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
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” -Ephesians 3:20
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach speaks with adoptive mom, Wendi Cross. Wendi is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, where she was a 4-year collegiate cheerleader on scholarship and ended her cheer career as a national cheer judge and ESPN2 announcer.
After years of teaching elementary school and judging cheer, Wendi has now dedicated herself wholeheartedly to supporting the mission of xHope. Her passion is to see every child placed in a forever family.
Wife to Rick, Wendi is the mother of 6 wonderful children—including one son adopted from Ethiopia and another, adopted through Sacramento County. As the co-founder and CEO of xHope, Wendi’s desire is to share her family’s personal journey through international and local adoption, foster care, mission work, orphan care, and parenting—spurring others on to dream big and take action. Her new book, Not Forgotten, is a powerful reminder that even when we feel alone, God is near.
Listen in to Sandra and Wendi’s conversation on Episode 493 wherever you get your podcasts.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
"Your hands made me and formed me; Give me understanding to learn your commands." -Psalm 119:73
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach kicks off a 5 Part series on the topic of Neuroplasticity with special guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown.
Dr. Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. He is the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. He has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets and is regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs—including this one.
Listen in to Sandra and Dr. Brown’s conversation about Neuroplasticity on Episode 492 wherever you get your podcasts.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
"I have said these things to you so that you may have peace. In the world, you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Kayla Moffitt. Kayla is totally and completely…. exhausted! As a mom to 5 siblings who spent years in the foster care system, her days are spent sipping unintended cold coffee in the carpool line and folding tiny t-shirts while searching for every single left sock– she has plenty of right ones if you need them! Kayla holds a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in English Language. She works as the Communications Coordinator for Foster the Family where her passion for advocating in the foster care and adoption space is fiercely fueled.
Listen in to Sandra and Kayla’s conversation on Episode 491 wherever you get your podcasts.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Kayla’s Instagram: makingthemoffitts
Kayla’s Facebook: Kayla Clark Moffitt
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares 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 adult adoptee Jackson TerKeurst. Jackson is an entrepreneur and leader who continues to defy the odds as a first-generation immigrant from West Africa who owns and runs a small business. The adopted son of bestselling author and speaker Lysa aTerKeurst, Jackson is passionate about drawing together people from diverse backgrounds to experience authentic community. His book, The Only Way Forward is Back: A Story of War, Adoption & Finding Your Purpose in God’s Plan has just release. Jackson lives with his wife and their 2 children outside Nashville, TN.
Listen in as Jackson shares his story of war, adoption, and finding your purpose in God’s plan. Available on all platforms.
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
https://www.jacksonterkeurst.com/
The Only Way Forward is Back - book
Jackson TerKeurst on FaceBook
Jackson TerKeurst on Instagram
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light." -Colossians 1:9-12
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, Kristin Orphan. Kristin holds a Master’s of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Family Dynamics, and she’s a Certified Family Life Educator. Kristin is also an Adjunct University Professor in Psychology. She’s the managing partner of Family Wellness Associates, and a Family Wellness Master Trainer. She and her husband Mark cofounded Finally Home a ministry to equip foster and adoptive families to build healthy homes so kids can heal.
Listen in as Kristin shares her family’s adoption story and how she serves foster and adoptive families through Finally Home. Find Sandra’s conversation with Kristin on Episode 489 wherever you get your podcasts.
Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.
Links mentioned in this episode:
justicefororphansny.org/hope-community
Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org
Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com
Finally Home on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinallyHome.net/
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." -John 14:26-27
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, Crystal Dethlefs. Crystal is a woman of faith, a mother of 7 young adults, and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Mike, for 37 years. She homeschooled her older children thru graduation and has over 22 years of lived experience parenting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Crystal’s personal journey began when 4 of her adopted children—initially diagnosed without guidance by a doctor at an ADHD clinic—were later confirmed to have FASD. This launched her into years of dedicated research, advocacy, and training. She has received training in FASCETS, TBRI®, Families Moving Forward, and participates in Jeff Noble’s Caregiver Club coaching program. Crystal currently serves as the Parent Advocate at The Florida Center FASD Clinic and sits on her local Behavioral Healthcare Advisory Committee. With ministry training from the District School of Ministry, Crystal continues to serve families with both compassion and practical support.
Listen in as Crystal shares her family’s adoption journey and about the importance of finding your tribe and the right tools when parenting kids with FASD.
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 Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
"The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need." -Psalm 23:1
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, Sue Roseberger. Sue is an adoptive mom of 3 kids—all adopted through foster care—one diagnosed with FASD. She’s a member of the Hope for the FASD Journey support community and manages ReFurnishings—a furniture thrift store in upstate NY—which is an extension of JFO.
Listen in as Sue candidly shares her adoption journey, becoming a widow, learning about FASD, seeking a diagnosis for her son, and learning she was also prenatally exposed herself. Through it all, Sue has trusted the Lord to guide her.
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 Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." -James 1:27
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, Angela Miller. Angie is founder and chairman of Laura’s Village, a nonprofit inspired by her daughter, Laura. As a school teacher she has worked with a nonprofit to care for critically ill orphans overseas and also provided respite for at-risk children here in the U.S. Angie wrote Nosey Rosey to highlight her driving passions: faith, family, adoption, & special needs.
Angie is a biological and adoptive mom to 5 grown children. In addition, she is active in the special needs community, as her oldest daughter, Laura, has severe Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Angie says, “I believe that God has created every person for a purpose. No matter what level of ability exists, everyone is able to make a positive impact on the community.”
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 Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge."
-Psalm 62:5 & 8
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, Virginia Wells. Virginia is the author of the new book, Praying For a Wounded Child—Encouragement and Prayers for You and the Child You Love. Tune in to hear how adoptive and foster parents can specifically prayer for our kids.
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
Praying For a Wounded Child - book
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30
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.
Feeling burdened or burned out? On this episode, host Sandra Flach discusses how to navigate seasons of change, overwhelm, and grief. She also shares a devotion from her upcoming book, Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive 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