Host Sandra Flach is a mom of 8 children, 5 through adoption—one kinship and 4 international. Her youngest 2 are teens diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With over 30 years of parenting experience and 20 plus years as an adoptive and kinship parent, she’s made mountains of mistakes and learned loads of lessons. She understands the difficult road of parenting children with trauma histories—and she is still in the trenches! The Adoption & Foster Care Journey is a podcast to encourage, educate, and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care, and kinship care. We aim to support adoptive and foster families by sharing encouraging real-life stories and equipping them with modern-day research and parenting techniques.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; Day and night they think about (meditate on) his law (His Word). They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper." -Psalm 1:13
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach shares the first of a three-part message from Psalm 1:1-3. This week’s focus is on coming to the River Bank so our roots can extend deep into the Living Water.
If you’re feeling parched and withered, this message will encourage you on your parenting journey.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
“I will give you the treasures of darkness, and riches from secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord. I am the God of Israel who calls you by name.” -Isaiah 45:3
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Jessica Johnson. Jessica is a coach who helps adoptive moms gain more parenting confidence, build deeper connections with their children and breakthrough behavioral challenges so they can experience more joy in life.
Jessica adopted a sibling group of 3 girls from Ethiopia in 2012. Her personal parenting experiences have given her a deeper understanding of the toll that stress can take on the body, as well as insight into how a parent’s own upbringing shapes their attachment bond with their child. Jessica founded Root and Revive Wellness with a vision of equipping and providing holistic support for adoptive moms.
Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Jessica Johnson as they discuss attachment styles, building connection with our kids, and holistic support for moms.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” -Romans 12:12
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Mary Byrnes. Mary is the Co-Founder & Exec. Dir. of Harrison’s Hope, a transformative non-profit org dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Her journey into the realm of FASD began with the adoption of her son at birth, a pivotal event that sparked her deep commitment to understanding & advocating for those living with this Brain Based Disability.
Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Mary Byrnes as they discuss adoption, FASD, and Harrison’s Hope.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” -Proverbs 31:8-9
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with David Deere of the FASD United Affiliate Network Executive Council. David retired from the University of Arkansas, where he was the Director of Partners for Inclusive Communities, a research and training center for developmental disabilities. While in that position, he became aware that fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most common groups of disabilities, yet largely overlooked. David worked on projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. One of those projects led to the establishment of Arkansas None for Nine, an Affiliate of FASD United. After his retirement, David founded the FASD special interest group at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. He also co-founded the Specialty Diagnostic Resource Center, the 1st clinic in Arkansas focused on diagnosing FASDs and supporting individuals with the condition, as well as their families.
Listen in as Sandra and David discuss getting an FASD diagnosis and the importance of FASD diagnosis clinics.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” -Colossians 1:17
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with Meredith Shuman. Meredith is the founder of James Trail, an organization supporting the unique needs of families and organizations impacted by trauma. Meredith has over 28 years of experience serving as a therapist, trauma-informed trainer, and as a mom. She holds a MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington, and is a TBRI Practitioner. Meredith and her husband Dan, a global health physician, have been married over 30 years and have 5 children—4 of whom are adopted. Meredith loves a passport with lots of stamps, a water bottle with lots of stickers, a table with lots of people, and a mountain with lots of trail.
Listen in as Meredith shares her family’s adoption journey and how she now walks the trail with other families by providing trauma-informed consulting, training and resources.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declare the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with kids’ & student pastor, author & speaker—Kim Botto about her new book, Boundless Hope for Every Child—Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely.
Kim is a mom of 5 kids—2 adopted from Ukraine. Through her speaking, writing and coaching, Kim works with parents, church leaders and organizations to equip volunteer & staff teams, strengthen families and support parents.
Tune in to Sandra’s conversation with Kim Botto on Episode 467.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father on amazon.com
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” -Hebrews 6:10
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with foster and adoptive mom, Nicole Barlow.
Nicole is a wife, mom to six amazing kids (five adopted through foster care), and a passionate follower of Jesus. As a TBRI Practitioner, a parent trainer and wellness coach, Nicole equips parents with practical, doable self-care strategies to help them thrive in their calling. With a focus on integrating faith, trauma informed practices, nutrition, and fitness, she empowers parents to care for themselves well so they can fully step into the work God has prepared for them.
Tune in to Sandra’s conversation with Nicole Barlow on Episode 466.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father on amazon.com
Instagram: @fosterwellnesscoach @nicoletbarlow
FB: Nicole T Barlow
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
"Jesus said, 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me'…
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needed clothes and clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” -Matthew 25:35-36 & 40
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with foster mom and son duo, Michelle Snyder and Ben Snyder Jr.
Michelle owns a private counseling practice in Winter Garden, FL where she provides mental health support to a variety of populations. She has been a licensed clinical social worker since 2009. Michelle does life with her husband of 16 years along with a mix of biological & adoptive kids and occasionally some children in foster care.
Ben Jr. is 14 years old and working toward marching an associate degree at Lake Sumter State College. In addition to being a foster care/adoption advocate, he likes to play chess, hunt, and read. Together, Michelle & Ben Jr. have authored the book: Beyond Blood—How Being a Foster Brother Shattered My World & Rebuilt It.
Tune in to Sandra’s conversation with Michelle and Ben Jr. on Episode 465 of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey Podcast.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father on amazon.com
Beyond Blood, by Michelle & Ben Snyder Jr. is available on amazon.com
Snyder Counseling & Consulting
Instagram: @MichellecSnyder @ben.winzzz
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
"Jesus said, 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'” -John 10:10
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom and FASD advocate, Jodee Kulp.
Jodee is a tireless advocate for those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. She has authored 12 books on FASD, is the co-founder of the international Red Shoes Rock FASD awareness campaign, and mother to the late Liz Kulp who lived with FASD.
Jodee provides invaluable wisdom for families, communities, educators, and healthcare providers in her desire to create supportive environments that allow individuals with FASD to thrive.
Tune in to Sandra’s conversation with Jodee Kulp on Episode 464.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father on amazon.com
Embracing Zak by Jodee Kulp can be purchased on Amazon.com
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." -Colossians 3:17
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive parents, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest.
The Standfests are dedicated parents with over two decades of hands-on parenting experience, raising eight forever children through biological, foster, adoption, and international orphan hosting. As emerging experts in connection-based parenting, they have navigated the complexities of trauma and mental health diagnoses within their large family.
Will & CarrieAnn are passionate about helping parents build meaningful relationships with their children, which led them to co-create the ‘Connected Parenting Minute’ as a way to encourage parents and strengthen families. Sharing the best of what they have learned to guide others to create the less stressed, more connected homes they desire.
Tune in to Sandra’s conversation with Will and CarrieAnn Standfest.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father on amazon.com