges she faces on a daily basis, how to support the children within the system, what can happen when we work together, and so much more!

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/shaundricka-easley-19

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

“Who is with them long term?”

This is the question that Jenni Lord started asking after her organization helped fund hundreds of adoptions. What she realized is that the breakdown of these adoptive families often stemmed from the parents not being equipped to handle the behaviors and challenges that came along with trauma.

Today, Jenni Lord is a resolute advocate for fostering family healing through the power of genuine connection. Her journey blends personal experiences with a visionary commitment to transforming the child welfare landscape. In 2008, she established Chosen, a trailblazing nonprofit dedicated to nurturing children’s recovery from trauma by empowering their families.

In this episode, Jenni shares her firsthand experience with trauma through her adoptive brother, why many parents and caregivers are ill-equipped to handle trauma behaviors on their own, new initiatives to meet practical needs in the system, and more!

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jenni-lord-18

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

DePelchin Children’s Center has existed for over 130 years and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the community. Their mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being in Houston and central Texas.

Jesse Booher is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of DePelchin Children’s Center, which provides foster care and adoption services in Texas communities. As COO, Jesse oversees a diverse array of programs ranging from child abuse prevention to foster care to residential services to adoption.

In this episode, Jesse shares how he started out working in child welfare, the differing perspectives that typically come with each role, and the value of community-based care.

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/jesse-booher-17

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

It all started with a simple napkin exercise. Chandler James was asked to write his dream on a napkin. Initially, it seemed like a silly exercise but when he was finished his napkin read: creating safe spaces for the next generation.

Chandler James is our Director of Church Mobilization here at The Riverside Project. He has worked in a number of local churches both as a Student Pastor and as a Next Gen Pastor. Chandler and his wife, Caitlin, are licensed foster parents of a few teenagers. He is passionate about investing in the next generation through foster care and in the church.

In this episode, Chandler shares how churches can be mindful of the opportunities right in front of them, how to invest in the next generation, and his own experience as a foster parent. Listen in!

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/chandler-james-16

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

Foster youth face many challenges, and education can be one of them. In fact, studies show that just 4% of children who have experienced foster care will go on to obtain a four-year college degree.

Children who are involved within the foster care system also experience a higher number of school transitions, lower academic achievement, heightened experiences of exclusionary school discipline, higher drop out rates, and decreased access to postsecondary education. Accessible resources and healthy relationships are needed to help youth build a strong educational foundation that will guide them into adulthood.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Danisha Keating. She is an author, CEO, business leader, and holds a Ph.D. in Psychology.

As a former foster youth, she has learned the importance of furthering her education and building a network around her. Since 2009, Danisha has helped students understand the value of education and the importance of striving to define success by what that means to each individual. Ever since Danisha can remember, she has been passionate about education and helping others achieve success.

This is one you don't want to miss!

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/danisha-keating-15

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

Anytime there is news related to the border or a refugee crisis, we frequently hear this question: “How does our city serve unaccompanied minors and refugees that come to our country without their parents? Does this affect the foster care community?”

You may never have heard the term “international foster care” before, but this is a unique and important topic. You may be curious how the federal programs are run, how people can get involved, and how it’s different from domestic foster care.

This is why we’re really glad to have Krista Kesseler here to shed some light on the topic of serving youth through international foster care. Krista is the Community Outreach Specialist for the St. Jerome Emiliani Foster Care Program. In this episode, we dive deep into how international foster care works, how many children are served through international foster care in Houston, who it serves, and some practical ways we can get involved today.

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/krista-kesseler-14

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

This is not working. What do we do next? After several infertility treatments, Jennifer Clifford and her husband, Ryan, asked themselves this question. After a discussion and an informational meeting about foster care, they came to the conclusion that God was closing the door to biological children and opening the door to foster care, specifically for sibling groups.

Foster care came with its own ups and downs as they learned how to navigate the licensing process and the reality of emotions that came with temporary placements. As they reflected on their first placement, they had to ask the question if they were willing to continue to foster in spite of the heartache they knew was a part of this journey.

In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey becoming a foster parent and the lessons she learned, the realities of reunification, and how they transitioned to becoming adoptive parents.

We’re really grateful to share Jennifer’s story of stepping into foster care and then adoption. Many people reach out to The Riverside Project to find out more about becoming foster parents, and we hope this episode can be a resource to those still considering if foster care is the place they are being called to along the River.

Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: riversideproject.org/2023/08/07/jennifer-clifford-13

Connect with us!

Website: https://riversideproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.riverside.project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riversideproject.htx

Many thanks to Nathan Cadis Media for the production of this podcast!

https://www.nathancadismedia.com